KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Don Mattingly, long eyed as the choice of owner Jeffrey Loria to revive the Marlins, has agreed to take the Miami managing job, sources confirm.
Mattingly has seemd to be a fait accompli in Miami since he and the Dodgers parted ways late last week. Loria has been targeting him as the replacement for Dan Jennings since late summer, and the sides made it happen after what was described as a very positive meeting Monday.
Mattingly, the Dodgers manager the past five years, agreed to a four-year deal, according to Dodgers author Molly Knight, who first reported the agreement. It was reported on CBSSports.com Wednesday that there was every expectation for a deal.
Mattingly, one of two managers to win division crowns the past three years, has known Loria, a part-time New York resident for years.
Mattingly could not be reached, and the Marlins haven’t confirmed yet.
Don Mattingly agrees to a four-year deal with Miami. (USATSI)
Loria was bitterly disappointed in the Marlins this season following several winter moves that produced mixed results. Injuries decimated the rotation, and the year was lost early.
Mattingly is seen as a nice blend of experience and calm to guide a young team that didn’t deliver in 2015 until a nice six-week finish. There’s a small but solid nucleus, with pitcher Jose Fernandez, slugger Giancarlo Stanton, outfielders Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna and a slick double-play combo of second baseman Dee Gordon and shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria. They need to reinforce the starting rotation to have a chance to contend.
Jennings, who came down from the front office to accept the managing position, guided the team to a decent finish, but Loria apparently blamed him for the disappointing season. Jennings has been offered a chance to return to the front office, but the rift that developed during the season between Jennings and Loria hasn’t been repaired and for now Jennings remains at home in Alabama.
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