Having previous big league managing experience will be a plus for those under consideration to manage the Marlins in 2011.
Meeting the criteria is Tony Pena.
Currently the Yankees bench coach, Pena spent parts of four seasons (2002-05) managing the Royals. In 2003, he was named the American League Manager of the Year.
Internally, the Marlins see Pena as a serious candidate.
[snip]
Most likely, the team will explore several possibilities, including Bobby Valentine. With Pena expected to be in the mix, the search could last throughout the playoffs.
The Yankees are primed to be in the postseason. So if the Marlins plan on interviewing Pena, they may have to wait until an opportune time arises in October or perhaps early November.
When you win other teams begin to pick off your coaches/personnel. The 2009 Yankees won the World Series and they have a decent shot at repeating in 2010. Kevin Towers, in the Yankees front office, may be the first guy picked off if he gets the Diamondbacks’ GM job. Tony Pena could follow him, after that there could be more. It’s one of the drawbacks of success.
Pena of course managed the Royals from 2002-2005. He was the manager of the year in 2003 before his team lost 104 games in 2004.
Here are the Royals standings under his leadership:
| Rk | Year | Age | Tm | Lg | G | W | L | W-L% | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002 | 45 | Kansas City Royals | AL | 126 | 49 | 77 | .389 | 4 |
| 2 | 2003 | 46 | Kansas City Royals | AL | 162 | 83 | 79 | .512 | 3 |
| 3 | 2004 | 47 | Kansas City Royals | AL | 162 | 58 | 104 | .358 | 5 |
| 4 | 2005 | 48 | Kansas City Royals | AL | 33 | 8 | 25 | .242 | 5 |
| 483 | 198 | 285 | .410 | 4.3 |
If Pena leaves, I wonder then who would be next in line under Girardi.
Meaning, right now, if the Yanks were to fire Girardi (unlikely) or Girardi were to leave after the season when his contract expires (unlikely but a possibility), Pena may be the guy they would turn to, due to his previous managerial experience, time spent with the Yankees, and the fact that he, along with Mattingly, interviewed for the job that went to Girardi.
If Pena is gone, and say, Torre retires with Mattingly succeeding him, who would be considered the #1 guy to replace Girardi if Girardi needs to be replaced?
Willie Randolph? Just wondering.
I should add, with the Yankees young catchers that are on the way up (Montero, Romine, Sanchez) it may be in the Yankees' best interests to keep Pena AND Girardi for teaching purposes.
I agree 100%, Mike. Pena would be a great teacher for Montero if/when he joins the big club (perhaps next season). I think it would be smart for the Yankees to try to keep him.