Many were surprised including the players when Florida Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez resigned on Sunday amid a brutal stretch in June where the team has gone 1-18.
The 50-year-old became the first Puerto Rican-born manager in MLB history when he took over for the fired Fredi Gonzalez, who is now the manager of the Atlanta Braves. Before his promotion to the majors, Rodriguez had been the manager for Florida’s Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans.
“This morning I offered my resignation to Larry Beinfest and the Marlins, and they accepted. I am grateful for the opportunity the Marlins gave me to manage at this level,” said Rodriguez in a statement released by the Marlins.
The Marlins wasted no time in replacing Rodriguez, and according to Buster Olney of ESPN, they are expected to name 80-year old Jack McKeon their next manager.
McKeon last managed in 2005, also with the Marlins. He retired after that season, following a three-year stint with the Marlins that included both a National League Manager of the Year award and a World Series title in 2003. McKeon won both after also taking over the Marlins during the season and eventually leading them past the Yankees for the franchise’s second championship.
McKeon has a career record of 1011-940 in 15 seasons as a major league manager. He would be one of only six active managers with at least 1,000 wins.
The Marlins president Larry Beinfest and owner Jeffry Loria reportedly had their minds made up and had no interviews for the open position, just a phone call to Jack.
