Mike Redmond is the new Miami Marlins manager … for now.
In the not-so-surprising move, owner Jeffrey Loria will announce his new manager – the seventh change since 2002 – Friday at a 1:30 p.m. EDT press conference.
Redmond was an easy-going, well-loved fan favorite during his six-year career with the Florida Marlins. A home-grown product, Redmond moved through the farm system before playing for the Marlins from 1998-2004, so he is familiar with the dynamics of a Loria-owned team, which could be a plus. Redmond signed as a free-agent with the Minnesota Twins in 2005 and ended his playing career in 2010 with the Cleveland Indians before spending the last two seasons as a minor league manager in the Toronto Blue Jays system.
A career backup catcher, Redmond may be best known for helping the Marlins break out of a slump during by hitting naked during batting practice. The ploy must have worked — it was during their 2003 World Series championship season.
According to Juan C. Rodriguez at the Sun-Sentinel, the Marlins are expected to name Reid Cornelius pitching coaching and announce the return (great news!) of infield instructor Perry Hill.
