Miami Marlins name John Pierson interim hitting coach after Tino Martinez's resignation

At the time of publishing our Tino Martinez player abuse post, it appeared as though Jeffrey Loria and the Miami Marlins had not yet made their decision on the embattled hitting coach, who was hit with allegations of player abuse filed by Marlins prospect Derek Dietrich.

It seems the Marlins have now decided what to do. As mentioned by multiple sources, the Marlins have named John Pierson the team's interim hitting coach in the wake of Martinez's resignation.

#Marlins confirm the hiring of minor league field coordinator John Pierson as interim hitting coach. Reports for duty Monday.

— Juan C. Rodriguez (@JCRMarlinsbeat) July 28, 2013

In the end, the Marlins wasted little time in getting rid of Martinez and getting someone new on the job. The Fish wanted no part of the oncoming public relations issue that would have occurred had Martinez somehow held onto his job.

There is no official word that Martinez has been let go (his name is still listed on the website as hitting coach), but it is clear at this point that he is no longer a part of the team's plans. This was Martinez's first Major League coaching job, though he previously served as a special defensive instructor and Special Assistant to the General Manager with the New York Yankees in 2008.

The Marlins replace Martinez with John Pierson, who has been serving as the team's minor league fielding coordinator. The job Pierson held involved being a specific coach and instructor for fielding throughout all of the Marlins' minor league affiliates. It involved dropping by each affiliate and providing feedback and advice to young Marlins prospects about their defensive play. Think of it as Perry Hill for all of the Marlins in the minors.

Pierson will begin the job on Monday when the Marlins host the New York Mets for a four-game series.

More from Fish Stripes:

• Marlins name John Pierson interim hitting coach after Tino Martinez's resignation
• Marlins hitting coach Tino Martinez resigns amid player abuse accusations
• Marlins vs. Pirates: Fernandez dominates in 3-2 win
• Marlins Daily Minor League Report: July 27
• Marlins vs. Pirates: Marlins fall short on rally. 7-4