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Miami is winless under new Manager Dan Jennings and the Arizona Diamondbacks are a large reason why. Arizona's ability to keep games close has enabled them to win three straight over the Marlins heading into Thursday's series finale. But Diamondbakcs Manager Chip Hale has not forgotten who he is now managing against.
Jennings, who replaced Mike Redmond on Monday, was asked to move from the front office to the dugout, and according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, Hale feels the move is "frustrating" for other major league managers.
Said Hale: "I think it’s frustrating in a way for guys who’ve done it. I’ve said this before, when you finish playing or get into Major League Baseball on the minor league level you say, ‘Ok, what do I want to do? Ok, I want to manage in the big leagues. What do I have to do? I’m going to go back, I’m going to bust my hump coaching and teaching and become the best manager at the minor league level that I can, then get to the big leagues, do your job coaching and hope to get an opportunity to do this.'
More often than not, former players are given an advantage when it comes to a potential managerial candidate. After the Marlins dismissed Ozzie Guillen, Redmond's familiarity with the organization and major league career likely made him an attractive option. Former catchers are lauded for their ability to call a game and the Marlins were confident in Redmond's ability to do so.
Miami likely opted to have Jennings move in an attempt to create a new clubhouse atmosphere. Giancarlo Stanton told the media the Marlins lacked "fire" towards the end of April and as a result, the organization may have felt making such a change would prove to be beneficial. However, for former and current managers, the move could been seen a questionable.
Since Jennings lacks a notable amount of managerial experience, managers may question his ability to oversee the team he put together. Hale adds the current managerial trend favors Brad Ausmus, Mike Matheny, and Robin Ventura, who were all placed in dugouts shortly after completing their playing careers.
Although Jennings was named manager for now, the Marlins could soon follow that trend moving forward. Jeff Conine and Mike Lowell could be potential options for Miami in the future and both would bring a notable amount of playing experience to the dugout.
The Marlins have had difficulty offensively and the bullpen has been consistently taxed. Although he is well-respected, Jennings' style may be questioned by veteran managers with extensive resumes.