Jeffrey Loria is no longer listening to Dan Jennings.
Jennings was asked to move from the front office into the dugout after Mike Redmond was dismissed, and according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, Loria has been listening to assistant General Manager Mike Berger and director of professional scouting Jeff McAvoy since Jennings became Miami's manager.
Although because of Jennings' relationship with the owner he felt he might not have had a choice, Jennings' absence from the front office has created an unfavorable situation for when he returns. There is still no guarantee that Jennings returns to the GM role, though. While many, including MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, believe last Thursday's meeting went well and Jennings is expected to return to the front office, there has yet to be any confirmation that will be the case.
In the days leading up to the meeting, some felt Berger was in line to become the next Marlins GM, which could remain a possibility. Jennings has been connected to the Mariners' GM job over the last few weeks and the Marlins continue to make front office changes. Most recently, the organization reportedly opted to hire Marc DelPiano to oversee minor league operations.
The Marlins have struggled throughout the course of 2015 and as a result are planning notable front office changes. The extent of the changes remains unclear, but since the club took a step back after performing well in 2014, multiple moves are expected.
Since Loria is no longer listening to Jennings, keeping him in the GM role might not be justifiable. When the Marlins meet to discuss their offseason strategy and begin thinking about how they want their 2016 roster to look, if Loria listens less to Jennings and more to both Berger and McAvoy, having Jennings in the front office as the GM could prove to be counterproductive.
While he was out of the front office, Jennings has not been as involved. Berger and President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill have been making the personnel decisions. Jennings has not directly been involved in roster moves. In fact, when asked before the trade deadline if there was an update on the Mat Latos and Michael Morse to Los Angeles trade, Jennings noted it was no longer his department. Jennings has become a manager, and as a result, could find himself out of a job.
Jennings was asked to take over in the dugout but in his absence, other relationships were formed and other connections were made. The move created an unfavorable situation and now additional uncertainty. More front office moves are expected. Jennings moving on or pursuing other opportunities might be among them.