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As first reported by MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro and confirmed by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Marlins will shake up their major league coaching staff heading into 2019. Juan Nieves, Perry Hill, Frank Menechino and Ty Hill aren’t being renewed by the organization.
BREAKING: The @Marlins are parting ways with Juan Nieves (pitching coach), Perry Hill (infield/first base), Frank Menechino (assistant hitting) and Ty Hill (strength and conditioning). Their contracts will not be renewed.
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) October 8, 2018
Frisaro adds that everybody else is expected back: Don Mattingly, Tim Wallach, Mike Pagliarulo, Fredi González, Brian Schneider, Dean Treanor, Rob Flippo and Ed Lucas.
Nieves lasted three seasons as Marlins pitching coach. The run prevention was strong in 2016, led by ace José Fernández. However, he couldn’t work his magic the next two years, handicapped by a farm system that struggled to develop high-end talent and a front office that chased after veterans with mixed track records. In 2018, Fish pitchers allowed the most earned runs in the National League (762) and recorded the fewest strikeouts (1,249).
Perry Hill was a beloved and effective infield instructor for 12 seasons (two separate stints). SiriusXM host Craig Mish questions whether he fit with the Marlins moving forward as they put a greater emphasis on analytics. Regardless, the results have been there and he should be able to secure another MLB job this winter.
Menechino also predates Don Mattingly, joining the coaching staff in 2014. Like Nieves, he simply didn’t have much to work with this past summer. A Marlins lineup stacked with rookies and journeymen was impatient (455 walks, second-fewest in NL) and powerless (.357 slugging percentage, lowest in NL).
At least he stayed enthusiastic through it all.
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Ty Hill had served as the strength and conditioning coach since 2013.
The Marlins appear to be sticking to their word and retaining Don Mattingly, but this doesn’t bode well for his job security entering the final guaranteed year of his contract. It sends the message that significant deputies of his were expendable, even though he likely vouched on their behalf. The club owns a 219-265 record (.452 W-L%) since Mattingly has been in Miami, including 63-98 in 2018.
Who do you want to see the Marlins hire for these positions in 2019?