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Even as the Marlins remain committed to Don Mattingly as the longest-tenured manager in franchise history, they’re still far away from filling out their major league coach staff for the 2020 season. Thursday’s developments were the departure of third-base coach Fredi González and re-signings of pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. and first-base/infield coach Trey Hillman.
Joe Frisaro of MLB.com had the scoop on González, while Craig Mish was first to report on the others.
González managed the Fish to a 276-279 record from 2007-2010. That included 2009, which many fans consider the most fulfilling campaign that the club has had outside of the two World Series titles. He then held the same position for the Braves from 2011-2016, posting a .512 winning percentage and two October appearances. When they embarked on a rebuild, he was booted out and returned here as third-base coach.
The 55-year-old explained to Frisaro that he is initiating this latest break-up: “I think it’s the right time now to move on.”
One of the many things I’ll miss about Fredi Gonzalez, no matter what the dress code, he always wore a tie on the plane.
— Paul Severino (@SeverinoMLB) October 10, 2019
From what others have told me, NO ONE knows the rulebook better than Fredi. A great baseball mind...best of luck in whatever is next.
Although the 2019 Marlins lacked star talent, it’s unclear whether González was the right man to maximize their potential. The Marlins had a conservative baserunning approach overall (last in MLB in Bases Taken, tied for 20th in stolen base attempts) yet made as many outs at home plate (15) as the average team. He was also involved in coaching outfield defense; beyond Brian Anderson and Jon Berti, that was a major weakness for Miami.
In addition to filling his shoes, the Marlins will be in the market for a new bench coach, bullpen coach and catching coach. Tim Wallach, Dean Treanor and Brian Schneider held those positions last year, but won’t return.
The Marlins front office has yet to acknowledge these reported changes and still displays their bios on the official team website.
Wow: Bullpen coordinator Rob Flippo is the last man standing from Don Mattingly's 2018 coaching staff. Within the past year, there's been change/will be change at every other coaching position.
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) October 10, 2019
Stottlemyre and Hillman each joined Mattingly’s staff a year ago. The former was highly regarded for his guidance of the young Marlins pitchers. The latter has significant managerial experience and would seem to be the logical internal replacement for Mattingly should he be fired at any point during 2020 for underachieving.
Elsewhere around the NL East, the Phillies have dismissed Gabe Kapler, joining the Mets as one of the eight teams currently looking for a skipper.