Major League Corruption

After a 16-22 start, the Miami Marlins have fired manager Mike Redmond, deciding to make general manager Dan Jennings the sixth Marlins manager in as many years. In a shocking development, the team decided to ignore prime candidates such as Mr. Marlin, Jeff Conine and former manager Bobby Valentine among others, to hire a man that hasn't managed a baseball team since he did in 1985 for the Warriors of Davidson High School, in Mobile, Alabama.

The questionable moves that have become synonymous with Loria ownership date back to 2004; the year after the last Marlins World Series victory. That year, the Marlins got rid of integral pieces such as David Lee(1B), Juan Pierre(LF) and Ivan Rodriguez(C). In addition, the owner traded all-stars afterwards including Josh Johnson(SP), Ricky Nolasco(SP, Hanley Ramirez(SS), Dan Uggla(2B), Miguel Cabrera(3B), Josh Beckett(SP), Mike Lowell(3B), Jose Reyes(SS), Mark Buerhle(SP), DontrelleWillis(SP) among many others. 

"It is outside the box, I will not deny that," Jennings said at a news conference. "My mom, whom I love deeply, asked me, 'Are you crazy? Have you lost your mind?'"

The befuddled Marlins are notoriously led by the most infamous owner in sports, mentioned in several of my earlier articles. It seems as if Jeffrey Loria wants to close the gap between the owner and the manager, evident through his new manager being his right hand man. What this means is that Jennings reports only to Loria, giving the owner power via corruption. The man who made his millions through the art industry apparently believes that he can handle the baseball operations for a Major League Baseball team. 

Nonetheless, reminisces of the 2003 champions are somewhat noticeable in this team. Both teams fired their manager after a 16-22 start, with the 2003 team firing Jeff Tolberg, with 72 year old Jack Mckeon improbably taking over. With an inconsistent closer (Steve Cishek) and an ailing pitching rotation, the 2015 Miami Marlins will have to improve marginally if they hope to repeat the success of their predecessors.