miami15 Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 MARLINS | MIKE MORDECAI A new view from the bench Former Marlins reserve Mike Mordecai is trying to make his mark as a minor-league manager. 'I'm ready for this challenge,' he said. BY CLARK SPENCER [email protected] JUPITER - Mike Mordecai is going back to bus rides, cheap hotels and greasy spoon restaurants. After spending the past nine seasons in the majors, the last two of them as a part-time infielder with the Marlins, Mordecai retired during the winter to become a rookie-league manager for the Jamestown (N.Y.) Jammers. ''I was told from guys who played that once you're done playing, you don't want to be looking back, and that if you're looking back, you probably stopped playing too soon,'' Mordecai said. 'But I didn't want to be the low man on the totem pole, a garbage guy. I've seen guys like that playing and wonder to myself, `When's that guy retiring?' Guys were probably saying that about me five years ago.'' Mordecai, 37, was a member of two World Series champions and left his greatest legacy as a Marlin by connecting on two game-winning home runs -- both in extra innings -- during the 2003 season. But after spending most of the 2004 season watching from the bench, idle time that he used to his benefit by studying the finer points of the sport, Mordecai was told by Marlins general manager Admin Beinfest that he likely wouldn't have a spot on the roster waiting for him this year. Instead, Beinfest offered Mordecai a chance to be a manager within the organization. `EASY CHOICE' ''Being realistic, it didn't seem like there was a ton of interest for me,'' Mordecai said. ``The last two years I haven't played very much at all. I know what's going on behind me. I'm not stupid. I know they've got young guys, and they're ready to go. So this opportunity kind of made it a little bit easier. Taking everything into consideration, it was a pretty easy choice to make.'' Mordecai said he didn't shed any tears when he made up his mind to take the job. Managing has been kind of a dream for Mordecai, anyhow. Manager Jack McKeon said Mordecai often asked questions about strategy decisions, and the player enjoyed studying third-base coaches and opposing pitchers, looking for tell-tale signs he could pass on to the Marlins' pitchers. ''Basically, the last couple of years I've been sitting and studying and trying to pass it along to some of those guys there in the dugout,'' Mordecai said. 'I've sat in the dugout the last however many years and see things going out on the field and hearing the manager say, `What are they teaching those guys down there? What is going on?' When you start hearing things like that, you know you have an opportunity to help kids out.'' While his former Marlins teammates have spent the spring preparing for opening day on April 5, Mordecai has been working out on the practice diamonds with the Marlins' minor-league prospects. He will begin managing in the Short A New York-Penn League after the amateur draft in June. ''I'm ready for this challenge,'' Mordecai said. ``It's a lot of fun because you're introducing it to guys who are pretty raw.'' A POSSIBLE RETURN There is a chance, though no guarantee, the Marlins could call up Mordecai in September when major-league rosters expand. Mordecai is 11 days shy of reaching the equivalent of 10 entire seasons in the majors, a requirement needed to qualify for a full pension. ''If that's what [the Marlins] choose to do, great,'' Mordecai said. ``They know where I'm at. And if it doesn't happen, then it doesn't happen.'' Mordecai said he looked into the players' pension plan and said there isn't all that much difference -- about $120 a month -- between what he's expected to receive and what he would get if he plays another 11 days in the majors. Besides, Mordecai said he always has lived frugally. ''Bus rides? I never was all that thrilled to get on a plane,'' Mordecai said of the frills he no longer will be receiving in the low minors. ``I didn't like the bus rides, but I definitely didn't like a lot of those plane rides. The ground is too far away. And hotels? All I need is an iron and an ironing board. Just forget the rest. I didn't use the mini-bar. I didn't eat in the hotel restaurants very often. I'm at the bottom of the rung and the bottom off the scale. I usually try to live within my means. I had a good upbringing, and I'm not at all concerned.'' NOTES ? The Marlins were off Wednesday but return to Grapefruit League action tonight when they face the Houston Astros. Dontrelle Willis (10-11, 4.02 in 2004) is scheduled to face Astros right-handed pitcher Tim Reading (5-7, 5.72 in 2004). ? On Friday: Marlins RHP Ismael Valdez (5-3, 4.50 with Marlins in 2004) vs. New York Mets RHP Pedro Martinez (16-9, 3.90 with Red Sox in 2004). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollyberry Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 ? On Friday: Marlins RHP Ismael Valdez (5-3, 4.50 with Marlins in 2004) vs. New York Mets RHP Pedro Martinez (16-9, 3.90 with Red Sox in 2004). Nice Article! Valdez is pitching against Pedro tomorrow :mischief2 Kick some butt Valdez :notworthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flag Man Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 Frisario, in Easley article currently posted in Official Site, cites the benefits Easely received from Mordy. (Nice article.) Mordy is a teacher. But, first of all, he's a baseball player and a student of the game. Even if it means only an extra $120/month, Mordy will be brought up at the end of this Season to qualify for the better Pension. I have the Jamestown Jammers bookmarked. I'll be rooting for Mike Mordecai. (Miami15's posting indicates that Mike is in Jupiter this Spring. I didn't know that. If so, can't believe there haven't been any interviews with him.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flamarlins3 Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 Awesome article...Mordy is one of my favorite players...I hope he is successful and maybe can replace Jack in a few years :mischief Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarlinFan10 Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 ''I was told from guys who played that once you're done playing, you don't want to be looking back, and that if you're looking back, you probably stopped playing too soon,'' Mordecai said. 'But I didn't want to be the low man on the totem pole, a garbage guy. I've seen guys like that playing and wonder to myself, `When's that guy retiring?' Guys were probably saying that about me five years ago.'' I don't think anyone was saying Mordy waited too long to retire. However, I think he just described Lenny Harris. :whistle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malman Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 ''I was told from guys who played that once you're done playing, you don't want to be looking back, and that if you're looking back, you probably stopped playing too soon,'' Mordecai said. 'But I didn't want to be the low man on the totem pole, a garbage guy. I've seen guys like that playing and wonder to myself, `When's that guy retiring?' Guys were probably saying that about me five years ago.'' I don't think anyone was saying Mordy waited too long to retire. However, I think he just described Lenny Harris. :whistle 719406[/snapback] I'm sure Eric Gagne wished Lenny had retired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarlinFan10 Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 ''I was told from guys who played that once you're done playing, you don't want to be looking back, and that if you're looking back, you probably stopped playing too soon,'' Mordecai said. 'But I didn't want to be the low man on the totem pole, a garbage guy. I've seen guys like that playing and wonder to myself, `When's that guy retiring?' Guys were probably saying that about me five years ago.'' I don't think anyone was saying Mordy waited too long to retire. However, I think he just described Lenny Harris. :whistle 719406[/snapback] I'm sure Eric Gagne wished Lenny had retired. 719421[/snapback] OMG I know, it's a good thing Harris didn't retire after last year because that means he's going to that again. :plain He hit .211 last year and is only going to get worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBMarlin Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 Nice article. I hope Mordy does well and enjoys his experience teaching the younger players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TSwift25 Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 It's going to be weird not having Mordy on the bench this year. Man, if it was the 8th inning or later, that guy was pinch-hitting gold. I hope he gets a good salute in September. :thumbup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prinmemito Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 Awesome article...Mordy is one of my favorite players...I hope he is successful and maybe can replace Jack in a few years :mischief 719388[/snapback] The guy I hope replaces Jack is Ozzie Guillen. He already has big league experience. It would be great to have him back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EndLine Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 Harris is our Gagne Specialist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rferry Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 Along with Mike Redmond, one of my favorite players for no reason other than their 'intangibles'. Always kept the bench and crowd lively and full of laughs. It will be interesting how well he makes the transition to manager. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazmarlins Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 Always liked Mordy.I wish him luck in his new role. :thumbup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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