By Juan C. Rodriguez and Mike Berardino, Staff writers

 

8:44 p.m. EDT, October 23, 2012

Joe Girardi had been emptying his office a few hours earlier. Down the hall at Sun Life Stadium the new tenant was being introduced. How Girardi on his way out didn't bump into Fredi Gonzalez on his way in remains a mystery.

 

The Marlins' latest managerial transition won't be as swift, but the club may already have their man in the on-deck circle.Wednesday, a day after firing Ozzie Guillen, the Marlins formally interviewed ex-big league catcher Mike Redmond. He's already widely regarded as the favorite to become the 13th manager in club history.

 

"Bet you 2-to-1 odds it is Redmond," said a source who spoke with a Marlins front office member early Wednesday.

 

Another industry source closely monitoring the Marlins' search added via text message Wednesday: "I think it will be Redmond."

 

The source, who is quite familiar with the inner workings of the Marlins, called Padres special assistant Brad Ausmus a "serious candidate" as well, but added his gut feeling was that "Redmond is higher on the list at the moment."

 

That could change if and when Ausmus interviews. He reportedly floored the Red Sox during his interview earlier this month, but they opted to pry former pitching coach John Farrell away from the Blue Jays due to their greater familiarity with him.

 

Familiarity is in Redmond's favor. The Marlins signed him as an undrafted free agent in 1992 and six years later he made his major league debut. Redmond remained with the Marlins through 2004 before a five-year stint with the Twins. He retired after the 2010 season with the Indians.

 

Redmond spent the last two seasons managing in the Blue Jays' farm system, including the advanced-Class A Dunedin squad in the Florida State League.

 

Another name to monitor as the Marlins continue their search is Bryan Price, the Cincinnati Reds' pitching coach. Before the 2006 season, the Marlins interviewed Price for their managerial vacancy. Price and President of Baseball Operations Admin Beinfest are good friends, but the Marlins ultimately hired Girardi.

 

Beinfest back then informed Price they were leaning toward Girardi and asked if he would consider the pitching coach job. Price, who lives in Arizona, settled on the same position with the Diamondbacks.

 

The Marlins again tried to hire Price before the 2010 season. Several teams were vying for Price's services then and he ultimately decided to become the Reds' pitching coach. The Marlins hired Randy St. Claire, who was fired on Tuesday.

 

Whether the Marlins have received permission from the Reds to speak with Price is uncertain.

 

Reached via text, Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach said the Marlins had not yet sought permission to interview him. A source said the Marlins already have sought permission to interview four or five candidates.

 

 

Meanwhile, the outspoken Guillen so far has chosen not to take any parting shots. Late Tuesday, he sent several Tweets mostly thanking his supporters and well wishers. In one Spanish Tweet, he wrote: "In life there are worse things and I've lived bad moments in my life. This is one more that I will overcome with the support of my own [family, friends]."

 

Mark Buehrle, who pitched for Guillen's Chicago White Sox from 2004-'11 before signing with the Marlins last offseason, via email said: "Obviously I am surprised with the news about Ozzie. He has become close to my family and I over the last 9 years. I can only thank him for the things he's done for me over my career and wish him nothing but the best with whatever lies ahead of him."

 

Wednesday, outfielder Justin Ruggiano tweeted: "Very glad I had the opportunity to play for @OzzieGuillen, he was the ultimate players' manager and I wish him the best."

 

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-marlins/fl-marlins-manager-candidiates-1024-20121023,0,1090718.story

Catchers make good managers, they're involved in every facet of running a game. See Scioscia, Girardi, et al. Redmond is obviously the favorite.

 

I like it. Plus, the guy can actually speak English without butchering it more than the average baseball nincompoop.

We should hire the one who masters the English language the best.

Dey turk err jurbs!

I'll settle for someone who can actually speak English. You know, someone who can be interviewed without saying, "You know?" more than two times per sentence. You know?

 

For instance, Uggla would not be on my list.

I, you know, know!

Redmond is a decent choice but I wish John Baker would retire and manage this team. He will be an excellent manager one day.

I bet the Marlins asked Redmond to state his position on Fidel Castro.

Mordecai for bench coach I say

I hope that is the case; Mordecai is the only mediocre player who I will forever consider one of my favorites.

I bet the Marlins asked Redmond to state his position on Fidel Castro.

 

 

L-O-EFFING-L

I hope that is the case; Mordecai is the only mediocre player who I will forever consider one of my favorites.

 

The Marlins need to hire Lenny Harris as manager out of respect for Trayvon Martin.

All time!

I wonder who the mandatory minority interview will go to. That's still a rule, right?

I wonder who the mandatory minority interview will go to. That's still a rule, right?

 

 

LENNY HARRIS

Mordecai!!!!

 

Into the gap!!!!!

I bet they will go back to hiring managers that aren't big names so they can be controlled easier.

 

 

Ain't no man alive who can control Mike f***ing Redmond.

I wonder who the mandatory minority interview will go to. That's still a rule, right?

 

It should be tough now that Bo Porter is no longer around.

I wonder who the mandatory minority interview will go to. That's still a rule, right?

 

 

I would sarcastically protest that stupid ass rule. Lets say the one person you want to run you team is avialble, you call him up and he says yes right away. Why should you then need a dog and pony show where you interview another candidate just to satisfy a sh*t rule?

 

I would randomly get some fan and hold a new conference with that person where they say they interviewed. I would structure it like a parody video.

I wonder who the mandatory minority interview will go to. That's still a rule, right?

 

Lloyd McLendon?

I wonder who the mandatory minority interview will go to. That's still a rule, right?

 

 

I would sarcastically protest that stupid ass rule. Lets say the one person you want to run you team is avialble, you call him up and he says yes right away. Why should you then need a dog and pony show where you interview another candidate just to satisfy a sh*t rule?

 

I would randomly get some fan and hold a new conference with that person where they say they interviewed. I would structure it like a parody video.

 

They can interview Erick, or Michael Hill.

I hope that is the case; Mordecai is the only mediocre player who I will forever consider one of my favorites.

 

 

The bases loaded double he had against the Cubs in the NLCS... that is his legacy

Buerhle sorta came to Miami because of Guillen ... i'm thinking that he's regretting his decision considering how bad this franchise is ran.

Good, I hope he goes, as well.

Because he, too, is very much overpaid. That money could be used on better players.

I never liked his contract. I never said much when these guys were signed (not even Bell) because it seemed like the Marlins were willing to spend to extreme proportions for a winning product.

 

The plan backfired and we're now rebuilding.

 

Mark Buehrle being the highest paid player on this team in 2014 sucks.

 

After the 2013 season, Buehrle will make $18 million in '14 and $19 million in '15. Tremendous overpayment.

 

1. With the projected payroll and rumors, this team isn't winning anytime soon with or without Mark Buehrle.

2. That's ace money; Mark Buehrle is not an ace.

3. Mark Buehrle is rather replaceable really. Especially in our ballpark.

 

Buehrle put up a 106 ERA+ in 2012. Nothing special.

 

He's an overpaid #3.