“Having previous big league managing experience will be a plus for those under consideration to manage the Marlins in 2011.
“Meeting the criteria is Tony Pena.
“Currently the Yankees bench coach, Pena spent parts of four seasons (2002-05) managing the Royals. In 2003, he was named the American League Manager of the Year.
“Internally, the Marlins see Pena as a serious candidate.
[snip]
“Most likely, the team will explore several possibilities, including Bobby Valentine. With Pena expected to be in the mix, the search could last throughout the playoffs.
“The Yankees are primed to be in the postseason. So if the Marlins plan on interviewing Pena, they may have to wait until an opportune time arises in October or perhaps early November.”
When you win, other teams begin to pick off your coaches/personnel.
The 2009 Yankees won the World Series, and they have a decent shot at repeating in 2010.
Kevin Towers, in the Yankees’ front office, may be the first guy picked off if he gets the Diamondbacks’ GM job.
Tony Pena could follow him; after that there could be more—it’s one of the drawbacks of success.
Pena, of course, managed the Royals from 2002-2005. He was the Manager of the Year in 2003 before his team lost 104 games in 2004.
Here are the Royals’ standings under his leadership:
| Rk | Year | Age | Tm | Lg | G | W | L | W-L% | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002 | 45 | Kansas City Royals | AL | 126 | 49 | 77 | .389 | 4 |
| 2 | 2003 | 46 | Kansas City Royals | AL | 162 | 83 | 79 | .512 | 3 |
| 3 | 2004 | 47 | Kansas City Royals | AL | 162 | 58 | 104 | .358 | 5 |
| 4 | 2005 | 48 | Kansas City Royals | AL | 33 | 8 | 25 | .242 | 5 |
| 483 | 198 | 285 | .410 | 4.3 |
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