Don Mattingly Back As Miami Marlins’ Manager For 2019

By Jordan Long

The Miami Marlins are in midst of one of their poorest seasons in recent memory.  They stand at 59-93, the worst record in the National League.  They have the 3^rd most losses in all of baseball.  Only the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles have more losses.  Despite the Marlins struggles, the Marlins are going to keep Manager Don Mattingly. According to ESPN, CEO Derek Jeter said, “Is he going to be back in 2009? He’s under contract. Yeah.” 

                Don Mattingly is finishing his 3^rd season as the Manager of the Marlins.  He has not helped them become a playoff team.  His record is an unimpressive 215-260, a winning percentage of .453.  The Marlins have never made the postseason with him as manager.  This is a far cry from his record of 446-363 in 8 seasons with the Dodgers.

                The Marlins knew this year was going to be a rebuilding season.  They traded their best hitter, Giancarlo Stanton, to the New York Yankees in the offseason.  This was a sign that Jeter was going to create a team his way and this year was going to be a struggle.

                This season has been disappointing to this point.  Their offense is 26^th in the league in terms of batting average at .238.  Miami hasn’t been able to hit the long ball with 124 home runs, last in MLB.

                The pitching isn’t there either.  The team has a combined ERA of 4.85, 27^th in the league.  Pitchers aren’t commanding the zone that well.  This allows hitters to key on pitches for base hits and home runs.  Miami pitchers have given up 186 home runs.   

                Mattingly waits too long to change pitchers.  He seems to leave them in when they struggle.  By the time Mattingly takes the pitcher out, they are either tied or the game is out of reach.  He has not been able to command the bullpen. Relievers are called upon to try to keep the Marlins in it but that doesn’t happen.  The relievers combined ERA is 5.41, dead last in MLB. 

                With all their struggles Mattingly will be back next year.  Jeter is honoring his contract at this point.  Mattingly has 1 year left on it.  If they are one of the worst teams next year, Jeter needs to consider letting Mattingly go.  Mattingly is lucky to stay with the Marlins for another year.