After building Marlins roster, Jennings now tasked with making it jell
MIAMI -- Mothers tend to be supportive of their children, but when Dan Jennings told his mom the good news she asked him if he was crazy.
As the new manager of the Miami Marlins -- with no previous big-league coaching or playing experience -- the long-time scout and former general manager will instead call the shots in the dugout rather than the front office.
Jennings takes over as the 13th manager in Marlins history and the eighth hire since owner Jeffrey Loria acquired the ballclub in 2002. He replaces Mike Redmond, who went 155-207 from 2013-15.
"I told you, my own mother said, 'Really? I mean, really?'" Jennings said. "There's going to be cynics. There's going to be critics. If I was sitting in your chairs, absolutely. And I fully expect to be judged on the body of work that we will accomplish and pursue on that field nightly. You know what? It is outside the box. It's unconventional. There's so many words you can use to describe this move. I will tell you that it takes courage from an owner and club president and president of baseball operations to entrust this responsibility upon someone without any of those credentials that are important. But as I alluded to, there are a lot of managers that arrive in that chair via different paths. And we now have a new path we can talk about."
But did the Marlins make a move so crazy it just might work?
Keep in mind this is a guy with 31 years of professional baseball experience. It's not like he's new to the game. Or a random fan plucked from the sofa.
Though Jennings' playing experience extends only as far as collegiate ball at the University of Southern Mississippi and a spring training stint with Class-A Greenboro, he has scouted talent for several organizations. He has come up the ranks through hard work and his energetic personality. He credits his father, who he called a "leader of men," for imparting the foundation for his leadership and motivational styles.
What better person to bring into the fold than the one responsible for putting together this club? He was influential in trading for right-handers Dan Haren and Mat Latos as well as third baseman Martin Prado. He helped sign first baseman Michael Morse.
Jennings and president of baseball operations Michael Hill, who go back 20 years between their time with the Rays and Marlins, believe in this 2015 team. By putting Jennings in charge, the front office can be held accountable for the players it sought out. He can also delegate and manage personalities.
"We wanted someone who knew our players, and there's no one who knew them better than DJ," Hill said. "He was part of every decision ever made in bringing these players here. He has a relationship with our players. We didn't want someone from outside to get this ship right. We wanted someone who had an intimate knowledge of our club and how we tick, and who knew -- in our minds -- how to push the right buttons to get us going."
Something seemed off about this ballclub after a successful spring training.
With postseason expectations after key offseason acquisitions, the team lacked fired during a 3-11 start. So much so franchise player Giancarlo Stanton spoke of it to the media. It went away for a bit when Miami reached .500 at 12-12.
Swept for the second time this season by the rebuilding Atlanta Braves, the Marlins (16-22) are now just a half game up on the Philadelphia Phillies for last in the National League East. They have dropped 10 of 14.
"The qualities that he brought to the job as general manager are the same ones he's going to take to the dugout," Hill said. "As he has said, he and I both share in a supreme belief in the players in the dugout. He's a leader of men, he's a motivator. He's inspirational and he's energetic and those are the qualities we want on our club. We don't feel like we're playing to the level we're capable of playing."
Added president David Samson: "His ability to get the respect and the most out of the 25 guys is the only issue. Not his experience, not how many games he's managed. Literally can he get 25 guys to perform to the extent of their ability? And Dan can do that."
His previous coaching experience? Three years in charge of the Davidson High School baseball team in Mobile, Alabama, in the 1980s. He admitted that he never aspired to be a major-league manager, but was "always intrigued" by it.
For 31 years, he has sat behind home plate -- since 2004 with a World Series ring on his finger -- trying to learn the different perspectives of the game by watching how guys handle their ball clubs. That's why Jennings requested Mike Goff, an advanced scout in the organization, be his bench coach. He served in that capacity in 2007 with the Seattle Mariners. He was also the first-base coach from 2005-06.
Jennings plans on wearing No. 26, signifying his status as the 26th man on the ballclub. He doesn't consider himself more important than the 25 players actually competing on the field.
"The one thing I'm certain of -- managers do not win games, but you can certainly lose them," Jennings said. "But you have to have the respect of your men, and you have to put them first. This game is about the players."
Crazy concept, isn't it?
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
