Mattingly enters pivotal year: No. 4
LAS VEGAS — Year 4 hasn’t been kind to Marlins managers in the past.
In the franchise’s 25-year history, no Marlins skipper has lasted four full seasons. Only two managers have previously reached a fourth year — Rene Lachemann (1993-96) and Fredi Gonzalez (2007-10). Both were fired in the middle of their final seasons.
Entering the final year of his contract, Don Mattingly will be the team’s third manager to reach the four-season milestone. But whether he avoids the fates of Lachemann and Gonzalez is yet to be determined.
Speaking to reporters at the MLB winter meetings in Las Vegas on Monday, the former New York Yankees star said he’s not worrying about an extension, and is solely focused on helping the Marlins continue to grow.
“[There have been] no talks about anything moving forward,” Mattingly said. “And I think my situation’s not really important, to be quite honest. [I’m] just more concerned about what we’re doing — building this thing.
“I’m kind of at a point, old enough where I’m not really worrying about what’s happening next. I like it here. I want to be a part of what we’re doing and building it. But, again, I’m just kind of at a point where I’m pretty comfortable with myself, where I’m at.”
Through his first three seasons, Mattingly is 219-265 as the Marlins’ skipper. Miami is coming off a 63-98 campaign during the first year of its rebuild under the team’s new ownership group. With a young roster, the team is likely still a couple of seasons away from
The Marlins added four new assistants to Mattingly’s coaching staff last week — Mel Stottlemyre Jr. (pitching), Trey Hillman (first base/infield), Jeff Livesey (assistant hitting) and Kevin Barr (strength and conditioning).
“I’m really comfortable with the staff we’ve put together,” Mattingly said.
“I think we’re going to get solid baseball guys that are on both sides of understanding what you have to understand in today’s game — from the numbers, analytics, to be able to use that in your teaching. Guys that have a lot of just experience within the game and teaching and have worked on a lot of different areas within the organization.”
Mattingly, 57, previously spent five seasons as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager, finishing 446-363 with three playoff appearances from 2011-15.
In November, Mattingly coached in the MLB Japan All-Star Series, guiding the major league team. playoff contention.