Even before Don Mattingly and the Dodgers mutually agreed to part ways last week, many baseball observers figured there was a good chance he would be managing in Miami in 2016.
Now that he's free to pursue other opportunities, Mattingly is indeed considered the leading candidate for the Marlins' opening, Fox Sports reports. He is set to interview in Miami on Monday, according to MLB.com.
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The Marlins have taken their time in filling the opening left when interim manager Dan Jennings moved back to the front office following the season. That has only fueled long-running speculation that owner Jeffrey Loria was hoping Mattingly would become available for the job. The Manhattan native reportedly has long been enamored with the former Yankee.
Mattingly was 446-363 in five seasons in Los Angeles, winning the NL West the last three seasons. He wouldn't have nearly as many resources in Miami as he did with the Dodgers, and Loria has proven to be an unpredictable owner — most notably firing both Joe Girardi and Ozzie Guillen after one season.
But there are only so many managing jobs available, and it appears the Nationals have narrowed their focus to Dusty Baker and Bud Black, so the Marlins could be Mattingly's best bet.
