The lingering backlash caused by Ozzie Guillen's praise of Fidel Castro contributed to another Miami Marlins managerial shakeup Tuesday. Guillen was fired after only one year with the team, undone by too many losses and one too many ill-advised remarks.
A promising season began to derail in April with his laudatory comments about Cuba's former leader. Six months later, the episode was a factor in the decision to fire Guillen, Marlins officials said.
"Let's face it. It was not a positive for the team; it was not a positive for Ozzie," president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. "It was a disappointment."
A lousy team didn't help, either. The Marlins took high hopes into their new ballpark following an offseason spending spree but finished last in the NL East at 69-93, their worst record since 1999. Miami's next manager will be the fifth for owner Jeffrey Loria since early 2010. The latest change comes even though Marlins still owe Guillen $7.5 million for the three years remaining on his contract.
The season went sour from the start. Guillen's comments praising Castro in a magazine interview angered many Cuban Americans who make up a large segment of the Marlins' fan base. The Venezuelan manager apologized repeatedly at a news conference for his remarks, then began serving a five-game suspension only five games into his stay with the team.
Marlins officials believe the damage was lasting. They blame disappointing attendance at the new ballpark in part over lingering fan resentment about the Castro comments.
Davis heads World Series umpires ? St. Louis native Gerry Davis will be the crew chief for the World Series and will work behind the plate in tonight's opener between San Francisco and Detroit. Davis a 1971 Roosevelt High graduate, also was selected as the home-plate umpire for this year's All-Star Game.
When Davis takes the field he will become the career leader in postseason games worked, 112. Davis, a 29-year veteran who also worked the Series in 1996, 1999, 2004 and 2009, currently is tied for the record of 111 postseason games worked with retired umps Jerry Crawford and Bruce Froemming. (AP)
Cubs ? Chicago hired former major-leaguer David Bell as its third base coach. He was an infielder who played for several big- league teams, including the Cardinals from 1995-98.
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