Miami Marlins: Five Choices to Replace Tino Martinez

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Apr 12, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins hitting coach Tino Martinez (10) looks on from the dugout in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

In the wake of Tino Martinez‘s resignation as Marlins hitting coach, the Marlins have to make another search to find a coach that will gel with the chemistry of this close-knit team. Redmond is also going to get a lot more say when it comes to hiring the new hitting coach, since he knew that the Tino Martinez situation wouldn’t work out. So of the many choices that are available to the Marlins, here are five that might be the best options for this still very young and developing team.

Apr 8, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Former Florida Marlins left fielder Jeff Conine prior to a game against the Atlanta Braves during on opening night at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Conine:

Mr. Marlin, as he is so often called is a dark horse candidate to become the hitting coach at the end of the year. Conine played for both Marlin’s World Series team’s and the inaugural season in 1993. Conine was one of the most consistent hitters throughout his entire career and he was a playoff hero during the 2003 World Series, as he hit .333 against the Yankees. He often exemplified the professional attitude needed to succeed in the Major League Level. He currently works as a special assistant to Marlins president David Samson while also hosting the Marlins pregame and postgame show. Jeff Conine was always one of those players who played and worked hard but knew how to have fun in the game of baseball. He and Manager Mike Redmond have a similar attitude on how to play and teach Baseball, which would go well in developing the young Marlin team. These former teammates would work well together in the dugout as they would be on the same page, unlike the Redmond and Tino Martinez relationship. Jeff Conine was considered for the Managerial position back in December but he apparently declined any offer, so its unlikely that Conine will accept the Hitting coach position. However, he would be an excellent choice to mold the Marlin team into professionals.

Aug. 29, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson (left) talks with batting coach Rick Eckstein (right) during batting practice before a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Eckstein:

The former hitting coach to the Washington Nationals, Rick Eckstein was fired recently due to the sluggish start that Nationals encountered. Rick Eckstein helped develop one of the best young bats in the majors in Bryce Harper. Maybe he could do the same to Giancarlo Stanton, who is already one of the most feared hitters in the game. During the 2012 season, the nationals bats helped them reach the postseason for the first time since 1933. Eckstein helped developed the rebuilding Nationals into winners. If he came to the Marlins he could possibly do the same for a team that hasn’t reached the postseason in ten years.

Credit: MLB.com

John Pierson:

The current interim hitting coach, John Pierson has had a lot of experience throughout his very long baseball career. He was drafted in the first round by the Kansas City Royals but he never made it past Class A. He has worked in a variety of different baseball positions for almost 40 years and he has a multitude of experience developing young Minor League players. He oversaw the entire Marlin minor league system for the last ten years and has helped players like Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Fernandez make it to the majors. However, Pierson does not have a lot of experience in working with batters and he is very new to the Majors, as he as never worked in the MLB until this year. With the Marlins considering having two hitting coaches next year, he might get a chance to stay in the majors if the team goes with that route.

Jul 27, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich hits a single against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Bobby Bell:

The current hitting coach of the Single A Hammerheads, Bell has developed many of the current Marlins stars such as Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich. He has been rumored to be a favorite for the position for next year but we can never know. The Marlins are a rebuilding team with major problems on offense and Bobby Bell could bring the basics back to the confused Marlin hitters. If he can bring the same kind of developmental prowess that he has shown in the past, the job may be his to lose.

Apr 8, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Florida Marlins former third baseman Mike Lowell on opening night at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Lowell:

The first choice for the Marlins managerial position last year, he declined due to wanting to stay broadcasting on the MLB network but it doesn’t mean he is not a good choice for the position. A two time World Series hero, Mike Lowell is the pure definition of clutch. His hitting and defensive prowess made him such a great player from 1999-2007. The Marlins would love to have both Mike Lowell and Mike Redmond on the same coaching staff in order to recreate the magic that was the 2003 Marlins season. There really isn’t much that I could say that hasn’t been said about Mike Lowell but while I am pretty sure that he won’t join the team, it would be awesome if he could teach our team how to become champions.

The Marlins are in a position to start anew with a hitting coach that will be of Mike Redmond’s choosing. I trust Red and I do think that next year, regardless of who is our hitting coach is, the Marlins will make huge strides. Maybe taking those strides into a level of success that the fans have been waiting for so long.

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