BALTIMORE — Fredi Gonzalez was fired Wednesday as manager of the Marlins, whose search for a full-time successor began with a phone call to Bobby Valentine.
Gonzalez was dismissed with Florida at 34-36 and in fourth place in the NL East, 7 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta.
Edwin Rodriguez, who has spent the past 1 1/2 seasons as manager of Triple-A New Orleans, took over as manager on an interim basis.
Also fired were bench coach Carlos Tosca and hitting coach Jim Presley. They were replaced on an interim basis by Brandon Hyde and John Mallee.
“Bobby Valentine is a candidate for this position. He was spoken to by me today,” club president David Samson said. “I told him Fredi had been dismissed, and that we were interested in speaking with him in the very near future about our opening.”
Samson said the list of candidates includes Rodriguez.
Valentine, who is working for ESPN, withdrew his name as a candidate for the Orioles’ coaching vacancy.
In three-plus seasons as the Marlins’ manager, Gonzalez was 276-279. Before the 2009 season, he received a contract extension through 2011.
Santana accused, then case closed
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Mets left-hander Johan Santana was accused of sexual battery last October for an incident on a golf course, according to TMZ, but the case was closed because of a lack of evidence and Santana was not charged with a crime.
The alleged assault happened Oct. 27, and the accuser filed charges one day later. She claimed, according to the police report, Santana had intercourse with her on the golf course despite her repeatedly telling him no. TMZ reported law enforcement sources said DNA evidence proved there was intercourse, but the prosecutor concluded there wasn’t enough evidence to prove lack of consent, and the case was closed in December.
Duke put on DL
ARLINGTON, Texas — Pirates left-hander Zach Duke was placed on the 15-day disabled list after a scheduled bullpen session was canceled because of his sore left elbow.
Denver Post wire services
