On Monday, we brought you news that the Marlins had dismissed Barry Bonds after one season as hitting coach.
The move came as a bit of a surprise -- in part because the Marlins are always game for chasing extra publicity, something Bonds' presence accomplished. As it turns out, owner Jeffrey Loria might've had his hand forced by manager Don Mattingly.
Mattingly, who has three years remaining on his contract, was evidently unwilling to return if Bonds did, per Kevin Kernan of the New York Post:
Donnie Baseball would not have stayed on as manager if Bonds returned -- one MLB coach told me.
— Kevin Kernan (@WheresKernan) October 3, 2016
Mattingly's problem with Bonds reportedly had to do with declining work ethic. Those murmurs also surfaced with the initial news. Consider it notable (and perhaps confirming) that Mattingly went out of his way to praise assistant hitting coach Frank Menechino's preparation. Mattingly also voiced his desire for his staff to make better use of video and scouting reports. We'll see if they do just that heading forward.
As for Bonds, we'll see if he lands another gig. The smart money would seem to be on that not happening -- at least on one that demands comparable levels of work and dedication.
