Don Mattingly hired as Marlins manager

MIAMI (AP) – Don Mattingly is moving to a different coast and a new payroll neighborhood.

Mattingly was hired as manager of the Miami Marlins less than a week after he parted with the Los Angeles Dodgers, two people familiar with the situation said Thursday. The people confirmed the hiring to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision hadn’t been announced.

Mattingly, who interviewed for the job Monday, will face a big change in resources. The Dodgers led the majors by far this year with a payroll of $270 million; the Marlins ranked next to last at $69 million, and little change is expected in 2016.

The injury-riddled Marlins finished 71-91, their sixth consecutive losing season. But Miami does have roster full of young, talented players led by slugger Giancarlo Stanton and ace Jose Fernandez.

Mattingly went 446-363 in five years with the Dodgers and won the NL West the past three years. The Dodgers, however, have not reached the World Series since winning the title in 1988, and they lost to the New York Mets this year in the NL Division Series.

In Miami, Mattingly succeeds Dan Jennings, who made the unusual move from general manager to manager in May. Jennings’ status is unclear. After the season team officials said Jennings would return to his old job, but he hasn’t done so. He’s under contract through 2018.

Mattingly becomes the Marlins’ 10th manager – including Jack McKeon for two stints – since Jeffrey Loria bought the team in 2002. Erik Spoelstra has been coach of the Miami Heat since 2008, while Loria has had seven managers during that time.

Ozzie Guillen’s four-year contract with the Marlins finally came off the books this fall. He was fired after one year as manager in 2012. Mike Redmond, fired this year, remains under contract through 2017.

Loria persuaded Mattingly to enter the revolving door. Other candidates to be interviewed included former major league managers Manny Acta, Larry Bowa and Bo Porter.

Mattingly was a six-time All-Star and a .307 hitter with the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995. Loria is a New Yorker and Yankees fan.

The hiring announcement might not come until after the World Series, and any delay will allow the Marlins to hold off until they can make a bigger splash in Miami with the news. It broke hours after the Heat won their season opener, and on the day the Dolphins play New England.