In a weekend full of refutations, Bobby Valentine today denied the latest report, by SI.com, Sports Illustrated’s website, that he was no longer in the running for the Florida Marlins’ vacant manager’s position.
Reached early Sunday evening while he was in makeup before appearing on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight, where he is an analyst, Valentine said, “That’s news to me.”
Valentine refused to comment further.
Asked about his situation later on the show, Valentine maintained the position he has held all weekend.
“I’m in the process last I heard, and I think we’re right in the middle of the process,” Valentine said.
Calling the job “a terrific situation,” when asked the odds he would be the Marlins’ manager by the end of the season, Valentine said, “I can’t even mention that chance, that percentage.”
Valentine on Friday postponed a scheduled trip to interview with Marlins management. He told The Advocate, “The process is going to take longer than expected, and I expect that the first interview will take place over the phone.”
Earlier Friday, Valentine denied reports by several news organizations that he had reached a tentative four-year deal to take over the Marlins.
On Sunday morning, Valentine participated in the bicycle portion for a team in the KIC It Triathlon in downtown Stamford. On Saturday afternoon, Valentine was at an outing with one of his charities, the Mickey Lione Jr. Fund.
The Marlins fired Fredi Gonzalez on Wednesday, and Valentine immediately emerged as a leading candidate, withdrawing his name from consideration for the vacant position with the Orioles.
Valentine has a previous relationship with the Marlins’ owner, Jeffrey Loria, dating back to when Valentine managed the Texas Rangers from 1985 to 1992, when Loria owned the team’s Triple-A affiliate.
Right now I’m not sure what to make of this. There are a lot of rumors going around. All I can say is Bobby is an extremely shrewd businessman, and he is dealing from a position of strength. He is not desperate for a job and won’t take one unless he feels he has the resources to succeed.
David,
I hope Bobby Valentine gets the job in Florida. Was this a “jump to judgement” ? Did Bobby V feel he had the job locked up ? Are these just negotiation ploys on behalf of Ownership ? Did the Marlins want this Manager to go to Puerto Rico with Marlins since he is from there ? What is going on ?