BALTIMORE — While the Orioles (19-51) prepare for the second of a three-game set against Florida (34-36) tonight at 7:05 p.m., the opposition is dealing with the surprising dismissal of manager Fredi Gonzalez earlier this morning.
The Marlins clubhouse was filled with shock and disappointment regarding the firing, as first baseman Gaby Sanchez described it as a “shock” and Jorge Cantu did not learn of the news until this morning just like everyone else.
Triple-A manager Edwin Rodriguez takes over on an interim basis as it appears Bobby Valentine will eventually become the next manager of the Marlins. He and owner Jeffrey Loria have known each other for 20 years, dating back to their days with the Texas Rangers.
And, of course, if you’re on the WNST Text Service, you received the news that Valentine had official withdrew his name from consideration for the Orioles’ managerial position. It’s certainly no coincidence as Marlins president David Samson confirmed the club had contacted Valentine earlier today about the job.
The Marlins’ situation is certainly a stark contrast from the Orioles’ recent firing of Dave Trembley, who seemingly flapped around in the wind for weeks before finally receiving his walking papers.
In Orioles news, Koji Uehara is back in Baltimore and will face live hitters on Thursday to gauge whether he’s ready to be activated or will have to go on a minor league rehab assignment.
No word on whether the Japanese pitcher began cramping up as soon as he got off the plane at BWI and felt the Baltimore heat and humidity.
Here are tonight’s lineups:
Florida
LF Chris Coghlan
1B Gaby Sanchez
SS Hanley Ramirez
DH Jorge Cantu
2B Dan Uggla
RF Mike Stanton
3B Wes Helms
C Ronny Paulino
SP Ricky Nolasco (5-6, 4.90 ERA)
Baltimore
LF Corey Patterson
3B Miguel Tejada
RF Nick Markakis
1B Ty Wigginton
DH Luke Scott
CF Adam Jones
C Matt Wieters
2B Scott Moore
SS Cesar Izturis
SP Brian Matusz (2-7, 4.67 ERA)
Don’t forget to join us in the Orange Crush chat this evening at 7:30 p.m., as WNST personalities will discuss the action from Camden Yards. As always, remember to follow us on Twitter (@WNST) for the quickest updates and quips about today’s game.
Check back right here for updates (time-stamped below) leading right up to first pitch at 7:05 p.m.
