Marlins expected to fire Dan Jennings as manager

The Miami Marlins, who made the wacky decision in April to have their general manager become their manager, now are expected to tell Dan Jennings Thursday that he will be let go either effective immediately, or at the end of the year.

The question is whether he'll be back in the GM's chair, with less power and a blemish on his resume, re-assigned and demoted, or out of the organization completely.

The Marlins, according to a high-ranking executive, are strongly considering promoting pro scouting director Jeff McAlvoy to become their next GM. The executive spoke only on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

Welcome to Miami, where just four months ago Jennings had an impeccable reputation as one of the finest executives in baseball, but then made the worst decision of his career.

He accepted Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria's request to have him replace Mike Redmond as manager, with no experience except for a high-school stint 30 years ago. It turned out to be a disaster, and the club has gone 39-57 under Jennings.

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Now, team presidents David Samson and Mike Hill may want Jennings back as the GM, but Loria doesn't seem to share the same opinion.

While Jennings was away from the front office, assistant GM Mike Berger and McAvoy assumed much more power, and some of Jennings' own people, like veteran scout Mickey White and Craig Weissmann, have since been fired or reassigned.

Jennings will learn of his fate Thursday when he meets with ownership. He still has three years remaining on his contract. Yet, considering the carnival atmosphere that has pervaded the Marlins' offices, who could blame him if he actually hopes he's fired, with a chance to pursue the Seattle Mariners opening, or even join Buck Showalter in Baltimore?