The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently in first place in the National League West with roughly one month remaining in the regular season.
If they can hold off the San Francisco Giants, then it would mark the first time in franchise history they won three consecutive division titles.
That would be a tremendous accomplishment for the Dodgers and manager Don Mattingly, but it wouldn’t necessarily remove Mattingly from the hot seat he’s seemingly been on over the last three seasons.
Despite winning the division, the Dodgers have failed to reach the World Series in each of the past two seasons, and with a payroll north of $300 million, expectations remain high.
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, if Mattingly doesn’t return to the Dodgers next season, the Miami Marlins would be interested in the 54 year old:
While Jennings is praised for tireless work and an eternally upbeat attitude, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria has told everyone he seeks an experienced manager now. Mattingly, a known favorite of the owner, is thought to be among the strong considerations, should he become available.
The Marlins’ managerial position will be open at the end of the season as Mike Redmond was fired earlier in the season and general manager Dan Jennings has stepped in on an interim basis.
With Jennings expected to return to the front office, the manager’s position would appear to be Mattingly’s for the taking.
Of course this in contingent on how the Dodgers finish, as Mattingly still has one year remaining on the three-year contract extension he signed before the 2014 season.
