Word that Florida fired Jeff Torborg late Saturday night leaked well in advance of the Sunday press conference during which they planned to announce that news and the hiring of Jack McKeon as the Marlins' new manager. Discussion of replacing Torborg began when he first joined Florida as a carry over from the Expos when owner Jeffrey Loria switched franchises.

I've fully participated in criticizing Torborg for his abuse of his starting pitchers. Consistently leaving pitchers out for more than 120 pitches should be considered criminally negligent. Additionally, he seems to have failed to notice when pitchers were hiding injuries while the environment of the team did not successfully encourage players to disclose pain. However, the pitchers should be chastised for not immediately reporting all problems.

Torborg apparently needed the first hand experience of causing an arm injury by ignoring pitch counts to convince him of what countless studies have indicated. Sadly, while Torborg seemed to become a believer after A.J. Burnett's arm gave out, he now will not have an opportunity to protect the pitchers he once abused. Although I firmly believe managers should be held accountable for negligent behavior that injures the players under their care, at this point it is more important to have enlightened individuals in positions of influence. Meanwhile, Florida has unleashed upon their young pitchers a notorious arm mangler in the form of Jack McKeon.

The 72-year-old McKeon undoubtedly brings a wealth of experience to the position. He's almost managed more major league games than the Marlins' have played, falling only 87 short. His experience ranges beyond the diamond and into the front office where his past activities long ago earned him the nickname of Trader Jack. However, Florida only appears interested in his on-field skills. The Marlins' chose McKeon to lead their team, because he's twice been in the right place at the right time to take credit for salvaging losing seasons after replacing a fired manager.

Below is an overview of McKeon's long career. In 1958, 1961, 1969, 1970, and 1999, he won Manager of the Year awards for his work.

Jack McKeon's Career

1949:     Signed with Pittsburgh as a minor league catcher
1951:     Military
1955:     Player/Manager with Fayetteville, B Carolina League
1956-58:  Player/Manager with Missoula, C Pioneer League
1959:     Player/Manager with Fox City, B Three-I League
1960-61:  Manager Wilson, B Carolina League
1962:     Manager Vancouver, AAA Pacific Coast League
1963:     Manager Dallas-Ft. Worth, AAA Pacific Coast League
1964:     Manager Atlanta, AAA International League
1965-67:  Scout Minnesota
1968:     Manager High Point-Thomasville, A Carolina League
1969-72:  Manager Omaha, AAA American Association
1973-75:  Manager Kansas City Royals
1976:     Manager Richmond, AAA International League
1977-78:  Manager, Scout, Assistant GM Oakland Athletics
1979:     Manager Denver, AAA American Association
1980:     Scout and Assistant GM San Diego
1981-87:  Vice President of Baseball Operations San Diego
1988-90:  Manager and VP of BO San Diego Padres
1993-97:  Senior Advisor for Player Personnel Cincinnati
1997-00:  Manager Cincinnati Reds
2001-now:  Grandfather

Without injuries, the Marlins were going to have difficulty pacing the division this season, so given the health problems they're currently experiencing I think they'll hold onto fourth only due to the weaknesses of the Mets. Later this week, I will look at the moves they've made over the last month to compensate for their numerous injuries.

Florida also fired pitching coach Brad Arnsberg. While the move was not unexpected, Arnsberg reportedly did not take the new well. According to GM Larry Bienfest, Arnsberg "was quite abusive [and] unprofessional" when told of his dismissal. Bienfest evidently hasn't followed Arnsberg's work very closely the last few years or he would know that Arnsberg's abuse is nothing if not professional. The Marlins shifted minor league pitching coordinator Wayne Rosenthal into Arnsberg's position.

Additionally, Jeff's son, former WCW wrestler Dale "Demon" Torborg was let go as strength and conditioning coach, as they felt it might be awkward for him to remain after his father's release. At least temporarily, trainer Sean Cunningham is expected to assume Dale's duties.

The rest of the coaching staff remains the same with the exception of Torborg's bench coach Jeff Cox shifting to the bullpen, while minor league field coordinator Doug Davis takes over as McKeon's bench coach. The Marlins appear to think quite highly of Davis, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was strongly considered as a potential replacement for McKeon next year. Florida is retaining current bullpen coach Pierre Arsenault, though it is unclear whether Cox or Arsenault will be part of the official six-man coaching staff.