Such news overshadowed the fact that the position is as unstable as ever. Since Opening Day 2010, 12 teams have seen a change at manager, including four who will be making their debut as a major league skipper once the 2011 season rolls around.
The newbies will be given some time to make things right in their respective towns, but others could get caught up in the buzzsaw. Which manager will be the first on the hot seat with a slow start in 2011?
Here is a look at four cities that could see some turmoil if and when the losses begin to pile up:
Florida, Edwin Rodriguez
Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria had enough of an issue with previous skipper Fredi Gonzalez to fire him amid what many considered to be an OK season. Florida, with its tiny payroll, was two games below .500 at the time. Loria then hoped to land the presumed big prize of the managerial market when he went after Bobby Valentine this offseason, but he eventually settled for Rodriguez, whose record in an interim role last year was 46-46, not much better than the man he replaced. With the Marlins slated to slide into a new stadium in 2012, expect Loria to be quick to bring in a big name the moment Rodriguez shows any indication that he's not the man to manage a winner.
Chicago, Ozzie Guillen
When it comes to managerial acumen, personality and the support of his players, few are as skilled as Guillen. He is, for all intents and purposes, a wonderful manager. He has never been the best friend of general manager Ken Williams, who has also had his share of issues with Guillen and brood. The White Sox brought in Adam Dunn and re-signed Paul Konerko, fully expecting to contend in 2011. If they do not, maybe Williams will find the reason he needs to rid himself of an icy relationship.
Washington, Jim Riggelman
The Nationals, by signing outfielder Jayson Werth to a massive contract and flirting with many other big names out there, gave every indication they are eager to build a winner. Werth, as well as young stars Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, represent the core of a team that is expected to rise in the often-competitive National League East. Riggelman has a .442 career winning percentage as manager of four different teams. Most of them were in rebuilding modes, but he has never been the guy called upon to take the team to the promised land. Perhaps someone who has will be ushered in if Riggelman struggles.
Cleveland, Manny Acta
The one-time Nationals manager should be given time to turn around a franchise rebuilding from the ground up. Frankly, a look at the talent on the roster does not engender much confidence in any more than 70 wins. Still, back-to-back seasons below that mark and a spiral from the 2007 ALCS collapse have made some a bit itchy. Eric Wedge was banished for being involved in most of that. Expect Acta to get at least another year in Cleveland, but with little hope for a winning season the situation is worth watching.
Which manager will be the first on the hot seat with a slow start in 2011? Leave your comments below.
