Train Wreck Mode: Activated

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, upset that none of the other kids on the playground want to play with him, told the team yesterday that interim manager Edwin Rodriguez will remain at the helm through the remainder of the season. "Edwin deserves a chance to see what he can do, and I want to give him a chance," Loria told the media without a hint of irony. He also added,"I haven't given up on the team, and neither have the players." To quote Matt Foley, la-de-fricking-da.

The decision came after talks with former Mets manager Bobby Valentine reached an impasse. Depending on which reports you believe, either Valentine grew weary of the Marlins' front office, or the front office got frustrated with Valentine's insistence of autonomy. Though we give Valentine a hard time around these parts, he's no fool. With the exception of whichever Steinbrenner spawn is running the Yankees these days, Loria has become the most overbearing owner in baseball, so if the money isn't right (and there's no reason to believe the Marlins would ever make a manager an offer he couldn't refuse), why bother?

If there is one silver lining to the whole episode (and I can only find one), at least Rodriguez, a baseball lifer who has been a player, scout, and minor league manager, will get a shot managing at the big league level. I'm relatively sure he won't be managing the team in 2011 (unless the team makes a miraculous recovery), but at least he'll get a cup of coffee.