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Third base coach Joe Espada’s future with the Marlins remains in limbo, but he will get some valuable experience next month as a manager for the first time.
Espada reached agreement this week to manage the Atenienses (“Athenians”) de Manati, a club in the Puerto Rican Winter League. Manati is a small town on the north coast about 30 miles west of San Juan.
The league is trying to bounce back from financial problems that forced it to cancel its 2007 season. Last year, the league played with four teams; this year it will have six.
“It is cool. They’re just trying to get things going again,” said Espada, 37, a native of Santurce who lives in Jupiter.
The Caribbean winter leagues offer local fans who can’t travel to the United States a chance to see established major league players. But Espada’s team will feature mostly native players to help avoid costs associated with signing established major leaguers.
Among the major leaguers Espada will manage are infielders Ivan DeJesus Jr. and Ruben Gotay and outfielder Jesus Feliciano.
Espada, the Marlins’ third base coach since 2010, said he hopes his experience this winter will be a stepping stone to managing in the big leagues some day.
“Part of my long-term plan is to be a major league manager but I need to gain some experience and I’m thrilled I’m getting a chance to do that in Puerto Rico,’’ he said.
Espada also is hoping to return to the Marlins in 2013. The Marlins have not told manager Ozzie Guillen or any of his coaches yet whether they will come back.
“After a tough season I’m sure they’ll sit down and see what’s best for the Miami Marlins. I’m happy with the opportunity they’ve given me the past three years and hopefully I’ll be back for a fourth year,’’ Espada said.
“I feel like I’ve done a good job in the big leagues. I’m confident they will bring me back.’’
Espada reached agreement this week to manage the Atenienses (“Athenians”) de Manati, a club in the Puerto Rican Winter League. Manati is a small town on the north coast about 30 miles west of San Juan.
The league is trying to bounce back from financial problems that forced it to cancel its 2007 season. Last year, the league played with four teams; this year it will have six.
“It is cool. They’re just trying to get things going again,” said Espada, 37, a native of Santurce who lives in Jupiter.
The Caribbean winter leagues offer local fans who can’t travel to the United States a chance to see established major league players. But Espada’s team will feature mostly native players to help avoid costs associated with signing established major leaguers.
Among the major leaguers Espada will manage are infielders Ivan DeJesus Jr. and Ruben Gotay and outfielder Jesus Feliciano.
Espada, the Marlins’ third base coach since 2010, said he hopes his experience this winter will be a stepping stone to managing in the big leagues some day.
“Part of my long-term plan is to be a major league manager but I need to gain some experience and I’m thrilled I’m getting a chance to do that in Puerto Rico,’’ he said.
Espada also is hoping to return to the Marlins in 2013. The Marlins have not told manager Ozzie Guillen or any of his coaches yet whether they will come back.
“After a tough season I’m sure they’ll sit down and see what’s best for the Miami Marlins. I’m happy with the opportunity they’ve given me the past three years and hopefully I’ll be back for a fourth year,’’ Espada said.
“I feel like I’ve done a good job in the big leagues. I’m confident they will bring me back.’’