Beinfest extended

[Zack Attack Troll]

sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3041984&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

Larry Beinfest and several members of the Florida Marlins front office staff have received contract extensions from owner Jeffrey Loria that will run through the 2015 season.

Beinfest was promoted to president of baseball operations while Michael Hill was named general manager.

The Marlins also named Dan Jennings and Jim Fleming as assistant general managers, adding to their roles in the team's player personnel and development departments.

Loria said nothing will change "in the structure and day-to-day operations of the Marlins front office," but added that the promotions and extensions "are well-deserved."

"I am pleased that they have all agreed to remain with the Marlins until at least 2015 and maintain stability at the top of our organization as we work towards winning additional championships," Loria said.

Beinfest's previous contract with the Marlins had run through the 2010 season.

Beinfest and his front office group built a World Series champion in 2003, and have acquired shortstop Hanley Ramirez and second baseman Dan Uggla, among others, to complement the team's farm system and keep the Marlins competitive.

The Marlins are 70-90 this year and will finish with their worst record since 1999. But Beinfest has been forced to deal with severe payroll restrictions as the team continues to pursue a new stadium deal.

Florida's Opening Day payroll of $30.5 million this year ranked 29th in baseball. Only Tampa Bay's payroll was lower.

Jerry Crasnick and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Must be a "yes sir" guy to Loria.

[Fish Troll]

Mike Hill is our new GM.

[Fish Troll]

blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_baseb...s-extended.html

Before Saturday's game the Marlins announced they extended the contracts of their key executives for the remainder of their natural lives.

OK, not that long, but it's an eternity in baseball terms. General Manager Larry Beinfest, Assistant GM Michael Hill, VP of Player Personnel Dan Jennings and VP of Scouting and Player Development Jim Fleming all had their deals extended through 2015. Remember it was only two seasons ago that owner Jeffrey Loria gave those guys contracts through 2010.

The heirarchy of the organization remains the same, but the Marlins did change a few titles. Beinfest is now President, Baseball Operations. Hill is the VP, General Manager. Jennings had assistant general manager added to his title.

Loria feels comfortable with these guys. He trusts them. They work well together. They built a World Series winner for him. He's basically entrusting them with the task of doing it all over again.

Have to think this is a premtive strike as well. The three guys under Beinfest would have been perennial GM candidates. Even Beinfest himself might have drawn interest from a big market clubs. At one point he was linked to the Dodgers when they were looking for a GM. In exchange for the long-term security, those guys basically are giving up the right to pursue jobs heading up other organizations.

Loria obviosuly is happy with the job Beinfest and his lieutenants are doing. Any contrary opinions out there?