5 Managers the Miami Marlins Should Target to Replace Ozzie Guillen

The Miami Marlins wasted no time targeting managers to replace Ozzie Guillen.

Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com announced that former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon interviewed with the team on Wednesday.

But McClendon isn't the first to meet with the Marlins front office as ex-Marlin Mike Redmond and ex-manager Larry Bowa have also been interviewed, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro.

San Diego Padres special assistant Brad Ausmus and Cincinnati Reds pitching coach Bryan Price have both passed on the opportunity, according to the respective teams' official sites.

Here is a look at five managers the Marlins should target—or have already pursued—to replace Guillen.

1. Lloyd McClendon

Lloyd McClendon has spent the last seven seasons since his managerial days assisting the American League champion Detroit Tigers.

While with Pittsburgh, the 53-year-old posted a 336-446 record.

Though he did not reach the playoffs, the 75 games the Pirates won in 2003 had not been topped since then until this season.

As previously stated, McClendon was the third candidate interviewed for the job and is an intriguing option.

After its young roster won just 69 games in 2012, the Marlins need veteran leadership in the clubhouse—something McClendon would bring to the team.

2. Larry Bowa

MLB Network analyst Larry Bowa was interviewed by the Marlins on October 26.

Bowa posted a 418-435 record at the helm of the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies.

He possessed the same Guillen-like temper during his career, being ejected 27 times in a little over five years of managing, but that may be a non-issue.

On another note, the last two analysts hired by MLB ballclubs experienced seasons on opposite ends of the spectrum in 2012.

Buck Showalter led the Baltimore Orioles to the playoffs in his first full season after being snatched from ESPN.

However, a failed Bobby Valentine-Boston Red Sox project would not be the optimal result for a team searching for its sixth manager in four years.

Your call, Miami.

3. Mike Redmond

A highly-mentioned name in the Marlins' managerial hunt is Mike Redmond.

The 13-year veteran retired following the 2010 season after spending time with the Marlins, Minnesota Twins, and Cleveland Indians.

Since then, Redmond has managed both of the Toronto Blue Jays' Single-A affiliates.

Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald mentions some high-profile names who have endorsed Redmond, and that is something that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Ex-teammate Kevin Millar states in the article, "He couldn’t hit. He couldn’t throw. He couldn’t catch. But I know one thing. He was put on this earth to be a manager.”

Redmond seems to be the favorite to land the gig, but the process isn't over yet.

4. Luis Gonzalez

Another former Marlin, Luis Gonzalez, is rumored to be "on the short list" for the position, according to CBSSports.com's R.J. White.

Like Ausmus, Gonzalez is also serving as a special assistant to his organization—the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The 2012 Marlins suffered 93 losses and lacked a consistent offensive presence while hitting a disappointing .244 as a team on the season.

The .283 career hitter would not only bring a new flavor to the leadership of the club, but Gonzalez also could provide hitting insights to a relatively inexperienced and struggling lineup.

5. Sandy Alomar Jr.

Though there have been no conversations with Sandy Alomar Jr. to date, the Cleveland Indians bench coach is not ruling anything out, according to AP sports writer Tom Withers.

Alomar managed the Indians for the final six games of the 2012 season posting a 3-3 record.

The 1990 American League Rookie of the Year is another candidate who would bring major-league experience to the young team.

He will be given a chance to manage sometime, according to Withers, and his first shot could be with the Marlins if the front office decides to take a look at the six-time All-Star.