Monday, March 29, 2010

FERNANDEZ TAKES MANAGERIAL REINS IN TABASCO

It’s not unusual to see teams change managers during the season, but one week into the schedule? The Tabasco Olmecas have done just that by bringing former Mexico City Diablos Rojos skipper Daniel Fernandez to Villahermosa to replace Gustavo Llenas after just five games in the 2010 season. The Olmecas lost all five contests prior to Fernandez’ March 22 hiring.

The 44-year-old Fernandez was one of Mexico’s top players during his long career with the Diablos, and is considered by many observers to be the greatest leadoff hitter in Liga history. He ended his 25-year career in 2007 with 2,648 hits for an average of .313, is the LMB’s all-time leader in runs scored with 1,836 and stands third with 478 lifetime stolen bases.

Fernandez was quite successful in a two-year stint as manager in Mexico City as well, going 66-39 and winning the Liga pennant in 2008 and turned in an LMB-best 70-35 regular season record before being shocked by the Laguna Vaqueros in the first round of the playoffs last year, which led to his ouster by Diablos ownership. The Olmecas are 3-3 since Fernandez took over the team.

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