Tommy Hutton fired: Marlins players, coaches couldn't handle the truth

By: Andy Slater (@AndySlater)

"Players would go back and forth between the dugout and clubhouse just to hear what Tommy was saying," one source told me.

The Miami Marlins and Fox Sports Florida advised Tommy Hutton that his contract would not be renewed, a story first reported by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Hutton told Jackson, as well as talk-show host Dan Le Batard on 790 WAXY, he wasn't offered a real explanation as to why he was dismissed. 

"All I got was we've made a decision to go in another direction," Hutton told the Miami Herald. 

The exact reason as to why Hutton will not be returning is still unknown.

However, through multiple team sources, I've learned surprising details that add to the circus in the Marlins clubhouse I first reported on last week. 

During my weekday radio show on 940 WINZ and iHeartRadio, I noted the following details Tuesday afternoon:

Via multiple sources, I was told this past Marlins season was the absolute worst when it came to complaints. 

After games, on numerous occasions throughout the season, players would go up to team PR staff and owner Jeffrey Loria complaining about what Hutton said during the telecast. 

"Players would have their wife, girlfriend, family member, and even friends texting them things Tommy said," another source added.

There were also certain incidents where Loria wasn't happy with Hutton. Loria didn't like it when Hutton would talk too much about another team's player, another source told me. "Anytime (Hutton) would bring up a ballpark flaw, Loria would be very upset," the source said.

The complaints against Hutton happened at Marlins Park, on the road, and even on the team plane, I was told.

Did the players and coaches complaints, along with Loria's partial unhappiness in some of Hutton's remarks cause his dismissal? That's something we don't know.

Here's something I do know, though. Hutton should not have been fired -- and that's the truth.

(Photo Credit: Spokeo)

National baseball writer doesn't "buy" Fernandez report: Or does he?

By: Andy Slater (@AndySlater)

National baseball writer Ken Rosenthal wrote a piece late Sunday night on FoxSports.com saying you shouldn't believe what you hear about Marlins star pitcher Jose Fernandez. Problem: When you read Rosenthal's story, he believes it all. 

Rosenthal says he spoke "with four people connected to the Marlins." He writes his piece to follow up on "reports" (my initial report) about Fernandez's attitude.

Rosenthal's opening statement:

“For more than a week now, we’ve heard reports about how Jose Fernandez ticks off his Marlins teammates with his attitude and is disrespectful toward his bosses.

I’m not buying it.”

So, Rosenthal clearly says he isn't buying the "reports". Let me rephrase that again: My report.

However, later in Rosenthal's story:

“Is Fernandez outspoken at times when he perceives his superiors are not handling matters properly? Yes. Can he be high-strung and emotional, even come off as arrogant and cocky? Absolutely.”

And more:

“Oh, I don’t doubt that Fernandez has ticked off a player or two, and an executive or two as well. ”

The only thing Rosenthal doesn't seem to buy is something that hasn't been reported. He doesn't believe the Marlins would trade Fernandez solely because of his attitude issues. 

Also good to know Rosenthal is aware of the circus existing in Miami. 

“Come to think of it, maybe the Marlins should trade him. I’m starting to sense that we never will hear the truth about Fernandez as a pitcher and teammate until he escapes the circus that is Miami.”

(Photo Credit: MLB.com)

Multiple teams reportedly inquiring about Jose Fernandez

By: Andy Slater (@AndySlater)

The initial report that Jose Fernandez may get traded this offseason provided sparks. Now, there's fire. 

Sirius XM's Craig Mish --- who first reported the possibility of a Fernandez trade before Opening Day --- said "multiple teams have already inquired" with the Marlins about trading for Fernandez, when asked Friday by Ethan Skolnick on 790-AM WAXY.

Mish didn't provide any specifics or details as to which teams have contacted the Marlins.

Fernandez asked a team official multiple times last season "when are you going to trade me?" ---  multiple sources told me ---  as I reported.

During a team charity event on Friday, Fernandez spoke to reporters including MLB.com writer Joe Frisaro. "I really don't have no time to look into that stuff. It's not important to me," Fernandez told Frisaro regarding any rumors or reports.

Marlins president David Samson appeared on 940-AM WINZ Thursday with Jeff DeForrest and somewhat contradicted himself. Samson said Fernandez "is not available." Moments later, though, Samson said it's their "responsibility to always listen." 

The Marlins begin their season Apr. 6, 2016 at Marlins Park. We may know sooner than later if Fernandez will be on the mound that day facing the Tigers. 

(Photo Credit: USA Today)

Marlins president says Jose Fernandez isn't available, but team will listen

By: Andy Slater (@AndySlater)

Marlins team president David Samson appeared on 940-AM WINZ Thursday morning. Show host Jeff DeForrest asked Samson to respond to the report that the team's ace was on the trade block.

"We're definitely not shopping Jose Fernandez, not a chance. He's not available," Samson told DeForrest.

Confusingly, though, moments later it sounded as if Samson wasn't totally ruling a Fernandez trade.

"I don't see it as possible of him going anywhere, but teams come up with some crazy ideas, so it's our responsibility to always listen," Samson said. 

The star pitcher's name came up in a report earlier this week, signifying a trade for him may happen sooner than later.

On Wednesday, I reported on the chaotic culture inside the Marlins clubhouse. Some players, coaches, and management were unhappy with Fernandez. 

Fernandez isn't eligible for free agency until the 2018 season concludes.