Marlins make change at top

Thanks to a managerial shuffle yesterday, Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria can now yell at umpires with the skipper's approval.

The Marlins fired Joe Girardi, and five hours later introduced as his replacement Fredi Gonzalez, third base coach for the Atlanta Braves the past four years. Girardi's departure after only one season had been expected after his rift with Loria boiled over two months ago in an on-field confrontation over the owner's heckling of an umpire.

Gonzalez, 42, interviewed with the Marlins a year ago but finished runner-up to Girardi.

Gonzalez, who managed the Portland Sea Dogs in 1997, said he has no problem with the owner razzing umps.

``If he wants to yell, he can yell," he said. ``He paid for the team."

The Marlins decided to fire Girardi because he failed to mesh with others in the organization, general manager Larry Beinfest said.

``Joe is not returning because it was not a good fit," Beinfest said.

The cost-conscious Marlins wanted Girardi out so badly they were willing to eat two years on a three-year contract, which may cost them as much as $1.5 million.

Girardi is considered a strong candidate for NL manager of the year. The Marlins had baseball's youngest team and lowest payroll at $15 million, but Girardi led them to a 78-84 record, and they were in contention for a playoff berth until a late September fade.

``They came in and said, `We're going to make a change,' " Girardi said. He said no reason was given, and he didn't ask for one.

Girardi has been mentioned as a candidate to replace Dusty Baker, who was fired by the Cubs.