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Marlins extend manager Gonzalez Jupiter, FL (Sports Network) - Florida Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez received a contract extension through the 2011 season on Tuesday. Gonzalez has spent the last two seasons with the Marlins and has a 155-168 record. The 45-year-old guided Florida to an 84-77 record in 2008, keeping the team in playoff contention for much of the season and earning the 2008 Sporting News Manager of the Year award. "We are extremely pleased to have Fredi continue his great work with our organization as we enter another exciting chapter in Marlins history," said team owner Jeffrey Loria. "Fredi's ability to work closely with our players and staff has made us a better organization and I look forward to future success with Fredi at the helm." The Havana, Cuba native spent six years as a minor league catcher in the Yankees farm system before becoming a minor league coach in 1990. He coached throughout the Marlins minor league system from 1992-98 and served as the third base coach for the major league club from 1999-2001. Afterwards, Gonzalez became a minor league coach in Atlanta and eventually became the Braves' third base coach from 2003-06 before being named to his current post for Florida in October, 2006. |