According to Capozzi, Loria was in favor of this move after the Marlins went 9-20 in May, and that Valentine confirmed the offer was actually made.

In addition, Rosenthal says that Valentine is on the Indians short list to replace Eric Wedge as manager, and while the Nationals might have interest in hiring him, he is not interested in their managerial opening.

According to Olney, it is unclear whether Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is seeking to replace Fredi Gonzalez, who was re-signed last year to a deal that takes him through the 2011 season.

Loria will be meeting with club executives to decide the future of the coaching staff at the conclusion of the season.

Jon Heyman, in a post to Twitter, says that Loria is dissatisfied that the Marlins did not reach the postseason despite being 87-74 going into today’s action.

Marchand writes, “Minaya could be reassigned so Ricco is the face of the front office, while Minaya still plays a vital role in player personell.”

…i talked with someone close to the team today, who basically said ownership knows a change is needed, as they’re not happy with what has transpired since 2006, and they do not like the direction things are going… i have no idea what that specifically means, but, if i had to guess, it would mean something like marchand is writing about…

Marchand also writes about what he calls the The Bobby Valentine Brigade, i.e., the New York media.

…like i have said before, manuel’s fate is tied to omar… if omar stays, i suspect manuel will stay too… however, if omar is replaced, manuel’s fate is totally up in the air – as it should be… i do believe he’s done a good job, to date, considering the number of injuries he has had to deal with… that said, a lot will depend on how the team finishes… if the team quits on him, i bet he’s toast, as will be omar… also, players should be in the crosshairs too, in that scenario, because it will technically be the third year in a row this group of players went flat at the end of the year, there will need to be more than just a shake-up from above… i mean, maybe the late-season laziness is coaching, maybe it’s the players, but either way it’s unacceptable and way too frequent…

…anyway, if manuel is fired, i think it’s quite clear i hope for the return of Bobby Valentine… here’s the reality: if the Mets are going to have a limited budget this off season, and do not plan to make any major, big-name acquisitions, either because of money or a lack of supply, or a lack of talent to trade in return, Bobby V could be more than enough, on his own, to inspire and excite fans in the off season, because we’ll know 2010 will be entertaining if nothing else…

Actually, I have been thinking a lot about Valentine, as well, ever since he officially announced on his blog that he will not be returning to Japan.  Yes, he has his own blog.

The thing is, I am not sure Jerry Manuel has done anything to warrant being fired.  Frankly, I think he’s done an admirable job navigating through this 2009 injury-storm. 

As I have written before, the way I understand it, Omar Minaya and Manuel are tied to the hip.  In short, if Minaya is ever fired, the new GM will hold Manuel’s future in his hand.  But, under no circumstance will Minaya be firing Manuel.

In a poll on MetsBlog.com in June, 97 percent of 5,000 voters said they still have a positive view of Valentine.

I love Bobby V, too.  I think he’s brilliant, albeit avante garde and controversial, he’s entertaining, he’s unique, he’s feisty, players either love him or hate him and because of this he seems to get the most out everyone – including us.

Reporters and baseball people often ask ask me why I like Bobby V so much, seeing as he never won a World Series while with the Mets.  And that’s the thing, think about it: he lost to the freakin’ Yankees in the World Series… the Yankees… in a World Series… yet, 97 percent of us still like him.  I mean, you need to be a pretty special personality to pull off losing to the Yankees, and the Braves, yet retain that level of goodwill.  Look, it’s pretty simple: he’s an underdog, he’s unique, he’s a fighter and he wears his passion on his sleeve, just like we do, and so I think he connects with fans in a way that most managers do not – including Manuel, Joe Torre, and others.

That said, for the most part, Valentine seems to work best with disciplined, selfless talent, most of whom are primed to buy in to his style of play.  For instance, I think David Wright would do well with Valentine, but I think Jose Reyes would struggle.  So, if the Mets intend to rely on the Gary Sheffields of the world, the Carlos Delgado, Valentine should never return.  However, if the Mets plan to build a team around hit-and-runs, less power and more doubles in the gap, timely stolen bases, bunting, a versatile bullpen, and basically play chess on a baseball field, Valentine is the best man for the job.

Last month, during an interview with ESPN 1050, Michael Kay asked Valentine if he would ever manage the Mets again.

Valentine did not answer the question directly, of course, though he was sure to say Manuel is a good manager for this team.

However, he did point out that his departure from the Mets was ‘not bad at all,’ noting the ‘personalities’ who he had issues with, and who had issues with him, are no longer with the organization.

From what I can gather, this is true.  In talking with people close to the team, I believe ownership and Minaya still like Valentine, and continue to have a good relationship with him.  It sounds to me like he and Minaya have remained remained in contact, as their relationship goes back a long, long way.

The thing is, a) the Mets have a manager they like, though they’re not against change, and b) ultimately, I sense the Mets view Valentine as a part of their past; so if they do make a change, they’ll be more inclined to move forward, not back.

According to the Associated Press, Lotte management had decided before the season that it could not afford Valentine and would not renew his contract.

…this will be interesting… the way i understand it, Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel are tied to the hip… in short, if omar is ever fired, the new GM will hold jerry’s future in his hand… but, under no circumstance will minaya be firing jerry… so, to wish for bobby may be premature… that said, should the Mets be looking to a new team, build around youth, speed and strategic, aggressive baseball, bobby would be the way to go… say what you will about him, but the man knew his baseball… in fact, i think he thinks he invented the game – and, as a fan, i like that…

…i bet bobby’s blog post perked up the ears of the Nationals…

He said he is confident, if he decides to interview for a job in MLB next season, he will be able to find a team to work for.

Valentine said he has been offered jobs by MLB teams during the last few years, but he has been under contract in Japan.

Lastly, asked if he would ever manage the Mets again, Valentine was sure to say Jerry Manuel is a good manager for this team.

However, he also said his departure from the Mets was ‘not bad at all,’ and said, essentially, the ‘personalities’ who he had issues with, and who had issues with him, are no longer with the organization.

To listen to to Valentine’s entire interview, go to 1050 ESPN Radio.

According to Klapisch, “Despite having fired him in 2002, Met ownership has no hard feelings toward Valentine.  In fact, he and GM Omar Minaya remain close friends… Does that mean Valentine is next in line to succeed to Jerry Manuel? It depends on whether the Mets survive September, not to mention October.  But there’s no question a coup is coming if the Mets fail to catch the Phillies — starting with a new manager.”

…i think what i liked most about valentine is that he captured so many elements that we, the fans, love: he was charming, weird, funny, entertaining, super smart, he motivated his club, he was controversial to a fault, he used stats, played form his gut, and even wore a disguise… he will always hold a special place in my heart, because i know he is capable of pushing a team to be overachievers, and i like the underdog, and i sense he does as well… that said, i like jerry, and think he’s a good fit for this specific roster… if, however, the Mets decide to change, go younger, tougher, etc., and they decide to one day replace manuel, i’d be all for the return of bobby v…

Yesterday, in a report for SI.com, Jon Heyman said, if the Nationals fire Manny Acta, Valentine may be among the possible replacements, according to a National League source.

The poll in the article says 68 percent of the 11,000 people who voted believe Valentine will one day return to manage the Mets.

Valentine is currently in his seventh season as manager of the Chiba Lotte Mariners in Japan, but is not expected to be hired back.

…this would break the hearts of lots of Mets fans, who, like me, would love to see him return to the Mets some day…

Heyman also reports on the trade market, the Indians plans, the market for starting pitcher, and other topics from around the league.