Fredi Gonzalez has been the Marlins' manager for just more than one full season, but in the transient life of South Florida coaches, he has more seniority than any other pro coach in town.
With Pat Riley stepping down Monday as coach of the Heat, no pro sports coach in South Florida has been at his post longer than Gonzalez.
The Panthers are looking for a coach after Jacques Martin was relieved of that duty after three seasons missing the playoffs, the Dolphins recently hired Tony Sparano after one season under Cam Cameron, and the Heat is going with Erik Spoelstra, 37, next season.
''I hope I can break a record, catch Don Shula,'' Gonzalez joked.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
Veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez did some early work at first base before Tuesday's game just in case the Marlins need him to play there. Gonzalez said he had not played first in a game since he was with the Cubs early in his career, saying, ``It's like riding a bike, although
I haven't been on that bike in a long time.''
Wes Helms currently is starting at first in place of the injured Mike Jacobs (right finger). Jacobs is expected back in the lineup no later than Thursday.
• Gonzalez replaced Josh Willingham (stiff back) in left field Tuesday night after Willingham was a late scratch. Willingham came into the night with the eighth-best batting average (.341) in the National League. Jorge Cantu slid up to Willingham's cleanup spot in the batting order, with Gonzalez hitting fifth.
NEW 'STASH CITY
In the name of team -- or at least bullpen -- unity, the Marlins relievers are all growing mustaches. As of Tuesday, all but Matt Lindstrom had begun growing theirs out, and Lindstrom promised one by the end of the week. Taylor Tankersley has a Fu Manchu going, looking a lot like a former Marlins closer.
''I've been called Todd Jones five times today,'' Tankersley said Tuesday.
-- GEORGE RICHARDS
