Marlins VP/Player Development & Scouting Gary Denbo remains a "polarizing figure in his second full season" with the team, "eliciting strong loyalty from those who support him and strong enmity from those who do not," according to Ken Rosenthal of THE ATHLETIC. Some within the organization said that Denbo is "giving the Marlins precisely the jolt they need after years of lacking direction." However, more than 75 employees in baseball operations "have left the Marlins" since the team was sold to Bruce Sherman in '17. While more than half of those "were fired or not renewed, nearly 35 left of their own accord," many citing Denbo’s "personality and decision-making as primary factors." Those former employees said that Denbo "engaged in verbal abuse, fat shaming and blatant favoritism toward certain Marlins personnel." Some said that the "atmosphere around the Marlins is improving," but others, including some with "no ties to the franchise or personal stake in the matter, question whether Denbo is the right person to play a lead role in rebuilding the club." Sources said that Denbo has emerged as Marlins CEO Derek Jeter’s "most significant adviser," even though he has "no previous experience as a lead decision-maker." Rosenthal noted while a number of holdovers from the Marlins’ previous regime "still feel like outcasts, Denbo is showing a kinder, gentler side in his second full season with the club." Employees said that he "seems more focused and comfortable now that many of his own people are in place" (THEATHLETIC.com, 5/6).
TWITTER REAX: Baseball America Owner Gary Green: "Derek Jeter and Gary Denbo’s people skills are directly from the George Steinbrenner handbook. Treat people like garbage and hopefully some respond." Baseball author Danny Knobler: "Denbo stories have been circulating in baseball for a while (and they’re not flattering). Great job by @Ken_Rosenthal running them down and explaining why they could matter to Marlins." South Florida-based WPLG-ABC Sports Dir Will Manso: "A very fascinating but extremely unflattering story." Miami-based WAXY-AM's Jonathan Zaslow: "Absolutely brutal picture painted of Gary Denbo." Yankees Magazine Associate Editor Gary Phillips: "Interesting and unflattering read."
