Joe Girardi not returning to the Marlins? ] Marlins reportedly won't bring Girardi back Story Tools: Print Email Blog This FOXSports.com Posted: 2 hours ago Joe Girardi just might win the National League Manager of the Year award. But he is not likely to return for his second season as the Marlins' manager, according to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The newspaper, citing an unnamed source close to the Marlins' front office, reported that Girardi's chances of returning to the team as its manager as "zero" on a scale of one to 10. "I don't think there is any chance," the source reportedly told the Sun-Sentinel. Girardi has two years left on his current contract and would be owed $1.5 million if he is not hired by another team But Dusty Baker could soon be fired as the Chicago Cubs manager. And Girardi, a Windy City native and Northwestern graduate, could be a strong candidate to replace him. The Marlins, meanwhile, have reportedly identified a few third base coaches who could emerge as candidates to become the Marlins' next manager: Fredi Gonzalez (Atlanta), Joey Cora (Chicago White Sox) and Manny Acta (New York Mets). Why is Girardi likely gone? He and owner Jeffrey Loria have had a frosty relationship this season. In fact, Girardi was nearly fired after an Aug. 6 game vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he and bench coach Gary Tuck reportedly scolded Loria for yelling at umpires from his field-level seat. Girardi and GM Larry Beinfest reportedly "barely speak." And they do not talk about team moves on a regular basis. "His introverted behavior and lack of people skills have caused most of the problems," the source said of Girardi, who spent one season as the Yankees' bench coach after a 15-year playing career. "Both sides are at fault." But the Sun-Sentinel's source says the Marlins' front office is pointing to some on-field decisions, which could lead to Girardi's firing. The source reportedly described Marlins management as "shocked" that Girardi (in a battle for a potential wild card berth) brought back rookie pitcher Josh Johnson after an 82-minute rain delay on September 12 against the New York Mets. Johnson, a right-hander, left the game four innings later with cramping in his forearm and was later lost for the season due to a strained ligament. Girardi also was criticized for inserting reserve outfielder Reggie Abercrombie as a defensive replacement in an 8-7 loss to the Braves on Sunday. Florida's 10th-inning collapse was aided by two Abercrombie errors that opened the door for a five-run inning. Despite these recent woes, the Marlins have emerged as one of the season's biggest surprises. With a payroll of just $15 million and 22 rookies, Girardi has the Marlins (still) battling for a playoff spot � four games behind the Dodgers in the NL wild card race with nine games left.