Merry-go-round

IT'S SHAPING UP as a bloody postseason for big-name skippers. Three former NL managers of the year-- Frank Robinson (Nationals), Felipe Alou (Giants) and Dusty Baker (Cubs)--have already lost their jobs, and the favorite to win this year, the Marlins' Joe Girardi, will probably lose his, too. That should benefit one new name: Braves third base coach Fredi Gonzalez. The 42-year-old is this year's Girardi: the hot candidate with no previous major league managing experience. ( Girardi, whom Florida picked over Gonzalez last year, most likely won't survive in Florida after clashing with management. Look for him to resurface with Washington or the Cubs.)

The Cuban-born Gonzalez, a former catcher who hit .192 in the minors, served 11 years with the Marlins as a minor league manager and big league coach before joining Atlanta in 2003. He is also a candidate to replace Robinson (Nationals president Stan Kasten is familiar with him from his days with the Braves) or Baker (Cubs G.M. Jim Hendry worked with him in Florida).

In addition to Gonzalez, Mets third base coach Manny Acta; Trey Hillman, who manages in Japan; and White Sox third base coach Joey Cora are up-and-comers. But for a team with an opening, cash and a promise to contend next season--the Giants, Cubs and possibly Phillies--the best available candidate is a familiar one: Lou Piniella, who is ready to jump back in the game after a year off.