JUPITER, Fla. -- Florida Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez begins spring training with a little more job security.
Shortly before the first full-squad workout Tuesday, the Marlins announced a contract extension for Gonzalez through the 2011 season. The agreement was reached Saturday.
"It's a great way to kick off spring training, and well deserved by Fredi," general manager Larry Beinfest said. "He's in sync with our development people, with the front office, with ownership, and we see great things in the future."
Gonzalez was entering the final year of a three-year contract. He was hired after Florida fired Joe Girardi following the 2006 season.
The Marlins went 71-91 in Gonzalez's first season and improved to 84-77 last year, when he became the third manager to lead them to a winning record.
"As long as they want, I'd love to stay here," Gonzalez said. "It's a good organization. You see all the young talent coming up every year."
The Marlins are loaded with highly touted youngsters again this year and hope to contend with the World Series champion Phillies, Mets and Braves in the rugged NL East.
"I want to be here for a long time and bring a championship," Gonzalez said.
The 45-year-old Gonzalez grew up in Miami and started with the Marlins organization in 1992, the year before their first major league game. He was their first minor league manager, and he returned to Florida as manager after five seasons with the Braves, including four as their third base coach.
Gonzalez said he shared the news about his extension with longtime Atlanta manager Bobby Cox.
"He was pretty excited," Gonzalez said.
If Gonzalez remains for the length of the contract, he'll have been with the Marlins longer than any manager. Rene Lachemann holds the team record of 3½ seasons.
With a 155-168 career record, Gonzalez needs 86 wins this season to match Jack McKeon's franchise record of 241.
"We feel like everything is heading in the right direction," Beinfest said.
Owner Jeffrey Loria clashed with Girardi but offered Gonzalez the extension when they met last weekend.
"We're extremely pleased to have Fredi continue his great work with our organization," Loria said in a statement.
redasses 
