Fredi Gonzalez should top Braves’ list to replace Cox
Bobby Cox to Fredi Gonzalez: "So what day should I clean out my office?" Just kidding. Kinda, sorta. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
(Updated: 4:30 p.m.)
It’s quite possible that Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez was the leading candidate to replace the Braves’ retiring manager, Bobby Cox, even before this week. If he’s not at the top of the list now, something is seriously wrong.
Gonzalez was liked and respected in the Braves’ clubhouse when he was here as a coach. He reaffirmed what kind of leader he was this week.
On Monday night, he pulled his best, but probably most immature, player, Hanley Ramirez, out of a game for loafing after the ball.
On Tuesday, he benched Ramirez from the Marlins’ lineup in the aftermath of Ramirez throwing a fit and ripping his manager for not having the proper perspective since, “He never played in the big leagues,” and adding: “It’s his team. He can do whatever he [expletive] wants.”
Smart people are blessed with having a stop sign between their brain and their mouth. Ramirez is not among them.
When a manager or coach lets something like this slide, he loses credibility in the locker room. Part of Jim Mora’s downfall with the Falcons could be traced to a lack of accountability with the players, particularly his constant defenses of DeAngelo Hall when Hall was going through the motions in practices and games. Mora lost the team. I know this because players told me.
Gonzalez made it clear he would not play favorites, even though Ramirez hit a league-leading .342 last season with 106 RBI, a .953 OPS (baseball’s fashionable stat: on-base percentage plus slugging percentage). He immediately scored points in the clubhouse. Former Brave Wes Helms defended Gonzalez. He also said of Ramirez, “Everybody has a bad day. But I don’t think a bad day comes from not hustling. That can’t be stood for.”
Then he said Ramirez needs to apologize to the team, even invoking the memory of one John Rocker in Atlanta. “I was in Atlanta when the Rocker thing went on,” Helms said. “He was made to do the apology , but when he apologized to the whole team and held a 30-minute meeting, it gives you a little sense of easement. Kind of puts it to rest a little bit. Because right now when you don’t hear that, there’s still anger built up inside of you. One of the best things to cure anybody is to talk about it.”
Back to Gonzalez. It shouldn’t take much convincing for him to, 1) leave Florida and, 2) come back to Atlanta. In his four seasons as Marlins manager, the team’s payroll has ranked 29th, 30th, 30th and 26th (this season). You complain because the Braves’ payroll this year is at $85 million. Try managing a team at $30 million less.
Yet, Florida is over .500 for the third straight year. The Marlins are coming off a sec0nd-place finish in the National League East. In 2008, voters were so impressed with Gonzalez managing the Marlins to an 84-77 record and a third-place finish in the National League East — despite a sickly $21 million payroll (less than half of the next closest team) — that he was named the league’s Manager of the Year by The Sporting News.
The Marlins have little fan support. They have a kooky owner, Jeffrey Loria, who actually balked at bringing Gonzalez back this season. (Loria denied an ESPN report last October that he was exploring hiring Bobby Valentine to manage. But given the report came from the best national baseball writer, Buster Olney, I know who I’m siding with.)
There was a time with coach Terry Pendleton seemed like Cox’s heir apparent. I don’t believe that’s the case any more. The team’s general hitting woes don’t help his cause, and there’s a sense that general manager Frank Wren is not as closely tied to Pendleton as his predecessor, John Schuerholz.
For what it’s worth, Gonzalez’ contract runs through 2011. There are ways around these things. The Braves need to find that way. When Cox steps down, they will never have an easier decision.
♦
Earlier posts
Hawks should look at Larry Drew for coaching job
Is it ‘hot seat’ time already for Mark Richt at Georgia?
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253 comments Add your comment
Chip Caray
May 19th, 2010
3:10 pm
I still think Mr. Wren should give me a shoot at the job.
It's hard to be an eagle when you are surrounded by a bunch of turkeys
May 19th, 2010
3:12 pm
It is amazing to me to hear people constantly blame T.P. for the Braves offense, or lack thereof.
THERE IS NO TALENT ON THIS TEAM!!!!
And there hasn’t been for years excluding a rented Mark Texeira. Even before the mindless Braves management gave a washed up Chipper Jones yet another contract to hobble through, not one team in the hunt for the playoffs came calling to inquire about the possibility of acquiring Chipper for their stretch run.
Why? because he no longer is an offensive threat that can give even a good team a boost, much less be an offensive leader that can lead a talentless team such as the Braves.
Sure, you can give all the instruction or insight you want but if there is no actual talent to instruct or coach you WILL NOT GET RESULTS.
If it was simply about coaching you could take anybody of the street and coach them up and EUREKA!!! they’re a major league ball player. In fact the argument can be made that T.P. IS NOT the problem because management is always shackling him with “has beens” or “never was” players who have ALREADY FAILED with other teams and OTHER HITTING COACHES.
There is not one offensive player on this team that a legitimate baseball franchise with a MODERATE payroll would take. You could make a case for McCann but only if you consider the complete package and his attractive age. But without fail there is no one else.
You can’t make a 5 star gourmet meal with SPAM guys!!!
Joe
May 19th, 2010
3:12 pm
Fredi Gonzalez would be a great fit for the braves.
jb
May 19th, 2010
3:15 pm
No to Fredi and Terry.
Yes to Ned Yost or Tom Glavin. Cool and calm but great leadership by both of these guys.
Nacho Daddy
May 19th, 2010
3:15 pm
T.P, should call in an eye dr. to test all the guys, not just McCann
Don Gill
May 19th, 2010
3:16 pm
I would love to see Dusty Baker back in a Brave’s uniform. My Dad and I, both loyal Brave’s fans, would go to Brave’s games as one of maybe 6,000 fans to watch Dusty and Hank. Dusty has built and is building a winner wherever he’s been.
Blackberry Cobbler
May 19th, 2010
3:17 pm
ABSOLUTELY.
Fredi Gonzalez is the guy to get. I’ve been saying that for several years.
BUT IT AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN.
TP will be the next manager. If he doesn’t get it, you can bet the race card will be played. I guarantee it.
terry
May 19th, 2010
3:17 pm
freddy, mgr, maddux, pc, grace or baylor hc.
rekingball
May 19th, 2010
3:21 pm
Yeah, move Bobby up to the front office, and bring in Gonzalez, TP, Torre, Perez, Glavine, or even Norton. Any of them, just move Bobby!
The Braves need some 21st century managing, not this 1980’s style stuff, that have been doing the last 20+ years.
Jose
May 19th, 2010
3:21 pm
This is short list:
1- Gonzalez
2- TP
3- Oquendo
4- Yost(Already taken)
5- Phil Garner
joop
May 19th, 2010
3:21 pm
We certainly could do worse.
OleOleOleOle
May 19th, 2010
3:24 pm
Get it out of your collective heads. Glavine will not be named the skipper. End of story.
Jo-Bu
May 19th, 2010
3:26 pm
What’s all of this talk about Ned Yost? Isn’t he in Kansas now?
Did fare too will with him at the helm of the Brew Crew, so I’m not sure I’d give Yost a shot. Freddie G. got some Jo-Bu points for handling that man-child superstar of theirs in Florida. Bobby wouldn’t tolerate that either as he’s set Esco and Andruw for not hustling. I want to see how Freddi manages situations. We need a manager that not only commands respect but also doesn’t manage with a union mentality meaning that Bobby’s a manager that puts too much faith in veteren players when he should be playing the hot hand and/or hot bat.
rekingball
May 19th, 2010
3:26 pm
DSGray@2:57…..’The Braves head job will be one of the most coveted jobs in baseball’, HECK YEAH, apparently it’s a job you can’t get fired from.
Kenneth
May 19th, 2010
3:26 pm
Brett Butler!
TOOTRUE
May 19th, 2010
3:26 pm
This would be my choice.
the cox man
May 19th, 2010
3:28 pm
Chipper Jones will be the braves next manager. Remember the son always follows the father in any line of work.
kkong
May 19th, 2010
3:29 pm
Won’t make no difference…this is loserville, man.
Chip Caray
May 19th, 2010
3:30 pm
the cox man @3:28……Who says so?
beauvighn
May 19th, 2010
3:31 pm
Say what you want about Dust , but he has his team in first place. Which is more than we can say. How many of you would have bet on the Reds leading the division at this point in the season….
tampadawg86
May 19th, 2010
3:31 pm
I’ve been saying this ever since Fredi left him or Ned Yost should take over after Cox’s retire. They are humbled guys. Old School like Cox is. Love the way Fredi makes in game changes and doesn’t put up with BS! Fredi Atlanta wants you!!!!
Pete
May 19th, 2010
3:31 pm
Would love, love , love Fredi to manage the Braves. He does more with less than any other coach in baseball.
Nacho Daddy
May 19th, 2010
3:32 pm
Furman, check the frig again, remember last time you used it to make Jello
BraveMan
May 19th, 2010
3:33 pm
i hope wren has already contacted freddie’s agent.
Steve
May 19th, 2010
3:33 pm
“the cox man” I hope you are kidding. That would never happen.
clay
May 19th, 2010
3:36 pm
ive said gonzales would be the protocesor of bobby cox. he was the man while he was here and when he comes back he will be even more of “the man” he will take on bobby’s attitude and be a “players” coach. oh yeah and he will also start his own record of getting tossed. lol. Come on wren be smart about this and get him back to atlanta. I know you read these blogs and see all this. Lets go Bravos
I'm Gumby, dammit!!
May 19th, 2010
3:37 pm
It ain’t right when somebody plagiarizes your moniker, but then they suggest Ned Yost, well you can understand my concern. Get your own material, and quit making stupid suggestions. My credibility is at stake, here!!
Kenneth
May 19th, 2010
3:38 pm
Brett Butler
mrj
May 19th, 2010
3:38 pm
Bobby wouldn’t have discussed the benching in the media. Fredi’s not a bad choice, but apparently missed the aspect of not humiliating the player while still making your baseball point to the Team!
Next tenure should be a different style than the Bravos are used to.
I’m available! But since my phone ain’t ringing, MLB playing experience should NOT be a condition (Hanley!). Ron Gardenhire should be the model. Previous Atlanta fan exposure would be great.
Is Chris Chambliss is likely too old now, though managing in AAA currently. Ken Oberkfell is also at AAA. Ryne Sandberg is managing at AAA with Iowa.
Funny note. In my research for AAA managers, found that Greg Norton is the hitting coach for the New Orleans Zephyrs in AAA! Oh my those poor kids… they will learn to take a walk with the best of ‘em!
Rick S
May 19th, 2010
3:39 pm
There should be no doubt that Fredi Gonzalez is the most qualified, logical, and overall best choice to succeed Bobby Cox as Maanger of The Atlanta Braves in 2011! TP has not proven himself as a Hitting Coach let alone Manager.
Bob Horner's Blonde Mullet
May 19th, 2010
3:41 pm
Eddie Perez over Freddie Gonzalez
Bobby Valentine over Terry Pendleton
mrj
May 19th, 2010
3:41 pm
Or scrap all that I posted previously and make Chipper Player-Manager. He could get himself a first base mitt and stick around for a few more years into his 40’s! (Honestly not a bad idea the more I crunch it in my wee brain)
rekingball
May 19th, 2010
3:42 pm
The very last thing the Braves need is more of Bobby Cox’s ‘old school’ bull dodo. It’s 2010, things have changed since 1980.
Kansas GT
May 19th, 2010
3:44 pm
Jeff, as a Braves fan living in Kansas City and following the *gulp* Royals as the local time your comment that you would take almost anyone over Ned Yost caught my attention. What are your reasons for your opinion? Just curious be it that I have a feeling Yost will be here for at least 2 years.
Monica
May 19th, 2010
3:47 pm
Terry Pendleton…
Braves One
May 19th, 2010
3:47 pm
Just my take…
Braves 2011 Staff should include…
Manager………………………Fredi Gonzalez
Hitting Coach………………..Brett Butler (now managing the AAA Reno club for the DBacks)
Pitching Caoch……………..Roger McDowell
First Base Coach…………..Glenn Hubbard
Third Base Coach………….Trey Hillman (former Royal manager and Yankee AAA manager)
You all are idiots
May 19th, 2010
3:48 pm
Do you really believe for one second that terry pendleton will be our next manager? hes not. hands down, 100%, toilet paper will not be our next head coach.
YoAdrian
May 19th, 2010
3:48 pm
Gonzalez or Valentine! I’d be happy either way!
rekingball
May 19th, 2010
3:49 pm
Bobby Vanentine would look better in a Mariner’s uniform. Any uniform, other than a Brave’s.
david wrong
May 19th, 2010
3:50 pm
How bout THE MAN Smoltz!!!!! Smoltz for manager!!!!
Braves One
May 19th, 2010
3:50 pm
I think that mentally, Bobby Valentine is one hit short of the cycle.
rekingball
May 19th, 2010
3:51 pm
MEANT Bobby Valentine
USCTrojanfan
May 19th, 2010
3:52 pm
Here’s an idea…why don’t we see if the Braves will let all of us manage the team next year since we all know more than anyone within the organization…..
YoAdrian
May 19th, 2010
3:52 pm
David- I think Smoltz will be trying to manage his golf game instead. I think he would be a good manager, but I’d rather see him work on his golf game and start playing professionally.
rekingball
May 19th, 2010
3:57 pm
Valentine is the very last manager that the Braves should consider hiring, so he probably has a pretty good shot at getting the job.
He acts like a weasel. I guess he’s acting, maybe not.
YoAdrian
May 19th, 2010
3:59 pm
What exactly is everyone’s problem with Bobby V? Specifics anyone?
Teacher
May 19th, 2010
4:00 pm
Enter your comments here
Dezzy-D
May 19th, 2010
4:06 pm
You guys are Fanatics not decision makers! You think with your hearts and not with your heads.What ever is hot right now is what you want. If Gonzalez hits an extended losing streak you all will pull for someone else. TP has always had manager temperment, even in his days as a player. He is a favorite of the fans and coaching colleagues. He has not failed as a batting coach. Name me someone that has left that struggled here that are not struggling somewhere else. Francoeur is still struggling. Kelly Johnson is one of few that has turned it around. But give him a full season to fall into that slump he has every year. TP has been groomed for this job.
rekingball
May 19th, 2010
4:06 pm
USC@3:52…..I really think that a lot of the people on this rag could manage the team better, than the job that is being done now.
Of course, I don’t think that I could of come up with that brilliant move, of putting Cabrera in over Hinske, so that he could miss those two bunt attempts and then dribble the ball to third base and cause their 3rd baseman to make that throwing error, so that the Braves could win dramatically in the 9th, like Bobby did last night. Brilliant piece of managing there.
rekingball
May 19th, 2010
4:12 pm
YoA @3:59…..I don’t like Valentine because I think that he is a JERK.
I base my opinion on the conduct that he displayed while he was managing the Mets.
But that’s just my opinion, everyone should have one.
I just don’t think he can bring anything good to the Braves organization.
yo