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.
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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
End of An Era
May 19th, 2010
5:40 pm
Part of me wants someone who’s been in the organization since the turnaround, but yet, i feel somewhat compelled to wish for new blood. Unfortunately, Bobby has been around and had about a dozen (figuratively speaking) coaches who have coached under him who have the same style of management. I love BC and wish him the best, but maybe that’s what ATL needs is a good shaking up.
Sentimental picks: TP (which i kind of twitched while typing), Paul Hubbard and maybe Leo Mazzone?? (Although i’m sure the dugout benches haven’t missed him).
With Smoltzy/Glavine all but done with their playing days- sans Johns attempt at professional golf- i could see one of them in the next 5 years taking a coach position to be groomed for management.. so someone to do a respectible job in the interim. Lord help us if they both try to stay with the commentary.
Bubba
May 19th, 2010
5:40 pm
Lot of names on this blog, but seems to me that only 4 or 5 people are writing them all.
George
May 19th, 2010
5:44 pm
No truth to the rumor that Torre is coming back… Gonzo would be a good choice and I hope he cleans the coaching staff up. Out with McDowell, and Pendleton, bring in Leo for the pitching staff. and Helms for the hitting.
61 year Braves Fan
May 19th, 2010
5:58 pm
Can we immediately trade Bobby(uncle Festus) Cox for Freddy and Yunel for Hanley?
Why was Hinske on the bench last night? Only Cox weould do that.
YoAdrian
May 19th, 2010
5:58 pm
“By the way…..KK and D-Lowe absolutely suck this year. Why aren’t everyone screaming for Roger McDowell’s head?”
I think McDowell has done an EXCELLENT job with our young pitchers since he got here. KK and D-Lowe are veterens (KK pitched in Japan for a while) and there is no helping them. They must help themselves.
As far as calling for TP’s head goes…
I am one of the few who have not tried to blame our hitting woes on TP. I actually think he has done a great job of getting our hitters to be patient at the plate. J-Hey was being too patient, but Bobby straightened that out.
MitchC
May 19th, 2010
6:10 pm
I applaud what Gonzalez did to Hanley Ramirez. It reminds me of another incident, although from a long time ago.
Have you ever read the famous story about the 1969 Mets, Jeff, where the late Gil Hodges walked out to the outfield in the rain to pull Cleon Jones from a game, after Jones loafed after a ball? Hodges benched Jones for three games, as the Mets proceeded to sweep the Braves at home following the incident. After that, Jones was hot, and the Mets surged, but the message was recieved.
More managers should do this to the millionaire whining ballplayers. Maybe it would instill respect for the game, like back in the days when guys earned thousands a year to play, instead of millions.
I have no problem with Gonzalez replacing Bobby. I know he was a coach here for a while. If he can get the players to play hard, and instill respect, then why not?
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 19th, 2010
6:12 pm
I had him as untouchable but I’d take Gonzo over my first choice of Eddie Perez and BTW I retain EP regardless…
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 19th, 2010
6:13 pm
Also, Miss the Count.
Count = Chix pix…
61 year Braves Fan
May 19th, 2010
6:19 pm
USCTrojanfan asked to bring back Chuck Tanner. Heck why not bring back Charlie Grimm or
Fred Haney?
Matt
May 19th, 2010
6:33 pm
Fredi all the way BABY!!! Glad to see your writing about him! I’ve been telling my friends the past 2 years that I would like to see him take over when Bobby leaves! Definitly a lot better choice than TP!
T'VILLE DAWG
May 19th, 2010
6:36 pm
Your right and not because I said it 2 weeks ago. Hiring Pendelton with take the team back to the proverbial days of the 70’s known as the Stone Age.
wxwax
May 19th, 2010
7:03 pm
First?
Poorbrave
May 19th, 2010
7:06 pm
The fans have been calling for TP’s head last year and this year. Hell no to TP.
I hope Wren gets someone out of another System and gets his own man (not the buddy, buddy and good ole boy BS). I do like Fredi and believe he is a no non-sense mgr. When he puts on the uniform its all business and thats what Braves need. Go Braves!
Captain Lou Albano
May 19th, 2010
7:16 pm
I think they should hire a manager who has been a hitting coack before, because with the way the braves are hitting we will need at least two hitting coaches in the dugout.
1eyedJack
May 19th, 2010
7:21 pm
I’m with you fellers. Could we trade Chino and TP straight up for him, or would we need to throw in a top prospect?
1eyedJack
May 19th, 2010
7:22 pm
Sonny Clusters
May 19th, 2010
12:41 pm
Classic
J.T. Pendleton
May 19th, 2010
7:25 pm
I’m telling you my rother Terry is being underated, He is the best choice to take the Braves to the WS.Once you see his managing style you are going to like it. More speed, More small ball, more hustle,no more loyalty to players.Terry don’t stand for that. Terry was taught by one of the best and he is going to bring a wealth of knowledge and a lot of new things.It is going to be exciting having Terry as manager of Braves.My brother Terry Manager of the Braves.
1eyedJack
May 19th, 2010
7:28 pm
Hey J.T., would T.P. be willing to hire a hitting coach?
Should Braves consider Gonzalez as Cox’s replacement
May 19th, 2010
7:31 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that the Braves should look to bring back Marlins’ manager Fredi Gonzalez when Bobby Cox steps down at the end of the season. Gonzalez was Atlanta’s third base coach for four years prior to his [...]
Jeff Schultz
May 19th, 2010
8:30 pm
3DawgKnight — No on Mazzone being brought back. And like I said, I like McDowell.
Jeff Schultz
May 19th, 2010
8:31 pm
Thanks, ATLRedSoxFan. What’s wrong with your boys?
killerJ
May 19th, 2010
8:55 pm
Sorry no Tex Mex here,do better than that,I say TED TURNER!!!!!!
MarkTwain
May 19th, 2010
9:37 pm
If Eddie Perez is not the manager next year it will be clear to me that Frank Wren has no business running a baseball team and I need not bother watch the Braves anymore. Fredi is not a bad choice but Perez is better. If Pendleton is the manager I’m done with the Braves and I bet a whole bunch of die hards who really know the game are as well.
thunderbull56
May 19th, 2010
9:57 pm
Jiffy,I have always enjoyed your wit and sarcasm.That said, as much as I too would endorse Freddie,where have you been Man? When Terry Pendleton turned down an opportunity to interview with the Dodgers,I got that sick gut feeling.One of the three most “storied franchises” in the senior circuit, and you eschew that opportunity,so ‘yo young ‘uns can finish high school? AJC is kinda like ‘ole Outlaw Josey Wales,Pi** in my ear and tell me it’s raining.COME ON MAN?
Pick Me
May 19th, 2010
11:09 pm
I used to manage Pony League and Dizzy Dean, and I was pretty good. And I am getting pretty bored with my job. So I am a perfect fit!
Dave
May 20th, 2010
5:41 am
Jeff a few days ago I heard a rumor on CSS SportsNite that the Braves came close to getting rid Pendleton as hitting coach they said the Braves playing better kept it from happening. I don’t see how Pendleton could be made manager. I would also hope if Gonzalez is made manager he is given the option to choose his own coaches as opposed to just having to replace Bobby and has to keep everybody.
reallygroovy7777
May 20th, 2010
5:41 am
here you go either JIM LEYAND or FRDI GONZALEZ or maybe JESUS.
reallygroovy7777
May 20th, 2010
5:42 am
fredi i mispled his name sorry folke.
reallygroovy7777
May 20th, 2010
5:43 am
misspelled his name sorry folks .
jimmya
May 20th, 2010
6:46 am
sign dandy don now
Bye Bye Bobby
May 20th, 2010
6:49 am
Anybody but TP please.
BuzztheKiller
May 20th, 2010
7:16 am
I agree totally. Fredi has done an unbelievable job with very little to work with in Florida. With 30 Mil more here in Atlanta, wow. As a side note, who the F*** does Hanley Ramirez think he is??? These little punks coming from craphole third world countries, not respecting the country or the game of baseball, just to make millions so they can then go back and be bigshots in the islands. Is he talented? You bet. But what a waste. Fredi should have taken him out to the parking lot for a lesson in manners.
cubs stay home n watch
May 20th, 2010
7:18 am
Nope the Mananger will be Lou Pinella cause cubs will fire him at all star break cause hayward will be a cub to.Look he goin get traded remember who GM is here n in chicago home of overflowin toilets n unrinals.
Skeezix
May 20th, 2010
8:42 am
I’m okay with Gonzales, Yost or TP. My guess is that TP has the inside advantage.
TommyJack
May 20th, 2010
8:45 am
JEFF: Any talk of Brian Snitker being considered?
Joe Torre
May 20th, 2010
8:45 am
Don’t I deserve another shot? Afterall, It was not fair the way Ted Turner fired my butt like he did.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
9:06 am
Finally, someone on the AJC that makes some sense. Fredi would be a great selection.
I hope all the fans who blame everything on Liberty Media read Jeff’s article very closely. Look at the payroll of the Marlins and see what Fredi has done with less money than the Braves have had to deal with.
Cox and Wren are complete buffoons, we need somebody in here that has some baseball sense and Fredi fits the bill.
God forbid if that clown TP is giving the job.
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May 20th, 2010
9:51 am
[...] Fredi Gonzalez should top Braves’ list to replace Cox [...]
ttuman4702
May 20th, 2010
10:04 am
Dusty Baker? Are you crazy? After two years our pitcher’s arms will fall off.
Fredi Gonzalez should top Braves' list to replace Cox | braves.baseball-news-update.com
May 20th, 2010
10:27 am
[...] Fredi Gonzalez should top Braves' list to replace Cox [...]
TommyJack
May 20th, 2010
10:28 am
Dusty needs to do something about that toothpick. Gross.
Braves fan in SoFL baseball purgatory
May 20th, 2010
11:30 am
Been living in South Florida since the Marlins inception, but undying loyalty to my hometown Braves. Couldn’t agree more with you, Jeff. The only ones who show up to the games here are those horrid Mets fans when their team visits and a handful of lukewarm Marlin fans. Freddi deserves high consideration for the job. The Marlins franchise does not deserve a classy Cox protege such as him…especially with a front office so stingy and kooky. Everyday on my way to work I pass the new stadium under construction that Loria “sold” Miami on and succeeded in sticking them with the bill. I’ll bet Freddi can’t wait to leave “dysfunction-junction” and get back home! I hope it happens!
Keith
May 20th, 2010
11:42 am
Freddie Gonsalez okay by me. Please, not TP. How about someone even better. Try to get Jim Leyland from Detroit. He would be one of the best. They need to see how his contract reads and see if he would want to lead the braves. What a manager he would be. He is a winner!
Bravos1
May 20th, 2010
11:49 am
I am curious to hear who Bobby Cox will recommend as his replacement!
LivinInAL
May 20th, 2010
1:11 pm
Freddie would be a great pick.
ManOfTeal
May 20th, 2010
1:12 pm
Except that Fredi Gonzalez signed a contract extension with the Marlins through the 2011 season. Good luck prying him away from that.
Go Marlins!!!!
ManOfTeal
May 20th, 2010
1:14 pm
Oh yeah and the Marlins are also a better team, one that Freddi has been building since he took over the team in 2007. Why would he leave? I know he lives in Atlanta Country Club but come on, you don’t abandon a better team for a crappy one.
Go Marlins!!!!
39YearBravesFan
May 20th, 2010
2:53 pm
I’ll take Freddie.
GO BRAVES!!
ole baldy
May 20th, 2010
4:47 pm
Eddie Perez or Julio Franko. Both are well respected and know the game. Terry P a great fellow, but not ready. He doesn’t have the motivational skills. Conrad for President!
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