Are Braves affected by transition from Cox to Gonzalez?
Could the Braves' erratic start have anything to do with an adjustment period from Bobby Cox to Fredi Gonzalez as manager? (Jason Getz/AJC)
After 51 games, or nearly one-third of the way through the season, the Braves have been something less than predictable.
They have winning records against Philadelphia and San Francisco. But they are a combined 4-8 against Washington, Arizona and Los Angeles. They have pitched and defended impressively (No. 2 in the majors in ERA at 2.97, No. 3 in fielding percentage at .988). But they have struggled at the plate, hitting .242 (24th overall) with 377 strikeouts (fifth most), when offense wasn’t expected to be a problem.
Words like flow and rhythm don’t come to mind.
Let’s assume the Braves are still as good as most believed coming into this season. It’s possible that this is nothing more than common early season hiccups, and at some point there will be a market correction.
But could it be that the transition in managers, from Bobby Cox to Fredi Gonzalez, actually is causing a little bit of an adjustment period?
I realize this isn’t football. It’s not like Gonzalez is burning the old playbook and switching from the wishbone to the run-and-shoot. He’s certainly not unfamiliar with most of the players, or they with him. Gonzalez coached here. He coached for Cox. But considering Cox had managed the previous 21 seasons in Atlanta, it’s not a stretch to think there’s some kind of impact when a player looks down at the end of the bench and sees Gonzalez instead of the old Buddha sitting there.
General manager Frank Wren agrees, but only to an extent. He acknowledges everybody is going through an adjustment, but he doesn’t believe it has affected the Braves’ offense or overall play.
Dan Uggla hasn't helped the cause by hitting .180, including .128 with runners in scoring position.
“I think the transition is more with us thinking in terms of, ‘What’s the next move [by Gonzalez]?’” Wren said. “We watched Bobby manage for so long, we knew what the next move was going to be.
“Obviously, our team hasn’t really found a rhythm yet, but I really like the way Fredi has managed the team. A lot of people are uncomfortable with change. Bobby was masterful at running a game, but that doesn’t mean things Fredi is doing are wrong. There are just different ways of doing things.”
When asked about his comment that some people are “uncomfortable with change” and whether that has affected the players, Wren said, “I don’t think so. I really don’t think it’s impacted the players as much as it has people like us. Fredi’s a really good communicator so I don’t think anybody is real surprised by anything he’s done.
“Hitters hit. The fact is, if hitters were functioning and playing at the levels we expected, the manager wouldn’t have a lot to do. Fredi has had to create some situations for hitters because we haven’t scored runs like we expected. The manager is more involved when the team is struggling than when it’s rolling.”
The Braves are 17th in the majors in runs scored. They’ve scored three or fewer runs in 25 of 51 games, two or less in 17. Their on-base percentage of .308 ranks 25th in the majors. They’re also last in stolen bases (eight). That’s a little surprising given the expectation that Gonzalez would have players run more, but as Wren said, “You can have a more wide open offense when you have a two- or three-run lead. We’re fighting for a run to get a lead. You don’t want to lose base runners.”
Then again, if Dan Uggla wasn’t hitting .180 — and .128 with runners in scoring position — all of this analysis might not be necessary.
Wren conceded that Uggla is feeling pressure. “It’s an extraordinary change in your life when you sign a big contract, sign with the hometown team or the team where you wanted to go play,” he said. “There are additional pressures on the guy. But it’ll run its course and he’ll be fine.”
So, probably, will the Braves. But to this point, they’ve been a team out of sync.
By Jeff Schultz
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155 comments Add your comment
iTiSi
May 26th, 2011
11:16 pm
If one of the AJC sportswriters does not write an article blasting the cover-up and whitewash of the Derek Lowe case, then they don’t have a pair. I could see this coming a mile away. Who couldn’t? None of them will probably do it because they are afraid of being “shutout” of any access and functions of the Braves. The AJC writers are all “wimps and wussies” when it comes to things like this. Could at least one of you “grow a pair at least temporarily” and do the right thing?
mdubthewiz
May 26th, 2011
11:36 pm
They were inconsistent under Bobby last year. Their pitching is a little better and their hitting is worse. They need to trade for a bat. Uggla’s not hitting. I miss Infante.
NO MORE BOBBY
May 27th, 2011
12:07 am
I love how people say it’s not the managers fault but I’m pretty sure he had some say so in signing Uggla, new hitting coach and keeping Bobby’s leftovers. A manager anywhere else would not walk into this situation without getting to bring on their staff. Fredi is a puppet and Wren holds the strings.
goodnessgracious
May 27th, 2011
12:14 am
the manager is not out there swinging the BAT! They are lucky to be over .500. Need them to get healthy and spend a little for better bats.
Robards
May 27th, 2011
12:47 am
Given the number of injuries, this isn’t really surprising. Braves usually start something like this anyway–including some (though not all) of the better teams of the last 20 years. Uggla needs to get going, but most of the others just need to get healthy. Barring something unforeseen, I’d be shocked if this team doesn’t make the playoffs one way or another–especially given Posey’s unfortunate injury.
para braves
May 27th, 2011
12:47 am
Yep we are almost finished a transition. Becoming the Baltimore Orioles of the NL.. Mission almost completed Wren
braves bobblehead 3
May 27th, 2011
12:49 am
Uggla is batting UGLY and this is one of the problems. Heyward injuries are another but I believe in the Diesel and Gonzalaz so go Braves!!
Robards
May 27th, 2011
12:54 am
Despite the injuries, Braves have by far the best run differential of NL clubs not in first place. That means more than you think.
Tyler McWebb
May 27th, 2011
1:08 am
LOL, yeah it has nothing to do with the injuries, Schultz.
Why don’t we just ignore the facts and try to stir up controversy.
C’mon, you’re better than this.
DE Braves Fan
May 27th, 2011
2:13 am
So I think the transition thing in general could be right but not necessarily with Freddi. His mentality of taking IF at least once every homestand has CLEARLY helped the defense(more specifically Uggla). I would not be surprised if the transition struggle is going from TP to LP. This team was near the league lead in OBP last year(I think they may have even lead it) and when they were playing well they made SP work. No reason to worry though, still only 3.5 out and Philly does look vulnerable.
As someone else pointed out, Uggla’s BABIP is significantly lower than his career. His HR/FB are also way down and based off of last year’s ballpark factors, FLA was actually more pitcher friendly for HRs than Turner Field. I also like people complaining about Uggla’s K rate. It is actually lower than normal(currently at 22.2% his career rate is 26%). The problem is he is striking out in bad situations. His walks however are also down.
Do I want Uggla to start performing? Yes but I understand his struggles.
As far as Fredi. He does cause minor headaches such as that suicide squeeze but mostly he is not gaining trust from his players from what I have seen. The guy hardly fights for them. As far as him have a losing(not loosing; learn how to spell) record big deal. The last two year he also operating with a 2008 Braves-esque pitching staff. Meaning it was a make shift staff due to tons of injuries. The Marlins have solid hitting like Atlanta(They had Teixeira) but tough to win when your pitchers can maintain leads.
Fred
May 27th, 2011
2:36 am
This team just flat out stinks. The Braves over paid Uggla hired the wrong manager, and Chipper is over the hill. We need a center fielder, and a good led off batter. The Phillies are a better old team, than a young Braves team, and they will win the division again this year. The Braves won’t win the wild card. I refuse to pay my hard earn money to go to a game to watch this team play. For all you die hard Braves fans wake up, this is going to be another long and boring season for this team. The only bright spot for this team is the two young pitchers that we have in Jurrjen, and Beachy.
tom
May 27th, 2011
2:46 am
Cox should have retired or been fired about five years ago. Division titles get stale after awhile. Of course he could not even do that in the last few years.
DE Braves Fan
May 27th, 2011
3:05 am
@Fred you failed to mention Hanson.
As well tell me exactly how Atlanta overpaid for Uggla? First of all Uggla is being paid $9M this year. Utley is being paid $15M over the next 4 years, Uggla will be making $13M. In fact Utley from this year to 2015(both contracts are up then) Utley is making $2M more per year. Cano is paid $10M this year 13 next and 15 after that. The only 2B who is possibly better than Uggs who is making less than him is Pedroia. None of them though put up the power numbers Uggla has consitently. Uggla is the only 2B in history to have 4 years of 30+ HRs and he has done it 4 straight years. Am I satisfied with his current production? No, but his contract is completely justified(even though EVERY player really is overpaid).
No real proof that Atlanta hired the wrong manager too.
Is Chipper over the hill? Maybe but you are crazy to expect his prime numbers. He is still on pace to drive in 89 runs(by playing 140 games) and he is currently 2nd on the team in RBIs.
McLouth has been adequate at CF too (minus his recent funk which happens to everyone).
As far as a leadoff hitter, yes Atlanta could use a TRUE leadoff hitter and yes Prado does profile better as a #2 hitter but he fills in solid as a leadoff guy given all of his XBHs. The thing about leadoff guys is they can turn singles/walks into doubles by stealing a base. Prado can do that by just getting his normal hits.
Whopper Dawg
May 27th, 2011
4:07 am
Sure, it effects the team. The head guy, for the players, moves on after years, you will have to work through some things.
But he can’t bat, and that is the problem.
Honest Ingine
May 27th, 2011
6:58 am
to Marteen is a Ball Player….. I noticed ever incident you mentioned… you right…..Fredi needs to get out of the dugout…. especially, when mccann went half way back to the dugout…if nothing else to support his catcher….Come on Fredi, watch the game…
JackDennis
May 27th, 2011
8:37 am
Too soon to question Fredi. Course the usual cast of malcontents will bellyache as if they know baseball.
El Bravo
May 27th, 2011
8:46 am
The problem with the Braves is unrealistic expectations. Thus far, the only player grossly under-performing is Uggla. Martin and McCann are hitting below their OBP but their power numbers are there. Chipper has continued his regression as he gets older so he is hitting well within range for his age. Gonzalez has always been a .265 hitter with pop and that’s what he is doing this year. Heyward has been injured all year and his numbers reflect that. McClouth is doing exactly what we should expect from him considering the last two years. Freeman is a 21 year old rookie doing exactly what should be expected from him. I honestly don’t know what people were expecting out of this lineup. Make no mistake, we will hit better than this once Uggla wakes up and Heyward gets healthy. McCann and Prado will trend up slightly as well but if you are expecting a lot more from Chipper, Gonzalez, McClouth or Freeman then you are just flat out fooling yourselves…
DAP
May 27th, 2011
8:48 am
the team was inconsistent with cox as the manager too. i dont think it has that much to do with fredi.
Whisky Breath
May 27th, 2011
9:16 am
Where is all the damn offense Frank Wren and the Braves promised ? The old Braves used to tone down the preseason BS. Bobby would not do the BS. He was always confident, but didn’t resort to the BS hype. Shame on you Frank Wren, we haven’t forgotten.
Skillet
May 27th, 2011
9:39 am
I understand that Wren has to say & think that Uggla will come around, but you know he’s got his fingers crossed when he says that because Uggla is so messed up right now that I’m not sure if he’ll be anything close to the player that the Braves thought they had signed, at least for this season.
Lets hope that Jordan Schafer can do well enough to take over for “.238 Nate”….It seems that when McLouth is not injured, which is rare, he can’t seem to reach the elusive .250 batting average. The Nate McLouth experiment as the starting center fielder needs to end. He’s at best a utility player.
BartBuzz
May 27th, 2011
9:39 am
The only part of your analysis that makes sense is the comment about Uggla. His lack of offense has cost the Braves at least 5 wins. Factor that in and they lead the Division. Gonzalez can “manage” bad play by using his bench. So I blame him. But we all know Cox wouldn’t bench Uggla either. Let’s hope we’re not facing another Mclouth-like season slump.
dixiedawg
May 27th, 2011
9:51 am
Braves need to get a deal done to get Jose Reyes or someone similar. They need speed at the top of the lineup & Prado hitting where he truly fits (2nd). Maybe then they can get on the board early & play with a lead or manufacture more runs during a game. They have not had a true lead-off hitter since Furcal.
Scores/Schedule/Standings & Stories 5/27/2011 - Goodsportsart Blog
May 27th, 2011
9:58 am
[...] Are Braves affected by transition from Cox to Gonzalez? [...]
tomchop99
May 27th, 2011
10:07 am
This is similar to the article on Bleacher Report covering the same topic…
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/712814-bobby-cox-hangover-how-the-braves-are-still-adjusting-to-fredi-gonzalez
Jay Peterman
May 27th, 2011
10:10 am
When you have a guaranteed, multi-million dollar, multi-year contract, why should you work hard??? Why take extra BP? Why take extra infield practice? Why work out at all??? Money is what makes athletes inconsistent.
ichmond Brave... Still
May 27th, 2011
10:16 am
I am forever an optimist, & that this team will start hitting/winning more consistently this season. If we do we can’t even be considered for the wild card, let alone the division. People forget we’re in 3rd in the division, not 2nd.
If we get teameadoff man in offseason it may not be until next season that this season starts really comiog around, and this season’s early struggles & inconsistencies will be ling forgotten.
Marteen is a Ball Player
May 27th, 2011
10:25 am
Good morning all. While I certainly take issue with Fredi (see earlier comments), I’m surprised by the vitrol expressed about McClouth, and more specifically, Fran Wren. I do not believe Schaefer will ever be the answer. His speed is great, but McClouth has had a greater impact on our games than everyone in the line-up outside of McCann, Chipper, and Prado. I don’t include Hinske in that group as he is not an every day player…speaking of which, why is this guy not in more often? Love Hinske, love him. If Nate had given this level of production last year, we likely would have won the division, but what’s done is done. I like McClouth so far. Weak arm, but he does his job…especially when batting from the eight-hole.
As for Wren, I am a supporter. No one could have predicted Uggla’s season so far. In fact, everything negative about Uggla coming in was his defense. He has been beyond competent in this facet of the game. Yes, Kawakami was a monumental bellyflop and I will not defend him for this hire, but he gets more right than he does wrong. How could anyone take issue with the pitching staff we have. Wren has $85 million to deal with and a great deal of that money is tied up in Chipper, Hudson, and Lowe (deals made prior to Wren being in charge). Unfortunately, Wren may forever be branded as a failure if Uggla does not turn it around this year or next year when coupled with Kawakami.
Troy Glaus last year was simply a fantastic move. Granted, he had no legs the second-half of the season, but we never see the playoffs without Glaus and the guy cost us what? $1 million, $2 million? He didn’t trade JJ last year or in the off-season…anyone complaining about that? Kept Hinske instead of Diaz (liked Diaz, but obviously great move). Gonzalez has been a very good move compared to Escobar. Is there a better defensive shortstop in the game? Gonzalez doesn’t bat for average, but he has had some clutch hits and he seems to get a great deal of doubles (haven’t checked the numbers). When we lose a pitcher, we simply replace. Even with some issues with the bullpen, we are fortunate to have Gearin and EOF has been lights out. We know Venters is the best in the business. Whether he should be closing or not is a different argument going back to Fredi, not Wren. Kimbrel…not sure I like him closing, but I certainly don’t want him on any opposing team.
Thoughts?
Reid Adair
May 27th, 2011
10:47 am
And people complained about Terry Pendleton as the hitting coach.
What’s the old saying? “Be careful what you ask for. You just might get it.”
Jamanji69
May 27th, 2011
12:02 pm
should have kept Kelly Johnson~~
Coach Cheesedip
May 27th, 2011
1:00 pm
Ugga has never been a good hitter! He can hit homers but will never hit for average! You can’t win with over-paid old players and young guys that are bargain basement players!
Larvell Blanks
May 27th, 2011
3:01 pm
Yes, Uggla is not hitting because he’s used to seeing Cox in the dugout, instead of Gonzalez. It’s very hard making the transition from one manager to another.
Sweet Old Buck
May 27th, 2011
3:22 pm
If they are, they better get over it quick. The Phillies are giving evidence of running away and hiding, and, oh by the way, has anyone noticed that the Marlins have a decent run of their own going?
heartofdarkness
May 27th, 2011
3:55 pm
If the core of the batting order (2 or 3 key hitters who have been with the team for a couple years or more) was healthy and hitting, I’d start looking around for other causes to the inconsistent start. It isn’t and the odds say an improvement is coming, perhaps sooner than we think.
dcp
May 27th, 2011
4:00 pm
Sweet old buck is right. The Phillies have played through injuries all year – Utley, Lidge, Contraras, Victorino, and they are still in first. Every year it’s “well we won the season series vs. the Phils” – that matters not one bit if you don’t pound the other bad teams. The Phillies have done that for 5 years running and continue to do that this year while the Braves traditionally struggle. Give it time and see where we are 100 games in…
Daniel
May 27th, 2011
4:05 pm
simple answer: Dan Uggla’s lack of hitting. If/When he gets on track, this team takes off.
Larvell Blanks
May 27th, 2011
4:06 pm
“The Phillies are giving evidence of running away and hiding …”
Yeah, they’re 6-4 in their last 10, while the Braves are only 6-4, and the Marlins are a measly 6-4. So, yes, if by “running away and hiding” you mean “keeping the same margin,” you’re correct.
Daniel
May 27th, 2011
4:08 pm
sweet old buck and dcp: Braves, Marlins and Phillies are all 6-4 in their last 10 games. Could you guys at least make a statement that is remotely based on fact.
Larvell Blanks
May 27th, 2011
4:11 pm
Sorry, Daniel, that’s like SO two minutes ago.
Daniel
May 27th, 2011
4:13 pm
Technically, Larvell that was EXCATLY two minutes ago. But, who is counting?
Larvell Blanks
May 27th, 2011
4:32 pm
And as to the Phillies supposedly “playing through injuries” all year, let’s not forget that the Braves are missing two very important pieces of their pitching staff from last season — Medlen and Moylan — and are STILL pitching better than the Phillies’ vaunted staff. Plus Heyward hasn’t been healthy, and now McLouth is hurt, and Uggla would be more productive if he was on the DL, so it’s actually been a net loss for us that he HASN’T been injured. So if I had to guess which team is more likely to improve on its performance over the rest of the season, I wouldn’t bet the farm on the Phillies. It’s statistically unlikely that Uggla will continue to flail around without a clue, and when Heyward isn’t dinged up he’s shown that he can hit.
reckingball
May 27th, 2011
5:15 pm
last!
tmc
May 27th, 2011
5:40 pm
the biggest thing about Fredi vs. Bobby Cox and how the fans are responding is (and i am a victim of this too) that when Fredi makes decisions and it is unconventional… people get upset.
Everyone knew what Bobby was going to do before he did it. It was what made him great in his players minds and some fans ripped their hair out because of it. Bobby was as predictable and the sun coming up tomorrow.
Fredi is not. And that is a little frustrating at times and comfortable at times. Anyone who knows baseball knows that “by the book” works most times, but not all the time. There isn’t a manager alive that pleased everyone all the time. I have tried to tell myself that at least Fredi will tell you his thoughts on why he did something… (BC did not) and hey that’s all you can ask for and hopefully good results.
bruce
May 27th, 2011
6:53 pm
looking forward to looking back at this story line and laughing because it is no longer relevant… Uggs hitting homers right and lefrt and the bats clicking
Dwight Ricker
May 28th, 2011
9:41 am
Nonsense. Hitting is down throughout the major leagues. Your argument is off the mark.
Phil
May 28th, 2011
10:16 am
I love the BRAVES and will stand by them……however that been said, I am concerned that Fredi Gonzalez is confusing things with where he is placing hitters in the line-up and how he is using his Bullpen. I have a cousin in Miami who said that the consensus there is that Fredi has issues. I don’t know what that means but he certainly is not liked by Marlin followers. The other thing we must face is that just maybe our lineup is just not as good as we would like to believe except for a about three guys…..what do ya think?
Double Zero Eight
May 28th, 2011
10:57 am
The answer to the question is no. The Braves are
affected by :
1) lack of hitting
2) lack of speed
3) transition from Pendleton to Parrish
POON
May 28th, 2011
12:17 pm
If it weren’t for Freddi and Uggloser we would have nothing to discuss….I’m glad we have them.
John .
May 28th, 2011
12:41 pm
After seeing the results of the first 51 games Terry doesn’t seem to be the problem. Perhaps if the fans were made aware of the money being paid per at-bat for each player the results would improve. Dan Uggla is a disaster so far this season……perhaps riding the bus at Gwinnett for a couple of weeks would have some effect, or has his career taken a downward turn. After 51 games it’s time for some answers to these questions.
Mitchell
May 28th, 2011
4:59 pm
BOOOOOOO!!!!
Sorry, just getting warmed up for tonight. Gotta get those vocal chords warmed up.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
YOU SUCK BRAVES!!!
Gee, I wonder if I’ll catch a foul ball tonight. It’s anybody’s guess..
Mitchell
May 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
Frank Wren, please fire Larry Parrish.
Thanks. Bye.