Should Braves need a manager, I’d consider these guys
Today’s discussion of Bobby Cox leads inevitably to another discussion: If not Cox, then who?
Were I running the Braves and in the market for a manager, I wouldn’t feel bound to recycle the usual names. (Jim Riggleman, Jerry Narron, et al.) Unless I could convince Terry Francona to leave the Red Sox — and I don’t think John Henry and Theo Epstein would let him — I’d look to two coaches.
Neither of them is Terry Pendleton, and here’s why: I think he’ll be a very good manager someday, but I don’t think the man coming after Cox needs to have apprenticed under Cox. (This also applies to Fredi Gonzalez and Ned Yost.) There’s a sense of sameness about the Braves — how could there not be, this manager having been in place 19 years? — that I wouldn’t be sorry to see dissipate. I’d look outside. I’d consider:
Brad Mills, bench coach, Boston Red Sox: He has worked alongside Francona, who was his college roommate, in both Philadelphia and Boston, and I consider the Sox the new model organization. (The Yankees just spend; the Sox spend wisely.) Boston isn’t afraid to dump big names — Nomar, Damon, Manny — and isn’t bound to anything except trying to win the World Series every single season.
Loading ...The Boston approach to actual baseball is similarly forward-thinking. The Red Sox take pitches and work the count. They rely so heavily on statistical data they even hired Bill James as a consultant, and Mills is one of the few actual baseball men who’ll use the word “sabermetrics” in conversation. I’m not saying the Braves don’t look at numbers — they do, every day — but few teams look harder than Boston.
Jose Oquendo, third-base coach, St. Louis Cardinals: He’s the velvet glove to Tony La Russa’s iron fist. He was a utility player of immense value — remember him pitching four innings, the first three scoreless, against the Braves in a 19-inning game in May 1988? — and is considered the leading candidate to succeed La Russa. (Pendleton’s name comes up often in that conversation, you should know.) But maybe La Russa isn’t yet ready to retire, and maybe Oquendo is ready to run a team of his own.
He has forged a bond with Albert Pujols, which isn’t as easy as you might think: Pujols can be prickly. That speaks well of Oquendo’s people skills, and also of his eye for value. (Pujols is a rather important Redbird.) And studying under La Russa is among the better ways to learn. Some baseball people despise La Russa for presenting himself as this high-falutin’ Man of the Arts, but he’s smart and he’s analytical and he was among the first to deploy stats as a weapon.
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135 comments Add your comment
Bring Ned Yost Here!
June 18th, 2009
1:49 pm
To me it’s a short list, and this is the guy. Got shafted in Milwaukee as he build that team job with not a lot of money.
Ken
June 18th, 2009
1:56 pm
How about Phillip Wellman? He certainly has fire in HIS gut….lol
Bring Ned Yost Here!
June 18th, 2009
2:01 pm
Whoever thinks TP should be the manager is out of their mind. He isn’t even a good batting coach. “The Chosen One” (a.k.a our Right Fielder) is a testament to that.
gtdave
June 18th, 2009
2:01 pm
Freddie may not be a bad one either, but I like the Yost pick.
Chris
June 18th, 2009
2:02 pm
Not Ned. Not after the way he acted the second half of that failed season in Milwaukee. May be a great guy, but he soured in my taste.
Joe Fan
June 18th, 2009
2:09 pm
Wellman or Yost with Cox moving in as GM.
Jack G.
June 18th, 2009
2:09 pm
How about throwing Don Mattingly into the mix?
FreeMikeVick
June 18th, 2009
2:12 pm
I remember when Bobby Cox smacked his wife around and he did not go to jail……Whitey at work again.
Shoulda Woulda Coulda
June 18th, 2009
2:14 pm
GIVE ME LEO MAZZONE AS MANAGER …OR CHIPPER WHEN HE RETIRES
Shoulda Woulda Coulda
June 18th, 2009
2:15 pm
Enter your comments here
New Manager
June 18th, 2009
2:15 pm
MARK BRADLEY next Braves skip!
MR BULLDAWG
June 18th, 2009
2:15 pm
U NO WHO WOOD BE A GOOD MANGER? PETE VAN WEERIN I LISSEN 2 HIM AL THE TIME AND HE NO BASEBALL REEL WELL
Meat Rabbit
June 18th, 2009
2:18 pm
MB, why would Freddy Garcia not even make your short list?
Meat Rabbit
June 18th, 2009
2:18 pm
….but I like both of your choices, by the way
Bill
June 18th, 2009
2:19 pm
Jose Oquendo ,3rd base coach, guy is sharp fluent in English and Spanish, Knows his stuff. My #2 Pick.
One you didn’t mention. John Farrell-pitching, Coach Boston RS. Has worked in Front office, been Farm director. John is not intimated by the offensive aspects of game that happens constantly during game, a rarity. A,B,C baseball, hit & run, speed ,plus power. Works all the time never rest”.My #1 Pick”
Chop Chop
June 18th, 2009
2:20 pm
The Braves are up, 2-0.
Mark,
Taking the myopic top-of-the-fourth-inning view, I have to say that Bobby Cox’s work through the top half of the fourth inning in today’s game should secure him a lifetime contract. H8ers betta reckonize.
o-me
June 18th, 2009
2:21 pm
Wellman!!!! Hell!!!!
tiger297
June 18th, 2009
2:27 pm
If you could convince Bobby to move into the front office I personally would pick Yost but Fredi would be a solid choice as well. I think the players need a change of direction. Regardless of what you think of his ability to manage this team this year no way you fire Bobby mid season. Anybody think Chipper has the desire to manage? If that is the case maybe we should let Bobby hang on until he is ready.
Chopper
June 18th, 2009
2:32 pm
Bobby Valentine
o-me
June 18th, 2009
2:32 pm
Chipper just signed a 3 year contract with 4th year option….Let Cox hang on????? Get a life>
r martin die hard braves fan
June 18th, 2009
2:35 pm
YOU OUGHT TO BE ASHAMED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BOBBY IS HERE FOR THE DURATION. MAYBE YOU NEED TO BE REPLACED.
The Hot Button: Do the Braves need a new manager? | Mark Bradley
June 18th, 2009
2:39 pm
[...] For further reading: The Braves aren’t in the market for a manager and mightn’t be anytime soon. But if they were, here are two men I’d consider. [...]
Chopper
June 18th, 2009
2:40 pm
Why not bring Ozzie Gullien back to Atlanta? He knows how to get a team fired up and he’s won a world series with the White Sox.
Mark Bradley
June 18th, 2009
2:41 pm
For the same reason Terry Pendleton isn’t on my short list. Because I’m trying to think outside the Braves’ family tree.
slimpickens
June 18th, 2009
2:41 pm
Fire Mark Bradley!
Rchie
June 18th, 2009
2:42 pm
I hope that Bobby’s replacement will be Ned Yost. Managerial experience, knows the Braves organization and many of it’s players, and a proven track record of winning in Milwaukee. Plus, his style is one which demands more from his players as opposed to the constant excuse making that we have become accustomed to here in Atlanta when Cox tries to explain why major league players do not run the bases well or move runners over, etc.
Chopper
June 18th, 2009
2:46 pm
Davy Johnson won everywhere he managed (but technically he is in the Braves family tree having played for them in the 70s)
Casey Stinkle
June 18th, 2009
2:47 pm
Why is a slow azz catcher batting 8th in front of a pitcher? Makes no sense. A #8 hitter should have at least a little speed so they don’t get thrown out @ second when the pitcher bunts (see top of 5th). Maybe Cox should let someone else make up the line-up. I say Yost.
heybud
June 18th, 2009
2:51 pm
Bobby is NOT the problem. He never has been, not even in the postseason. When players produce, the manager is a genius. When players don’t produce, the manager gets blamed instead of the players.
It’s a TEAM game. No one can know what would happen if you replace members of a team with another. There is no guarantee of success or failure when you replace someone… anyone.
I am disappointed when the Braves lose, probably more than I should be, but it is a game, and I enjoy watching it on TV or listening to a game being broadcast on the radio.
A lot of factors have to come together for a team to be successful, much less win a championship – ownership, farm system, front office, coaching staff, players, etc.
In my opinion replacing Bobby Cox would be a step backwards, not a step forward. I don’t have the answer and neither does anyone else who has provided his or her opinions on this blog.
Chopper
June 18th, 2009
2:51 pm
How about Buck Showalter for a year? He gets fired from the Yanks in 1995, they will the World Series (over the Braves) the next season. He gets fired from the Diamondbacksin 2000, they win the world series the next season. Anyone else see a pattern here?
Mac
June 18th, 2009
2:51 pm
Braves fans, meet your player-manager, Chipper Jones.
Or, Buck Showalter.
PMC
June 18th, 2009
2:53 pm
I like Freddi Gonzalez but he is in the family tree.
The people in Milwaukee didn’t think much of Yost at all for whatever reason.
Meat Rabbit
June 18th, 2009
2:53 pm
I understand your reasoning….sort of. But, of all Bobby’s disciples..your words “the Braves’ family tree”…Freddy has proven to be a winner at this level. He is young, seems to have a fire in his belly, and can relate to the latin players. Did I mention that he has big league managerial experience…which btw, neither of your guys do. I’m not necessarily of the opinion that staying inside the “family tree” is a bad idea…so long as we pick the right apple. But, as I said, I do like your guys, too. Great writing today! Love the speed blogs!
Ken
June 18th, 2009
2:58 pm
Okay, here’s thinking outside the box.
Greg Frady, Georgia State University head baseball coach.
In his second season as GSU head coach, he won 33 collegiate games, a school record. In his third, he won the CAA conference title and took them to the NCAA tourney. More than 80 of his athletes have been drafted or signed professional contracts, 20 have been All-Americans, and four have made the big leagues. He’s been a winner everywhere he’s coached, and has the personality and drive to make a team like the Braves a winner.
Can’t be worse than any of these other choices. Give him a place in the organization and see if he can manage pros. I’ll bet he can.
Robert
June 18th, 2009
2:59 pm
Anyone not named Hargrove, Valentine, or, heaven forbid, Pendleton
How about Rick Dempsey?
Pappy
June 18th, 2009
3:06 pm
Glad to see Kelly Johnson out of the line-up today…
Timbo
June 18th, 2009
3:07 pm
You’re right Mark, Bobby is too nice for this team. Ozzie Gullien of the Chisox is the perfect manager for this team. Go get him!!!!
Mac
June 18th, 2009
3:07 pm
Is Eddie Haas still alive? I hear Speedy Claxton’s not doing anything.
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
June 18th, 2009
3:09 pm
Too soon, but Brian O’Connor? (i’m biased haha)
shankit
June 18th, 2009
3:13 pm
I just always thought Smoltz would finish his career with Atlanta
and assume some sort of assistant managerial position leading to eventually the
managerial position after Cox retired.
Not to be — but, I still think Smoltz would be a consideration.
Fruit of A Good Tree
June 18th, 2009
3:15 pm
What about Jimy Williams? Grady Little? I know they are from “the tree”, but they can manage and they both play a more aggressive brand of ball than Bobby.
If Grady doesn’t listen to Pedro, Francona may not be in Boston right now. He would still be a question mark…a guy that didn’t get it done in his first stint. Guys like LaRussa and Cox have gotten it done at every stop.
Williams and Little have done good a good job at each stop and so “tree” or not, I go with the guys with proven track records. Francona hasn’t shown me he can win without the big $$!
Hoosier Aaron
June 18th, 2009
3:27 pm
Mickey Hatcher is my guy.
Ray D. Aider
June 18th, 2009
3:33 pm
I agree with Chopper, Buck Showalter would be my first choice.
Definitely not Ned Yost.
Matty
June 18th, 2009
3:33 pm
What about Don Mattingly?
Mark Bradley
June 18th, 2009
3:40 pm
Why would you hire Jimy Williams? I mean, really.
Mark Bradley
June 18th, 2009
3:41 pm
Don Mattingly would be on my long list.
I’m not a big Ned Yost fan, you should know. When you get canned in September in the heat of a pennant race, that’s a serious warning flare.
Luther
June 18th, 2009
3:43 pm
This is what happens when DOB tries to take a few days off.
Fruit of A Good Tree
June 18th, 2009
3:49 pm
Mark, did I miss something with Williams? I thought he did a good job in Boston, Houston and Toronto? He has an excellent reputation as a teacher and he isn’t one for the Earl weaver brand of baseball. He has an overall winning record.
What’s the problem Mark, what is it I’m not seeing?
Herschel Talker
June 18th, 2009
3:51 pm
MB – what about Russ Nixon? I bet he’s available.
Fruit of A Good Tree
June 18th, 2009
3:51 pm
What is wrong with wanting to hire a guy who has won at three different stops, has a reputation as a teacher, and plays a non Earl weaver brand of baseball?
Is there sojmething I miss, why don’t you want a guy who is proven Mark?
Fruit of A Good Tree
June 18th, 2009
3:55 pm
Mark, what is wrong with a guy that has won at every stop? He has a reputation as a teacher, and his teams play a non Earl weaver style of baseball.
Why wouldn’t you want a guy with a winning record?
Baldwin
June 18th, 2009
3:56 pm
Terry Pendleton is my choice. He is a younger Bobby Cox with more energy.
BHG
Durham, NC
Carly
June 18th, 2009
4:00 pm
John Smolz Bwhaaaaaaa haaaaaaa
Robert
June 18th, 2009
4:05 pm
“Why would you hire Jimy Williams? I mean, really.”
Because of you hired Jimmy Williams to manage, then Cox wouldnt be managing any more
Robert
June 18th, 2009
4:05 pm
“MB – what about Russ Nixon? I bet he’s available”
Another guy better than Cox
Robert
June 18th, 2009
4:06 pm
Mr Bradley, I’d hire YOU to manage the Braves if it got Cox the heck outta the dugout
Millwood
June 18th, 2009
4:08 pm
Ted Turner was pretty good. Bring him back.
Curtis Jones
June 18th, 2009
4:10 pm
How about Don Sutton? It would get him off the radio.
Political Man
June 18th, 2009
4:14 pm
How can any of us observers/fans have a clue about the next manager? Who has time to analyze the way other teams play on a play by play basis. It’s takes a shrewd baseball man to really see beyond the superficial. Like Dimitroff did with Smith. Maybe the Boston guy or the St. Louis guy would be right for the job. I do feel that Cox is needs replacing. He just does not have the drive anymore or the willingness to make the tough choices.
Adam
June 18th, 2009
4:21 pm
Bring in Davey Lopes (a winner who can teach baserunning and loves the speed game) to manage…. Keep Eddie Perez in the bullpen/Escobar coach…. Glenn Hubbard XLNT with fielding and 1B coach…. Bring in Wellman to coach 3B and light some rosin bag grenades!… Bring in Manny Acta as bench/Escobar coach…. Bring back Leo Mazzone as pitching/relievers must throw STRIKE 1 coach… Go to California and pay Rod Carew whatever it takes to be the hitting coach!
nelson
June 18th, 2009
4:23 pm
We are going to get serious on this issue, , if you do not have a good thing to say does not come the item to say stupidities my candidates are 1 : Brad Mills / 2 : jim fregossi / 3 : ned yost / with the departure of cox , remove all those coachs at all, and put as coach of pitching : leo mazonee.
the truth...
June 18th, 2009
4:26 pm
I think Bobby missed his calling….he should have slapped FreeMikeVick around…no waste of energy there….
Kent
June 18th, 2009
4:36 pm
Tony Gwynn.
Adam
June 18th, 2009
4:38 pm
Only problem with Gwynn is that he would want to keep Cadahia so they could sumo wrestle in the dugout.
steveh
June 18th, 2009
4:39 pm
I’m not saying Terry Pendleton ought to be the replacement for BC when Bobby finally decided to hang it up. However, to say that TP will not be a good manager because he is not a good hitting coach is ridiculous. That is a case of comparing apples and oranges if I have ever heard one. I am not saying Terry Pendleton is or is not a good hitting coach. I think that is debatable. However, everyone who has been around him will say that the guy is going to be a very good manager one day. He knows the game, has great instincts for the game, and has been a proven leader. His qualities as a hitting coach have NOTHING to do with his ability to be a good manager. That’s like only hiring airline pilots who happen to be good plane mechanics too.
country boy
June 18th, 2009
4:45 pm
I don’t know who should manage the Braves but if you are dating Susan Boyle and a friend says he can fix you up with a blind date then you jump at it because you know things cann’t get worse.
Sonny Clusters
June 18th, 2009
4:49 pm
When we was playing ball together we won about everything and I think a lot of it had to do with Coach. I never knowed his name we just called him Coach but he helped us to a state champion. I think if the Braves make a change they should try for Coach and see what happens. It dont matter that much with Jeff because he isnt going to listen to Coach or anybody else about hitting but Coach would probably be good for the rest of the guys. When Jeff was at bat Coach would just shut his eyes and not open them up until he heard the crack of the bat or knew Jeff was back in the dugout. I think he was a players coach.
Max Sizemore
June 18th, 2009
4:51 pm
Mark, good point about the Boston front office. But Mills by himself wouldn’t be nearly enough. Wren needs to hire some of Epstein’s assistants, guys who understand the sabremetrics part of the game. One possibility might be Tom Tippett, creator of Diamond Mind Baseball, the best baseball simulation game ever. You might laugh, but there was a reason Tippett and the front office persuaded Francona to stick with Pedroia after his horrific (5-for-56) start in 2007.
Robert
June 18th, 2009
4:54 pm
” I don’t know who should manage the Braves but if you are dating Susan Boyle and a friend says he can fix you up with a blind date then you jump at it because you know things cann’t get worse”
God I wish I woulda come up with that – cuz it says it perfectly
matt r
June 18th, 2009
4:57 pm
I like the idea of a forward-thinking, stats-minded approach for a manager, but I have a feeling Schuerholz/Wren would not take much interest in that.
Mark Bradley
June 18th, 2009
5:18 pm
Jimy Williams is 65. Would that be a look toward the future?
ChopHasFlopped
June 18th, 2009
5:19 pm
I like Davey Lopes, Larry Bowa, Jose Oquendo and Buck Showalter. Showalter has shown that he does well in a rebuilding process.
Mark Bradley
June 18th, 2009
5:19 pm
Why hire Buck Showalter? What has he ever done except alienate everyone around him?
Mitch C
June 18th, 2009
5:19 pm
I’d try Freddie Gonzalez.
The person who suggested to take Don Sutton off the radio doesn’t have a bad idea. It might be unorthodox, and we know he has no managerial experience, but, the guy is a 324 game winner, and Hall of Famer, who has been around the Braves for two decades. He knows the players, and just might be a complete change from Bobby.
The problem with Don is that he is older. (64 if I’m not mistaken). It seems to me that if you’re going to hire a new mamager, to replace a legend like Bobby, you might want to go with someone younger.
Maybe the Braves should make Mcdowell the manager. I dont know if the Braves would consider that, but its a throw out.
Mitch
ChopHasFlopped
June 18th, 2009
5:20 pm
Mark, we disagree on this one. I think the Braves need someone who isn’t afraid to rock the boat. The good old boys network has led to the status quo atmosphere that is currently aloof in Atlanta.
Mark Bradley
June 18th, 2009
5:20 pm
Larry Bowa had better personnel than Cox and couldn’t once get Philadelphia into the playoffs, even as a wild card. And if there’s such a thing as the antithesis of a player’s manager, he’s it.
ChopHasFlopped
June 18th, 2009
5:21 pm
Bring back Joe Torre. He got shafted pretty good his first time in Atlanta.
ChopHasFlopped
June 18th, 2009
5:23 pm
Think a Mike Scioscia type. Someone who has been a bench coach but has the winning baseball pedigree. Who’s the Yankees bench coach? Brad Mills wouldn’t be a bad reach.
Clayto
June 18th, 2009
5:28 pm
What about Blauser…is he still coaching in Missisippi?
Kentavo
June 18th, 2009
5:38 pm
What about Murph?
Chuckster
June 18th, 2009
5:38 pm
How about Chuck James? Chuck was fond of saying he never thought about pitching because it would always confuse him. Chuck would be a good fit.
Another for consideration is Mark Redman. Who knows, he could be in his basement getting ready to be manager right now.
Dan Kolb might be considered. Dan is a free agent looking for work.
Bangkapi Ajarn
June 18th, 2009
5:39 pm
Firstly, I believe that Bobby Cox (more than Glavine or any one else) has earned the right to leave on his own terms – the time and situation of his choosing. ANYONE that replaces Cox will wilt in the harsh spotlight of comparison. With one possible exception (see below).
Secondly, Mark, I agree that he does not have the full attention of is players. BUT I disagree that your question (asked, rightfully, in the spirit of covering as many sides of the issue as possible) has any bearing on anything. He gave the only answer possible to that question. I would suggest asking Mr. Cox what managerial qualities he thinks would be most effective in taking these players (or a similarly talented group of players in 2009) to the same level of success, professionalism, and expertise that the 90’s Braves consistently reached.
I may have also asked (off the record to preserve relationships) who he thought best personified those traits today IF he decided to retire. Not to say you didn’t, of course, but I (and hopefully the GM) would love to hear his thoughts in that matter.
Thirdly, I would note that motivational theories change (fire breathing foul mouthed dragons vs. Zen masters for example), and a change in environment can often be a stimulating force in the workplace. While the next Braves manager may well be more , uhh, let us say stimulating to get the attention of the players, I would suggest they are doomed to fail in the big picture (treading in the very long shadow such as Cox).
Fourthly, while Pendleton may be the anointed successor in Cox’s public opinion, he would be Cox light with even less or a realistic chance to consistently communicate effectively.
Lastly Mark, while your two suggestions did have some merit, I would like to throw out one more unlikely name – a former Braves catcher that has had a successful career elsewhere (and could well be unavailable) – Joe Torrie. He could well be the only replacement out there that would not be lost in Cox’s shadows. Recall that HE was the manager when Cox was the General manager!
jimmy a
June 18th, 2009
5:42 pm
just FIRE WREN i`ll manage the BRAVES then
steveh
June 18th, 2009
5:47 pm
I’ll do it for half of Bobby’s salary. My Little League record shows that I know how to work with young players.
Mark Bradley
June 18th, 2009
5:47 pm
Bangkapi, Torre wasn’t the manager when Cox was the GM. Torre was the manager after Cox was fired as manager. Then Torre got fired and the Braves went with Eddie Haas, which didn’t last a season. Then Ted Turner brought in Chuck Tanner to manage and Cox as GM.
Bangkapi Ajarn
June 18th, 2009
5:53 pm
Thanks Mark, memory is fading I reakon.
Mark Bradley
June 18th, 2009
5:58 pm
Here’s something I don’t understand. If so many of you seem to think the Braves need a new manager, why would you want someone who worked under Cox to replace him? (Yost, Gonzalez, Jimy Williams, et cetera.)
To quote Stan Kasten on changing coaches/managers: “If you’re going to make a change, make a change.“
Steve
June 18th, 2009
6:10 pm
God couldn’t help this sorry lot
Nelson
June 18th, 2009
6:15 pm
I agree that Cox do not deserve to be fired, but instead they should offer him a good vacation and after that a nice retirement plan. First they should start replacing Pendelton as hitting coach (notice that even Andruw is improving under Jaramillo supervision), then if that doesn’ work send Cox to mentioned vacation, my friends Cox simply has lost his groove and vision of the game. It takes a lot of time for him to make the right decisions, people is saying because he doesn’t want to hurt the players (others than Escobar) I guess.
My Bad Wrist
June 18th, 2009
6:19 pm
First, I don’t think anyone should be allowed a vote if they don’t remember Ted saying that if he wasn’t firing Joe Torre, that’s who he would hire. Second, Jeff Blauser? Really? Third, and most importantly, it’s got to be an entire mindset change. Say the Braves attract Mike Sciosia or someone like him. Can Wren identify and attract the players he would need to be successful, or is he cut out to simply bring in 3 run homer types that don’t adapt.
K with a K
June 18th, 2009
6:24 pm
1: Joe Simpson
2: The hitting coach from Texas (his name escapes me)
3: Don Mattingly
jgon
June 18th, 2009
6:28 pm
I would like T. Moore to give it a try.
Shamus Thacker
June 18th, 2009
6:30 pm
We need a manager who can physically scare the living Hell out of every player on this team. Fear is a wonderful motivator.
Bill M.
June 18th, 2009
6:38 pm
My choice would be Phillip Wellman and Eddie Perez as bench coach. Keep McDowell as PC or bring in a young PC. No Leo Mazzone. Also change first & third base coaches.
JMar
June 18th, 2009
6:52 pm
I’d take Manny Acta (who will be available shortly), then Oquendo.
kool$kat
June 18th, 2009
6:55 pm
heybud was right on. ya better hope Davey Johnson, Torre, LaRussa, or maybe Francona is available when Cox is gone. otherwise its a HUGE step down, or back. But why isn’t Joe Morgan considered, he knows more about baseball than any person live or dead!!!!!
Bat Masterson
June 18th, 2009
7:04 pm
I may be wrong ” wrist” bit I think Turner said that about Cox when he fired him, not Torrie.
Supes
June 18th, 2009
7:07 pm
Mark, I can’t believe that Eddie Perez IS NOT on your list.
He would make a good option for the next Braves manager. He’s respected by the players and the fans, and while he can be a nice guy, he’s also got the fire and passion necessary for the job. He’s also still “not too old” to be able to relate and connect to the young team the Braves will be showcasing in the near future. Seems like a good disciplinarian type coach as well. Let’s not forget him being a catcher, the hardest position on the field, has a high baseball IQ. He’s also gritty, and not entitled, having been a backup througout his Major League career.
So my vote goes to Eddie Perez.
Mike Malone
June 18th, 2009
7:09 pm
I like your two choices, Bradley. Here’s one for you– Bob Brenley (sp?) . Can they lure him from the broadcast booth?
Sir Stealth
June 18th, 2009
7:13 pm
This whole article is blasphemy until Bobby retires and I refuse to even read anything like it until the day he hangs ‘em up. A sadly significant portion of Atlanta fans don’t deserve their own legends.
Spolarbear72
June 18th, 2009
7:14 pm
My list to replace cox would be: Eddie Perez, Jose Oquendo, or Manny Acta.
Braves73
June 18th, 2009
7:15 pm
Mark, your selections have NO head coaching experience. While both selections are being groomed through successful organizations, having no experience as a major league manager will hurt both (of their chances in ATL). Ned Yost was decent in Mil. but it took some time for that team to gell and the Brewers didn’t take off until Yost was fired. I am still sticking with Fredi Gonzalez. He can probably be swayed away from his FLA contract to come back to the Braves. He is making miracles with that team and their non existent pay roll. With the Braves restrictions, Fredi would be a perfect fit and help lead this team back to the playoffs.
Brett
June 18th, 2009
7:45 pm
Dale Murphy
J-MAN
June 18th, 2009
7:54 pm
I’m gonna give you the most unusual pick but one that might be the best and its Bobby Valintine. He shows emotion and has fire and he is entaining and if he get ejected we can have Groucho Marx on our bench so I’d say its win-win
nick manning
June 18th, 2009
7:58 pm
Nick Manning should be the next Braves skipper. Look him up on wikipedia. Credentials.
Eastbound and Down
June 18th, 2009
8:03 pm
Brad Mills sounds good to me. if not him, Kenny Powers
Eastbound and Down
June 18th, 2009
8:08 pm
if not Kenny Powers, Edie Perez. If not Edie, Phil Wellman never get tired of seeing this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGZUKHtW7vg
Bubba
June 18th, 2009
8:14 pm
1. Jose Canseco
2. Bob (Hurricane) Hazle
3. Pascual Perez
4. Bruce Benedict
5. Rick Camp
Shamus Thacker
June 18th, 2009
8:58 pm
Isaac Hayes is dead, unfortunately….
SC Ace
June 18th, 2009
9:10 pm
I’m sold on Brad Mills, even though I’ve never heard of him previously.
Someone said it jokingly, but what about that Wellman guy in Mississippi. I remember the Braves bringing him in last September, and DOB was commenting about the rapport with and respect from the younger players who knew him from AA. The grenade resin bag thing shows that the guy has some fire in his belly.
what the heck
June 18th, 2009
9:53 pm
Bring in Rocket Wheeler.
falcon21
June 18th, 2009
10:08 pm
Dave Justice could get this town fired up.
JT
June 18th, 2009
10:09 pm
This is one of the stupidest offerings in quite some time and I suspect it is only done to manufacture discussion and traffic on the site…..you have HoF manager in the dugout with a .500 team on the field, it is what it is so let’s not try to make this about Bobby….this whole line of discussion is ridiculous
SCJames
June 18th, 2009
10:54 pm
I just have the feeling that once Cox retires, and that should be the only way that is no longer the Braves manager, that Pendleton is not going to be manager but that Eddie Perez will be the new manager.
Rufus
June 18th, 2009
11:06 pm
Get Boozer the Clown, But please not Pendleton.
Eastbound and Down
June 18th, 2009
11:12 pm
I was only half joking about Wellman. he is still down in mississippi and appears to be well regarded within the organizatin. heck, he has to be after blowing up in 2007
old fashioned ray
June 19th, 2009
12:14 am
Don Mattingly is probably the next Manager of the Yankees,and maybe very soon if they don’t get on a winning streak. Right after the Fourth of July? I think the Braves will need to look elsewhere. Is there a Billy Martin type out there,to kick some Braves’ butt?
RW
June 19th, 2009
12:21 am
Earl Weaver for manager (is he still kickin’?).
RW
June 19th, 2009
12:26 am
Hank Aaron for manager (long enough to teach the kids how to measure up a pitcher and get a few hits).
Mitchell
June 19th, 2009
12:39 am
I’m sorry Mark, nobody named Brad should be allowed to manage the Braves.
Kenman
June 19th, 2009
1:20 am
I don’t know who the right manager is, but get someone who will put a fire in the belly of these guys! In the 90’s the “cool professionalism” worked, but this group needs some pride – and some anger. Let ‘em grow facial hair, get a borderline nutcase to be the closer, just get some personality and energy! The future starts now….
richbrave
June 19th, 2009
4:38 am
DAVE BRUNDIDGE
Random
June 19th, 2009
9:05 am
I nominate Ron Gardenhire, currently manager of the Twins.
On the other hand, if you want to “dissipate the sense of sameness”, a couple years of Bobby Valentine would be a real palate cleanser. And THEN Fred Gonzalez.
MB –
Has anyone ever asked Cox himself who he’d like to see succeed him? What’d he say?
Braves73 –
Ain’t no such thing as a “head coach” in baseball. You’ve exposed your dilettantism. CU L8R></strong.
Mark Bradley
June 19th, 2009
9:10 am
Ron Gardenhire would have been my first choice, Random. But big-league managers don’t often jump from team to team while they’re still working. (Bruce Bochy from SD to SF is an exception.)
Random
June 19th, 2009
9:15 am
kool$kat (June 18th, 2009 6:55 pm): “But why isn’t Joe Morgan considered, he knows more about baseball than any person live or dead!!!!!”
Well, you’re half right.
(But that WOULD possibly resuscitateFJM.com.) R.I.P.
Bill
June 19th, 2009
3:41 pm
ABC for manager.
Justafan
June 19th, 2009
9:25 pm
Braves mgr.
Torre 1982-84
Haas 1985
Tanner 1986-88
Nixon 1988-90
Cox-present
Bill I would also like a manager that plays ABC baseball. Get the runner on and get him in. Bunt, steal, sacf, hit and run. Brad Mills would do that.
Poorbrave
June 20th, 2009
9:24 am
I agree Mark we don’t need someone that worked for Cox. JOHN FARRELL from Red Sox or Brad Mills, Jose Oquendo are top Three.
SC Brave
June 20th, 2009
11:19 am
How about Greg Maddux. We all know how smart he is.
Buzz
June 22nd, 2009
5:14 pm
Maddux wouldn’t want to do it, not enough money in it.
James
June 22nd, 2009
8:13 pm
How about hiring Greg Maddux as a pitching coach and Tony Gwynn Sr. as a hitting coach?
The new Bobby Cox? He's managing the Red Sox | Mark Bradley
June 29th, 2009
1:56 pm
[...] And that’s what I see Terry “Tito” Francona becoming — the Bobby Cox of the 21st Century. He has in Boston the resources to win for a good long while, the same as Cox did here. And that’s also why, should the Braves ever need a new manager, I’d look first to Brad Mills. [...]
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
September 11th, 2009
1:54 pm
Wheewww, after seeing some of these names, especially in the first 100 responses, I would keep Cox. I like Gwenn, Maddux, or Oquendo, but #1 would be Norris. Which Norris? Why Chuck Norris and his first act as manager would be a round house kick to Norton’s head.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
September 11th, 2009
1:55 pm
I mean Gwynn
reality
September 11th, 2009
4:48 pm
Dale Murphy