5 candidates to take over the Braves after Bobby Cox
This guy's on the list. But he's not at the top. (AP photo)
Earlier today we offered 5 reasons Bobby Cox should step aside. Some of you then asked the logical follow-up: OK, genius, who would you hire to replace him? Here, presented in order of preference, is my short list:
1. Brad Mills, Red Sox bench coach: He has apprenticed beside Terry Francona, who’s the second-best manager in baseball — Minnesota’s Ron Gardenhire is the best — and who was Mills’ college roommate. He’s steeped in the Sox system of numbers-crunching, which would surely delight the stat geeks on DOB’s blog, and has been known to use the word “sabermetrics” in conversation.
2. Jose Oquendo, Cardinals third base coach: He’s considered the first choice to succeed Tony La Russa in St. Louis, but nobody’s sure when La Russa will leave. Oquendo is a key player liaison, having built an alliance with the taciturn Albert Pujols. (Ah, but you’re asking: Could he get along with Yunel Escobar? Probably.)
3. Dave Duncan, Cardinals pitching coach: There’s a spotty history for pitching coaches as managers. Roger Craig was a good one, Ray Miller less good. (And Leo Mazzone, the best pitching coach ever, never got a managerial sniff.) But the belief in St. Louis is that Duncan, La Russa’s longtime No. 2, wants out: He’s said to be angry at the local media over the treatment of his son Chris, whom the Cardinals traded to Boston last month. And it’s worth noting that Duncan wasn’t actually a pitcher himself. He was a catcher for the Oakland A’s of the early ’70s.
Loading ...4. Terry Pendleton, Braves hitting coach: If the Braves stay in-house, he’s the guy. He’s respected by the players — Jeff Francoeur’s flight to Texas for instruction shouldn’t be viewed as a consensus opinion — and beloved by the brass. He’s a hard worker who played under two of the best managers ever in Cox and Whitey Herzog, and he’s also a bit of a hard nose. (He rides a Harley!) Which, coming after the gentle ways of Bobby Cox, might not be a bad thing.
5. Scott Ullger, Twins third base coach: If Gardenhire is the best — and he is — why not grab his chief lieutenant? Ullger is a lifer in the Twins’ system and has managed in the minors. Plus, you have to admire a guy whose official bio reads: “Experience: A lot.”
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545 comments Add your comment
UGA ALL THE WAY
September 21st, 2009
2:18 pm
Sorry, but i might be the only one to say it but Terry was a good player and is already in good with the team and the Braves organization. He’s the guy i would have follow Bobby.
Bama Aaron
September 21st, 2009
2:18 pm
I wouldn’t put Pendleton in the top 5. I’ve seen no real proof that he’s much of a hitting coach, regardless how much Braves brass likes him. And if you can’t do your current job you have no business getting the promotion.
If I have to choose from those guys I’ll take Mills.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
2:20 pm
I’d like to see them look outside the chain. That’s why I have TP only fourth on the list.
Joey
September 21st, 2009
2:21 pm
Really hung up on the number 5, huh Mark? Why not Greg Maddux? Supposedly one of the smartest guys to ever throw a baseball for a living….
Tale of Woe
September 21st, 2009
2:21 pm
MB – I take it you were not considering current managers. Though you lost me with TP. I haven’t seen enough from him. How about Ned Yost?
Chief Nock A Homa
September 21st, 2009
2:24 pm
In the poll, where is the selection for “other”??
I don’t like any of these choices…
Who else you got???
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
2:24 pm
Why would you hire someone whose previous team fired him as it was about to make the playoffs? Is there a brighter red flag?
Gary
September 21st, 2009
2:24 pm
Yeah, but some things TP showed as a player was his understanding of defensive alignments and offensive situations such as when to bunt, when to hit and run, and when to just flat out steal. You never saw TP making mental errors in the field and he has always had the leadership quality. He is the obvious choice and would make a smooth transition since the players and organization know him well.
Gardenhire worked under the underrated Tom Kelly for years in the Twins organization and was the only choice to replace Tom when he decided to retire. Pendleton has the same resume with the Braves and I bet would be a very good manager.
macdwolfpack
September 21st, 2009
2:25 pm
Mark, nice writeups and I think timely conversations.
I totally agree that 1-it is time for a move, and 2-the next Manager should come outside the system. I don’t know if they could entice him or not but I’d also inquire of the current Marlins Manager Freddie Gonzalez. Freddie has his team above the Braves in t he standing without spending nearly as many bucks as the Braves have. He also appears to be able to handle young players as well.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
2:25 pm
I don’t think Maddux has any desire to manage.
matt_t
September 21st, 2009
2:25 pm
What about Fredi Gonzalez? He’s done quite well down in FL with no payroll, could Atlanta pry him away from Florida?
Escobar Rocks
September 21st, 2009
2:25 pm
Brad Mills would be my choice only because he has apprenticed under Francona. Terry Pendleton….ugh…no thanks. I think the Braves have become kind of stale so maybe an outsider with fresh ideas would be a welcome change.
What about Ned Yost?
I hope that they can keep Chino Cadahia around. He seems to be good for the young Latin players.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
2:27 pm
Fredi Gonzalez isn’t on the list because he has a managerial job at the major-league level, and guys who do don’t usually jump between clubs. (Bruce Bochy would be the exception.)
Dawgdad
September 21st, 2009
2:28 pm
I think a little Davy Johnson would help this team achieve their potential.
atlwolf
September 21st, 2009
2:29 pm
I think Phillip Wellman should be considered. You know, the guy who once crawled soldier-style to the pitcher’s mound, then lobbed the rosin bag like a grenade at the umpire. The Braves need that kind of fire!
Brian
September 21st, 2009
2:30 pm
There is a reason Dave Duncan has been one of the best pitching coaches in baseball for a long time, and has never been a manager. He probably doesn’t want to be a manager, and pitching coaches very rarely become managers anyway.
I think the most likely outside-of-the-organization candidate is one you didn’t even mention: Fredi Gonzalez.
But I also think the Braves won’t be thinking about this at least for another year.
Gary
September 21st, 2009
2:31 pm
Now while advocate Terry Pendleton just because of the smooth transition factor; another name within the organization might at least deserve some look and that is Eddie Perez. I don’t know but something about Eddie gives me the impression that he would be a very good manager if given the chance. Plus former ML Catchers seem to make very good managers.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
2:31 pm
Wait a second. We’re sincerely considering a guy because he once went nuts on the field? Really? Then why not hire Milton Bradley (no relation)?
Tale of Woe
September 21st, 2009
2:32 pm
Fredi Gonzalez, Ned Yost, or if Eric Wedge got fired would be my choices.
After that, how about Claudell Washington, Chris Chambliss, or Terry Harper?
Ok, your list will just have to do
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
2:33 pm
Davey Johnson doesn’t have a job for good reason. He’s not an option.
Brian
September 21st, 2009
2:34 pm
Gary, I agree. I think Eddie Perez is a better and more likely in-house candidate than Terry Pendleton.
Has there ever been any indication from Braves brass that Pendleton is some sort of “successor”? Or is that just an assumption among many fans?
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
2:34 pm
I’d sure as heck hire Eddie Perez before I’d hire Wellman.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
2:35 pm
The Pendleton-as-next-in-line has never been addressed by the Braves themselves.
Eric
September 21st, 2009
2:38 pm
My vote is for Terry Forster, Ken Oberkfell,or Bob Horner. Or can we pry Bruce Benedict away from refereeing?
Bama Aaron
September 21st, 2009
2:38 pm
Good point E…Rocks. At this point in time a fresh take on things I think would be very helpful. I have nothing personally against TP, but I think he’s been in the system so long he’d just be more of the same.
Only regret I think I would have is I like current hitting coach and you don’t know if you’d keep him once a change is made.
Bama Aaron
September 21st, 2009
2:39 pm
Good point E…Rocks. At this point in time a fresh take on things I think would be very helpful. I have nothing personally against TP, but I think he’s been in the system so long he’d just be more of the same.
Only regret I think I would have is I like current pitching coach and you don’t know if you’d keep him once a change is made.
Gary
September 21st, 2009
2:39 pm
You’re right, the succession has never been discussed. Add to that the fact that Pendleton has had several managerial interviews and is still the Braves hitting coach. He was even up for the Phillies manager position once they fired Larry Bowa several years ago.
I personally think he would be a good manager, but obviously his managing philosophy hasn’t translated into a job at the Major League level. (look at me already second guessing my first choice). Of course that could be because he is waiting for Bobby to retire so he can be the man in Atlanta.
Bama Aaron
September 21st, 2009
2:40 pm
Sorry for the double post….tried to correct an error before I hit send and couldn’t stop it.
Don Gill
September 21st, 2009
2:41 pm
Enter your comments here How about Dusty Baker. A perfect fit. Don Gill
Brian
September 21st, 2009
2:43 pm
Regarding Fredi Gonzalez, again let’s remember that a low payroll doesn’t mean low talent. The Marlins might have the best player and best pitcher on either team. It is no fluke that that Marlins have a solid team…they have a lot of solid players. Solid players that they will lose as soon as they hit 6 years of service time. But they usually find ways to replace them with more good young players. Great scouting, great development. And yes, a pretty good manager. But he’s not working with some sort of AAA team.
webhead
September 21st, 2009
2:43 pm
TP is one of the reasons Cox should go. Why reward him with the top job? I swear it’s like everybody has taken crazy pills.
MatthewH
September 21st, 2009
2:44 pm
You mention Bochy as the exception (managers going from one major league job to another) Shoudn’t you have counted the current manager of the Yankees?
As for who should manage, I’d go with Dave Duncan (if he wants to manage). What he’s done with the Cardins’ pitching staff (especially a few years ago) is remarkable.
Stay dry.
webhead
September 21st, 2009
2:46 pm
Keep Cox wait two years and then hire Chipper.
BravesFan79
September 21st, 2009
2:47 pm
Why is Floridas manager not in your top 5?
Id go with Mills and Ullger second tho.
MatthewH
September 21st, 2009
2:49 pm
sorry- should read “Cardinals’”
NYCBrave
September 21st, 2009
2:51 pm
Hi Mark, always enjoy your column. Why is Gardenhire the best manager in baseball?
Loveofthegame
September 21st, 2009
2:53 pm
Fredi Gonzalez was given a 3 year contract extension after he won the 2008 manager of the year award,,,so he is contracted to the Marlins through the 2011 season,,,, I dont think the Marlins would grant the Braves the right to talk to him
SC Ace
September 21st, 2009
2:53 pm
The fact that Wellman kept his job in spite of that well-publicized tirade should say something about the man’s abilities and the regard the Braves have for him. I recall DOB writing about Wellman getting the September coach call-up last year because Mississippi had a great season – he indicated that Wellman genuinely seemed well liked and well respected by the players who had played for him down there. You can’t say the man wouldn’t bring a bit of fire. Besides, you’re talking about an organization replacing the man who has the most career ejections in history.
That said, I like the idea of giving Eddie Perez a bigger role.
Brian
September 21st, 2009
2:53 pm
In addition to Bochy and Torre, Dusty Baker left the Giants to take the Cubs. Tony LaRussa left the A’s for the Cardinals. Leyland left the Pirates for the Marlins, and the Marlins for the Rockies. Piniella left the Mariners for the Devil Rays. In none of these cases was the manager fired. It happens more often than you’re letting on, I think, Mark.
Brian
September 21st, 2009
2:55 pm
Sorry, Piniella was “traded” to Tampa. He was a little different.
Gary
September 21st, 2009
2:55 pm
Also, let’s remind everyone that Freddie Gonzales is not only not on Mark’s list for his reason above, but also for the fact that the Marlins signed him to an extension before the season began. He isn’t leaving Florida, especially with a new stadium coming and all that talent.
I like Freddie and think of him as a great manager in the making, but the Marlins are not letting him go, especially to a division and region rival like the Braves.
Also Matthew, Giradi was fired by the Marlins and then hired a season later by the Yankees. Bouchy is the only recent manager to up and switch teams. Dusty Baker was in 2003 as well.
And please do not ever, ever…..mention Dusty Baker and Braves manager in the same sentence. That would be the end of Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson. Dusty has a nice streak going of killing young pitchers.
F-105 Thunderchief
September 21st, 2009
2:55 pm
“Why would you hire someone whose previous team fired him as it was about to make the playoffs? Is there a brighter red flag?”
Well, it’s the Brewers’, spawning ground of the inept Bud Selig. So, I’ll mix semaphores and take that red flag with a grain of salt.
Nittany Lion
September 21st, 2009
2:55 pm
Don’t hire TP. I don’t want him getting a hold on Freeman. He can’t do his job as a hitting coach let alone a manager. Francouer gets sent down. Chipper has bad year, Mac has an 0-20. Do you want want him influencing young talent at the major league level?
BravesFanInFL
September 21st, 2009
2:56 pm
Fredi just signed an extension, so he’s probably out of the mix anyway. The best thing TP ever did was steal an MVP from Bonds. TP has not been able to solve hitting issues young players have had, i.e. Kelly Johnson, Jeff Francouer, etc. Outside the organization is the only way. Gardenhire would have won 100 games this year with this team, I say get his go-to-guy: Ullger.
tripp
September 21st, 2009
2:58 pm
What is Biff Pocaroba doing these days? Or Andres Thomas…. he would be a good hire.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
2:58 pm
Gardenhire has a small-budget team in the playoff hunt every year — and often in the playoffs. He’s terrific.
Inya
September 21st, 2009
3:00 pm
Brad Mills by a mile. He’s not only respected and admired by his peers and the players, he doesn’t let sentamentality get in the way of doing what’s right and what’s needed. (Bobby Cox’s biggest weakness). We need new blood from other organizations to instill some urgency and fire in this team. I’m tired of people saying the Braves act “professional”. That’s called apathy, and it’s infecting some of the older Braves right now. Let’s get it done JS & FW!
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
3:00 pm
Torre had rejected the Yankees’ offer of an extension and was no longer under contract when he took the Dodger job.
pstlparks
September 21st, 2009
3:02 pm
If that is all that’s out there we may as well keep Cox and be a “wait til next year” team a few more years.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
3:03 pm
One other thing: I’m always perplexed when I suggest successors for Bobby Cox, and some of the same folks who want Cox out come up with names like Gonzalez and Yost and Chipper and Maddux. Are you saying you like the Braves’ way of doing business but you just don’t like Cox? Otherwise, why not look outside the ol’ org?
Just asking, mind you.
Brian
September 21st, 2009
3:04 pm
Here’s the problem, Mark. Ron Gardenhire is indeed one of the best managers in baseball. But he has only won one playoff series in his career. Postseason record? 5-15. Isn’t that what the blog denizens complain about now?
Obviously, Gardenhire is not going to be a candidate. My point is that so many people here are saying he is such a great manager. Well, what do we have right now if Gardenhire and his 5-15 postseason record is great?
Arthur House
September 21st, 2009
3:06 pm
Enter your comments here Ned Yost was firedbecause the management panicked. Look at the Brewers this year. Being fired is not a reason not to hire someone. If it was most managers would never get a second chance.
Braves73
September 21st, 2009
3:06 pm
Mark, I think the five you mentioned are strong candidates but you neglected to include Fredi Gonzalez. He is the best possible replacement for this type of baseball team. He is a former Braves manager, he knows the farm system, he absolutely makes the most of his talent and maximizes his players abilities.
J-man
September 21st, 2009
3:12 pm
I stand by what I said earlier about if Cox should retire. Getting anyone from the current coaching staff to replace him would be a disaster.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
3:12 pm
The Marlins might allow Fredi Gonzalez to come to the Braves — if they got Tommy Hanson in return.
tmac
September 21st, 2009
3:14 pm
Classic,
In this world of lack of appreciation from employer to employee, I can’t tell you how many times people look outside an arganization to fill a prestigious position.
Good Job Mark. By promoting other teams lieutenant’s, you are encouraging the Braves organization to covet thy neighbor’s property.
Now, I don’t know if Terry Pendleton is the right person for the job or not… but i’m sure there are people already in the Braves organization that could be the right person for the job.
How bout we start there?
N8
September 21st, 2009
3:14 pm
“Gardenhire has a small-budget team in the playoff hunt every year — and often in the playoffs. He’s terrific.” Mark Bradley
I live in Twins territory, and the players and fans LOVE Gardenhire. When Tom Kelly was not getting along with younger players and was a little gruff, Gardenhire was the “bridge” between those players and Kelly.
Management saw how much the players not only liked him, but respected his leadership and decisions, that he was an obvious choice. Tom Kelly couldn’t “relate” to the younger players (sound familiar? IE: Bobby and Yunel), and Gardenhire could.
I think the fact that a player (Francoeur) that was once considered the future of the team, and was an SI cover boy, went around TP for hitting advice, should be a clear enough reason as to NOT hire TP as the next manager.
Need to go outside of the organizaton, imo.
Brian
September 21st, 2009
3:15 pm
Well, J-man…I am about 95% sure that if Cox retires, the replacement will come in-house, so you might as well get prepared for it.
On the bright side, at least you’ll have a brand new manager to complain about! It’ll be exciting!
Tomas
September 21st, 2009
3:15 pm
I gotta think they’d give the job to TP, just because of respect. I also like Jose Oquendo and Dave Duncan. In fact I love Dave Duncan I just don’t know if he can be a manager. He has a fantastic ability as a pitching coach, would he have it as a manager? Who knows, but he sure knows when to bring in pitchers and manage pitch counts, which in reality is what managers are meant to do, as well as making the lineup card.
Jose Oquendo, managed the Puerto Rico team, which I think surpassed a lot of people’s expectations. He’s aggresive sending runners home, which I admire because it shows how he is not afraid to take risk and make tough choices.
El Bravo
September 21st, 2009
3:17 pm
TP would be the proverbial lightning rod so he probably would not be a wise hire under the existing Braves climate. At the first sign of trouble the already dwindling fan base woul be up in arms. If you are going to stay in-house Eddie Perez looks like the wise choice. Catchers usually make good coaches and he is very well liked inside and outside the Turner Field walls…
Joe
September 21st, 2009
3:17 pm
I wouldn’t take Pendleton for Braves manager, he seems too much like a p***y. He cried and let his feelings get hurt just because Francoeur went to Texas to work on his hitting. As a manager you have to have thick skin because as a manager you are the one who has to tell a player what is going on, good or bad.
Loveofthegame
September 21st, 2009
3:17 pm
LOL…….Mark…..That is about what they would want to give us Fredi
Ray Rackley
September 21st, 2009
3:17 pm
If Bobby steps down, Chipper Jones should retire as a player or be a player/ Manager. He’s the purest choice to manage the Atlanta Braves!
CraZyTRaDeMaN
September 21st, 2009
3:18 pm
I think Eddie Perez would be one of my top choses to replace Cox if you are going to go in-house.
1.Eddie Perez
2.Terry Pendelton
3.Dave Brundage
Matt
September 21st, 2009
3:19 pm
Ron Gardenhire is the BEST? Surely, you are joking!!
This is the same man who keeps playing Nick Punto for God’s sake. The player sooooo bad that the Mendoza line is a pipe dream for him.
This is the same manager whose use of Joe Nathan is absolutely mind boggling.
No, no, you must mean someone OTHER than Gardy.
JEB
September 21st, 2009
3:20 pm
MB
You state that you would like to see the Braves go outside the organization, just curious… why would you prefer that?
N8
September 21st, 2009
3:21 pm
Good point at 3:03 Mark. Totally agree. Can’t for the life of me think why people would want TP or Yost to replace Cox.
The only people that I can think of that would vote that way, would be people that don’t actually want Cox to be gone. They just want a similar succesor in line.
As for Fredi Gonzalez? While he was a Cox disciple, he obviously relates to a young team and somehow gets more out of them, than Cox has in recent years, and obviously is more personable than Yost ever was.
Ozzie Guillen was a Cox luitenant as well, and he couldn’t be further from what Cox is all about.
I’m just ready for change. As far as I’m concerned, McDowell can stay (way I see it, he’s done a fine job this year, if results and stats of the pitching staff speak any truth), along with Eddie Perez and Glen Hubbard. But Cox and TP have to go.
Perhaps, a guy like Eddie Perez would make a good bench coach?
Joe
September 21st, 2009
3:21 pm
Terry Pendleton would be a great choice.
JEB
September 21st, 2009
3:22 pm
Also, why not Snitker? Again, just curious…
Mark Roberts
September 21st, 2009
3:24 pm
Where is Ned Yost on this list? He’s a more viable candidate than anyone on the list.
Sting 'em Buzz
September 21st, 2009
3:24 pm
Don’t get me wrong, I liked TP as a player, but if he is the manager, I will have to think long and hard in order to not take a year off from following the team.
Money
September 21st, 2009
3:24 pm
Just as long as we don’t let Bobby have any say in who takes his place…I really don’t want to see a team managed by Greg Norton…
Tomas
September 21st, 2009
3:25 pm
What about Chino Cadahia
Joe
September 21st, 2009
3:26 pm
TP would not be the right choice for the job.
crd
September 21st, 2009
3:26 pm
Enter your comments here Fredi Gonzalez look at what he’s done with the Marlins
Good Grief
September 21st, 2009
3:26 pm
I’d like to Ned Yost or Terry Pendleton. Just because they sat under Bobby it doesn’t mean they’ll think like Bobby, Mark. We’ve actually seen a Ned Yost team last year duke it out and play some good baseball. I think they’re completely different thinkers, even if they were under Bobby for a certain amount of time.
JEB
September 21st, 2009
3:28 pm
TP or Eddie Perez would be my “in house” guys.
One thing about TP – you always see him up at the post watching the game. He is into it as much as BC is, he never sits down.
Chino, on the other hand, takes the “Bench Coach” title very seriouly!
Joe
September 21st, 2009
3:28 pm
That would be nice if Maddux did come back and at least be the Braves pitching coach. He said that he would start helping the Braves.
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
September 21st, 2009
3:32 pm
Eddie Perez is my choice to replace BC.
Eddie Haas
September 21st, 2009
3:32 pm
Call me. I’m still a player’s coach.
General Sherman
September 21st, 2009
3:33 pm
Are you fricking crazy,Terry Pendleton.He could not manage a little league team!
jeffrey d
September 21st, 2009
3:34 pm
Mark, by the time Bobby decides to retire, I think Heyward is going to be considered a candidate to replace him.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
3:35 pm
I wouldn’t hire Ned Yost. I don’t think the Braves will, either.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
3:36 pm
Good one, Jeffrey.
I do think Cox is thinking about stepping aside, though.
Joe Simpson the Great
September 21st, 2009
3:37 pm
Maybe the Braves could get Albert Pujols to be a player manager. That would help the team.
Sammy Kershaw
September 21st, 2009
3:37 pm
The answer is simple and he is in the organization and under contract. Tommy Hanson for player manager. Bam, there you go.
dozer
September 21st, 2009
3:38 pm
Give us Barabbas…….
Dawgmess
September 21st, 2009
3:38 pm
Chipper????? Good grief, don’t you want a manager with some kind of work ethic? He’d strain an oblique just filling out the line-up card!
Justinstud
September 21st, 2009
3:39 pm
I don’t believe Gonzalez could be pried from Florida just yet, but by the time Cox is ready to go, he might be wooed north. Aside from Gonzalez, I too am shocked that more Braves fans have not mentioned Ned Yost as the answer. He is a student of Bobby Cox, was around during the run, and certainly knows what he is doing.
He certainly had the Brewers, a mid-market team in terms of payroll, playing very good baseball. But I think that no matter how good the manager, if the fundamentals are not executed by whoever is run out there, the result will not be pretty. On average, the manager can only be blamed/credited with the outcome of 7-10 games per year.
TOMMY HANSON’s GEM AGAINST HOUSTON WAS ONE OF THOSE. That was awful to see that poor kid work his nuts off and get no decision. But that can hardly be the downfall of the season.
jndn
September 21st, 2009
3:41 pm
What about Ned Yost?
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
3:41 pm
Mark Lemke told me last week that Chipper gets to the ballpark almost as early as Cox does (11 a.m. for a night game, say). He did that even as a rookie, the Lemmer said.
GaCracker
September 21st, 2009
3:41 pm
You want SABREmetrics – get the guru himself – Bill James!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sonny Clusters
September 21st, 2009
3:41 pm
We was thinking the next manager should have a championship already. Having a championship is a lot better than wanting one. A manager that has already won a championship knows how to do it again (with the possible exception of Bobby Cox). We was never a championship manager but Coach was and he could do it again. As far as saying, “C’mon kid” when they are batting and “Easy” when they are running to first – Coach can do it. Lefty/lefty and righty/righty he can handle, too. Nose picking is not something we’ve seen Coach do but for the right money he could probably dig into his nostrils like Bobby. TP is pretty close already but somebody who’s coached a champion can do it again. Then, if people want to see something different maybe the Braves need to go outside for the next manager. How about Don Sutton? He seems pretty smart and we’ve never seen him nose picking. Smart people hardly ever nose pick.
Nittany Lion
September 21st, 2009
3:43 pm
What about Lou Pinella? He is guy who would light a fire under guys and wouldn’t be afraid to bat Chipper down in the line up if he is struggling to see better pitches.
tvsportscaster
September 21st, 2009
3:44 pm
Two thoughts, no way in hell I give the job to Terry Pendleton. He’s been a terrible hitting coach, look no further than two guys, Andruw Jones and Jeff Francoeur having to turn to someone outside of the organization to help, secondly my choice for manager would be D-Backs bench coach Kirk Gibson. He is a guy that has some fire and I think that is exactly what the Braves need. I would love for Gibson to get the job no managerial experience or not.
David
September 21st, 2009
3:45 pm
I don’t think the fact that TP isn’t the best hitting instructor rules out being a good manager. If that is the case hire the best pitching coach. It doesn’t always transcend into managing. Game management, player relations, using the pen effectively, transitioning young players into the major league atmosphere are reasons Cox has been effective. Pendelton has stuck by this organization when he could have gone elsewhere. He is my pick but here is a wild card- Don Mattingly.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
3:45 pm
Well, Sonny, here’s the list of championship managers still active: La Russa, Piniella, Cox, Torre, Leyland, Scioscia, Francona, Guillen, Manuel.
Two who aren’t currently managing: Bob Brenly and Jack McKeon.
Mark Bradley
September 21st, 2009
3:46 pm
Isn’t Bill James working for the Red Sox?
phoenix falcon
September 21st, 2009
3:47 pm
ummm, call me crazy, but there is just one issue with this article………..BOBBY COX IS STILL THE MANAGER, HE WILL BE THE MANAGER UNTIL HE DROPS DEAD, OR THEY FIRE HIM, AND I DON’T SEE THEM FIRING HIM ANYTIME SOON.
does Mike Smith coach baseball too???
and i would not want anybody on that list, what has anyone of them won?
just face it, we are stuck with cox.
Ed
September 21st, 2009
3:47 pm
It’s going to be Brian Snitker when Bobby steps down. He’s got experience managing the young guys as they came up through the system. He’s the 3rd base coach, just like Yost & Gonzales who went on to managerial gigs.