5 candidates to take over the Braves after Bobby Cox
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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553 comments Add your comment
GoCanes
September 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
Somebody needs to take a look at Bobby Valentine. We need someone who can manufacture runs, knows how to play small ball, and utilize this pitching staff we have. Just because we have a closer does not mean you have to give him the ball when your starter is still under 100 pitches for the night. The game has gone past Cox.
Firetheoldfool
September 21st, 2009
4:45 pm
Yeah. Greg Norton. That’s the ticket. He is apparently a fixture on the team and anything would be better than him trying to hit a baseball.
Alan
September 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
We don’t need someone who is loved, thats what we have had for the past years and where has it gotten us. WE NEED A LEADER, A MANAGER AND SOMEONE WITH A NEW OUTLOOK ON WHERE THE BRAVES NEED TO GO FROM HERE.
I for one am tired of winning baseball that doesn’t equate to a sucessful season, winning means one thing, BRING HOME THE BACON. !!!!
William
September 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
Enter your comments here
Ray Knight is my choice. He’s a leader, motivator and excellent student of the game.
Kenneth
September 21st, 2009
4:47 pm
want a former pitcher?: Pascual Perez
GregNorton
September 21st, 2009
4:55 pm
Erin Andrews. She’s shown she has what it takes.
ugadawg
September 21st, 2009
4:58 pm
I have always like the way the Cards ran things to steal a coach from them seems to be a step in the right direction. Jose would be my 1st choice of your list. Ullger would be 2nd as the Twins always seem to fight and claw the entire season to over achieve. TP would be my absolute last choice. He has proven nothing at his present position. Chipper and Mac consult their dads when in a slump. Frenchy went to Rudy, and AJ excepted a minor league deal from the Rangers to work with Rudy over a deal with the Braves.
Mitch C
September 21st, 2009
4:59 pm
I think that if Bobby leaves,the choice to manage the Braves should be between only two people. Terry Pendelton, and Eddie Perez.
Here’s my thinking in saying such: Bobby has been here for twenty years. It might well serve as an easier transition to have someone who coached under him, and who has some of the same thought process as him. Two, this has been done before when successful managers/coaches. left orginizations. It happened in New York in 1990 when Davey Johnson was fired by the Mets, and they brought in his long time coach, Bud Harrelson, and it also happened with the New York Knicks, where Jeff Van Gundy was brought in to replace Pat Riley. Granted, Van Gundy did better for the Knicks then Harrelson did for the Mets, but I just think that after such a long tenure, it would be easiest to stay inside the orginization, for now.
All I'm Saying Is...
September 21st, 2009
5:00 pm
If you want to go outside the organization and change the culture and tone in the clubhouse, then you should hire Larry Bowa. He flamed out in Philly but should have learned from it particularly having worked under Torre.
I also think Willie Randolph would be a good choice. He has major league managerial experience in a market like NYC and knows the game.
Not sure why we need to take a chance on unproven managerial talent such as TP, Duncan and Oquendo but apparently they and the Minnesota and Boston guys are ‘hot’ names.
Whoever comes in better show Chipper some respect and not try to run him out of the game (which is what LaRussa did to Ozzie Smith).
LET’S GO BRAVES!
braves70
September 21st, 2009
5:01 pm
Another plus I suppose for Brad Mills is that he, Terry Francona, and Frank Wren were all teammates with the Memphis Chicks in the Montreal system.
I personally am for Pendleton. I believe that free of Bobby Cox, TP would show a lot more fire like his old boss, Whitey Herzog. We all remember TP chewing out Marvin Freeman for not retaliating and hitting someone on the other team after our guys got plunked. Give me that Terry Pendleton any day.
Mitch C
September 21st, 2009
5:02 pm
A correction: Van Gundy was Riley’s long time assistant, and what I forgot was that he came in only when Don Nelson, the guy who replaced Riley, was fired. I’m one who believes that a long time assistant coach, or baseball coach, who served under a successful coach or manager, is the best fit, when a long time mamager leaves the team. The Yankees didnt do that when Giradi replaced Torre, and they struggled last year. Now, they are back on top.
I hope the Braves pick TP or Perez.
Joe Simpson the Great
September 21st, 2009
5:02 pm
Bobby has always had an American League attitude as a manager. He will play for a run early and then wait around on someone to hit a 3 run homer. He’s never been good at facilitating a running game. My biggest complaint about him is yanking starting pitchers out of the game while they are dominating. He does run a good club house and keeps the drama low.
bfred
September 21st, 2009
5:05 pm
So Mark, I’m reading a fair bit of barely disguised contempt for Yost. Anything we should know about? He does seem logical on the surface but his departure from Milwaukee and lack of subsequent work is perplexing at best.
dgroy
September 21st, 2009
5:05 pm
Since the Braves are no longer locally owned, who really gives a rip? Mark Bradley, why would you even approach this subject since Bobby Cox is still the manager and I haven’t heard anything that would lead me to believe that he is being replaced. You know, the AJC could really use some good sports writers that could produce some really good sports stories instead of resorting to these kind of articles. Wake up man!!!!!!!!
prattvillenolzfan
September 21st, 2009
5:06 pm
Mark
I feel that TP is the best person for the job….He gets the shaft alot of times, simply because Booby is the coach.
TP is a very hard-edge, in your face type person…That is why the Braves need him. There’s alot of negativity surrounding him, simply because he’s affiliated with Cox…
I like to compare TP to that of a middle-manager in a corporation. You can make all of the changes you want to those under you, DEMAND that employees do it your way, but if the employees disagree with you (Andrew, Franceour) and the upper-management backs them, NOT YOU (ala Booby), then you lose that respect…
I feel that Braves brass must have privately told TP to be patient, ride it out because your next.
I say that simply because with Franceour going to Texas’ hitting coach, Cox not knowing how to put together a line-up (YOU KNOW TP HAS TO HAVE A DIFFERING OPINION ABOUT WHERE TO HIT THESE PLAYERS), TP has to be frustrated with what’s going on……..
I know, alot of people will disagree w/me, that’s ok…I just feel that the players hitting approach is NOT TP’s fault, it’s the fault of the individual players, and Cox doesn’t have the balls to agree with TP…
Besides, look at the positive PR involved if the Braves hires an African-America manager!!!!!!!!!!!!!
However, if you want an outside coach, why not go with Mets 1b coach Luis Alicea…
I remember him from my FSU days, really hardnose player, greatly respected with the players and THIS IS IMPORTANT…is able to relate to the Latino players (ala Yunel)….
He is a real student of the game, stresses fundementals and is not afraid to get in your face if you screw up..He demands perfection.
KEITH MOON LIVES
September 21st, 2009
5:12 pm
Enter your comments hereHow does Terry Pendleton still have a job ???????????????
Tomas
September 21st, 2009
5:16 pm
How about Cooper, who was just fired. To be honest, I think the Astros are making a mistake, I don’t know how Cooper had such a great season last year, with such a horrible pitching. When you’re number 3 starter is Mike Hampton, it’s not you’re fault you’re losing.
will36206
September 21st, 2009
5:27 pm
Mark, your 3:45 PM comment omitted Cito Gaston. As I recall he did win consecutivechampionships with Toronto in 92 and 93. Rumors suggest he might be out if Toronto’s GM and VP leaver…
Joe
September 21st, 2009
5:27 pm
1. Terry Pendleton
2. Bobby Valentine
3. Dave Duncan
4. Ned Yost
5. Willie Randolph
Alan
September 21st, 2009
5:29 pm
The really bad part of all of this is that we will be saying the same thing this time next year-WHAT A WASTE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BOISESTATEBRONCO
September 21st, 2009
5:30 pm
Why is everyone wanting Bobby gone so quick? Yes, he is frustrating sometimes, but not every decision is going to always work out. He plays the numbers game and for years he has looked brilliant. You cannot tell me that for 14 years, he won the division based on talent alone. A lot of that winning was because the in-game decisions were made better than the opposition. Plus, players love him. Bobby should manage forever if he wants too!
Coach (2010 or Bust)
September 21st, 2009
5:40 pm
I’m perfectly comfortable with handing the reigns over to Terry Pendleton. Everybody seems to forget where his roots lie……think Whitey Herzog who was far ahead of his time. Besides, Pendleton has paid his dues within the Braves organization and it is very important that continuity be paid attention to.
Nathan
September 21st, 2009
5:45 pm
I’m not knocking your choice of Ron Gardenhire ad the best manager in baseball, but I am compelled to ask why you think he is?
Stan Williams
September 21st, 2009
5:46 pm
Glenn Hubbard should be considered.
obomaisaclown
September 21st, 2009
5:52 pm
why would anyone get to the ball game at 11 for a 7 pm game ?
cdog
September 21st, 2009
5:53 pm
MARK, APPARENTLY YOU DIDN’T READ MY COMMENTS. YOU HAVE ME MIXED UP WITH ANOTHER BLOGGER. I NEVER MENTIONED ANYTHING ABOUT PENDELTON AND FRANCOER. READ MY COMMENTS AGAIN. I THINK PENDELTON SHOULD BE THE NEXT BRAVES MANAGER LONG WITH LEO MAZZONE AS HIS PITCHING COACH.
mudcat
September 21st, 2009
5:53 pm
Brad Mills has 11 years experience managing in the minors, served as advance scout for the Cubs and has several years experience as a coach. He’s never lived off his name or reputation because most people don’t even know his name. He’s the assistant manager for the Red Sox because he got there through hard work and doing his due diligence. With his past success working with young players and his managerial experience he would probably be a great manager for a team that’s willing to give him a chance. I just hope it’s the Braves and not some other team.
tr
September 21st, 2009
5:54 pm
I’ll have to admit being prejudiced because I learned the game (and a love and passion for the game) from him during his days with the Birmingham A’s, but there’s also another great reason behind my logic in favor of Dave Duncan.
With the strength of the team in the next decade likely to be a strong, young pitching staff, Duncan is your guy. Not only does he have a great reputation for developing such talent, he has a history of turning mediocre pitching into good-to-great ones. And he surely would be great at the job of how to handle and use a staff to its greatest potential.
His championship (World Series) history as a player and coach is tops among anyone mentioned on this blog today as a realistic candidate to replace Bobby. The man knows baseball, the man knows what it takes to win, and the man has a strong history of sharing that knowledge in a rather productive manner.
I can honestly say that I believe he could turn in another 14-in-a-row (can’t see him retiring any time soon – too much passion for the game for that) with more than one World Series win!
Ken Stallings
September 21st, 2009
6:01 pm
When I first read this headline, I immediately started to look for the breaking story that Bobby Cox had stated he was retiring at the end of the season. I would have been shocked because Bobby’s never made a decision like that but in the off season. He’s too low-key to make such a statement when the season is still going on.
However, having read your headline on this column, I just immediately thought that’s what happened.
That’s because I never would have believed an AJC sports writer would have the audacity to call for his resignation and then proffer five replacement candidates!
What utter nonsense!
Shame on you Bradley, and shame on the AJC. I hope you enjoy covering the team from outside the locker room because if you thought you had issues with John Smoltz then you’ve seen nothing yet! You will likely be blackballed by the players on this one, and not because Bobby asked them, but because they love Cox so much they’re going to skin you alive!
In all seriousness, your editor should have pulled this column for no other reason than to protect your ability to interact with the team to get background for good columns and stories. If I were Carroll Rogers or Dave O’Brien, who actually cover the team, I’d be very angry with you for jeapardizing their contacts by association with the AJC and this column!
UGASlobberknocker
September 21st, 2009
6:01 pm
Is Eddie Haas available?
militarydawginDC
September 21st, 2009
6:01 pm
I’d like to bring back freddie Gonzalez from florida..
UGASlobberknocker
September 21st, 2009
6:06 pm
memo to Mr. Stallings (poster above)
What planet do you live on? This type of column runs about twice a week in every newspaper in the country. The talk is out there, the ajc is reporting on it. .
Does this guy seriously think that the Braves would all huddle together in the locker room and say”Hey that Bradley suggested a few coaches to replace Bobby..that dirty rat, we wont talk to him becuaase we love Bobby so much” That is so naive it is ridculous.
Pls Mr. Stallings, get out more!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
September 21st, 2009
6:09 pm
Ken Stallings……you may be right….interesting post…
61 year Braves Fan
September 21st, 2009
6:10 pm
Enter your comments here
My choice would be John Farrell pitching coach of the Boston Red Sox. An articulate, intelligent
baseball man.
hop
September 21st, 2009
6:11 pm
i would say the pickings are very slim looking at the names mention.
lets wait to see what the braves do with bobby before we go popping off about bobby’s replacement.
i personally think we need bobby more than ever with the young talent the braves have and especially with his patience,otherwise it could be a real downner if the braves pick the wrong person which is very possible.
All American Dude
September 21st, 2009
6:14 pm
How about Art Howe????
Bill
September 21st, 2009
6:16 pm
Mark, I agree with you. Braves need to go out of the system and get mgr with different views. We need change. My pick would be any of 5 except TP. He!! no to TP. Ist. Mills 2nd Jose Oquendo.
Please go out of system……no TP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe
September 21st, 2009
6:18 pm
Ken Stallings I agree with your comment.
Blackbird
September 21st, 2009
6:20 pm
I’d hire ANYONE who could even tell you where the bullpen is, much less how to use it!
Virginia "old" fan
September 21st, 2009
6:21 pm
Enter your comments here
Pat Corrales (excuse my poor spelling)
T'ville Dawg
September 21st, 2009
6:22 pm
I used to think Pendelton was the guy, but apparently he can’t see the forest for the trees. Why else would high value players seek out their own hitting coaches. Saying that if he is a guy who would force the other team to make plays instead of always playing it safe I might be in favor of him. In the game of baseball if you force the other guys to make a perfect play then you sometimes cause errors. Cox for all his achievments he plays what Iv’e come to call a grandpa style of baserunning and taking bases.
DP
September 21st, 2009
6:25 pm
I don’t know how the typical fan, including me, is going to have an intelligent opinion on the best candidates to manage the Braves, particularly if you exclude current managers of other big league teams. If you aren’t in baseball where you can have a good idea of the intellect and temperament of various candidates, how can you assess who would make a good manager? I had no idea who Mike Smith was when the Falcons hired him and he has turned out great. I’ll leave the decision on who to replace Cox with (if he retires) with Schuerholz and Wren. I’m sure Schuerholz has known a lot of potential candidates for a decade or more and he can get plenty of behind the scenes feedback on anybody who might be considered.
FAN
September 21st, 2009
6:26 pm
Your list is entered as a joke, right? None of these can be seriously considered for the job. Would be better to just keep Bobby.
130on2
September 21st, 2009
6:30 pm
Sonny Clusters – you are a regional treasure. I love your postings.
NO MORE BOBBY
September 21st, 2009
6:31 pm
Terry Pendleton?
You rednecks deserve a losing team just for dumb you are. A guy like Mills bringing what he has learned from the Red Sox over what TP has been around in Atlanta? Idiots!!
I still think a guy like Willie Randolph would do well here. But TP? I would rather keep Bobby. (Yikes!) Why not just keep the original here if your going to replace him with a non experienced watered down version.
NO MORE BOBBY
September 21st, 2009
6:32 pm
One more time…. Terry Pendleton?
Really?
George Holman
September 21st, 2009
6:32 pm
You guys obviously have nothing to write about today. Cox is still the manager until HE says otherwise. By the way, who do you think will replace Obama?
Joe
September 21st, 2009
6:35 pm
lets not forget about Rocket Wheeler. The Braves minor league manager of the year in 2008. He is the best in the organization.
Biff Pocoroba
September 21st, 2009
6:41 pm
What about Danny Hall? He knows how to get a team to the post season and choke every year. He would be perfect for the Braves.
RidgeRunner
September 21st, 2009
6:42 pm
T.Pendleton as a hitting coach doesn’t appear to be able to help any hitter. I think he would also be a do nothing mgr. If you want a former BRAVE there is Ned Yost or even Freddie Gonzalez that would be good candidates.