Fredi Gonzalez: The best choice as manager, or the easiest?
From one manager to another. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
“Good organizations don’t make changes just to make changes,” Fredi Gonzalez said. Then, scanning the room: “All the faces are the same.”
And that’s the part that worries me. Fredi Gonzalez is a good baseball man, but he’s a product of The Braves’ Way Of Doing Things. “This organization, the past 25 years, they win,” Gonzalez said Wednesday, but even Bobby Cox, the man Gonzalez succeeds, was moved to correct the new manager.
“We haven’t won as big as we’d have liked recently,” Cox said.
Over 14 completed seasons the Braves finished nowhere but first. Since 2005 they’ve made the playoffs once as a wild card. They haven’t won a playoff series since 2001, haven’t graced the World Series this millennium. The Braves we see now aren’t quite the Braves we beheld.
In many ways Gonzalez is the ideal person to follow Cox: He’s a former Braves’ third-base coach who still lives in Marietta and who happened to be out of work when this job came open. Frank Wren, the general manager, started serious talks with Gonzalez on July 2 at a cabin in Wedowee, Ala. One hundred three days later, Wren hired Gonzalez without having interviewed another candidate.
With a chance to hire the first manager from outside the organization since Chuck Tanner in October 1985, the Braves waited not two full days after being eliminated in the Division Series to unveil the new man, who really isn’t new at all. John Schuerholz, the team president, would surely cite this as another in a series of seamless Braves’ transitions. But it was Stan Kasten, who as Braves president hired Schuerholz as GM, who said: “If you’re going to make a change, make a change.”
Going Cox-to-Gonzalez is almost like promoting the chief assistant when the head coach finds a better job. It’s the thing to do, but it’s not always the wisest course. And continuity is the least of the Braves’ problems. If anything, this “great, grand organization” — Schuerholz again — suffers from its insularity.
Asked how he’d differ from Cox — if, say, he’d delve heavier into statistical analysis — Gonzalez said: ” I just joined those guys [meaning the Society for American Baseball Research, or Sabermeticians].” Then this: “I’ll use all the numbers you give me, but for me to sit here and say I’m always going to go by numbers, I’m not going to do that.”
What will Gonzalez trust? His “gut”, he said. And that’s fine: On some level, every decision is made at a visceral level. But it was Cox’s gut that persuaded him to stick with Derek Lowe one batter too long in the last game he ever managed. Other organizations, the Red Sox chief among them, have come to rely on data as a guide for the gut.
The Braves’ way has been old-fashioned. Indeed, hitting coach Terry Pendleton expressed surprise earlier this season when informed his club was leading the National League in on-base percentage. (This might help explain why Pendleton was reassigned to being the Braves’ first-base coach Wednesday.)
Wren had known since Sept. 23, 2009, that he’d have a managerial opening come 2010. Over the winter he compiled a list of candidates numbering in the teens. (Gonzalez headed the list even though he was employed by the Marlins.) Wren wound up hiring his No. 1 choice without ever speaking to Nos. 2, 3 or 4.
Maybe Gonzalez will work out. He’s an impressive guy whom Wren has known since before either man came to work for the Braves. Still, I can think of three others I’d have at least interviewed — Jose Oquendo, the Cardinals’ third-base coach; Scott Ullger, the Twins’ third-base coach; and Dave Martinez, the Rays’ bench coach — before deciding. But this GM, as we know, is forever in a hurry.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the Braves at the major-league level haven’t exactly been cutting-edge in their approach. “I’m not going to come in here and change the whole culture,” Fredi Gonzalez said, but he’d better be ready to change some things. Because the Bobby Cox Method won’t work for anyone but Bobby Cox.
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243 comments Add your comment
DMBJAMS
October 14th, 2010
8:31 pm
“I understand letting a new manager bring in his own people, but you’d think there would be a job for Hubbard somewhere in the organization. He’s a life long Brave.” – Burgess
Agree 100%. Maybe he and Fredi have a bad history? MB?
Boatdoc
October 14th, 2010
11:23 pm
Only 2 years ago Fredi Gonzalez was the Manager of the Year with the Lowest Payroll in the Major Leagues.
I’m wondering what is the advantage to second-guessing him or the choice to hire him months before spring training.
Boatdoc
October 14th, 2010
11:41 pm
That is a good question about Glenn Hubbard – except for a brief time as littlest of the Bash Brothers, Mr. Hubbard has been an exceptional member of the organization. He has a reputation as an excellent teacher of infielders as well as first base coach – I would venture to say any shortcomings we had, especially at second base, were in spite of him, not because of him. That was the only downer in the announcement I heard.
ward
October 15th, 2010
12:31 am
I;ve been hard on wren, because of the last few trades. he;ll be o.k. if he makes up for it next season, but if he doesn,t……….then i wan;t a new general manager…….We can;t waste talent for nothing in return. I;m excited,and ready to see what happens during the winter meetings…… Go!!!! Braves!!!!
ward
October 15th, 2010
12:38 am
Phil i have to agree with you on replacing terry pendleton,because he did;t do much to get the batters motivated, and didn;t teach them fundamentales either. well see you guy;s later. been great talking…..Go!!!! Braves!!!!!
Gil in Mechanicsville
October 15th, 2010
10:06 am
Having a nearly unlimited payroll will make many mediocre GMs and managers into a genius. It is not always the guy with the best tactics that wins the battle, you have to have the right troops to execute the plan. Perhaps if Liberty got off the cash to sign a Werth or a Crawford then perhaps the Braves could return to the World Series. It should be obvious as to why the Yankees and Phillies are at the top of their leagues.
You can keep that old jalopy running with enough duct tape and bailing wire for a good while but eventually it will just leave you stranded just the same.
Phillistein
October 15th, 2010
10:23 am
Bravissimo
October 13th, 2010
5:13 pm
I like the choice of Fredi. Even if the Braves had hired one of the afor mentioned guys, do you really think they would make radical changes MB?
As a side….losing the LDS got rid of the philly fans thank god. I hope SF stomps their buttski’s
*************************************************************************************************************
Child please
Phillistein
October 15th, 2010
10:28 am
Boatdoc
October 14th, 2010
11:23 pm
Only 2 years ago Fredi Gonzalez was the Manager of the Year with the Lowest Payroll in the Major Leagues.
**********************************************************************************************
On a team built by Joe Girardi.
Fredi’s team do NOT play fundamentally good baseball; zillion errors, run the basepaths like they’re blind, throw here when they should throw there.
Jeff Loria hated Girardi and couldn’t wait to get rid of him. Girardi, who was also manager of the year moves to NY and wins them their first WS in 10 years. Marlins? Not really competitive.
Just sayin
Lame Duck
October 15th, 2010
12:06 pm
Everyone would be bitching if Wren had hesitated to the point that Fredi signed with another team.
Signing Fredi now was the easiest and best decision Wren has made.
Now if Wren can resist his urge to bring over the hill and washed up players on board we will be much better.
Wren wanted Fredi, Cox wanted Fredi, the players wanted Fredi, John S wanted Fredi, and the fans wanted Fredi.
If you have a candidate that fills all those wants why look further and possibly lose your chance to get him?
Everyone knows that he is a good team manager who knows baseball and can do well with a small budget, and he falls into your lap, it would be a sin not to grab him.
His contract is for three years and I’ll bet the farm that it is extended once we see him in action.
ozzie
October 15th, 2010
1:21 pm
Fredi will likely be fine but if he isn’t this abbreviated manager search will come back to bite Wren and the FO.
Dirty Jacket
October 15th, 2010
5:56 pm
Read the first two sentences, and your title remains: Garbage article by a garbage internet reporter
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 15th, 2010
6:45 pm
Bradley, why don’t you go write for another paper. Gonzalez is an excellent choice. He had the Marlins playing great baseball when they should have been in last place. Why does it always have to be “the glass is half empty” with you? The Braves will dethrone the Phillies next year. That’s what an optimist thinks.
Willy
October 16th, 2010
6:55 am
If I’m Gonzalez I’d try to mimic the Yankees’ way of doing things…
Great Story
October 16th, 2010
7:43 am
Got to agree with Mark on this one.
I say fire Wren and Shurholtz and
Great Story
October 16th, 2010
7:45 am
Got to agree with Mark on this one.
I say fire Wren and Scherholtz and start over.
Fresh new start.
HerbG
October 16th, 2010
10:08 am
Mark, I think you wrote this one with the idea that if things don’t go well under Gonzalez you can always refer to this article and say, “I tried to tell you!” If Gonzalez proves to have been a good choice, you’ll conveniently forget you ever wrote it.
Jon P
October 16th, 2010
10:48 am
I like this hire. It didn’t catch anyone off-guard did it? I believe that it was the best choice AND the easiest choice. I do hope that Fredi is NOT like Bobby Cox though…Cox had so many truly great teams when the Braves could actually spend some money on free agents, won 14 straight division titles, but only 1 World Series? Even when he had the better team? No, I hope that Fredi is something different. He can have the same approach, but manage the games completely different and that’s what this organization needs.
ward
October 16th, 2010
2:38 pm
what about going with jordan shaffer in ceter field ,and trying to get magl ordenez from deriot he;s 36 year old, but when healthy he can put up good numbers in right field, and play heyward in leftfield, or get alfonzo soriano from the cubs to play left field.
ward
October 16th, 2010
2:41 pm
maybe bring up that young cuban sort stop that we got in the trade.he 20 years old now, and supose to be better than escobar.
ward
October 16th, 2010
2:47 pm
phillie fan: good luck with the phillies tonight. I would like some pay back. beat the crap out of the san fran sissies!!!!! Go!!!! Braves!!!!!!
ward
October 16th, 2010
2:51 pm
Phillie fan i would sure love some payback tonight! i hope the phillies beat the crap out of the san fran sissies!!!! Go!!! Braves!!!!
Chief pitchanono
October 16th, 2010
2:59 pm
I disagree Mark, I think Freddie is a good choice, predictable? yeah, a gamble? not really, but still a good choice. I think he has showed in Florida that he learned allot from Bobby, (team chemistry, motivating players ect..) but I also think he will have his own strategic approach when it comes to managing that will be quite different from Bobby and probably very good for this team. The teams obvious weakness if offense and probably still will be going into spring training, but I think Freddi will be able to get more out of his limited offense than Bobby was able too, and hopefully teaching the team to play more small ball, and learning to manufacture runs more often.
ward
October 16th, 2010
3:05 pm
It;s nice to hear about hit and run, and speed for a change . bobby did go away from that, and became station to station. one base at a time, and you can;t when playing like that.Go!!!! Braves!!!!
ward
October 16th, 2010
4:39 pm
PLAYERS OUT THERE: M Ordenez tigers, alfonzo soriano, rasmus cardinals possible trade, adam dunn nats possible trade, c. crawford tampa, even langoria if tampa want;s to trade. m bryd cubs. we don;t need piching just some hitting.Go!!! Braves!!!!!
Babe Ruth
October 16th, 2010
5:39 pm
If your scouts suck or you just fail to use their services then you suck and your team will ultimately fail.Gut feelings and any kind of luck are a recipe for failure. Stupid is ,is what stupid does.
John Sterling
October 16th, 2010
5:41 pm
Dominique is Monufique DA YANKESS WIN.
ATLANTA loses again. Failure to see the big picture.
John Sterling
October 16th, 2010
6:15 pm
All the former Braves in the Rangers line up proves Wren is an idiot. If you are going to give up all that talent for Texiera then why not get the same talent in return if you’re going to be a bonehead and trade Texiera.
John Sterling
October 16th, 2010
6:20 pm
Adam Dunn is a free agent. Braves didn’t want him in the first place. Braves won’t get anybody that makes sense. They will continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel.
John Sterling
October 16th, 2010
6:21 pm
Ordonez is injured again and only an American Leaguer
ward
October 16th, 2010
6:30 pm
josh hamilton cuold be out for trade, and that would be a good fit. just another possibility!
ward
October 16th, 2010
6:37 pm
let;s see what tampa has to offer as well. i;m just bringing up ideas, and wouldn;t mind the Braves making some move. trade jar j. if he doesn;t sighn with the Braves scott boras sucks anyway!!!!
Remembering 1991
October 17th, 2010
11:17 am
“Go Phillies”? What, are you people nuts? I can’t stand the Phillies and never will. Their fans are classless pigs (ever go to a game there?). Plus, why would you want the team (Giants) that beat your team (Braves) to LOSE? That would just show the Braves lost to an even more inferior team. I would at least want the team that beat the Braves to win it all (actually, I want Texas to win it all).
Ron Gardenhose
October 18th, 2010
12:40 am
Enter your comments here
Stephen First
October 18th, 2010
12:41 am
Furst.
Narrow Urethra Franklin
October 18th, 2010
12:44 am
‘Fredi’s team do NOT play fundamentally good baseball; zillion errors, run the basepaths like they’re blind, throw here when they should throw there”
Hmm…Sounds like a recently retired manager I know.
bro
October 18th, 2010
1:17 pm
Even Dusty Baker can manage with a few good pitchers and a little power in the lineup.
ward
October 19th, 2010
1:23 am
we should keep derek lee,because he;ll be healthy next year. just in case freddy freeman gets hurt again. lee would be a good back up.Go!!!! Braves!!!!!
Eric
October 19th, 2010
2:10 pm
What the heck? You’ve got to be kidding me. This guy over Pendleton. Pendleton has been sitting under Cox for more years, and knows more about the game. Well that’s The Atlanta Braves for you! Real stupid move again.
Eric
October 19th, 2010
2:17 pm
Hell, what bout Glen Hubbard? No loyalty what so ever. Who the heck is Fredi Gonzalez? Pendleton and Hubbard have been loyal to Bobby and the organization. Oh well, go figure!
ward
October 19th, 2010
2:28 pm
wren seems to be making the right moves. letting milky go, is a good start, and going with johnny ventures, and kimbrel for closers is a great idea too. at first i thought keeping milky would be a good idea. now i agee letting milky go was the right thing. Go!!!! Braves!!!!
ward
October 19th, 2010
2:32 pm
i think hubby might go manage another team . maybe thats why they let him go.it could;ve been hubby;s choice, hubby is a big boy now. he can handle it. Go!!! Braves!!!
ward
October 19th, 2010
2:38 pm
good luck to you philly and san fran fans , and good luck to you yankee and ranger fans.just wan;t to say good luck.!!!!!!
Kenny D
October 20th, 2010
12:42 pm
WHAT A SLAP IN THE FACE FOR TERRY PENDLETON AND GLENN HUBBARD !