Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com is reporting that Fredi Gonzalez will receive a three-year contract to manage the Braves with an option for a fourth year.
This was absolutely the right decision for the Braves. They could go 10-152 next year and this would still have been the right decision for the Braves.
Look, nobody is going to replace Bobby Cox – he’s Bobby Cox. Usually when a manager leaves, it’s because everyone from the media to the fans wanted him gone (if not dead in some cities). But Cox has been one of the most well respected managers in the game of baseball for a very long time, so it’s hard to say that anyone can “replace” him.
But why not hire someone who has worked under Cox? Why not hire someone who is also well liked by the players, the media and the fans? Furthermore, why drag the process out if you know he’s going to be the one to win the position in the end?
I like what the Braves did here. They didn’t prolong the search process when they knew Gonzalez was going to be the choice and they moved quickly to secure his services. Too many teams drag the process out because they’re scared of making the wrong decision. But Atlanta knew whom it waned and went out and got him.
Good luck, Fredi. You have some big shoes to fill.