Fredi Gonzalez: Where Does He Rank Among NL East Managers?
By Adam Greene
Sep 25, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez (33) looks on from the pitching cage before a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
4. Fredi Gonzalez (Braves): Despite being the longest surviving member of the current crop of NL East managers, it’s no secret that the Braves have struggled mightily under the non-watchful eye of Fredi Gonzalez. We here at ATL All Day have produced many an article about the frustrations with this team, and how most of these frustrations start with Fredi Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is at times inept at managing a bullpen, makes confusing decisions, and is arguably not aggressive enough in the sense that he doesn’t really inspire his team. When you think of an inspiring coach, think Ned Yost. Maybe Fredi Gonzalez is still jaded from benching Hanley Ramirez when he was with the Marlins for not hustling (which was a genius managerial move that sent a message to not only Hanley, but to the staff). He was then reprimanded and eventually fired by the Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, a man who often makes questionable decisions.
We have no idea how long Fredi Gonzalez will stay in the Atlanta Braves dugout, and while he has a winning record as a manager, it’s clear that Braves fanbase is not happy with him. Another season of abysmal baseball at the Ted and we’ll see a changing of the guard for the Braves — and truthfully, it should happen regardless of if the Braves can turn it around. A record of 701-664 isn’t a very accurate reflection of a man that looks confused while chewing bubblegum.
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