Gonzalez out as Braves’ manager

The Braves, owners of the worst record in the Majors at 9-29 have fired manager Fredi Gonzalez. Gonzalez, who has managed the club since 2011, posted a .512 winning percentage while leading the team to two postseason appearances. Although 2016 was going to be a rebuilding year, no one could have expected that the Braves would be this bad. It was an unfortunate turn of events for Gonzalez, as he had no control over the inconsistencies that faced many of his players. In the end, the Braves were just looking to shake things up, and after an 0-9 start to the season, bidding adieu to Gonzalez was inevitable. Taking over for Gonzalez is long-time Brave Brian Snitker, who will serve as skipper on an interim basis. The 60-year-old Snitker has been with the Braves’ organization since 1977, most recently serving the Major League club as their third-base coach from 2007-13.

Looking ahead to 2017, the Braves have a multitude of options at the managerial position. In-house names include Eddie Perez and Terry Pendelton. Perez increased his managerial stock this past offseason while managing the Venezuela’s Tigres de Aragua to the Caribbean series. Perez, a former catcher for the Braves, served as their bullpen coach from 2007-16, and was just named the Atlanta’s first-base coach. The former NL MVP Pendelton was just named bench coach to Snitker, and most recently served as the team’s first-base coach from 2011-16. Snitker could also be given a look for the job if he can prove successful for the remainder of the season.

External managerial options include former Brave Mark DeRosa and former Padres’ manager Bud Black. DeRosa, a current MLB Network analyst, last played in the Majors in 2013, and has always been a clubhouse favorite. Black was thought to be named the Washington Nationals’ manager before the club tabbed Dusty Baker as their skipper. Over eight-plus years with the Padres, Black led the team to a .477 winning percentage while winning the 2010 NL Manager of the Year award.

Although Gonzalez was stuck in a tough position, a new voice could greatly benefit the Braves, who look ahead to the opening of SunTrust Park in 2017. President of baseball operations John Hart and general manager John Coppolella will do their due diligence this offseason as they look for a manager who can be a positive influence on the young core of players soon to be playing at the Major League level.