The Atlanta Braves have the worst record in Major League baseball, going 9 and 28 in the first six weeks of the season. With the likes of veteran minor leaguers Chase d'Arnaud, Reid Brignac, and Jeff Francoeur available to play, along with the subtraction of Andrelton Simmons, Shelby Miller, Craig Kimbrel, Jason Heyward and Justin Upton over the last couple of seasons, the outcome is almost expected. Yet, despite the very predictable outcome with the players on the field, the Braves made another move.
David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the Braves have fired manager Fredi Gonzalez:
The #Braves have fired manager Fredi Gonzalez.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) May 17, 2016
Gonzalez had been at the helm of the Braves since 2011.
Gonzalez was a long-time member of the Atlanta Braves organization, serving as a coach in the minor leagues, and then third base coach on the Major League roster. Gonzalez replaced Joe Girardi as manager of the Marlins and managed the fish 2007 through 2010. Gonzalez was named Sporting News manager of the year 2008 for the Marlins, but was dismissed during the 2010 season, making him available to return to the Braves.
Gonzalez's replacement has not formally been announced, but Zach Klein of Atlanta television station WSB reported the new Braves skipper:
Braves have fired manager Fredi Gonzalez – 1st reported by @DOBrienAJC
MLB Source says Triple-A manager Brian Snitker takes over
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) May 17, 2016
Snitker replaced Gonzalez as Braves third base coach and served as third base coach under Gonzalez before heading back to the minor leagues to manage.
No matter who is managing, the Braves likely will be the Braves. While Freddie Freeman remains an offensive threat and Ender Inciarte remains a promising young talent, the Braves lineup is not likely to score runs, and beyond Julio Teheran the Braves rotation has no real starting pitcher threat. Gonzalez was the only Braves manager since Bobby Cox retired in 2010.
