Gonzalez could be in line to succeed Cox

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CHICAGO -- Fredi Gonzalez's candidacy to be Bobby Cox's successor in Atlanta strengthened as soon as he was dismissed as the Marlins manager on Wednesday.

Gonzalez has long been considered one of the top candidates to become the Braves manager after Cox retires at the end of this season. But there was a big obstacle: the fact that he was contractually bound to the Marlins through the end of the 2011 season.

That changed on Wednesday, and though the Marlins are obligated to honor Gonzalez's contract, he is free to take a job with another team. Thus, the door is wide open for the Braves to actively pursue Gonzalez to serve as their next manager and quite possibly even rejoin their organization as a coach or advisor within the next couple of weeks.

Braves general manager Frank Wren has said he will not comment on the club's next manager until Cox manages his final game at the conclusion of this season. But Wren also confirmed the fact that the organization still thinks highly of Gonzalez, who served as Atlanta's third-base coach from 2003-06.

He got a raw deal with the Marlins, I wouldn't mind seeing him be our coach next year, my first choice would be Ozzie Guillen and then him!

Originally Posted by Nestlé Snipes

He got a raw deal with the Marlins, I wouldn't mind seeing him be our coach next year, my first choice would be Ozzie Guillen and then him!

EDIT: There's one tiny problem with your fantasy - Ozzie needs to be fired by the White Sox to become the next Braves manager. He's under contract with the White Sox through the 2012 season.

Originally Posted by SamtheBravesFan

EDIT: There's one tiny problem with your fantasy - Ozzie needs to be fired by the White Sox to become the next Braves manager. He's under contract with the White Sox through the 2012 season.

While true, there are reports every week (seemingly every day) that he and the GM are or have had a shouting match, it could happen but Fredi would be a fine option too.

Originally Posted by Nestlé Snipes

While true, there are reports every week (seemingly every day) that he and the GM are or have had a shouting match, it could happen but Fredi would be a fine option too.

I feel extremely uncomfortable with the prospect of Guillen being the next Braves manager because of those antics. The last thing the Braves need right now is someone to stir the pot. They need to keep the continuity of their franchise and system and who better to do that than a former or current coach? And Gonzalez is the only one with major league managing experience. That makes him the potential front runner for the job. Brian Snitker has managed in the minors, so he's second to me. Eddie Perez next, then maybe Terry Pendleton, then Chino Cadahia.

Originally Posted by SamtheBravesFan

I feel extremely uncomfortable with the prospect of Guillen being the next Braves manager because of those antics. The last thing the Braves need right now is someone to stir the pot. They need to keep the continuity of their franchise and system and who better to do that than a former or current coach? And Gonzalez is the only one with major league managing experience. That makes him the potential front runner for the job. Brian Snitker has managed in the minors, so he's second to me. Eddie Perez next, then maybe Terry Pendleton, then Chino Cadahia.

I can see what you are saying, some people think Eddie Perez should be our next manager but I don't think you can give such a high profile job to a MLB rookie manager, that's no offense to Eddie, I liked him as a player and as a coach on the team in the bullpen.

Originally Posted by Nestlé Snipes

I can see what you are saying, some people think Eddie Perez should be our next manager but I don't think you can give such a high profile job to a MLB rookie manager, that's no offense to Eddie, I liked him as a player and as a coach on the team in the bullpen.

Fair point.