Fredi in? Braves could name new manager tomorrow

In what could be the worst-kept secret in Atlanta sports history, the Atlanta Braves appear ready to name former Florida Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez as the team’s new manager. Bobby Cox officially retired following the team’s loss in the NLDS to the San Francisco Giants, and now it appears the team is ready to turn, perhaps as early as tomorrow according to several media outlets, to Gonzalez, who served as the Braves third base coach from 2003-06. In three plus seasons as the Marlins’ manager, Gonzalez was 276-279 while competing with one of baseball’s lowest payrolls. He was 34-36 this season when he was let go by the team. His best year with the Braves’ NL East rival was in 2009, when the Marlins finished 87-75 but missed the playoffs.

Gonzalez earned a lot of national attention earlier this season for lifting all-star shortstop Hanley Ramirez after Ramirez loafed while chasing a grounder he booted in a game. The Marlins ownership appeared to side with the superstar over the manager and Gonzalez was relieved of his duties with one year and one half left on his contract.

The team has not officially commented on the potential change, but the team’s website is running a story that the selection has been confirmed by several sources.

How will Gonzalez do with Atlanta, should he officially be given the job? Gonzalez was a loyal lieutenant under Cox, so he should move in nicely without too much disruption as Cox moves upstairs to assist GM Frank Wren and team president John Schuerholz. Gonzalez seems old school, just like Bobby, which means a culture shock isn’t likely. While in past seasons, some wondered if a new and fresh voice was needed, this season, Cox’s message was received as the team made the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Gonzalez will be able to offer new angles but likely the message will remain in the same ballpark.

Should this hire be finalized today or tomorrow, the Braves must be considered immediate playoff contenders entering the 2011 season. The team was able to make the playoffs in 2010 despite an avalanche of injuries; with a healthy roster and a manager ready to get hands on with his new “old” team, this team could dominate the Wild Card race and potentially edge out the Phillies for the division.