Report: Braves discussing firing of Gonzalez
The Atlanta Braves are in the midst of a rebuilding year, and after getting off to a major-league worst 7-19 start, they may start fresh at manager, too.
Atlanta is discussing internally whether it should fire skipper Fredi Gonzalez, a high-ranking Braves official told Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black is considered the favorite to replace Gonzalez if he's relieved of his duties, Nightengale writes, although an interim candidate such as Eddie Perez, Terry Pendleton, or Bo Porter could take over for the remainder of the season.
The Braves aren't directing all the blame for their poor start toward Gonzalez, whom they considered firing last season, but they expected better results, notes Nightengale.
Black, who spent four years working under current Braves president John Hart with the Cleveland Indians, is a former National League Manager of the Year who has 649 career wins under his belt.
The Braves are 425-385 under Gonzalez, but have a 31-72 record since last July, so the talks of the firing don't come as a surprise.
Gonzalez has been Atlanta's skipper since taking over for retired Braves legend Bobby Cox in October 2010.