(before I post the rumor and my opinions let me first give the source as Marty York on SPORTSNETNEWS. (A canadian sports news show) He is one of the more dubious sources of info but while it's only a rumor I felt that it's worthy of discussion)
The Braves ownership, Ted Turner in particular have become frustrated with the lack of postseason success of the team under Bobby Cox. They feel that it's time to make a change in who sits in the Manager's chair. Braves Exex Hank Aaron has been surprised at the fact that his former room mate and later back to back WS championship winning manager Cito Gaston hasn't resurfaced in the big leagues. Aaron will be heavily lobbying for Gaston to get the Manager's job and right now Gaston is counted as one of the early favourites.
MY REACTION: WHOA! I nearly fell out of my chair this morning when I saw this. I actually think that this could be a good move for the Braves. Cito was criticised as being a "push button" manager in TO but I think that was a bit unfair to him. He had to manage a lot of egos and he did a fairly good job at it. He was always a better manager with a veteran team which the Braves are right now.
A few things immediately popped into my mind:
1) Cito will immediately change the feeling in the clubhouse as he's a very laidback yet professional guy. This has been the earmark of his Blue Jays teams. They've always been classy and professional yet they were able to have enough fun out there that they didn't come off as being stiff.
2) Things will change in the pitching department. Cito was also lambasted for how he managed his pitching staff but I think he did a much better job then some managers do today. (cough Piniella, Baker cough) He never rode on their arms so much that they became over-tired, yet he always had faith in his starters and tried to get them thru the 7th inning.
Gaston also had well defined roles in his bullpen. While some of his decisions during a game can come into question you can't question his adherrance to strict roles for his relievers. In fact after Duane Ward had his career cut short Gaston tried a bullpen by comittee for a short while til Darren Hall filled the void for one season and saved 32 games IIRC.
Also Gaston was basically his own pitching coach he'd go to the mound and talk to his pitchers about situations and whatnot. His pitching coach would only go out if Gaston had already been out there during the inning or if the pitcher was having mechanical type problems.
If this comes to fruition it'd be a VEEEERY interesting.
The Braves ownership, Ted Turner in particular have become frustrated with the lack of postseason success of the team under Bobby Cox. They feel that it's time to make a change in who sits in the Manager's chair. Braves Exex Hank Aaron has been surprised at the fact that his former room mate and later back to back WS championship winning manager Cito Gaston hasn't resurfaced in the big leagues. Aaron will be heavily lobbying for Gaston to get the Manager's job and right now Gaston is counted as one of the early favourites.
MY REACTION: WHOA! I nearly fell out of my chair this morning when I saw this. I actually think that this could be a good move for the Braves. Cito was criticised as being a "push button" manager in TO but I think that was a bit unfair to him. He had to manage a lot of egos and he did a fairly good job at it. He was always a better manager with a veteran team which the Braves are right now.
A few things immediately popped into my mind:
1) Cito will immediately change the feeling in the clubhouse as he's a very laidback yet professional guy. This has been the earmark of his Blue Jays teams. They've always been classy and professional yet they were able to have enough fun out there that they didn't come off as being stiff.
2) Things will change in the pitching department. Cito was also lambasted for how he managed his pitching staff but I think he did a much better job then some managers do today. (cough Piniella, Baker cough) He never rode on their arms so much that they became over-tired, yet he always had faith in his starters and tried to get them thru the 7th inning.
Gaston also had well defined roles in his bullpen. While some of his decisions during a game can come into question you can't question his adherrance to strict roles for his relievers. In fact after Duane Ward had his career cut short Gaston tried a bullpen by comittee for a short while til Darren Hall filled the void for one season and saved 32 games IIRC.
Also Gaston was basically his own pitching coach he'd go to the mound and talk to his pitchers about situations and whatnot. His pitching coach would only go out if Gaston had already been out there during the inning or if the pitcher was having mechanical type problems.
If this comes to fruition it'd be a VEEEERY interesting.
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