MLB Rumors: Five replacements for Braves’ Fredi Gonzalez

3. Ryne Sandberg

Ryne Sandberg was perhaps unjustly fired by the Philadelphia Phillies for not getting results with a team that was clearly rebuilding. He was with them from 2013 to 2015. Over 278 games, he had a 119-159 record, which isn’t that bad considering the awful rosters the Phillies fielded during that time.

Sandberg was very highly thought of even before he became the Phillies manager in 2013. He won the Minor League Manager of the Year Award from Baseball America in 2011, and many considered him the future manager of the Cubs at one point. However, the Cubs decided to move on from him and he went to the Phillies.

The Braves could use a guy like Ryne Sandberg. He was one of the greatest players of all-time. More importantly, Sandberg wasn’t the most skilled player. He got to be one of the greatest players of all-time by working his butt off. If he could instill that work ethic in the Braves’ young players, he would have an excellent influence on them and could help them realize their true potential.

Would it be weird to see Sandberg in an Atlanta jersey? Absolutely. But Atlanta needs a manager used to managing a rebuilding team and helping young players grow. Sandberg has a resume that suggests he deserves another chance at doing that.

Next: 2. Gary DiSarcina