MLB Rumors: Five replacements for Braves’ Fredi Gonzalez

1. Phil Nevin

Phil Nevin has had a successful post-playing career as a manager and coach, and has a ton of experience on and off the field. Nevin is currently coaching for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple A affiliate, the Reno Aces. He has been passed over for multiple MLB jobs, including several coaching jobs. Nevin is the kind of guy who the Braves should give a chance because he could be something special.

The Astros nearly hired him after the 2014 season, which goes to show how highly respected he is. Atlanta is full of young players who need someone to look up to and give them advice. Few people in the world know more about baseball and how bumpy a road being an MLB player can be. Much like DiSarcina, Nevin has the potential to be more than just a mere placeholder until the Braves are ready to contend. He could be a long-term solution and he has a better track record than DiSarcina.

Nevin has done very well with the Reno Aces and with the Tigers as one of their minor league managers. He has had success in virtually everything that he has done in baseball. That’s why the Braves should pursue him as their next full-time manager.