Hot off the presses from the Atlanta Braves PR staff, the question about whether or not Bobby cox would be back next year has been answered... and next year will be the last year:
The Atlanta Braves announced today that they have agreed to terms with manager Bobby Cox on a one-year contract extension through the 2010 season and that the team's entire coaching staff will be brought back next year.
In addition, Cox has announced that he will retire from managing at the conclusion of the 2010 campaign, thus bringing to an end one of the greatest managerial careers in the history of the game. As part of Cox's contract extension, he has been given a five-year consulting agreement, from 2011 to 2015, where he will advise and consult in all areas of Baseball Operations, including the Major League Club, spring training, minor league operations and scouting. In addition, Cox will work with the office of the President on special business projects.
A good move I say. The Braves needed to address this issue and I think this handles it in the best way possible. Perhaps this contract was already signed or nearly signed, and the events of the last couple of days -- the rumored rift between Cox and Wren -- that story needed to be shot down, and they used that moment to finalize and announce this extension.
Bobby Cox will go down as one of the great managers of all time, and we'll have all of next season to wish him farewell as a manager. It sounds like he leaves on his own terms as well, with no one pushing him out. That's the right call for the Braves. There's no reason to force out a legend like that, especially when he's still liked and respected by his players and peers.
0 recs | 93 comments
This is awesome! I am glad he is coming back, and am also glad that he will be going out on his own terms. He deserved that!
This is also like a HUGE middle finger to that yahoo from yahoo.
justincredubil02 - September 23, 2009
You guys are crazy...
You don’t think he was forced out? What a load of bull. The announcement from the PR department is nothing but putting lipstick on a pig. Open your eyes. Reports of discord between the front office and Bobby. You know who loses that battle. The extra year and consulting gig is nothing but a glorified severance package for decades of service. Pull your heads out of your butt and see it for what it is. Where is the outrage? Of course, there is none. Admit it. Secretly you want him gone. Face facts. Bobby got the boot. Its as clear as the nose on your face.
Boundforbeach - September 23, 2009
I can’t see my nose…
justincredubil02 - September 23, 2009
me either
I dont get why Boundforbeach is so determined that everyone in the Braves organization hates eachother or something…
Scott Coleman - September 23, 2009
-1
VivaLosBravos - September 23, 2009
love that signature
makes me laugh every time
Titansfan9 - September 23, 2009
Expertly handled.
sddbaker - September 23, 2009
this
traphicg - September 23, 2009
So maybe Leo Mazzone knew what he was talking about this morning on 680 The Fan after all.
KoKo the Monkey (T-Bone) - September 23, 2009
While I find myself questioning Cox’s judgement quite a bit more often, I like the way this is being handled. Hopefully the old skipper can navigate the Bravos back to October next season. Keeping him on as a consultant will be a good way to ease him into retirement
Andy Braves Fan - September 23, 2009
Yeah.
With all the problems we’ve had with cutting ties to legends this past year, this was the perfect way to handle Bobby’s situation.
ATLforlife - September 23, 2009
son of a bitch. One more year of head scratching bullpen moves and platoons. At least i know its over for good in 2010.
10-4 - September 23, 2009
It is all lining up…Hanson and Heyward will be here, Chipper is riding off into the sunset with Cox, the rotation is back to its old dominating ways…I am going on record right now and predicting that we will win the 2010 World Series!
justincredubil02 - September 23, 2009
If we add one big bat in the offseason and get a solid closer
I would think we would be right at the top of teams who could win it all.
I want another ring!
Scott Coleman - September 23, 2009 via mobile
More like, a solid bullpen. We have two closers right now who’ve just plain been overworked. But a big bat, combined with our consistent rotation and a bullpen with 5 or so quality guys could lead to a Braves run.
ATLforlife - September 23, 2009
maybe we could play with some fire next season
to win the ol’man just one last ring
carolinabrave89 - September 23, 2009
Was my first reaction when I heard the news.
A feeling of something to come.
The man is a legend. No doubt he will be enshrined and immortalized at Cooperstown.
More to the point, Players love him and that makes next season not just the end of an era, but a unique turning point for each member of the team, for the team as a unit, and for the organization as a whole. Also, Chipper got a ring as a rookie breaking in under Bobby, and next season could certainly be the capstone of his illustrious HOF career.
Somehow, someway, it just seems like it should all come together in another championship.
fandave - September 23, 2009
One more chance to see him screw up a playoff rotation and keep 3 catchers on the post season roster. Sign me up:P
NorCalAtlFan - September 23, 2009
You do know this spells the end for Kelly with the Braves, right?
10-4 - September 23, 2009
I don't know....
Despite Kelly’s lack of playing time, I still think Bobby likes him. Somehow, I think he stays. That’s just a feeling … I have nothing to back it up.
sddbaker - September 23, 2009
I think he’s gone, simply from a financial standpoint. If Bobby’s not gonna start him, then he’ll be moved to free up a few million to help get another piece. Kelly’s due a few mil, so thats alot for a bench player who
can onlywill only play second.10-4 - September 24, 2009
I don’t get that one either. Kelly is just as versitile as the other guys (and can even play SS). Why is he the one who is relegated to either 2B or bench player roles?
He can be an OF, SS, 2B and probably even 3B.
Color me confused on this one…maybe my mancrush is just making me willfully ignorant…
justincredubil02 - September 24, 2009
haha
KJ looks like a non-tender candidate, unfortunately. I really like him, but he won’t be worth $2 million to a cash strapped front office.
Andy Braves Fan - September 24, 2009
When's the last time he played anywhere else?
Frankly, who knows whether he even can at this point.
MichaelProcton - September 25, 2009
We don’t know, because he hasn’t been given the chance. He came up as a SS, moved to the OF, and then moved to 2B – all within the past 4 or 5 years. It isn’t like he played SS in little league, and therefore should be able to play SS professionally.
At one stage or another he played professionally at 3 different positions. Why should we just assume that he can’t anymore?
justincredubil02 - September 25, 2009
Injury?
Wasn’t his TJ the entire reason he moved to 2B in the first place?
MichaelProcton - September 25, 2009
...because it's not like the guy ever hurt his arm and might worry about it.
MichaelProcton - September 25, 2009
Anyone else take this part to mean...
his replacement will be someone he’s worked with before (or is working with already)…
“he has been given a five-year consulting agreement, from 2011 to 2015, where he will advise and consult in all areas of Baseball Operations, including the Major League Club, spring training, minor league operations and scouting.”
If he’s still around, that seems to lean towards people he’s worked with before and wouldn’t mind him lurking around.
Mr. Sanchez - September 23, 2009
Not really.
He’s bigger than whoever they hire. That person is going to have to be fine with the presence of Cox, familiar or not.
MichaelProcton - September 23, 2009
Perfect. Couldn't have thought of a better idea myself
nick9314 - September 23, 2009
hmmm
What if they have convinced chipper to retire at the end of the 2010 season.
Would be nice to see him as the manager.
drumzalicious - September 23, 2009 via mobile
Not a bad idea
But I’d rather have Chipper as a hitting coach. He’s one of the best pure-hitters of all time and is always working with guys like BMac and FYF on his swing.
Scott Coleman - September 23, 2009 via mobile
BMac's dad is his personal hitting coach..
Mighty Healthy - September 23, 2009
...who sits in the dugout at every game with him, right?
MichaelProcton - September 23, 2009
His father is Chino Cadahia?
TradeAndruw - September 23, 2009
That’s too funny!
However, I do see Howie between batting practice and the game nearly every time I’m at the Ted, in the field level tunnel.
Lizziebeth - September 23, 2009
Seconded
And Maddux as the manager.
In a perfect world there’d be room for Smoltzie as the pitching coach in the couple of years and Glav as the GM, but those aren’t areas of need yet the way the management job and hitting coach are.
J-Freak - September 23, 2009
Good Idea
I like that idea. Smoltz is the perfect pitching coach, a Hall of Fame starter and reliever. Glavine is a great GM candidate for the future. The man knows baseball as a game and business; with his pull as a Players’ Union leader, he could wield a great deal of influence. Maddux as manager is also great as he is a brilliant baseball man.
Mr. Glavine #47 - September 23, 2009
This is a fantastic idea
Will Shelton - September 23, 2009
Shaping up to be a good story...
when we wint he World Series next year
SayHeyWerd - September 23, 2009
lol…someone on the ESPN message board said that Cox should get ejected in his last game to get a bigger ovation!
I love it!
justincredubil02 - September 23, 2009
that would be awesome
Andy Braves Fan - September 24, 2009
Who is to take over though?
TP?
I’ve heard Ned Yost.. I’d like to see the Braves bring back The Murph, Greg Maddux, or Jeff Blauser to the staff next season for some grooming. Then one of them take over.
Mighty Healthy - September 23, 2009
Jeff Blauser? The guy they fired after a year of managing AA because he couldn’t work with players? Yeah, probably not gonna happen.
cbwilk - September 23, 2009
Jeff Blauser would probably work better with more established Major Leaguers. That in no way means that he should be a coach for Atlanta. If you want a former middle infielder from the Braves glory days to be a major league coach, pick Lemke or Belliard. Either one of them could be a bench coach. Our middle infielders would be able to catch anything after their teachings.
Mr. Glavine #47 - September 23, 2009
Belliard would be an excellent choice. He already has 4 or 5 years of experience as a major league coach.
cbwilk - September 23, 2009
My guess is Grady Little.
Count it.
hoboken_wood - September 24, 2009
Interesting. Is he even working in baseball right now? Always liked that guy.
cbwilk - September 24, 2009
He's not.
MichaelProcton - September 25, 2009
One. Last. Hurrah.
I love it!
ATLforlife - September 23, 2009
Good move. However we feel about Bobby, this was the way to handle it. Perhaps Terry Pendleton will be in line to take the Houston job next season and the Braves will consider someone besides him for 2011…?
John Holton - September 23, 2009
"Leaves on his own terms" ?
Not so sure about that. The so-called “contract extension” has a bootprint squarely on his back. Give him another year and an unspecified “consulting” gig thereafter so as not to tarnish a legend and risk backlash from the fanbase. He’s leaving all right, but its highly questionable that its on his terms.
Boundforbeach - September 23, 2009
...because he's never suggested he was close to retirement before.
MichaelProcton - September 24, 2009
exactly
I see no reason to suspect that Bobby isn’t doing this on his own. There have been hints that he is close to wanting to retire anyway. If Bobby was getting the boot, he wouldn’t agree to this, he has too much dignity for that (rightfully so). It seems like he and the front office came up with an eloquent agreement to make this work.
Andy Braves Fan - September 24, 2009
The best part to me is that during those five years after next he’s probably gonna be around the minor leaguers a bit more, meaning more chances to get his autograph!
cbwilk - September 23, 2009
its gonna be really weird not seeing a hundred year old man with COX on his jersey in the dugout
carolinabrave89 - September 23, 2009
It’ll also be strange not to see our closer on the mound in the ninth when we’re up or down by seven or so runs…
HailStonz - September 23, 2009
It's ont going to be weird at all, though...
For people to bitch and moan when the 12th man in the pen is brought in and gives up six or eight.
MichaelProcton - September 24, 2009
It'll be a shame to see him go like that
southman - September 23, 2009
I am just glad we know when his last year will be, regardless if it was his idea or not I like knowing when the last game Bobby manages will be.
texastfan - September 23, 2009
Great interview by Joe before the game with Bobby.
NCChopper - September 23, 2009
Wrenn gonna going Joe and Boog in the 3rd inning in the booth.
NCChopper - September 23, 2009
Game thread?
eaheckman10 - September 23, 2009
Not yet.
Kelly J hit Prado with a line drive to the lower leg during BP. Prado out tonight, Kelly in.
NCChopper - September 23, 2009
i just made a fanpost for a thread if you wanna go there
Scott Coleman - September 23, 2009
Sounds like a conspiracy.
Gage23 - September 23, 2009
CHINO CADAHIA '11
sdp - September 23, 2009
They've been grooming him....
sdp - September 23, 2009
True...
He hasn’t shown up on TV in just a towel at all this year. Whoooo, FUPA! My eyes thank you.
Lizziebeth - September 23, 2009
Seriously?
This almost demands a link for the sake of believability.
MichaelProcton - September 24, 2009
I have no link...
but I saw it too. I still haven’t fully recovered.
sddbaker - September 24, 2009
No way Chino gets the job !!! Terry Pendleton is going to get it if they go for an in house replacement which you know they will !!
Holty_Panthers_Fan - September 23, 2009
!! !!!
There they are again…
justincredubil02 - September 24, 2009
I LOLD!!!!
I LOLD!!!
I LOLD!!
I LOLD!
mad_dog_maddux - September 24, 2009
you forgot the space between the word and the punctuation !!!
See ?? Like this !!!!
justincredubil02 - September 24, 2009
Damn, you’re right !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mad_dog_maddux - September 24, 2009
fine with me
I was among those who opined that Bobby’s time to retire was upon us, and this extra year will give the team time to take time to consider options for his replacement. (Brad Mills? Jim Fregosi? Leo Mazzone? Dare we dream of Joe Torre?)
It will also be a year when Roger McDowell and Bobby can re-think bullpen usage, and encourage our starters to throw more (undisputable) strikes so they can stick around longer.
Maybe Bobby can also give Terry Pendleton the leeway to rev his motor a little louder at guys who just won’t listen, if we have any of those left.
Most of all, it will be one final opportunity for the players to know this will be their final chance to win one for the skipper. Maybe that awareness will instill the kind of motivation which has been so missing in the pennant-less decade about to end.
JimK - September 23, 2009
So 2010 motto...
LETS DO IT FOR BOBBY!!!
SuperNewb - September 23, 2009
I couldn't agree more !!
Plus when Bobby Cox goes, Chipper Jones is going to follow. 2010 seems like this will be the last shot for the old school Atlanta Braves to do it. Do it for Bobby is great way to usher in Cox’s last season !!
Eddie Perez for 2011’s Manager !!!! An plz no Terry Pendleton !!
Holty_Panthers_Fan - September 23, 2009
Freddi Gonzalez should be the new Manager
KC Ryan - September 23, 2009
Hella Yes
When his contract up? I believe after 2010!
He is a heck of a manager imo
Trek - September 23, 2009
Through the end of '11.
Just signed an extension this past winter.
MichaelProcton - September 24, 2009
someone should have thought of that sooner!
:)
justincredubil02 - September 24, 2009
I did, as I have mentioned in several open post of late :)
I also, would love to see Chipper as the hitting coach :)
HEYJUDE - September 24, 2009
yeah, i was being a smart-ass because the very first post of this thread says the same thing…and I posted it.
:)
justincredubil02 - September 25, 2009
Crime Dog
Could Fred McGriff step into any type of managerial role?
How about:
Eddie Perez at Manager
McGriff at Hitting Coach
Maddux at Pitching Coach
Does this fall into the catagory as rosterbation for all those out there that seem to take offense at it?
BlueVol03 - September 23, 2009
I like your style
justincredubil02 - September 24, 2009
Hmm
Lets steal LaRussa
drumzalicious - September 24, 2009
Is Chipper going to retire with him?
Gage23 - September 24, 2009
no, but it won't be too long before he does
He’s been a Brave for nearly 20 years I think he will petire a Brave I can tell that he loves Atlanta and will never leave untill he retires
southman - September 24, 2009
he has said in the past that he will never play for anyone else. He also has alluded to retiring after 2010 himself, due to his lack of production this season…I think Chipper makes this decision at the end of next season, regardless of what Cox does.
justincredubil02 - September 24, 2009
I think this is great for Bobby, the Braves and the fans of the Braves.
I’ve been thinking about how next year will be as the fans who attend the home games will have the extra sense of nostalgia to make the night special and as the team travels, other cities and their fans will get their chance to say Good-Bye to Bobby as they play their road games.
I haven’t been able to come to ATL for a while to see a game, but hubby and I are already trying to plan a trip to see them play at home next year and get that one more chance to be there with Bobby at the helm and in the dugout.
I’d much rather it go this way than to have had them announced at the end of the season next year it would be his last. Bobby has accomplished a lot in his career and now the Braves fans will like being able to say Thank-You and Good-Bye – properly.
The smile on his face in the interview with Joe said a lot and I’m glad to hear he’ll be active in the organization and working with the minor clubs. After all these years it would be hard to leave baseball entirely and this will be a nice transition for him.
NCChopper - September 25, 2009
Ah...
well said.
Lizziebeth - September 26, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Talking Chop to post a comment.