How Will Fredi Gonzalez Manage Mallex Smith?
By Josh Brown
The only person in baseball who stands a chance in getting in the way of Mallex Smith in 2016 is Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez.
There, I said it. It pains me to make such bold statements, and I try not to get too emotional or drastic in any non-Twitter piece, but Fredi Gonzalez poses a threat to Mallex Smith. I don’t loathe Fredi Gonzalez and I don’t think Fredi Gonzalez is the worst manager in baseball. But, Fredi Gonzalez is not a good manager.
Let’s start with Mallex Smith. Mallex Smith is not just another prospect. The word “prospect” at this point in Braves Country has almost become synonymous with “baseball player.” But, Mallex Smith is not just another prospect. Atlanta Braves fans have become numb to prospects at this point. And often times, even the really good prospects in Atlanta don’t even end up being the superstars they were packaged to be: Jurrjens, Minor, Hanson, James, Gattis, Schafer, the list goes on and on.
But, Mallex Smith is different. At least he’s different in my opinion. Granted, what I saw in Spring Training is certainly a small sample size – But, I think Mallex Smith is going to be great. Not just another really good prospect. Mallex Smith is going to be a star in the game of baseball.
The Atlanta Braves have a chance with Mallex Smith to finally get a super star leadoff hitter. The last time the Braves had a consistently lethal leadoff hitter was Rafael Furcal (Honorable mention, September of 2008 when Matt Diaz hit over .400 when Bobby put him in the leadoff spot for a month). We’ve had speedy “okay” guys here and there since, like Michael Bourn, Jason Heyward (back when he didn’t know how to play baseball before the Cardinals taught him), Jace Peterson, B.J. Upton, Jose Constanza, Nate McClouth and Gregor Blanco, I could go on. Inciarte has potential to be that guy… but he’s not Mallex Smith-fast. You get the drift. The Braves have needed a real leadoff hitter since Furcal.
If you read my “things Braves fans can be excited about” piece, you’ll know my high opinion of Mallex. And, I even predicted him to win the Rookie of the Year. And, probably the most exciting thing about him is his speed. Mallex Smith’s speed is an 80 on the scouting 20-80 score chart. Elite guys are 80’s like Kenny Lofton and Rickey Henderson. He’s fast. To put an “80” into perspective – Ozzie Albies is a 65 and Ozzie Albies is as fast as lightening.
The Braves acquired Mallex Smith via the Justin Upton trade. He had an okay 2012 and 2013, but then he broke out in 2014, which made it difficult for the Padres to part ways with him. He ended up finishing the 2015 season in AAA with a .306/.373/.386 slash line. There was no question in my mind, going into Spring Training, that Mallex Smith was already MLB ready, and the only reason he didn’t make Opening Day was because of other guy’s contracts being in the way.
Now, back to Fredi Gonzalez. I don’t want to be just another “Fire Fredi!” guy, but I lost all hope in Fredi Gonzalez’s managerial abilities when he pulled Aaron Harang during a no-hitter. On April 18, 2014 Aaron Harang didn’t allow a hit for seven innings but was pulled after 121 pitches because of “pitch count.” Fredi Gonzalez lost the Braves/Dodgers wild card game in 2013 by not putting Kimbrel on the mound, and Fredi Gonzalez was the only guy who broke up Evan Gattis‘ hit streak in 2014 by benching him to give him rest.
I think Fredi Gonzalez is a good guy and treats his players fairly. But, I don’t think Fredi Gonzalez has the drive to win baseball games like a major league manager should. And, I don’t think he can adequately manage talent.
Mallex Smith is not a player to be tampered with. He’s the kind of guy who, if you’re going to bring him up, bring him up and let him play. Fredi’s freakish obsession with platoons and giving guys nights off during hot streaks does not make me as excited as I should be for Mallex Smith.
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As long as Fredi Gonzalez is the manager for the Atlanta Braves and “okay” veteran guys like Drew Stubbs are on the team who have “center field” on their resume, Mallex Smith will have a problem reaching his full potential.