Reflections on the Promotion of Atlanta Braves’ GM John Coppolella
Sep 6, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren before a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Rubbed the Wren Way
There had been persistent hints from players, former players and insiders (once again: see Carroll Rogers) that Wren’s personality often clashed with others. Perhaps that was intentional to create space for “his people”; perhaps it was the way he operates. There’s enough chatter to suggest that the latter is likely the case. The best indicator might have been the turnover of the scouting department and lose of some long-time coaches.
Regardless, it does seem that as the years ticked by, there were indications that Wren was continuing to make decisions that took him further away from John Schuerholz’ ideas for running the club, which in turn were shortening his own leash.
The “Braves Way” ultimately seems to have meant two things to Schuerholz: (a) scouting and player development; and (b) having Braves’ people – his people – out in the hedges on the hunt for players. Over the years, Wren chose to bring in his own people instead.
The changes that have surely been made in the past year are:
- An emphasis on getting prior personnel back – the John Schuerholz people
- An emphasis on bolstering scouting… particularly in the international market
- Trusting the long-time baseball people
If you believe in the people that have been brought in, then you’ll probably like the transition to the Coppolella era. Getting back into the international fray is simply a good idea. However it’s been done, the Braves are opting to spend some scouting money now – money that Wren did not have access to (via poor TV contracts or whatever).
Regardless of how you feel about Frank Wren and his tenure in Atlanta, I certainly have to agree with Gandy: if you think it will all be peaches and cream for the Braves just because Coppolella is at the helm, then you’re probably not looking at the whole picture. He will make mistakes (and already has). At the same time, he may indeed succeed, but I’ll say now that this success will come from being empowered with at least two things that Frank Wren didn’t get a chance to employ:
- More budget/scouting/international signing dollars
- The freedom to “blow it up” and rebuild properly
At the same time, Coppy is getting “Schuerholz-style people” to work with. Granted, at his age, he didn’t have a robust set of people whom he’s worked with in baseball for decades (though Blakeley is one), but this staff will at least make Schuerholz happier.
It also probably tells you who is really still in charge at 755 Hank Aaron Drive.
Is that a good thing? Admittedly, it’s hard to argue with all of the flags flying at Turner Field.