Atlanta Braves Manager: Mark DeRosa
What? You were expecting a certain former switch-hitting third baseman? While I could absolutely see Chipper Jones involved in the next coaching group (if he even wants that role), I don’t see him being brought into the managerial role.
DeRosa had a solid start to his career with Atlanta and has good rapport with Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz, who both still have some say in the organization. He’s an Ivy League guy, so he’s certainly a smart guy. DeRosa works for MLB Network, the former employer of John Hart in the Braves front office, so there’s a connection there. DeRosa also still lives in the Atlanta area.
Of the guys I’m mentioning here, DeRosa is the youngest, and not by just a little, by just short of 7 full years younger than Perez. He’s not had any managerial experience, but with the backing of the Braves front office and retaining some of the guys like Perez and Pendleton, the transition could be easier in Atlanta than for most former players in their first gig.
Next: HUGE Possible Candidate