Braves GM on Gonzalez: 'Perfect for us on so many levels'

The Braves didn't even wait 48 hours to introduce Bobby Cox's replacement. No need. Fredi Gonzalez was Atlanta's manager-in-waiting almost as soon as Cox announced that 2010 would be his final season.

In what was nothing more than a formality, Gonzalez took over yesterday as the team's new manager, succeeded the fourth-winningest skipper in baseball history.

Gonzalez said he's not worried about following in Cox's large footsteps. The Braves' manager since 1990, he led the team to an unprecedented 14 straight division titles and the 1995 World Series championship. After missing the playoffs the last 4 years, Atlanta returned as a wild card this season.

Cox's managing career ended Monday night when the Braves, devastated by injuries, lost to San Francisco in Game 4 of the NL division series.

"Our goal is simple: We want to keep putting flags on that facade up there," Gonzalez said. "I don't think there's a person alive that's going to replace Bobby Cox. We just want to continue the winning tradition and go from there."

Gonzalez' return to the Atlanta, where he served as Cox's third-base coach from 2003-06, has been widely expected ever since he was fired in June by the Florida Marlins.

"This is perfect for us on so many levels," said GM Frank Wren, who didn't even bother interviewing another candidate.

* Former Pirates minor league manager Dale Sveum has interviewed to succeed John Russell as Pittsburgh's manager.

* Top overall draft pick Bryce Harper is heading to the Arizona Fall League, where the Washington Nationals plan to tweak his batting stroke. Harper turns 18 on Saturday, and he will join the Scottsdale Scorpions on Tuesday. He'll be a member of the taxi squad, which means he is eligible to play in games twice a week.