The Braves have fired general manager Frank Wren, effective immediately, the club announced Monday. Manager Fredi Gonzalez, however, appears safe to retain his position, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.On Sunday, CBSSports.com reported that Wren's job was in jeopardy. Wren, 56, has been the general manager of the Braves since taking over for John Schuerholz after the 2007 season. Under his watch, the Braves have gone to the playoffs three times (2010, 2012 and 2013), though they haven't won a single playoff series.
The Braves opened the 2014 season with a 17-7 record. They were 52-43 at the All-Star break, but things have fallen apart since. They've gone 24-36 in the second half and just 4-14 in September. They were only a half-game back heading into July 29 and Monday sit 15 games behind the Nationals in the NL East. So it's been a pretty colossal collapse. Gonzalez, 50, is 355-286 in his four seasons with the Braves. He's gotten manager of the year consideration in each of his previous three seasons, though that'll come to a halt this year, as the Braves are only a half-game up on the Mets for second place and the Marlins are only two back of Atlanta -- so it's possible that the Braves finish in fourth place. They've only finished worse than third one time since 1990. John Hart has been named the interim general manager, per the Braves. Hart was the GM of the Indians during their incredible run in the late '90s and later served as the GM of the Rangers. Hart was a special advisor for the Braves before this move, but reports have indicated he doesn't want a full-time position. So expect this position to indeed remain temporary. Assistant GM John Coppolella's job appears safe, sources told CBSSports.com. On the flip-side, assistant GM Bruce Manno and top scout Jeff Wren (Frank's brother), seem likely to leave. Matt Snyder/CBS Sports
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