LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. _ Fredi Gonzalez has tried to maintain a low profile since the Marlins hired him this offseason to replace Lenny Harris as the team's third-base coach. But staying under the radar was a tough task Saturday in Braves Country.
The 53-year-old former manager of the Braves, who was fired after a 9-28 start last season, got a lot of love from his former players upon his return to the team's spring training facility.
"It was a little awkward," Gonzalez admitted of walking back out onto the field at Champions Stadium after serving as the Braves manager for five-plus seasons. "But we left in such great terms with everybody. I'm so happy for (Brian Snitker) and wish him a lot of success. He's a guy that's been a long time minor league manager and coach in the big leagues. He's been there 40 years in the organization. I'm really happy for him. We talk all the time."
Gonzalez, who managed the Marlins from 2007 to 2010, said the transition of returning to the Marlins has not been difficult for him at all. For him, really, it's an entirely new situation.
"The only guy that was there when I was there was (Giancarlo) Stanton," Gonzalez said. "And I think I only had Stanton three or four days before I was let go. But (Don Mattingly) has made me feel really comfortable, given me some responsibilities. The most fun I've had is coaching again. It kind of sounds funny, but as a manager you don't coach. I've had fun coaching. I help out with the catchers a little bit, do a little bit of the pitchers bunting that kind of stuff. It's been really fun to do that."
Gonzalez said he's moved his offseason home from Marrieta, Ga., to a small town outside of Philadelphia.
"Everybody is moving south and I'm moving north," said Gonzalez, a Miami native who graduated from Southridge High. "But I'm enjoying being here (in South Florida) with my Mom and Dad and my brother and sister again (during the season). I get a chance to spend a little time with them."
