Braves focusing on Gonzalez to replace Cox

The Braves are focusing on Fredi Gonzalez to replace legendary Bobby Cox as Braves manager, according to league sources.

Gonzalez, the former Marlins manager, has been the favorite for several months. The Braves may interview a couple others, including hitting coach Terry Pendleton, but it is believed the job will almost surely go to Gonzalez.

Gonzalez is close to top Braves baseball executives Frank Wren and John Schuerholz and also has an excellent rapport with Cox dating back to Gonzalez's days on Cox's Braves coaching staff. Cox's legendary 29-year managerial career ended Monday night when the Braves lost to the Giants in Game 4 of the NLDS.