Atlanta Braves General Manager Frank Wren received a two-year extension Monday that will run through the 2013 season.
Wren is in his fourth season as Braves G.M., compiling a 249-237 record since taking over. But more so than that has been the turnaround the Braves have experienced since Wren replaced John Schuerholz. The Braves puttered along from 2006 through 2008 due in large part to Schuerholz's undying efforts to keep the division streak alive at all costs, including the farm system.
Wren has done extremely well in helping orchestrate the re-stocking of the system. The Braves are back to graduating prospects at a yearly rate, and the farm system has been ranked as high as No. 3 in system lists. Not to mention the major league team returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2005 and is expected to return for a second straight season.
Wren's biggest move as general manager has been the hiring of Fredi Gonzalez to replace Bobby Cox, though it wasn't exactly a tough decision in their eyes. It may take a couple years to determine the success of the hiring, but how people evaluate Wren down the road could be based a lot on Gonzalez. Only time will tell on that end. His success so far is easy to see.