Who Should Lead the Atlanta Braves into 2017?

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Mar 5, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; From left Atlanta Braves coach Terry Pendleton (9) , infielder Daniel Castro (77) and coach Eddie Perez (12) talk before the start of the spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Narrowing the Field

Bo Porter. While no fault of his own, his connection to Fredi Gonzalez will not help him in this contest. He presided over a bad Astros club, though was with a decent Florida Marlins team while Gonzalez was at that helm. Additionally, he’s not a dyed-in-the-wool Braves man. Verdict: no.
Brian Snitker. If the decision was only based on points for being a ‘Braves man’, then Snit would win this beauty contest in a landslide. He has more tenure in the organization than anyone – including both Cox and Schuerholz! However, I do not believe that will be enough… and I’m already starting to wonder about his use of the bullpen, given there have been some games in which many arms were used up too early. Verdict: no.

That leaves Perez and Pendleton.

Terry Pendleton. He’s been with the Braves since “the run” of playoff success began 1991… with a hiatus in 1995, 1997, and 1998 as he finished up his playing days. But he was back in 2001 as hitting coach, then later a base coach and now bench coach.

Pendleton has the ‘fire’ to command respect and to enforce his no-nonsense approach to the game. He also has an MVP season to back up his credentials as a “been there/done that” player. He sat under Bobby Cox and both managers since, but has no direct experience of his own.

I cannot locate the quote to cite here, but Greg Maddux once said that Eddie Perez knows more about pitching than anyone. That might be because Mad Doggie taught him, but it still applies. Perez is a Braves’ “lifer”, save for one season apiece in Cleveland and Milwaukee. He has managed in the Winter Leagues and holds the respect of pitchers, Chipper Jones, and John Coppolella alike.

The Braves’ emphasis on pitching, pitching, and more pitching may very well play strongly here. While a manager is not a pitching coach, he can set the tone for the orgnization. Also, it’s not a done deal that Roger McDowell would be retained at year’s end, either, so the new manager could end up making a choice of his own for that staff position.

Perez’ ability to speak English and Spanish should not be overlooked, either, especially with so many high-end Latin prospects to make their marks in the next five years or so.

Decisions, Decisions

More from Tomahawk Take

This is a tough call. Depending on the direction the wind is blowing, I could easily go either direction.

Right now, I’m about 60% Eddie Perez and 40% Terry Pendleton… with the 2nd place candidate becoming the Bench Coach. That’s a switch from where I was a month ago (via statements made on radio). I would hope that both men would be good with the secondary role regardless of who gets the hot seat appointment… if either actually does.

Perez’ steady demeanor is probably the deciding factor for me, though if Pendleton stays on, he would have the ‘pit bull’ mentality to make sure things are done right. It’s almost as if merging this pair would embody the best baseball qualities of Cox and Maddux… along with their own significant, respective expertise.

Further Down the Bench

Going further, I do think it is probably time to replace Pitching Coach McDowell as well. I would love to bring back Leo Mazzone, because I see him as a “next level” pitching coach. Leo is 67 now, but certainly keeps up with the game, and if the Braves could get another 5+ years out of him, that would be excellent… important, even.

As for hitting, I have great respect for Kevin Seitzer, but it is hard to see improvement in the offense over the past two seasons. You could point to increased walks and decreased strikeouts, but that’s also due a lot to the players that are now with us. Certainly, offensive output has been lacking.

While I do not wish to see him go away, I would like to see an increased role for Chipper Jones beginning in 2017… a co-hitting coach title might work. Seitzer could be the lead man, but Chipper would readily be available as needed.

As for Brian Snitker? I would offer him the choice of either the 1st base coaching box (no – we do not want him on the 3rd base line again) or back to Gwinnett – someplace where he can return to developing players. Bo Porter? He can stay at 3rd, if he’s good with that – or pursue other opportunities that might be available to him.

Next: The New Prospect Rankings Roll On

The Braves need to play this carefully for the sake of not losing very, very good baseball people. Hopefully the demeanor of both Pendleton and Perez will handle this selection time professionally – even if neither one ends up getting the job.

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