Atlanta Braves: Making a case for 2018 managerial candidates

After many questionable decisions by Brian Snitker regarding the Braves’ lineup and bullpen throughout the season, the search for Snitker’s replacement seems imminent, if not already quietly underway.

Atlanta Braves front office executives were never expecting to win the NL East this season, or really even compete for a Wild Card spot (although playing near .500 baseball was fun while it lasted), but there are definitely several things that Brian Snitker could have handled better to give the team a fighting chance in 2017.

Let’s be honest, Brian Snitker was given a one year contract with an option for 2018 as a “thank you” for coming in and doing a decent job with a team that was on its way a 100-loss season. The second-year option would have only made sense had Snitker’s 2017 club been better than projected.

From inappropriately using Danny Santana and Emilio Bonifacio (among others), to pulling starting pitchers too early, to mishandling an entire bullpen, Brian Snitker has had more than his fair share of ignorant moments. With qualified candidates inside the Braves’ organization, it’s very unlikely (but not ruled out) that the club will exercise Snitker’s option for the 2018 season.

But who’s the best fit for the job, and how big of a role will managerial experience play in the Braves’ decision? Let’s look at a few routes the front office may take, and why these guys make sense.