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Atlanta Braves: Making a case for 2018 managerial candidates

By Tyler Wilson

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 16: Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at SunTrust Park on June 16, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 16: Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at SunTrust Park on June 16, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 20: Chipper Jones #10 of the Atlanta Braves (C) poses for a photo with Mark DeRosa #7 (L) and Adam LaRoche #25 (R) of the Washington Nationals before the start of their game at Nationals Park on August 20, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 20: Chipper Jones #10 of the Atlanta Braves (C) poses for a photo with Mark DeRosa #7 (L) and Adam LaRoche #25 (R) of the Washington Nationals before the start of their game at Nationals Park on August 20, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Mark DeRosa

Every MLB manager has to start his career somewhere, right? There’s no better club for Mark DeRosa to debut as a manager with than the same one he debuted as a player with. DeRosa spent parts of 7 seasons in Atlanta from 1998 to 2004 as a utility player, and was considered a leader in every clubhouse he was a part of during his big-league career.

What DeRosa lacks in experience as a manager, he makes up for with his baseball IQ. His 4 years as an analyst for MLB Network along with his 16 years of experience as a player are testaments to how much DeRosa knows about and loves baseball.

The practice of hiring former players as MLB managers is not unheard of. Guys like Mike Matheny and A.J. Hinch have quickly become successful big-league managers after their playing careers ended. The same is possible for Mark DeRosa. His experience as both an analyst and a player would be vital when making lineup decisions and pitching changes.

I don’t know that the Atlanta Braves will consider a wild-card candidate like Mark DeRosa as seriously as others within the organization, but his name deserves to be in the mix nonetheless.

Brian Snitker

Please, no…  we’ll skip ahead.

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