Atlanta Braves front office and managerial intrigue
By Fred Owens
John Coppolella, John Hart and Brian Snitker meet the media one last time to discuss the 2016 season. #Braves pic.twitter.com/DkOpFvAHEq
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) October 3, 2016
That’s a Wrap
Many questions have been answered. The team came forward to support their manager because he was under pressure and they felt responsible. You may remember they did the same for Fredi Gonzalez before his departure.
The front office made a mistake when they gave in to team pressure last fall, it’s unlikely they make that mistake again. Snitker’s helped them with their decision by making so many bad ones this season.
He clearly blundered on multiple occasions with lineup construction and bullpen use. Opposing managers maneuvered him in late inning tactical situations often and at times it appears he can’t decide whether he’s developing players (his AAA job) or trying to win games.
McGuirk’s immediate confirmation that Hart would be back and professed trust in Hart makes it clear who wins any power struggle that may be underway.
While Hart and Snitker have according to Bowman, “. . .interacted in a professional and cordial manner over the past couple weeks.” That isn’t the an optimum situation.
The Hart/Coppolella front office know something has to change. Clearly they have well founded doubts that Snitker can make those changes and lead the team to the World Series.
I’d say that if Snitker is working for the Braves in 2018 it will be in some other capacity.