Atlanta Braves front office and managerial intrigue

Media surrounding the Atlanta Braves right now is focused on rumored tension amongst the front office staff and the future of the manager. Maybe there’s something going on in the front office is questionable. There’s no doubt the manager’s future is in doubt.

The Atlanta Braves front office became news a little over a month ago when players voiced their support for Brian Snitker.

A week later Ken Rosenthal writing for the Athletic (subscription required and recommended) suggested that a change in front office staffing was, “. . .the first step in a larger battle for the soul of the franchise, a highly sensitive dance between the Braves’ glorious past and promising future.”

"“It’s a power struggle over who is running the club,” one team official said. “Is John Schuerholz running the club or are John Hart and John Coppolella running it?”"

Rosenthal opined that tension was mounting within the Atlanta Braves organization because the team didn’t do as well this year as hoped. Others felt it was a trial balloon to see how more changes would be received and some claimed GM John Coppolella was “testy”with subordinates.

Sorting out those issues

There’s been constant talk about the future of Snitker among fans since the beginning of August but nothing in the press. Then team went to the front office in support; why? Turns out there’s been a lot behind the scenes of post game questioning of decisions going on and they wanted to make a statement.

The situation apparently escalated after the game against the Mariners on August 23rd. You may remember that the Braves entered the eighth inning with a one run lead and Snitker brought Jim Johnson into pitch.

Johnson’s second half had been horrid. In 13 games since the All Star break Johnson gave up 9 runs in 10 2/3 innings at opposing hitters posted a .319/.377/.553/.931 line.  That was good enough – or bad enough – to generate a 7.59 ERA and a 1.874 WHIP.

In his previous three outings he gave up two runs to St Louis, one to Colorado and culminated that  stretch by giving up four runs to Cincinnati in the top of the ninth inning on the 19th. To say fans were surprised to see Johnson enter is an understatement.

They were not surprised however when he gave up four runs on three hits and a walk without retiring a single batter. According to Rosenthal’s article today fans weren’t the only ones less than happy with Snitker’s choice. Jon Hart went to Snitker’s office after the game and made his feelings known.

"several players heard Hart berating Snitker,. . .(Hart) was upset that Snitker then summoned right-hander Dan Winkler in only his second appearance of the season to face the left-handed batting Kyle Seager, who hit a three-run homer. . ."

Hart to Return

Yesterday Braces CEO and chairman Terry McGuirk talked to Mark Bowman of MLB.com about Snitker’s future. I should say he talked around Snitker’s future to the point of sounding like he was giving a farewell speech.

"“Snit is one of the great gentlemen of baseball . . . if you’re ever going to build monuments of people, he’d be a guy. There’s just nothing about his demeanor and the way he appreciates the game that I don’t appreciate and value.”"

Okay you like him a lot but will he be back as manager?

"“All of these are decisions for after the season. . .You couldn’t say anything definitively on anything because we won’t make these decisions until after Oct. 1. . .”"

Got it, decision’s made after the season. Anything else?

"“I’m very close with both guys, and there really isn’t anybody in baseball I trust more than John Hart.”"

Good to know and I’m sure Hart appreciates it. Any further insight?

"“The decision on the leadership of this organization is a complicated one and one that resides predominantly in baseball people. . . I get recommendations and usually acquiesce . . . I have unbelievable faith in John Hart, and I know he sees Brian Snitker the same exact way. . . “"

Bowman asked McGuirk about Hart’s contract and said, “. . .  McGuirk didn’t blink as he made it clear he expects Hart will return.”

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.

Next: ZUK is Back!

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.