It’s happening. As if yesterday wasn’t insulting enough to the Braves’ fan base, the organization is seemingly adding insult to injury by making the decision to bring back Brian Snitker for 2018.
The Atlanta Braves have not made any official announcement regarding the fate of Brian Snitker, but several credible sources have stated that Snitker will likely return as the team’s manager for 2018.
This decision would come to the surprise of many. Although players (including Freddie Freeman and Kurt Suzuki) have been vocally supportive of Brian Snitker, his questionable lineup and pitching decisions have likely cost the Braves a handful of wins in 2017. He’s not someone you want managing a young, developing pitching staff.
Bigger Picture?
If the Atlanta Braves do announce this decision tomorrow, it’s perplexing for two reasons:
First off, why would the organization not allow the next GM to appoint his own manager? Picking up Snitker’s option before hiring a new GM only makes the job less attractive and desirable for potential candidates. Candidates won’t like the idea of not being able to tailor things to their liking once assuming the GM role.
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However, GM candidate Dayton Moore’s go-to manager, Ned Yost, will see his contract with the Royals end after 2018. The Braves could be using Brian Snitker’s option to bridge the gap between now and then, further enticing Moore to come to Atlanta.
Secondly, amidst all of the controversy surrounding the front office, why would they bring back a guy who is widely disliked by fans?
It seems like the Braves would be doing more to try to gain the respect of the fans in a time like this, and it’s a known fact that Snitker and his managerial ways are disliked by Atlanta’s fan base.
Moving forward..
If the decision is, in fact, made to bring Brian Snitker back for 2018, one can only hope that the Atlanta Braves are only picking up his one-year option, and not extending his contract any further than that. With many more prospects inching towards the MLB in the next few years, Brian Snitker isn’t someone I want managing them at the highest level.
With potentially just hours left before a decision is made, I make my final plea to the Atlanta Braves: please let Brian Snitker go.