Snitker’s status uncertain with Braves
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves’ new ballpark was a hit.
The team’s new pitching staff is still under construction.
Another season of only minimal improvement has left Atlanta manager Brian Snitker’s status uncertain. The Braves have not said if they will exercise their 2018 option on his contract.
Snitker, who turns 62 on Oct. 17, says he doesn’t plan to retire. He has been with the organization since being hired as a roving instructor by Hank Aaron in 1981.
“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished over the last 42 years,” Snitker said Sunday, adding he hopes to continue in some role with the team.
“If it’s still continue to manage this team, fine,” he said. “I’m not going to retire. I enjoy the game. I enjoy doing all this in whatever capacity.”
Braves president of baseball operations John Hart said he planned to meet with Snitker on Monday and could have a decision this week. Hart said that timetable would not be affected by Monday’s forced resignation of general manager John Coppolella, the target of a Major League Baseball investigation into a violation of rules in the international player market.
“Obviously, that will be my call as we move forward,” said Hart, who will take over GM duties while the team searches for a new one.
Atlanta was third in the NL East at 72-90 after coming in last with 68 wins in 2016. Clearly, Snitker and the Braves hoped for a better finish, especially after reaching .500 (45-45) in mid-July.
Much of the blame fell on a 4.72 ERA that ranked 12th among 15 NL teams.
Snitker said the progress of young players such as rookie infielders Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies and Johan Camargo meant there indeed was improvement.
“I think it’s grown just because of all the young guys who’ve been injected into the whole thing,” the manager said. “They’ve all grown, so consequently I think you’d have to say that the team has.”
Starters who too often failed to pitch deep into games put too much stress on the bullpen. Even righthander Julio Teheran, expected to be the ace, had a 4.49 ERA, the highest of his career when appearing in more than five games.