Current Atlanta Braves interim manager Brian Snitker is looking like the new full-time Atlanta Braves manager.
Mark Bowman of MLB.com reported Monday that Snitker would be the man at the top of the Braves’ list because of how the team performed towards the end of the season.
The Braves are expected to announce their decision within the next few days, at a time that does not conflict with Major League Baseball’s postseason schedule. But as they near the completion of this selection process, it looks like Snitker has maintained the early advantage he had on the two external candidates — Bud Black and Ron Washington.
It’s a well deserved promotion for Snitker. After using the Matt Kemp trade as a catalyst, the Braves finished the year 68-97 after starting at 9-28.
They had a winning record after the All Star break and turned in a great finish to the year winning 12 of their last 14 games.
Snitker has shown to be a great leader and a good teacher for the young position players on the roster.
And with nearly $50 million in money to spend in free agency, he just might be the first coach to lead the Braves to the playoffs at the new stadium they are opening in 2017.
The Braves have some holes, but thankfully, they didn’t have to add one at manager.