The Atlanta Braves remain uncertain when it comes to manager Brian Snitker's future. The veteran coach hasn't been clear on what the plans are beyond this season. How Atlanta fans feel about Snitker returning depends on the day you ask. A piece of this is due to poor roster construction, and a piece is Snitker's best trait, also being a clear weakness.
Snitker is loyal to a fault, explaining why Raisel Iglesias was given ill-advised save chances when it was clear things weren't working, or putting Eddie Rosario at the plate in a clutch situation. This has led to a lot of understandable frustration with Snitker's stubborn decision-making. The latest example of this is ignoring the clear need to keep Drake Baldwin's bat in the starting lineup.
Brian Snitker Must Evolve, Showing a Willingness to Adapt to Struggles with Far More Urgency
If the Braves are going to be able to turn the season around and make a run at a wildcard spot or perhaps even catch the Phillies and Mets in a crowded National League East, one change must be made. Snitker must understand that this isn't the Atlanta teams of old, where you can simply trot out the same veterans and rely on the same high-leverage arms. Atlanta's roster needs a far more delicate touch.
Even when Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. return, there are holes on the roster Snitker is going to need to navigate. Forget the price tags of Iglesias and Sean Murphy, focus completely on who gives you the best chance to win each night.
It is a difficult change to make for a manager who has based his entire career on relationships and a consistent management style. However, if this Atlanta team is going to make any type of real postseason run, it is going to require both an evolution from Snitker and at least a handful of impactful additions.
Atlanta fans can at least rest easy with the team finally fighting their way over .500 for the first time this season. It was a performance defined by Spencer Schwellenbach's great outing and Drake Baldwin continuing to make it clear his bat can no longer be kept out of the everyday lineup.