The Atlanta Braves' hiring of Fredi Gonzalez as the team's new third-base coach comes as a bit of a surprise. It was current manager Brian Snitker who replaced Gonzalez when the team was finally ready to turn the page after three years of frustrations. Bringing the manager back in a lesser role makes sense in some ways and is questionable in others. Regardless, it is a desperate move to attempt to provide additional leadership and fix a broken team. It also leaves room to wonder what exactly the future holds for Brian Snitker.
Atlanta's manager holds far too many service years and too much respect to be fired mid-season. However, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team make a change at the end of the season. Forcing Snitker out in a respectful manner that gives the veteran the credit he deserves. Still, the move to bring in a new coach speaks to the front office questioning the team's leadership. When you're competing at the bottom of the National League, this is a fair question. One the team is going to have to ponder if the struggles continue.
Braves Forcing Brian Snitker Out Wouldn't be a Surprise if Current Struggles Continue
It is important to point out that a large portion of the blame belongs on the shoulders of the Atlanta front office, not Snitker. The counter to this is pointing out that the manager's loyalty to failing players has cost the team needed wins. With this in mind, it isn't out of the question that the team is going to need to make a change at the end of the season.
Best case, the Braves are able to go on a run and force their way back into the wildcard race. However, if that doesn't happen, it seems probable this is Snitker's last season managing Atlanta. In no way is this to suggest the hiring of Gonzalez presents any chance of the former manager returning to the role. Rather, it points to the desperation of the team to find meaningful change.
Hiring Gonzalez is an attempt to course correct and find someone capable of pushing the roster. Losing Ron Washington is a void the team is yet to fill, and now will attempt to fix by adding another former manager. With this in mind, Atlanta's current coaching staff should all consider themselves put on notice. This level of losing won't be accepted, and that might mean making a tough decision when it comes to manager Brian Snitker.