It isn't difficult to determine who is the biggest loser of the Atlanta Braves, moving Brian Snitker out of the dugout. One of Snitker's best and worst traits is his loyalty. The manager is going to keep a failing veteran in the lineup, no matter how awful the results might be, if the player has Snitker's trust. At times, this has worked in Atlanta's favor, most notably with Marcell Ozuna, who appeared a likely roster cut before going on a two-year offensive tear. Leaving no question that it has worked for the Braves at times.
However, it has been a liability as well, especially in the bullpen or the middle of Atlanta's infield. Failing players deserve a level of patience, but not to the levels that Snitker exercised. Every veteran currently rostered should understand that the margin for error has been removed. No longer can you simply count on your resume to remain in the lineup or be counted on out of the bullpen or rotation. No matter who is named the next manager in Atlanta, it is impossible to imagine that this isn't going to be a major fallout piece of it.
Braves Veterans Put on Notice After Atlanta Moves on from Veteran Manager Brian Snitker
Ozzie Albies and Sean Murphy are great examples of players who haven't lived up to expectations over the last two years and still remained in the lineup. It is easy to see a new manager lacking this same patience with failing pieces. This is especially the case with players who have already been on thin ice for more than two seasons.
Hopefully, this same approach is exercised in the bullpen as well. Snitker so often would opt to go with a player's past resume over what they were doing in the moment. This resulted in frustrating decisions and results throughout the veteran manager's tenure. While this is in no way meant to disrespect a franchise legend and World Series champion, it is the reality of watching Snitker's management style.
The veteran coach was often hurt by his player-focused style that rewarded resumes over performance. This wasn't the case with every roster decision, but it was a consistent point of friction for a Braves fan base that is feeling optimistic about the change at the position.
Something Atlanta's roster must take note of, understanding that the same level of patience is no longer locked into place. Perhaps a great development that will help remove some of the seeming complacency that has slipped into the organization over the past two seasons.