The Atlanta Braves have reportedly begun the process of interviewing in-house candidates for their vacant managerial position, but they still plan to speak with other options from outside the organization.
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Braves Talk About Job With Three Coaches
Saturday, Oct. 1
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported Saturday the Braves discussed the opening with third base coach Bo Porter, first base coach Eddie Perez and bench coach Terry Pendleton on Friday. Brian Snitker has filled in on an interim basis since Fredi Gonzalez was fired in May.
It's no surprise Atlanta is planning to take its time to consider every alternative, including coaches from both inside and outside the club. The Braves are looking to take their first major step forward in 2017 after an often painful rebuilding process.
In addition to the arrival of some top prospects, led by shortstop Dansby Swanson, the team is also preparing to open its new home—SunTrust Park—next year.
Although the job could attract interest with the Braves ready to start climbing the standings, Snitker has emerged as a strong candidate to transition from an interim role into the full-time manager.
Jesse Spector of the Sporting News commented on how well the team, which looked destined to finish at the bottom of the standings by a significant margin early in the season, has played since the managerial change:
The 60-year-old coaching veteran, who's managed all around the Braves' minor-league system, told Mark Bowman of MLB.com this week he'd "love" to keep the job into 2017 and beyond, but general manager John Coppolella didn't commit to anything.
"[Snitiker] has been outstanding on the field and off the field," Coppolella said. "He's been exactly what we've needed right now. We'll continue to evaluate it and see which direction we go."
Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reported in May that Los Angeles Angels special assistant Bud Black and Boston Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo were potential outside candidates for the position.
Ultimately, it would be tough for the Braves to go away from Snitker given how well the team, which remains short on talent as it awaits more highly rated prospects to arrive in the big leagues, has performed under his guidance in recent months.
Atlanta can afford to give the interim manager a couple of years to prove himself while the team makes the transition back into a legitimate contender in the National League.
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