The Braves have interviewed four internal managerial candidates, Mark Bowman of MLB.com writes (Twitter links). Those include interim manager Brian Snitker, bench coach Terry Pendleton, first base coach Eddie Perez and third base coach Bo Porter. Bowman notes that, of the four, Pendleton stood out as being impressive.
The Braves still will likely speak to external candidates. There’s no word on who those might be, although last week, Today’s Knuckleball’s Jon Heyman linked the Braves to Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo, former Padres manager Bud Black, former Twins manager Rob Gardenhire and Royals bench coach (and former Mariners manager) Don Wakamatsu.
Snitker would seem to be the most obvious candidate, as he’s won plenty of praise for his work with the Braves down the stretch after the firing of Fredi Gonzalez, and he has extensive experience as a big-league coach and minor league manager. But Pendleton, Perez and Porter also all have résumés well worth considering. Pendleton has served 15 years on the Braves’ staff as a hitting coach and first base coach, and he won an MVP award as a Braves player in 1991. Perez played nine seasons for the Braves as a catcher and has been a coach for the Braves since 2007. Porter has extensive experience outside the Braves organization — he was the Astros’ manager in 2013 and 2014 and has also managed or coached in the Marlins, Diamondbacks and Nationals organizations.
one of the more surprising second half teams think it would be kind of foolish to go away from the man that has them playing well
I agree!!!! And he knows the younger guys that’s coming up better than anyone. Give him a shot at a full season, he’s earned it.
#Snitker2017
Ole snit
i don’t think the players’ endorsements of snitker can be ignored n management either. some of the things they say echo what players said about Cox.
I’m probably in the minority here, but I would like a new or at least different voice than what we’ve had for the last 25 yrs. “The Braves Way” of doing things as far as managers is frustrating. Cox was a great manager for the marathon of the regular season, but his same approach to the sprint of the post season was angering. Overall Cox had a losing record in the post season, 17 appearances and 1 WS title, not to mention how many one and done appearances in the 2000’s.
Point is-I’d like to see a different approach and style opening the new ballpark. Let’s completely leave the curse of the TED behind us, and go brand new all the way around.
That’s exactly why I’m not gung ho for Pendleton. I could be wrong, but I picture him as more of a Cox loyalist than anything. Snitker seems traditional but will change things up and stick with what’s working (i.e. lineup configurations). He seems to be adept at putting guys in spots for them to succeed and gain experience, like getting ABs to Rio Ruiz, Mallex Smith, while keeping the hot bats of Inciarte, Freeman, Kemp hot. Often the best managers need to have the ability to just get outta the way and let the players play, and I think Snitker understands that. If he can manage a bullpen better than Fredi/Cox, he’s got my vote already. Would also be interested in Bo Porter as well, who I thought got blamed for too much in HOU.
Pendleton would likely be an outstanding manager, but I also think Porter deserves another shot.
Snitker would be my #1 choice with Porter a close 2nd. I hope if Bo isn’t named manager, the Braves will allow him to talk to other teams about a position. As for Lovullo, the Red Sox, in spite of being a divisional winner, should seriously think of putting him in as the #1 guy. Farrell is just lost as a field general.
I’d rather have snitker for manager
The Braves have young a team that needs a manager who can develop young talent. Based on coaching history that puts Porter at the top of the list #checktherecord
I’m not comfortable with Snitker getting a multi-year contract. If they wanted to continue to ride this wave for at least another year and retain him for a one year with a team option, I would love that. In another year, we’d definitively be able to see if he’s the real deal or not. He’s done exceptionally this year, but next year expectations will be different than what they were when he got the interim job.
I’d love to see Snit get the job. TP would be my second, because I’m of the opinion that Bo Porter is just another Fredi. What we absolutely cannot have is Ron Gardenhire or Bud Black. That would be disastrous.
The most concerning thing is management saying they are looking for the “next Bobby Cox” which sounds too much like the “next Fredi Gonzalez” to me.
I’m thinking Snitker or Lovullo would be the way to go. Snitker because of his familiarity working with younger guys or Luvollo because he is outside the organization and did a mighty fine job as an interim head coach recently as well.
Snitker has benefited from a weaker second half schedule, healthier players, and some of the young guys who have come up. Giving him the team for next year would be a colossal mistake for a rebuild that’s gone pretty well so far. The Braves should go get a proven manager who is also a decent tactician. Snitker is a good guy, but there’s no evidence he’s a good tactician.
The typical Braves move would be to hire Snitker. He’s the safe and popular choice. I’m not impressed with garbage time wins at the end of the season. It’s nice the players are battling for him, but the Braves need to see the big picture. The Braves can go get a great manager now.
I feel the same about Snitker. I truly believe he was only meant to be a stop gap as well. He’s earned himself a spot on the bench though, and would love to have him there.
A younger guy would be more preferably imo over Snit too.
Torey Lovullo seems like the perfect candidate. He should easily be the Red Sox’s manager right now, but fortunately he isn’t. Now we can swoop in and take him.
Bo Porter wouldn’t be a bad candidate either. Felt like he was on the rise with Houston, but because he was so competitive and wanted to win, and Luhnhow wanted to tank, they just gave him the hook.
A.J Ellis
Team Snitker checking in. To me it should be obvious by now. He’s been nothing short of phenomenal. Everyone loves playing for him. Plus the fact he knows the young guys Who are coming up is such a bonus as well.
I feel like Pendleton will be another Fredi. A Cox loyalist who isn’t really prepared to run a team on his own.
I doubt Braves reps actually read any of these forum posts but the overwhelming support for Snitker posted above is a strong indication of who Braves fans want next year.
This is comical. TP is a Fredi clone and somehow Snitker isn’t one? You base this on… how you feel. I hope the Braves pick the best manager available and not by who the fans think is the best.
By “overwhelming support” you mean the 15 or so people who seem to like him?
With Asmus, Ventrua and Weiss being replaced could the Braves interview one of the three?