ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports that Brian Snitker has emerged as the favorite in the Braves’ search for a manager for the 2017 season and beyond. The Braves have also considered Bud Black and Ron Washington, as well as coaches Eddie Perez, Terry Pendleton, and Bo Porter.
Snitker, 60, took over as the Braves’ interim manager after the club fired Fredi Gonzalez. They went 9-28 (.243) under Gonzalez but 59-65 (.476) under Snitker. Snitker has been a part of the Braves’ organization in a coaching capacity since 2006, when the club brought him on board to serve as the third base coach. Prior to that, he was the manager of the Durham Bulls, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Greenville Braves, Mississippi Braves, and the Richmond Braves -- all in the Braves’ minor league system.
As a minor leaguer, Snitker played in the Braves’ system from 1977-80 as a catcher and occasionally as a first baseman, batting .254 with 23 home runs and 112 RBI over 872 plate appearances.
