Atlanta Braves Report: Bud Black No Longer a Finalist?
Three finalists have been prominently mentioned in the quest for a new Atlanta Braves’ manager. Now comes word that one of those names could be out as a front-runner emerges.
When information begins to leak out about things of this nature, it is best to include the usual disclaimers: adding words like “tentative”, “speculative”, and “being reported” are among the devices appropriate at times like this.
Nonetheless, reports are emerging that Brian Snitker may soon be named as the new manager of the Atlanta Braves.
Writing for ESPN.com, senior writer Jerry Crasnick succinctly says the following this afternoon:
"Brian Snitker has emerged as the front-runner to become the Atlanta Braves‘ next manager, a league source confirmed to ESPN on Monday."
Noting that the Colorado Rockies are also looking to fill a managerial position, beat writer Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post goes even further with this news:
Via @jcrasnick Looks like Brian Snitker is front-runner to manager #Braves. Bud Black not a finalist. #Rockies: https://t.co/cztuyXjfee
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) October 10, 2016
Cautionary note: Saunders mentions Bud Black specifically as a non-finalist, but it is not clear whether this is his own information or whether he is attempting to quote Crasnick, though the ESPN.com post linked above does not mention Bud Black except to say that he was interviewed for the position.
Saunders has not responded to an inquiry for clarification on his tweet, but for now it does appear that momentum is once again leaning in Snitker’s direction, as both of the primary Braves’ beat writers have reported:
I think it was a 2-way race between Snitker and Black, and believe Snitker will get the job. https://t.co/tXanzeLA25
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 10, 2016
The Braves are nearing the end of their managerial search. Playoff games could influence when announcement is made. My guess remains Snitker
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) October 10, 2016
FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal is also on the bandwagon:
Source confirms: Snitker front-runner for #Braves’ job. Process moving into final stages. @Jcrasnick, @DOBrienAJC, @mlbbowman on this.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 10, 2016
Between the Crasnick report and Mark Bowman’s point, it is likely that the Braves’ Front Office has already made their hiring decision, and is simply deferring the announcement to a day with fewer playoff games scheduled so as to not steal any media limelight from the games on the field.
This is the usual practice for teams with such news: waiting for opportune space between one playoff round and the next – a practice encouraged by MLB.
Next: Salary Arbitration Estimates for the Braves
Thus we could be asked to wait on a formal announcement for another day or two, but indicators seem to be pointing “in house” with odds being that the “Interim” label from Snitker’s title might soon be dropped.