Sep 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves interim manager Brian Snitker (43) looks on from the dugout prior to the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves finished in last place in the NL East and the fifth worst in the game. What are five things the Braves need to focus on in the off-season?
1. Keep Brian Snitker as manager
Yes the Braves finished in last, but they had a good second half, finishing over .500 after an abysmal start. Going into their brand new stadium with an MVP candidate first baseman in Freddie Freeman, a top prospect in Dansby Swanson, an excellent pitcher in Julio Teheran and and excellent farm system, there is a ton of reasons for hope.
But there’s a lot of things to work on. The team was towards the bottom in many offensive and pitching categories. It’s great to have the farm system that the Braves do, but when those kids come up they have to perform. Many of the pitchers like John Gant and Aaron Blair did not when called upon. Does that mean they can’t? No, but if they are going to win consistently they need to upgrade the rotation.
Brian Snitker should remain Braves skipper for the upcoming season and beyond. The team seemed to respond to Snitker and he was a part of the development of some of the kids that have come up.
Snitker has been in the organization for 40 years. He’s seen everything and learned from guys like Bobby Cox. The players love him. It’s time to reward a guy who’s been a part of the organization for such a long time as they move into the future.
Oct 2, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) hits a home run in the bottom of the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. It was the 20th home run of the season for McCann. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
2. Upgrade the catching position
The Atlanta Braves need to upgrade at catcher this off-season. A.J. Pierzynski started half of their games in his final MLB season. He put together a whopping .547 OPS. Per statcorner, he was a -6.8 RAA. Anthony Recker wasn’t much better on defense, grading out a -6.4 RAA in 33 games. Tyler Flowers is an excellent defensive catcher. His 13.3 RAA was the fourth best in baseball this season. He hit .270 with a .777 OPS.
The Braves are going to need more production behind the dish. One of the names is former Brave Brian McCann. Would he waive his no trade clause to get there? Maybe. Would the Yankees want to deal McCann? That I don’t know. I’m not sure they are ready to go with all young guys at first and catcher. Can Gary Sanchez do it again? Is Greg Bird recovered from his labrum surgery? McCann would be a nice insurance policy if either of those questions are a no.
The other option could be San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris. Austin Hedges looks like he’s ready and the Padres also have Hector Sanchez and ex-Brave Christian Bethancourt. They could use Norris to get something they need.
Sep 23, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Nick Markakis (22) connects for a base hit during the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking of trading from a position of depth for a position of need, the Braves have four outfielders that could start. Matt Kemp, Ender Inciarte and Nick Markakis and Mallex Smith. Kemp really took off after coming over from the Padres in exchange for Hector Olivera. Inciarte was a catalyst at the top of the lineup. That leaves the other outfield spot in question.
The first thing they have to decide is Smith just a fourth outfielder. If he is then that’s fine and he can stay on the bench and be the speedy backup. If they think he’s more than that or if another team thinks that way, then they have to deal him for something else they need.
They could decide to keep Smith as a starter and then deal the veteran Markakis, which may get them a greater return. Markakis had a much more productive season in his second with Braves (even with a slightly worse OPS in 2016).
Markakis is due $11 million each of the next two seasons, which is fairly reasonable considering what the prices may be this season for guys like Jose Bautista and Mark Trumbo.
Either Smith or Markakis could be a nice fit for someone’s outfield next year.
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Braves could use Markakis or Smith to deal for starting pitching help at the major league level that they need. Outside of Julio Teheran, the rotation was a big issue last season. Matt Wisler tied Teheran in leading the team in wins with seven, however, he had an ERA of 5.00. Aaron Blair made 15 starts and had an ERA over 7.00.
The Braves managed to take guys like Lucas Harrell, Bud Norris and Jholys Chacin and flip them for more prospects which is exactly the right play.
Other prospects came up and didn’t provide much. Guys like John Gant, Robert Whalen, Casey Kelly and Tyrell Jenkins didn’t show much.
The Braves could use a veteran or two in the rotation to help provide innings and leadership and bridge the gap to guys like Sean Newcomb and Kolby Allard are ready.
If the Braves are truly going to be competive next season, they need to address the rotation, especially in a division that has talented starting pitchers up and down the rosters.
Sep 26, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) hits a two-run single off of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Michael Wacha (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Another spot Atlanta could use an upgrade at is second base. Jace Peterson seems like he could be a useful guy off the bench, but I’m not quite sure he’s a full time second baseman. Peterson hit .254 with a .715 OPS. Ozzie Albies is the second baseman of the future. But that future may not be next year.
Albies hit AAA last season and hit .248 in his age 19 season. He fractured his elbow in early September and missed the rest of the season. I can’t see the Braves rushing him to the majors.
The issue is on the free agent market that there isn’t much at the position. Could they go after Neil Walker coming off back surgery? Could they sign Aaron Hill as a veteran stopgap? Could they make a trade with the Reds for Brandon Phillips who went to high school in Georgia? Phillips has one year left on his deal and is a recognizable face for the fan base, something that could entice the Braves to go after him.
If the Braves can address all five things I talked about in the affirmative, they can easily find themselves out of the cellar of the NL East next year. It’s a great time to be a Braves fan. There’s a lot of hope and youth surrounding this club. They may need a couple more years, but the Atlanta Braves are certainly trending upward.
More from Call to the Pen
This article originally appeared on 
