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5 MLB teams Barry Bonds should coach for next

By Matt Whitener

Sep 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins hitting coach Barry Bonds (25) looks on from the batting cage prior to a game against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins hitting coach Barry Bonds (25) looks on from the batting cage prior to a game against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (2) reacts after striking out in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. The Braves won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (2) reacts after striking out in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. The Braves won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Atlanta Braves

The Braves are a team in transition. They are moving into a new ballpark in 2017 and have put the most severe parts of their rebuilding effort mostly behind them. As a result, they have a number of young bats scattered throughout their lineup, as well as some strategically placed veterans too.

Bonds could play a big role in helping to teach plate approach to those young hitters, such as Dansby Swanson and Mallex Smith. Nobody ever worked an at-bat better than Bonds did and for younger hitters that are breaking the ice in their careers, often times learning how to wait for their pitch is the biggest struggle. Bonds can help there, and having his presence around would help to lend some experience to the growing star in Swanson as well.

Next: Derek Jeter and MLB's 20 Richest Players

In addition, having veterans such as Freddie Freeman, Matt Kemp and Nick Markakis on hand will help to ease some of the message that may have come across as rather abrasive in Miami as well. Relatability is always difficult for a player of Bonds’ stature and natural ability, but the Braves offer an intriguing balance of youth, experience and overall organizational growth for Bonds to continue his development as an instructor.

Ringing up Barry may not be the worst idea as the team searches for its third manager in less than a year’s time currently.

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