Brian Snitker commits fireable offense, brings in Will Smith at worst time
By Mark Powell
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker is addicted to relief pitcher Will Smith. Someone needs to get him some help before it’s too late.
Smith is the most consistent reliever in the Braves bullpen right now — and not in a good way.
In the top of the seventh inning against the Padres, Snitker brought in Smith to face Fernando Tatis Jr., despite the fact that Tatis is a righty and Smith is a left-handed pitcher. Smith has also been struggling for weeks, so why in the world are the Braves bringing him in to face the likely NL MVP?
https://twitter.com/BallySportsSD/status/1441585224564027393
There are so many questions, none of which Snitker can answer coherently.
Braves: Fans furious at Brian Snitker again
Braves fans had plenty to say after Snitker’s decision to go to the well on Smith didn’t pay off.
You just got Brian Snitker’d
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) September 25, 2021
Lmaoooooo Brian Snitker brings in Will Smith (LHP) to face Fernando Tatis Jr. (RHP)????
— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) September 25, 2021
What in the actual f**k was Snit thinking… he is such a terrible manager 🤦🏻♂️
Brian Snitker remains an absolute moron. If the Braves don’t make the postseason it’ll be in large part due to his stubborn insistence on keeping one of Atlanta’s worst RPs in the closer role.
— Dañiel Simpson (@DSimpson88) September 25, 2021
Brian Snitker.
— Roland Schitt (@liberty_fuck) September 18, 2021
Will Smith.
You both are… pic.twitter.com/duPNpaNepo
If Will Smith ends up costing the Braves the NL East, Brian Snitker will not be back next season. At least he shouldn't be.
— Joel A. Barker (@joelabarker) September 25, 2021
When is Snitker going to bite the bullet and stop treating will smith like he’s the best reliever on the team. He’s clearly not
— Rob Manfred Hates Baseball (@bravesfanplzwin) September 25, 2021
I really question how there are people out there that defend Snitker. The Phillies roster makes me want to puke and we are in a legit playoff race with those scrubs
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) September 25, 2021
I love my Braves. But Snitker deserves the division loss. He really does.
— Jason (@jrh1971) September 25, 2021
Smith is not Mark Melancon, or even a once-capable Shane Greene for that matter. Every failed save opportunity (even though that was technically not a blown save) makes the Braves front office look even worse for getting out-bid for their reliable closer, and never replacing him.
Braves fans are right to question Snitker, but the blame ought to be shared across the front office as well.
dark. Next. Braves: 3 bullpen options if Will Smith breaks down