On Wednesday, Braves beat reporter Mark Bowman carried out an AMA (ask me something) on Reddit. You’ll be able to learn the complete transcript right here. Listed here are some highlights, edited frivolously for readability and brevity:
Since that is seemingly supervisor Brian Snitker’s final 12 months, who do you assume are seemingly candidates to interchange him? Is Eddie Pérez a viable alternative, in your eyes?
The idea Snitker will retire on the finish of this season has solely grown stronger over the previous few months. Walt Weiss could be the highest inner candidate. If the group goes with an exterior choice, David Ross and Skip Schumaker must be on the prime of the want checklist.
No matter what the Braves do, Pérez wants to remain within the combine. Greater than a decade in the past, Pérez was thought-about a prime managerial candidate. He is much more ready to achieve success now.
Drake Baldwin’s unbelievable enchancment defensively, even because the begin of Spring Coaching, is a credit score to Pérez. It did not appear to be a coincidence the Braves parted methods with Sal Fasano final 12 months, after William Contreras had spent the previous couple of months establishing himself as one of many prime catchers. Pérez must proceed to be round Baldwin, both as a coach or supervisor.
Given Michael Harris II’s continued struggles on the plate, has the group mentioned any particular plans to assist him reset?
Harris’ struggles are actually regarding, particularly while you have a look at the dearth of plate self-discipline. I am unsure sending him to Triple-A for a pair weeks could be the reply. However the Braves would not less than have that choice subsequent week when Jurickson Profar returns from his 80-game PED suspension. They may use Eli White because the on a regular basis heart fielder whereas Harris makes an attempt to proper himself, however is {that a} Band-Support or an answer?
My expectation is the group will give Harris an opportunity to get himself proper on the huge league degree with the hope he turns issues round like he did down the stretch the previous couple seasons.
What are the possibilities that Ronald Acuña Jr. really stays a Courageous for all times?
It is arduous to think about anyone remaining with a group all through their complete profession. Chipper Jones, Ripken and Jeter did. However Mays, Aaron, Mathews and Spahn are among the many legends who did not.
Selfishly, I might love to look at the whole thing of Acuña’s profession unfold. He is probably the most gifted and thrilling participant I will seemingly ever cowl. However the actuality is he’ll seemingly spend a while, even when it is only a season or two, elsewhere.
What’s your favourite opposing ballpark to go to and why?
PNC Park has the best press field view and it is house. So, Pittsburgh ranks barely forward of San Diego’s Petco Park and San Francisco’s Oracle Park.
As for the nostalgic parks, Fenway ranks forward of Wrigley and Dodger Stadium. Seeing the Inexperienced Monster by no means will get outdated and the modernization of a stadium inside which the Braves gained the 1914 World Sequence has been unbelievable.
However I even have to offer like to Residents Financial institution Park. It is not essentially for the ballpark. It is simply your entire expertise. The meals, courteousness of the stadium employees and dealing surroundings make it a fantastic go to.
Unusual to level out how nice the Philadelphia people are? Little doubt. Braves gamers’ households actually would not share my opinion in regards to the expertise at CBP. A fan almost hit Spencer Strider with a liquor bottle as he was warming up earlier than Opening Day in 2024. And we’ve heard some extremely crude feedback throughout BP earlier than postseason video games in Philly.
That is not even accounting for what got here out of the adults’ mouths. However the media expertise is an efficient one within the Metropolis of Brotherly Love.
Previous or current, who’re a few of the most enjoyable gamers to work with as a member of the press?
There are such a lot of to say. I obtained my PhD on this enterprise as a result of my early years gave me each day entry to Bobby Cox, Chipper, John Smoltz, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. All of them have been unbelievable gamers who I can now name pals.
There are far too many gamers to say. So, I am simply going to say the 2010 Braves have been one of the best group I’ve coated and can seemingly ever cowl.
This was lengthy earlier than gamers hid within the clubhouse earlier than video games. They sat at their lockers and everyone was honest recreation to get ripped on. You had Derek Lowe, Peter Moylan, Kris Medlen, Brian McCann, Tim Hudson and Eric Hinske, who have been all able to drawing laughs, normally on the expense of a teammate, coach, media member and even members of the medical employees.
You then had Martín Prado, one of many world’s biggest people, and Chipper, who’s the best pregame and postgame talker I’ve ever coated. (Chris Sale has moved into second place). Then we additionally had the pleasure of spending that 12 months with Billy Wagner.
By way of personalities, I do not assume I will ever be round a bunch just like the 2010 Braves once more.
Is Nacho Alvarez seemingly a commerce candidate with him taking part in third at Triple-A Gwinnett? Additionally, for those who needed to put cash at the moment on it, is Ozzie [Albies]’ choice being picked up?
I do not assume anyone has ever severely thought-about Nacho to be a legit choice to play both of the center infield choices on the huge league degree. It has been encouraging to see him present some energy, particularly that of the pull selection since starting to play for Gwinnett this month. The Braves haven’t got many commerce chips.
So, whereas I would not say they’re procuring Nacho, he is one of many few items obtainable to presumably acquire a return earlier than the July 31 Commerce Deadline.
As for Albies’ choice. that is a fantastic query and one we bounce round continuously within the press field. Some are of the opinion that you just aren’t going to discover a comparable choice for lower than $7 million (Albies has a $7M choice for 2026 and 2027 with a $4M buyout). I disagree. Albies has supplied beneath common offense and protection (-2 outs above common).
Would I choose up his choice? Provided that I had the arrogance the bat would enhance subsequent 12 months as he distances himself from final 12 months’s wrist damage.
Would you anticipate a smooth purchase or an actual try to repair a few of the holes with this group? Does it extra rely on how the group performs within the subsequent couple of weeks?
[President of baseball operations] Alex Anthopoulos mentioned he won’t promote any participant who’s below management past this season. This makes good sense. But when we attain the ultimate week of July and it is obvious the Braves will not attain the playoffs, then I believe they should get items for Marcell Ozuna, Raisel Iglesias and Pierce Johnson, who’re all within the ultimate 12 months of their respective contracts. If the choice has been made to say no Albies’ choice, he too must be a commerce piece.
The attention-grabbing participant is Sean Murphy. As sellers or consumers, you can argue him as a viable commerce piece. If the Braves plan to maneuver him this winter with the thought Drake Baldwin would be the on a regular basis catcher subsequent 12 months, it is smart to not less than get a really feel for suitors in July. But when the Braves plan to have Baldwin and Murphy share the C/DH spots subsequent 12 months, then there is not any purpose to even take into consideration transferring him.
