Braves Fans React to Walt Weiss’ Surprising Appointment as Manager
After a month-long deliberation, the Atlanta Braves have finally named Walt Weiss as their new manager, a decision that has left many fans in a state of disbelief. While Weiss has long been a speculative candidate for the role, the drawn-out search fueled expectations of an external hire, making the announcement all the more unexpected.
The Prolonged Search
The Braves’ quest for a manager was shrouded in ambiguity, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate about potential candidates. As names like David Ross, Mark DeRosa, John Gibbons, George Lombard, and Danny Lehmann circulated, the anticipation grew that the organization would opt for a fresh face from outside the franchise. However, in a surprising twist, the Braves opted to elevate Weiss, who had been the team’s bench coach since 2018.
This decision raises questions: Why the lengthy search? Why not make the call sooner? Manager Alex Anthopoulos was guarded in his comments during the process, revealing little about the number of candidates interviewed or the reasons behind the extended timeline. The overall secrecy surrounding the search left many fans scratching their heads, wondering if Weiss had been the frontrunner all along or if the team was genuinely exploring all options.
Internal Dynamics at Play
It’s plausible that the delay in naming Weiss stemmed from the Braves’ desire to wait for Brian Snitker, the former manager, to finalize his own plans. Anthopoulos hinted that the process could have been expedited had they started discussions earlier. However, the organization’s thoroughness in evaluating Weiss against other potential candidates was essential to ensure they made the right choice.
In the lead-up to the announcement, Anthopoulos engaged in conversations to deepen his understanding of Weiss as a candidate. “Look, I knew Walt, but I only knew him to a certain level, right?” he stated. “I’m not down there working with him day in and day out.” This admission underscores the importance of due diligence in selecting someone who can lead the team effectively.
Consulting Influential Voices
In his quest for insight, Anthopoulos likely tapped into the opinions of key figures within the organization. Given Weiss’s long-standing relationship with Snitker, it’s reasonable to presume that the former manager provided valuable perspective on Weiss’s capabilities. Additionally, Chipper Jones, a former teammate of Weiss, may have also weighed in, as he publicly supported Weiss’s hiring.
Ultimately, as the dust settles, it appears that the combination of Weiss’s familiarity with the Braves and the positive feedback from influential voices within the organization led Anthopoulos to conclude that the best option was already in-house.
Unpacking the Decision
While the full details of the selection process may remain elusive, the overarching theme is clear: the Braves prioritized a candidate who is well-acquainted with their culture and operations. Weiss’s promotion signifies a commitment to continuity and stability, as the Braves look to build on their recent successes.
As fans grapple with the implications of this unexpected appointment, the hope is that Weiss can harness his experience and knowledge to lead the Braves into a new chapter. The franchise’s decision to look within suggests a belief in Weiss’s potential to guide the team through the challenges ahead, even if the path to his appointment was anything but straightforward.
