TL;DR
Walt Weiss has been appointed as the new manager of the Atlanta Braves following Brian Snitker's retirement. Weiss aims to implement a different managerial approach, including more frequent rest days for starters.
Braves' Walt Weiss reveals what makes working with GM Alex Anthopoulos unique in Atlanta originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves said goodbye to longtime manager Brian Snitker at the end of last season after he announced his retirement. Following an extensive search, GM Alex Anthopoulos ultimately chose bench coach Walt Weiss as the teamās next manager.
āThe Atlanta Braves hired Walt Weiss as manager Monday, turning to their longtime bench coach in hopes of a turnaround after they missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years. Weiss, 61, managed the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016, going 283-365 and never finishing higher than third place. He inherits a talented Braves team that finished 76-86 and was ravaged by injuries,ā ESPNās Jeff Passan wrote.
Early on, it became clear that Weiss brings a different managerial philosophy than Snitker. One example is his willingness to give starters more frequent rest days.
āI'm going to pick spots to get these guys off their feet, and they're still going to play a lot. If they're healthy, 150+ games,ā Weiss said on Foul Territory.
Weiss is off to a strong start as Braves manager, and it appears he maintains a no-nonsense approach. His style leans more old school, and he has benefited from strong organizational support during his first season.
āItās just such a different scenario, here," Weiss said. āHere, the GM picked me, and has been nothing but supportive. Alex is a pleasure to work for. He just has an unbelievable feel, man. An unbelievable feel for situations. A great ability to read the room, to read people. Itās almost uncanny."
There is a strong sense of momentum building in Atlanta. The pitching staff has performed well to start the season, while the offense has been equally impressive.
Weiss landed one of the most sought-after managerial jobs in the offseason, and with the backing of his general manager, he is beginning to establish an old-school culture that could position the Braves for long-term success.
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