BRAVES NEWS
The Braves underwent only one significant change to their coaching staff following the end of their season, with pitching coach Chuck Hernandez getting the red card. The replacement for Hernandez was announced on Monday night, as Rick Kranitz, most recently of the Phillies, was named the Atlanta pitching coach. Kranitz is like most position coaches in baseball in that his impact is difficult to quantify given his inability to make personnel decisions or pitching changes, but the reactions to his hiring were generally positive. He also carried a good reputation among those who covered him in Philadelphia, which is a good sign.