ATLANTA (AP) — The Braves' new ballpark was a hit.
The team's new pitching staff is still under construction.
Another season of only minimal improvement has left Atlanta manager Brian Snitker's status uncertain. The Braves have not said if they will exercise their 2018 option on Snitker's contract.
Snitker, who turns 62 on Oct. 17, says he doesn't plan to retire. He has been with the organization since being hired as a roving instructor by Hank Aaron in 1981.
"I'm proud of what I've accomplished over the last 42 years," he said Sunday, adding he hopes to continue in some role with the team.
"If it's still continue to manage this team, fine," he said. "I'm not going to retire. I enjoy the game. I enjoy doing all this in whatever capacity."
Atlanta finished third in the NL East at 72-90 after finishing last with 68 wins in 2016. Clearly, Snitker and the Braves hoped for a better finish, especially after reaching .500 (45-45) in mid-July.
Much fault rested on an ugly 4.72 ERA, only 12th among 15 NL teams.
Snitker said the progress of such young players as rookie infielders Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies and Johan Camargo meant there indeed was improvement.
"I think it's grown just because of all the young guys who've been injected into the whole thing," he said. "They've all grown, so consequently I think you'd have to say that the team has."
Starters who too often failed to pitch deep into games put too much stress on the bullpen. Even Julio Teheran, expected to be the ace, had a 4.49 ERA, the highest of his career in a season in which he appeared in more than five games.
Here are some things to know about the Braves' 2017 season and outlook for 2018:
ACUNA IS COMING
The biggest attraction of spring training next year will be top prospect Ronald Acuna. The 19-year-old outfielder flourished at three levels, including Triple-A Gwinnett. He was selected minor league player of the year by Baseball America after hitting a combined .325 with 21 home runs, 82 RBIs and 44 stolen bases.
The team could trade Matt Kemp or Nick Markakis to create a corner outfield spot for Acuna.
ATTENDANCE
The Braves drew 2,505,297 fans in their first season at SunTrust Park. It was a high mark for the team since its last playoff season in 2013. In 2016, the total at Turner Field was 2,020,914.
HIGHLIGHTS
Ender Inciarte had 201 hits, becoming the Braves' first player with at least 200 since Marquis Grissom in 1996. Freddie Freeman missed 44 games with a wrist injury and still hit .307 with 28 homers. Catchers Kurt Suzuki (19) and Tyler Flowers (12) combined for 31 homers. Arodys Vizcaino, 26, converted 14 of 17 saves chances. A.J. Minter didn't walk a batter in his first 13 appearances.
YOUNGSTERS
There were only mixed signals from such still-raw rookies as Luiz Gohara, Sean Newcomb, Lucas Sims and Max Fried. Mike Foltynewicz also struggled at times in his first full season.
Sims, a first-round pick in 2012, was 3-6 with a 5.62 ERA.
"I still feel confident," Sims said after allowing six runs in two innings in a 10-2 loss to the Marlins in his last start on Saturday night. "I still feel good with where I'm at."
OLD GUARD
R.A. Dickey, 42, must decide if he wants to continue his career. He had a 4.26 ERA in 31 starts, adding much-needed stability to the young rotation.
