The Atlanta Braves were in the market for a hitting coach just a few weeks before finally selecting their candidate. After reportedly interviewing multiple coaches and focusing on someone who had the best plan to help Jason Heyward at the plate, the team chose Greg Walker.
Additionally, the team hired Scott Fletcher as an assistant hitting coach who will primarily focus on video scouting. He has spent his last few seasons with the Colorado Rockies organization and the Braves created a new position just for him.
Walker, who makes his home in Douglas, Ga., acted as the Chicago White Sox's hitting coach for 8-1/2 seasons. While some veterans such as Paul Konerko have credited him for their success, many young players, including Gordon Beckham, have publicly criticized Walker and his inability to help them with their swing. Adam Dunn also had the worst year of his career under Walker.
David O'Brien also tweeted this:
Just spoke with ex-#Braves catching prospect Tyler Flowers, who's w/ White Sox now. Praised Walker, said thinks he'll work great w/ Heyward.
Along with Walker, the Braves also hired Fletcher to work with hitters and monitor their video scouting department. O'Brien also had this information regarding the video coordinator:
New #Braves asst. hitting coach Scott Fletcher also lives in area, has seen Heyward play since 12. Wren said didn't know that beforehand
Personally, I'm not a fan of the hiring of Walker, though I do like the addition of Fletcher. The White Sox did win a championship with Walker serving as the hitting coach, but the team continually underperformed as a whole and his unproven track record with young hitters in concerning.
This all being said, there is no true way to judge a coach until Spring Training and the games begin. Welcome to Atlanta, Greg Walker, please fix Jason Heyward and our offense.