Unfortunately, the hope-inspiring stretches experienced during the final stages did not erase the damage created by the nine consecutive losses incurred to start the season -- or the 9-29 record at the time Fredi Gonzalez became Atlanta's first manager to be dismissed in more than a quarter of a century.
Brian Snitker accepted the challenge of handling the managerial duties over the remainder of the season. In the process, he proved he would be more than capable of handling this role on a full-time basis in the future.