Tanner to Look for Versatility After Braves Cut to 24 Players

Atlanta Braves Manager Chuck Tanner said the National League team’s decision to go with a 24-man roster this season means he will be looking for players with versatility.

General Manager Bobby Cox said recently that the Braves will have 24, rather than 25, players on the club in 1986. He said the decision was made to save money.

Tanner, who came to the Braves after being fired by the Pittsburgh Pirates at the end of the 1985 season, said the prospect of having one less player doesn’t bother him.

“I don’t mind this. I managed in the minors with 18 players, 22 players,” Tanner said. “The key is tk have players who can do more than one thing. This means someone who has a little versatility will have a better chance of making our club.”

Because Tanner has said he plans to use 10 pitchers, the decision could affect the job security of older and position players.

“We need to have some guys with versatility. Maybe we’ll have some pitchers who can pinch hit,” Tanner said.

Cox said, “Basically, this is a financial move. I think you can play with 24 players.

“Sometimes your 25th player is a young player who would be better off playing in the minors. Sometimes your 25th player is an older player, just hanging on and making a lot of money,” he said.

In going to the 24-player team, the Braves joined a growing list of teams that either have abandoned, or are considering dropping, the usual 25-player roster.

Cox said the Braves will stick with the decision, regardless of what other teams do.

Major league teams may carry a maximum of 25 players and a minimum of 24.

The Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals also have announced they will have 24 players this year. Several other National League teams have indicated they will do the same, and the 24-man idea also has gained favor in the American League.