Braves

By Fabrizio Di Muro

August 25, 2005 04:29 PM | Link to this

I like this move. Farnsworth definitely has the stuff to close, and Leo can help him develop the mental makeup. It is a good idea to let him close now — let’s see how he handles it, and if he does well, he can close in the playoffs (assuming we get there). If he doesn’t do well, we’ll go with someone else.

By Andy

August 25, 2005 04:44 PM | Link to this

Did we give up Colon and the other guy for an 8th inning bridge? Just to see the 9th go up in smoke? I don’t see how they can’t not let Farnsworth close. Kolb and Reeksma have just given it too him. Cox just has to say…”okay.” Farnsworth is a free agent at the end of this year. The yankees will pay him—bla bla—but for now lets get the most out of him. Maybe Mazzone can take him aside and tell him every game he closes from here on out will probaly be worth 2-3 hundred grand in his contract with the Yanks next year. I do wish we could keep him—but EVERYONE needs bull pen arms like his. I doubt we will even come close, even if he is from snellvile.

By Eric

August 25, 2005 04:45 PM | Link to this

Farnsworth as closer? Why not? I can’t say I was too thrilled by his 3-0 counts last night, but he came back and got the job done. Reitsma is not, never has been, and never will be, a closer. It is sadistic to bring Kolb in for a home game. I said two weeks ago that a Boyer/McBride combo was worth considering, and I still feel that way. I hope Devine can get some experience, just not in pressure situations, and I also hope that Leo and Smoltzie can teach him the slider and changeup. However this year plays out, we can be sure that Bobby will not tolerate next year being like this one.

By True Braves Fan

August 25, 2005 05:06 PM | Link to this

DOB: You are absolutely correct…Farnswoth deserves the job until he falters. (Hopefully, he will not.) I would next try Boyer. He has done a good job whenever BC has called upon him.

By Andy

August 25, 2005 05:06 PM | Link to this

yes

By Adam

August 25, 2005 05:27 PM | Link to this

Farnsworth should most definitely get a shot. Sure, he failed as the Cubs’ closer. But who hasn’t? (Dempster, Borowski, Hawkins, etc.) Once Farnsworth benefits from the tutelage of Mazzone, Smoltzie, and others, he will be just fine.

In addition, I, for one, have never been a fan of closers who can’t throw gas. Part of being a closer is being able to intimidate the batter. A 88-91 mph isn’t going to do that. Granted, you need more than just a fastball (as evidenced the two grand slams hit off of Devine), but a good fastball is necessary to keep hitters honest. Otherwise, hitters don’t have to think fastball and react to offspeed pitches.

By KT

August 25, 2005 05:45 PM | Link to this

I think that Bobby should give Farnsworth a chance. Obviously, when Reitsma is on, he is nearly unhittable, but he hasn’t been on lately. I think the Braves can use these two guys in the closer role, and ride the hotter of the two. Kolb does not need another shot at closing. I favor the guys that throw hard and get strikeouts. Kolb relies too much on getting groundouts, which he hasn’t gotten enough of.

By Brian

August 25, 2005 05:51 PM | Link to this

Time to give Farnsworth his chance. He certainly can’t do any worse. Reitsma has turned into Kolb. Reitsma just went though a stretch that got Kolb demoted when he did the same thing (failing to close for Smoltz two games in a row, etc.

By Del Young

August 25, 2005 07:04 PM | Link to this

I would think the answer is pretty obvious. By default the job is KF’s to lose. The real question should be how/where to best use Kolb/Reitsma? I would use Boyer as the setup man. If Thomson gets his act together enough to pitch effectivily for an inning or two then put him in the bullpen mix and let Davies be the 5th starter.

By HobNailBoot

August 25, 2005 07:10 PM | Link to this

I like Reitsma in limited relief opportunities, preferably non-closing. I don’t buy the stated excuse of him being overused last year - I just think he’s not good enough to be a consistent, everyday relief pitcher. Our last game in the playoffs last year was salvageable until he came in. He’s just easy for batters to get the bat on the ball more times than not. Kolb is still searching - again, use him intermittently. Boyer has definetly earned his 7th or 8th inning appearances. And Farnsworth - he has the same physical method as Brad Lidge and Todd Jones; only much stronger. I think the Braves are a good fit for him and he should get the shot to be the closer. If he can do the job the way a dominant closer is supposed to, I think this is the ticket to the playoffs as division champ.

By Ken

August 25, 2005 07:12 PM | Link to this

Farnsworth pitches like a closer should. Throws mid to upper 90’s, is not afraid of pressure. Give him a couple of chances.

By Chad Kitchens

August 25, 2005 07:25 PM | Link to this

I would never question the wisdom of a man who has won 13 division titles in a row (unprecedented in any sport) and over 1,000 games. Bobby is loyal to his players and is going to give them every opportunity to help the team. That is why he has continued to throw Kolb and also allowed Reitsma to close games. However, Farnsworth has the closer mentality. He is a tough competitor with the 100 mph fastball and nasty breaking pitch we need in the last inning. I expect to see him close games for now until he either proves he can’t or if Reitsma gets hot again in another role. If you will notice, Reitsma started to struggle as soon as Farnsworth was picked up…he was a great set up man before. That is where he will end up again over the next few weeks. Kolb will be a non factor in the playoffs.

This year we have a chance to really do something in the playoffs because of Smoltz and Hudson. We need a 3rd starter to emerge and for Farnsworth to take the closer role and run with it and for Reitsma to regain his old form as the 8th inning guy.

By Jerry Holcombe

August 25, 2005 07:25 PM | Link to this

I’m with Eric on this one. I hope that Fartsworth does well, but I would like to see Boyer get the nod. I don’t believe in Fartsworth because he is a head case. It seems like every year he gets suspended for fighting. I don’t begrudge a man the opportunity to protect himself when someone charges the mound, but the guy is a known headhunter. You might also say that his focus isn’t always what it should be. At any rate, he’s getting his chance and I hope he does well. I won’t be holding my breath however.

By L

August 25, 2005 09:16 PM | Link to this

Farnsworth was never the closer in Chicago.

The blown saves for the Cubs happened as a set up man (under these circumstances he could not get a save only a blown save).

He wants to be a closer. If the Braves want him back next year they have to give him that opportunity now.

By Del Young

August 25, 2005 09:36 PM | Link to this

I would have thought the answer was obvious. KF has to be the closer. I would make Boyer the setup man. Let Kolb/Reitsma compete in the pen. If Thomson gets squared away so he can pitch a good inning or two then put him in the pen also. Let Davies finish the season as the #5 starter. I haven’t looked up the schedule yet, but how many times in Sept do we actually need a 5th starter. Or, maybe we use a 5th starter all the way to give our regular starters more rest. Either way it should be Davies.

By L

August 25, 2005 09:54 PM | Link to this

Jerry Holcombe,

I see you are a person who thinks crude is cute. Your misspelling of Kyle’s last name is not a credit to you. Your crudeness doesn’t reduce Kyle’s ability to be a closer, but it does expose your lack of taste.

You say Kyle is “a known headhunter”. Cite an instance of Kyle hitting anyone in the head with a baseball. If you can’t, does that mean you are deliberately saying things that aren’t true? If that is the case, does that mean you are a crude liar?

What a nice person you must be!!!!!

By dannycardwell

August 25, 2005 10:19 PM | Link to this

kyle deserves a chance, as does boyer and maybe mcbride. when the things you keep doing fail repeatedly, its time to do something different. come on bobby, keep bringing on the kids.

By True Braves Fan

August 25, 2005 10:41 PM | Link to this

This is great. I’ve been on these blogs for 2 years, and I have never seen us so unanamous before!!!!You picked a great subject DOB.

By AZBravoFan

August 26, 2005 12:25 AM | Link to this

You know, I wonder if Kolb wouldn’t be better suited to start? (not this year but maybe next) Look what happened to Derrick Lowe after the Red Sox rescued him from the pen when he went bad as a closer. Same kind of heavy sinker as Kolb. Perhaps with less pressure he could relax and let people pound that sinker into the ground more. And people wouldn’t get so freaked out about the occasional leadoff walk or solo homerun. And I think Farnsworth closing as a no brainer.

By Matt

August 26, 2005 01:10 AM | Link to this

The next closer for the Braves is going to be Blaine Boyer. Have you seen his stuff? High 90s fastball, good control on it. Good mid-80 to mid-90s slider with good movement and decent control on it. And furthermore, he’s already said that he wants a chance at closing! Who’s said that so far this season and really meant it?

By David Ward

August 26, 2005 08:29 AM | Link to this

I groaned when we got him….didn’t like it at all. Still dont, but… Yea, give him a chance to close but do lots of praying. The first two guys he faced went to a 3-0 count before he got them out. That is not good….not for a closer. If he can get his location in order he could be great cause he sure has the power for it. But I don’t really think he will be successful based on past experience. Of course, we have Leo and maybe that will make the difference. Plus as Jerry said: the guy is a head case and we don’t need that confrontational attitude…. Wish Cox would learn how to handle rookie pitchers! You don’t throw them in to the middle of unbelievably tight situations. Devine could be a great pitcher if Cox doesn’t ruin him first. Cox has never been good in handling pitchers and that is noted more so in playoff time.
oh well, time will tell.

By Chambers

August 26, 2005 09:36 AM | Link to this

I say we go out and look for Jeff Reardon or maybe Steve Bedrock…again.

By Blackman

August 26, 2005 10:47 AM | Link to this

Kyle Farnsworth might be the answer to the braves closing problems. We all know how the Braves take former struggling pitchers and whip them into shape. He throws about 100 mph and has a descent breaking pitch. Farnsworth could get it done if he doesn’t slam anyone first. Also, who is Blaine Boyer???

By fansinceiwas8

August 26, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this

i can’t believe anybody would slam bobby cox on his ability to work a staff. do you think 13 years is a fluke? unbelievable! anyway, i think the best thing to do right now given it’s the end of august would be to give farnsworth a shot just to see how successful or ineffective he might be. i don’t think we have seem him enough to declare him the closer. if in a couple of weeks he shows he can’t get it done then i think bobby should go to closer by committee using matchups. that might means using 3 pitchers in the 9th to get the win. that would mean the starters would need to go 7 innings. whatever it takes!!!

By brandon kitchens

August 26, 2005 10:58 AM | Link to this

what’s alejandro pena up to?

By Braves fan

August 26, 2005 11:13 AM | Link to this

First to Andy, Farnsworth is from Milton High in Alpharetta and lives in Canton now, not Snellville (you’re confusing him with Diana Degarmo of American Idol). What other choices do they have? Of all the wouldbe’s, he’s got the things a closer needs: 100mph fastball and an attitude. But I will say that I like Boyer a lot. He’s also got a good attitude for a closer. Plus he’s got a mid 90’s fastball. I said a week or so ago that I wanted to see Joey Devine and see how he pitched. I don’t think he’s ready to close yet, but as strange as this may sound, I think he’s pitched fine. Sure he gave up two grand slams, but I watched both of those outings and the kid was getting squeezed by the umpires. I think his delivery and the way the ball arrives at the plate has caught umpires off guard and they’ve missed some strikes. The kid definitely has some pop and just needs to catch a break with the strike zone. He basically had to throw it right down the middle to Nady and Burnitz because of that. If he doesn’t let those two gs get in his head, he’s going to be good. But we need a closer now. And Farnsworth is the best answer right now.

By Clyde

August 26, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this

Farnsworth is an idiot. I watched him self-destruct in Chicago for several years, including stints where he stayed out all night drinking and would fall asleep in the bullpen during games. He is clueless, and has the intellect and focus of a ten year old. If the Braves are down to using him as their closer, you might as well cancel any appearance in a world series, for they won’t make it that far.

By Jack Chadwick

August 26, 2005 12:32 PM | Link to this

I said of the trade, Kolb couldnt strike out his Grandma & that is doom for any closer. I worried greatly about John starting but understood we needed him as a two or three game starter in the playoffs, barring injury. Dont even think of Sosa or Ramirez in the bullpen; Good starters! Try Kyle as closer with his strikeout power. If that fails, close by committe. Use em all Bobby. At least you`ll make the other manager us up his pitch hitters trying for matchups.

By Kelley

August 26, 2005 12:33 PM | Link to this

Itis time to make a decision on Kolb and that is to send him packing. Reitsma ? and Farnsworth should have stayed in Chicago. Go to the farm and bring anther rookie or two . Give Boyer and MxBride another look

By BB FAN

August 26, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this

Braves Fan, you are right about Devine. I saw those calls the umpires made. Any other pitcher, they would have been called strikes. I think it is a combination of his delivery and the fact he is a ‘05 draftee. Umpires hold that against rookies, though they would not admit it. The same goes for a guy that walks more guys than average…they will not get the close pitches.

I think Farnsworth should ge the chance. If he falters then let Boyer and McBride close.

By glennbo

August 26, 2005 01:14 PM | Link to this

Farnsworth is big and mean and throws smoke. Give him every opportunity to claim the closer’s role. Reitsma may never be anything other than a setup man, which is fine, because that’s a valuable job. Kolb, however, will never be money because he’s strictly small market.

By Braves fan

August 26, 2005 01:17 PM | Link to this

I have no problems with Farnsworth getting a shot, but if you’re going to trash Kolb and Retisma, at least get it right. Neither one of them throw 88-91 for goodness sake. Reitsma can throw 95-96, but he needs his change or his curve working, too. Kolb can also get up to mid-90s, but really needs his sinker or the occasional slider working.

If Reitsma could stop “helping” the defense, he’d probably still have his job. That gets him in some big jams and he can’t throw gas to get out of it. The dinkiest hits have killed him.

I hope Farnsworth works out - his first save had room for improvement, though. However, players can change. We have lots of guys who behave better now than they used to.

By Michael

August 26, 2005 01:29 PM | Link to this

Absolutely. For a closer “stuff” is vital, but so is attitude. While I haven’t followed KF’s career long enough to gague his previous attitude, right now I believe he has it, while Reitsma and Kolb blow hot and cold.

It remains to be seen whether or not Mr. Farnsworth can hold his own, but as of now I say, “damn the tomatoes & full steam ahead!”

By kunifa

August 26, 2005 02:28 PM | Link to this

Please are you kidding me…for 2 years Reitsma has many times allowed me to turn off the TV, because when he is in LIKE those in the past MARVIN FREEMAN, ROBERTO Hernandez, ST CLAIRE, ETC(REMEMBER?) wHEN HE OR KOLB COMES IN I’M FINISHED WATCHING THE BRAVES!! Please put him in until he crashes otherwise Bring on the Rookies!!

By True Braves Fan

August 26, 2005 03:31 PM | Link to this

Direct quote from Mark Bowman But that’s part of the problem in Atlanta. After spending three years with one of the game’s few truly dependable closers, the Braves now have a number of potential ones. Fortunately, they’re all playing for Bobby Cox, who found a way to make such guys like Kerry Ligtenberg, Greg McMichael and Juan Berenguer succeed in the closer’s role.**

By GLD

August 26, 2005 04:32 PM | Link to this

Hey: Braves fans, good luck with Farnsworth as a closer. As a Cub fan we suffered with his inability to handle the pressure of a closer role. The word was - use him only if you have a lead of 3 + runs. By his own admission in radio interview, when he comes in with the game on the line, he gets super pumped and hyperventilates - the adrenaline flows so fast he tends to lose control and tries too hard. Tends to over throw and fast ball straightens out, then relys too much on slider rather than being able to mix up the pitches. Game against the Cubs game showed typical control problems - going 3-0 on all four batters. A more patience team than Cubs may have worked that to more than one walk and 3-K’s. If he every harnesses his potential, he could be one of the best. Cubs ran out of patience with performance and with tantrums. Kicked floor fan and was out late last year when he was really needed. He will back his teammates, though, and is the guy you want in the game right after one of your own players gets hit by the opposing pitcher. Will be interesting to see how he is viewed by other teams during his free agency. I believe he would prefer to stay in Atlanta if the $$ are there.

By micah greene

August 26, 2005 11:48 PM | Link to this

I agree with getting rid of Kolb. Nothing personal but when he comes on it’s time to head for the parking lot. Also agree that the job is Farsnworth to lose. Pessimist from Chicago. That was then. This is now. Might as well use him to close until Reitsma gets it back together!

By HobNailBoot

August 27, 2005 01:42 PM | Link to this

Right now,the Braves are struggling to score runs OR get more than 3 or 4 hits a game. THIS needs more attention now; or we have nothing to close and this closer subject is pointless. AJones is going to get nothing but pure junk to hit while LaRoche and company don’t have his back. Furcal, Giles and Chipper have to step up for almost every at-bat in every game while we are struggling offensively. Chipper is the key man - he has the league HR leader protecting him; he needs to cash in; in at least every 2 out of 3 games.

By danny cardwell

August 27, 2005 06:29 PM | Link to this

hobs right. laroach needs to bat in the 8 hole until he gets straightened out. farnsworth does over throw and thus the catcher needs to make frequent trips to the mound to calm him down. if he took a little off for more control, he could be devastating. i really like boyer. the kid has no fear. i think he and kyle both can close. mcCann needs to catch farnsworth with cox telling kyle not to shake off the pitch selection.

By Braves Fan

August 28, 2005 06:48 PM | Link to this

You want a 21-year old catcher to have more say over pitch selection than the closer himself? Not only does Brian not know the hitters well enough or know Kyle’s pitching well enough, Braves pitchers call their own game. Only Kyle knows what he can throw for strikes on what day.

If you want a catcher that can’t be shaken off, it needs to be Estrada. But Kyle shouldn’t be chained to the catcher - he needs to call his own pitches.

By danny cardwell

August 28, 2005 11:43 PM | Link to this

braves fan. a lot of the signs by the catcher come from the bench. kyle reminds me of meat. you remember meat in the movie. 100 mile an hour heater and as dumb as a mule. shaking off the catcher cost him when he first got here. kyle has adrenelin rushes and needs to be handled different than others. if handled right, and i respectfully mean worked with, farnsworth could be a dominating closer. he throws a lot of balls simply because he throws so hard at times that the control is not there. he is a work in process that could pay off big in the next 6-8 weeks