AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > May > 11 > Entry
Fix closer conundrum. Now.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Their lineup is punchless, they have no leadoff man, the rotation is only three-deep, the bullpen is full of riff-raff and castoffs, they can’t catch the Mets and maybe not even the Phillies.
The lineup will be fine, Marcus Giles will soon surge, Horacio Ramirez will fortify the rotation, the bullpen will improve with one or two trades, and they’ll overtake the Phils and Mets.
Like many of you, I am waivering on these Braves. Going back and forth. Wondering if history alone is enough to offset their obvious weaknesses and bring Atlanta a 15th consecutive division title.
After last night’s 11-3 debacle, it’s tough to sit here and argue that all is well. Because it’s not. If it weren’t for their history of overcoming deficits, and the presence of Bobby Cox and a few veterans who’ve been through this before, nobody - me included - could make a sound argument that the Braves are poised to win the NL East.
But as long as Cox and those veterans are here, and as long as John Schuerholz is still manning the front-office controls, many, if not most, baseball observers will give the Braves the benefit of doubt and not bet against them until the streak finally ends.
A few things that simply must be fixed for it to happen:
Closer. Chris Reitsma is a prince of a guy, smart and personable and one of my favorites to deal with, but he stinks right now, and he’s not been very good in the closer role for any sustained period during his entire career, unless five weeks last summer can be considered “sustained.”
The Braves must, and I believe will, find another guy. They’ll probably try someone in the organization, though the options are few. Oscar Villarreal, for as good as he’s been in a setup role most nights so far this season, has blown all nine save opportunities in his career, including three this season. That’s 0-for-9, and even if most were difficult situations, the nature of the beast for middle-relief and setup guys, it’s still 0-for-9. Of course, Kyle Farnsworth had a awful track record for saves until he actually became a full-time closer for the Braves.
Then again, Farnsworth choked spectacularly in the postseason, and that dude probably realized in his heart that closing wasn’t for him, which is why he took the Yankees’ only slightly better offer to set up, rather than close for the next three seasons for Atlanta.
It’s a tough job, which is why the Braves should have overspent a bit when the market blew up this winter. Everyone overpaid for closers, and the Braves should have, too. Of course, it’s not my money. So it’s easy to spend. But they simply must get a closer, a proven guy, because this team isn’t going to score enough runs to blow people out, and that makes all those close games so vital and the closer so much more important. They have to win the close ones, and his teammates have to believe their closer will slam the door. Reits? He doesn’t slam the door.
He went 2-0 and 9-for-9 in saves with a 1.04 ERA in 17 games from July 1 to Aug. 6 last season, winning the NL Rolaids Relief Man award for July. But since then, he’s had everyone reaching for the Rolaids.
I mean, this is Kolbian-level stuff, these numbers for Reitsma since Aug. 7: In 35 games, Reitsma is 0-5 with a 6.75 ERA, .352 opponents’ average, and - close your eyes if you’re squeamish - seven blown saves in 13 opportunities. He’s allowed 51 hits and nine walks - 60 BASERUNNERS! - in 33-1/3 innings in that stretch, with only 14 strikeouts. I don’t care how much he’s making, I won’t even mention it here because that’s not important and I’m not trying to take cheap shots or pile one. I’m just saying: End it now. Pull the plug. Send the good-natured Canadian back to a setup role, where he can thrive (I think).
Bring up a minor leaguer, try Villarreal, for god’s sake even try Jorge Sosa in the role, if nothing else (I can’t believe I just said that), but do something now. And do it while working tirelessly to make a trade sooner than later, far sooner than the July 31 trade deadline, because if they don’t have a good closer soon, it’s going to be too late to get one in July.
OK, we’ll talk about Andruw’s slump, Giles’ leadoff performance and other matters later. Or you can talk about them now.
Oh, and as for Davies, don’t jump ship yet. Remember, Maddux and Glavine and even Smoltz struggled just as much at the start of their career. I’m not saying he’s going to become great like them, but just that it’s far, far too early to make judgments. The Braves still love the kid’s stuff and his mental makeup, nothing’s changed in that regard.
That’s it. Gotta get going here and get to the ballpark.
Comments
By Robert(Justice Is the Best)
May 11, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
DOB, what about Francoeur. Are the Braves still as concerned about him as they were a few weeks ago? As for the article, I totally agree. I think Sosa would actually do quite well in the closer role. Lord knows, it couldn’t get any worse. In my heart I believe this team can win the East. But, I’m not sure if they believe they can win the East. Has there been any player only meetings or clubhose blowups. Where is the passion in this team. Take away McCann and Francoeur and everyone else acts like they are at an insurance seminar.
By Daniel
May 11, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
By Phillip
May 11, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
If they could find a big bat to help put up some runs then the closer situation wouldn’t be as dire. Maybe we’d go into the ninth with a 2 or 3 run lead instead of 1 run. I think it might take some pressure off whomever our closer is knowing that he has some wiggle room. I’d still like to see a new guy who is capable of hitting over .300, instead of the .250-.280 world this team lives in. The goal is to win the WS, not the NL East, and this inconsistent offense cannot do it.
By Jason
May 11, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Reitsma just needs a big beefy burrito and he’ll be good to go.
By Robert(Justice Is the Best)
May 11, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
The problem is simply the leadoff position. People who say the leadoff position is not that important are just wrong. History and champions say differently. Heck, even look at the Yankees. They have not won a WS since they had a legitamte leadoff hitter in Knoblach (not sure about the spelling). To be successful you need quality starting pitching, a great closer, and a solid leadoff hitter. The White Sox would have never been as good as they were without Podsednik. The leadoff position is key. Look at all of your division leaders right now and all of them have good leadoff hitters and a solid closer. The only exception is the Texas Rangers and some extent the Red Sox. But, once Crisp comes back the Red Sox will join that club as well. Giles bats 4 or 5 times a game. You can’t tell me that someone who gets that many at-bats and cannot get on base does not affect the team greatly.
By Gordon
May 11, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Well I think they should try Betemit at third, Chipper at first,and Laroach on the bench. that would put Betemit’s bat in there more and maybe keep Chipper halthy longer. Also I would try to sign Roger Clemons and maybe, I know it’s blasphemy, trade Andrew for some one who is more consistant at the plate, not a sucker for the outside pitch and or a closer.
By John
May 11, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB thanks for blogging daily. Much appreciated. All I wanna say is that I’m glad John T. wasn’t traded when everybody though he would be. I knew we needed him and so far he’s done great. We would have 2/5 of a rotation like the Mets if it wasn’t for him!!! Rememebr that. And I agree, Reitsma must go (away from the closer’s role at least). Just watching his delivery is a pain. How can anyone pitch like that. It’s so… ugh! Gilly will bounce back, so will Andruw, I don’t worry about the offense, I worry about the pitching. (No I’m not going to cry for Leo, but what is this inconsistency? jThere must be a reason for it. The guys are great, even their ERAs, for the most part, are pretty good. But Jesus please do something about it.) One more thing: What about Jurries? What about “Joey “The Slam” Devine? Any chance we will see them sooner than later?
Thanks sir. And good night (it’s pretty late over here in Germany)!
By John
May 11, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB thanks for blogging daily. Much appreciated. All I wanna say is that I’m glad John T. wasn’t traded when everybody though he would be. I knew we needed him and so far he’s done great. We would have 2/5 of a rotation like the Mets if it wasn’t for him!!! Rememebr that. And I agree, Reitsma must go (away from the closer’s role at least). Just watching his delivery is a pain. How can anyone pitch like that. It’s so… ugh! Gilly will bounce back, so will Andruw, I don’t worry about the offense, I worry about the pitching. (No I’m not going to cry for Leo, but what is this inconsistency? jThere must be a reason for it. The guys are great, even their ERAs, for the most part, are pretty good. But Jesus please do something about it blowing Smoltzie’s leads.) One more thing: What about Jurries? What about “Joey “The Slam” Devine? Any chance we will see them sooner than later?
Thanks sir. And good night (it’s pretty late over here in Germany)!
By John
May 11, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
And I did NOT post this twice on purpose! Talk to you web programmer, tell him to disable the button when I click it! Ugh!
By Rutuger
May 11, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
Funny, I’ve been chastising the Grim Reitsma on here forever and am usually met with staunch criticism and excuses from his supporters…
So… where are you guys now?
By Tomahawkin
May 11, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
Rutuger, Carroll and Myself wanted Reeksma to recieve his pink slip after he blew game 5 of the 2004 NLDS, That dude is garbage
I saw on the Bottom line that Jeff Fassero was designated 4 assignment, Why D He!! has this not happed to Reeksma, It should’ve happened last year, I guess his overpaid a-s-s makes too money…for such action to be taken…
Where the He!! is The Bong?
By Jim
May 11, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
Realistically, the Braves are NOT a closer away from winning the East. On paper, both the Mets and Phillies are still better. (If Cole Hamels solidifies the Philly rotation), I think the Phils are better than the Mets. I really like (as a Brave fan, hate) the trade they made for Rowands. Their lineup has a nice mixture of speed, power, and patience, and Gordon may have been the best closer candidate on the market last winter.
The Braves’ need for a closer is obvious, but it may be prudent to look on this as a rebuilding year, and not compromise the future. Last March, Salty was the second coming of Johnny Bench, or if moved to 1B, the next Jim Thome, now there is sentiment to trade him away for a quick fix closer or other arm. We are deep in young prospects at catcher with McCann ahead of him and M. Ramirez behind him, but there are no 1B prospects in the pipeline (to me Thorman is a 4-A talent, somewhere between a utility man in the majors and a Triple A regular — his power RBI totals do not indicate that he’ll be an impact major leaguer).
To trade Salty for a young pitcher like D. Willis makes sense ONLY if the team will make a long term commitment to the player. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the Braves’ mode of operation over the past few years.
By Bob, journalist jg
May 11, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
John, how do you get it to post twice? I sometimes try one liners for effect but it never works for me! I think it’s eric that can do it whenever he wants as well.
By Dave Knockahomer
May 11, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
Great article, DOB! You said all that needed to be said re: the ?closer? situation. Reitsma=Kolb. as for Giles? He is not a lead off guy and why ruin him trying to make him something he isn’t. Why not give Langerhans a try. Sure couldn’t hurt and please, don’t mean with Renteria! He and McCann are the only two CONSISTENT hitters we have. Am really sorry Renteria didn’t get a hit last night to make it 24 games in a row, but the whole team seemed to be jinxed. Keep McCann in 5th. Davies, as you said, will make it! I remember the struggles Glavine and Smoltz had when they first came up. He’ll be okay. and for now, I have confidence only in he and Smoltz. Thomson is so inconsistent or so it seems and Hudson? another inconsistent. Be interesting to how Hudson does against Willis whose horrid season so far is, in my opinion, due to the team he pitches for! Man, I would love him as a Brave! He would reward us with some great pitching. Last night made me barf! How pitiful!
Guess every team has a crapper and we sure had one last night, but we still haved tonight! GO BRAVES!!!!
By Bob, journalist jg
May 11, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
Tony, I just pulled one of my frequent goofs and posted one for you on the previous blog after everyone had switched.
By TennesseePaul
May 11, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Great Article DOB! Something must change. And Change soon. Giving up the cycle to a minor league team is not the stuff of a closer. Especially after being the closer for at least a month in the season and at least a month last year. Reitsma is not cutting. He does not fit the bill. And I do not believe anyone needs to be anymore patient with it, first month maybe, but now it’s too late. He isn’t the guy. Find a new one.
A nice bat to hit at first base would be good. However, there was all this talk that Salty could come up mid season if he develops well. Hows that looking DOB? Also, why not Scott Thorman? He seems to be hitting the ball well down in the minors… I’d be happy if Thorman and Reitsma were in a trade for super closer and a player to be named. Something has to be done.
I think the Braves have had their concerns on Francoeur relieved. He’s been hitting very well after such a slow start. I’d like to see more walks out of him, but I guess those will come in time.
I think this line up could have some punch. It’s the pitchers that are sucking the punch out of them.
There has to be a closer out there somewhere. A committee should be formed until we get something.
By Tomahawkin
May 11, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
DIZAM!, There is no way in he!! that we are gonna get Roger Clemens on the D-Train, so you guys need to kill that nonsense…Shyt!
No is no way we can afford neither…
Try a more realistic deal, like bringing back Ivan Cruz, Burger King, or Alfonseca, or better yet CoCo Cordero…
But we need to get this leadoff stuff straightened out before we start playing the BIG BOYS (Yanks, Cards, and Sox) Otherwise we are gonna get our a-s-ses handed to us….
By John
May 11, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
Well when I click on “Post” the label changes to “Please wait”. If you hit the browser’s Stop button (wait a few milliseconds, as hard as it sounds!) it cancels the current client request. If you click the “Please wait” button now, it will post twice. (And yes, I do this for a living)
By The Truth
May 11, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this
Pitchers acquired by the Braves via in-season trades the last 12 years
2005: Kyle Farnsworth (July 31), Todd Hollandsworth (Aug 31)
2004: Tom Martin (July 31)
2003: Kent Mercker (Aug 12)
2002: NONE
2001: Steve Karsay & Steve Reed (June 22 for John Rocker), Rudy Seanez (Aug 31)
2000: Andy Ashby (July 12 for Bruce Chen)
1999: Terry Mulholland (July 31)
1998: Russ Springer (June 23 for Alan Embree)
1997: NONE
1996: Denny Neagle (Aug 28 for Jason Schmidt, YEAH, that worked out real well)
1995: Alejandro Pena (Aug 31)
1994: NONE
WHERE the world is the precedent for anyone thinking we are getting help for this bullpen during the season? I am sick and tired of hearing how great Schuerholz is in-season. He’s excellent in the off-season, that’s a given. But he’s done nothing to improve this bullpen over the last 4 years and it shows every day.
By Dr. Jay
May 11, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
You nailed it, DOB, and in the process, coined a chilling new phrase: Kolbian Levels. For me, that now becomes the bullpen equivalent of the Mendoza Line.
This year has been a nightmare, and I guess we’re due, but having the team melt down AND lose the hometown broadcast team to corporate musical chairs…this just sux.
By Jim
May 11, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
The need for a closer is obvious. The candidate is not. What “super closer” is expendable and what will it cost to get him?
Who are the dependable closers right now— Rivera, Papelbom, Wagner?, Gordon, Turnbow, Jenks, Street?, Lidge?
All of them play for contenders and will require a lot of talent in return.
Hoffman? Do we want to trade a top prospect for a guy who has seen his better days?
We all see the need for “Regime Change” in the closer’s role, but unless we can identify the “TO” as well as the “FROM”, we will be no more successful than that other use of this euphemism.
By h_charles
May 11, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
Great post!!! Coouldn’t agree more. Reitsma is a set-up guy, pure and simple. Most closers need to “closers”. Big fastballs. Guys that strike out the side. Guys that can beat you without having to throw strikes. Reitsma isn’t that guy. As you indicate, closer is CRUCIAL on this squad due to their makeup. We must have a guy who strikes fear in opponents, and who feel 100% confident in. Championship teams make the game 8 innings long. Reitsma makes them 10. As for Giles, as much as Reitsma isn’t a closer, Giles isn’t a leadoff guy. He could survive at #2, but really is an ideal #6. He isn’t fast enough or consistent enough to hit #1. Sure, he will get hot. But what he won’t do is set the table like Furcal could. He strikes no fear on the basepaths. He can’t beat out infield singles. Want to know what a leadoff hitter needs to be able to do — look back at the Marlin’s 1st run too nights ago. Single, steal, 3rd on throw, score on an out.
By Jason
May 11, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Let’s trade for Dan Kolb again, he’s doing quite well this year. Plus it looks like he eats a lot of Beef Burritos.
By Da Braves
May 11, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
While’s it’s easy to slam the Braves for not getting a closer during the off-season it wasn’t entirely their fault. They were right to not over pay for closers like Todd Jones or Trevor Hoffman. Also, how much minor league talent are we willing to give up to get a top notch closer? Last year we gave up our top pitching prospect, Jose Capellan, for someone who looked great on paper, but couldn’t close the door against a little league team.
Last I checked Wagner and Lidge are struggling to get the job done and they are supposed to be two of the best in the business. It’s a tough job, and while I agree Reeksma has not done well, there aren’t a whole lot of options open to the Braves right now. If the Braves were to make a trade for a closer who would they get, or perhaps more importantly who would they have to give up to get him?
Should they trade away their top prospects for a guy like Eddie Guardado? If you think so check out his ERA and you might change your mind. What about Gonzales from the Pirates, he is young and is talented, but how will he do with such high expectations? He could be another Dan Kolb, you’re not going to be in many high pressure situations playing for Pittsburgh, so the guy could choke.
By reitsmamust go
May 11, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Hey Thetruth
when did Todd HOLLANDSWORTH BECOME A PITCHER
By Jon
May 11, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
Time to panic….YESSS!!!! I don’t care about our track record, I don’t care about who our GM and manager is, and I don’t care who is playing RIGHT NOW. We have a #2 or #5 hitter batting leadoff. Our first basemen is the next Wes Helms…OVERRATED!!!! Our Bullpen is just terrible from bottom to top. For heaven sakes, we have Remlinger pitching in the 8th inning with a one run lead against the streaking Phillies…are you kidding me with this? WE HAVE NO BUSINESS WINNING WITH CRAP SUCH AS THIS! Even if two of these problems are corrected, if we don’t get a PROVEN closer quick, then we don’t have a fighting chance. Reitsma is terrible in the closers role. Move him to the 7th inning role. We need more than history on our side this year ladies and Gents…..
By John
May 11, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
I have another idea. Why the heck don’t we just deploy a closer committe, play it by ear? Whoever is doing well against certain guys get’s to go out there in the 9th. If needed I’d use 3 pitchers, 1 out each. Ridiculous? I want those door slammed, I don’t care how you do it. Just do it. Be creative, or like Schuerholz says in his new book, “think outside the box”. I think it’s time for some creativity here.
By Robert(Justice Is the Best)
May 11, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
I don’t think people understand just how important a lineup is. Giles in the leadoff spot is killing us. It affects the rest of the lineup. I don’t think there is any surprise as to why a guy like Frenchy hits better with runners on base than he does when they are not. He is a RBI producer so he fouces more when runners are on base. Its hard to drive people in when they are not there. Same goes for Andruw. Chipper’s job as the three hole hitter is to be a good hitter for average and run producer, which he still does quite well when given the opportunity. Renteria (who might I add I was blasted for saying this was a great trade when it happened) is having his talents wasted. His role as the #2 hitter is to move runners over and make contact. He has done the latter but can’t do the former because there is never anyone to move over. If you don’t think a well constructed lineup is important I suggest watching the Red Sox, Cardinals, Reds, White Sox, or Mets. These teams have all the right people in the right spots. I will also put the Phillies into that category. Their hitters feed off of each other and depend on one another. It is hard for Andruw, Frenchy, or Chipper to drive runs in when they are always facing two outs or nobody on base. Don’t tell me Francoeur can’t be a great hitter. Look at his numbers with runners in scoring position. Now, just think what his average would be if he didn’t have LaWhiff hitting ahead of him for the last six weeks. I mean it is so simple. Andruw didn’t get good pitches because pitchers knew they had LaRoche hitting behind him. Andruw, like Frenchy, is a tad bit impatient and thus this only enhances that impatience. How many times has Frenchy come to the plate with 2 outs and nobody on base. It totally changes how he is pitched. But, all of this starts at the top. Let me ask this question. Where would the Mets be without Reyes? They wouldn’t have even won that game last Friday had it not been for him. Reitsma would have never had the opportunity to blow the game.
By josh
May 11, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Betemit right field, Frenchy triple A workin on that low and away pitch. Frency will be back and get on a tear like last year. Plus I like when Betemit hits and i know that yall do to.
By Bob, journalist jg
May 11, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
DOB good info as usual … thanks for the “babe” link … didn’t mean to cause a stir, sir!
The title, “Fix closer conundrum. Now” gave me a start … had to look up that big word … glad it didn’t mean what I first thought!!
Actually, at first glance and knowing your word plays, I thought we had a new closer named “conundrum” that was broke … but then I thought maybe you were intending something drastic … and planned to fix him good! Applying silicon carbide to his hide would do just thst … I finally realized that conundrum and carborundum are quite different … but it’s still a puzzle to me as to how I got confused.
Nite all!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 11, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
“riding along in my automobile… seal beside me at the wheel… croozin’ and playin’ the radio… with no particular place to go…”
… and where do the braves go now after losing to the lowly marlins? - with giles at leadoff batting .205 and his replacement batting .185 - and with reitsma at closer giving up four earned runs and unable to get three outs in a mop-up role … just where do they go, now?
whew … jimmy smith must rest! transition is most difficult - as dob would say, jimmy smith is “not trying to pile one.” that is what he said, right?
By Robert(Justice Is the Best)
May 11, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Frenchy can go back to AAA. Truth is he should have never been called up but since he has it is what it is. I think Frenchy has the mindset and confidence to turn himself around. Look he is already doing that. Can anyone honestly say we are losing because of him? No way. I think LaRoche and Giles are much more pressing issues.
By Tomahawkin
May 11, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
That picture of Reeksma on the Braves Index page has been the Epitome of our season so far, GOOD ONE DAVE…
This Team Stinks, hope they make me shut up to nite
By MS Brave Fan
May 11, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
who on the current staff should get a chance to close … ray? sosa? there are no obvious answers but i say now is the time to experiment. sure reitsma has only blown 2 saves but thats only because we haven’t given him that many chances. this is gut check time and we need to get back in this race before we are hopelessly behind.
By Robert(Justice Is the Best)
May 11, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
I still want to know if anyone has called a players only meeting or has Bobby had “a Leyland like explosion” and lit a fire under these boys. They look sluggish and disinterested. Someone needs to remind them that this won’t be handed to them they will have to earn it. Yes, the Mets and Phillies may do their usual swan song and fall flat on their face like Paris Hilton at P. Diddy party or they may not. Do they want to take that chance. Maybe someone should remind them that it will not be such a nice tag to be known as the team that ended the one of the greatest streaks in sports history.
By abravesfan
May 11, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave Knockahomer, Thomson inconsistent? Go to mlb.com and look up the best ERA’s in the league. You might find someone in a Braves uniform there… no not Smoltz, its Thomson. The inconsistency is in the Braves batting and run production, not Thomson. Smoltz is a future Hall of Famer, but there is nothing wrong with Thomson.
By Chop Chop
May 11, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
We just have to face facts. This team is not going to get a whole lot better unless:
A) Some magical farmhands come up and help save the season (last year’s script)
B) Schuerholz rips a couple of teams off for a couple of veteran bats and relievers (including a good closer)
C) new ownership comes in at midseason and wants to make a splash by acquiring a top starting pitcher and closer to help foment a “we will be damned if we don’t make it past the Division Series” postseason push.
D) Reitsma takes offense to DOB’s May 11, 2006 blog, find a strikeout pitch and becomes the lockdown closer no one (at least I hope it’s no one) ever thought he could be.
Since “D” is the least likely, “A” isn’t likely because of all the players called up last year and “C” seems doubtful, it’s going to be up to Schuerholz to avoid “thinking outside of the box” (waiver pickups, etc.) and to go get what this team needs via trade.
By Kentavo
May 11, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
Dontrelle Willis is already a star. Just think what a SUPERSTAR he would be in the ATL. You might actually see some black folks other than employees of the TED in the stands at Braves games. (That was not intended as a racist remark)
By forcesaberz
May 11, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
As bad as sosa has been as a starter this year I really think he would be a good closer. The guy generally has nasty stuff for the first 1-2 innings and then implodes and cant go more then 4 or 5. He’s a reliever who’s playing a starter now. And I think he could be a good closer. He has a high veliocity fastball and a nasty slider. Try him out!
By hk
May 11, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
Journalist Bob,
… re your ‘numbers’ caution from the other blog, just trying to take some of the heat off you, that’s all :)
By Chop Chop
May 11, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
Uppercase the “N” in “new” and “finds” in Choice D.
By Eric
May 11, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
Superb article. Hit the nail on the head. Reitsma needs to get the boot…..to set up.
By seal
May 11, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
seal here, posting while journalist jimmy smith too busy working on transition to notice…
seal wonders what “proven guy” would be available in may for closer. more likely roll dice with minor leaguer at this point.
now seal offer commentary/suggestion. seal remembers hearing that laroche has nice arm. same arm use to make big swing. seal wonders why not make laroche closer. solve two problems at once. find closer, and get laroche out of lineup.
By Robert(Justice Is the Best)
May 11, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
I also believe Sosa could be a good closer. Why are most closers closers? Because they have great stuff but it only seems to be good for an inning or two. Sounds like Sosa to me. Lord knows he like to get out of sticky situations. Again sounds like closer to me. Can anyone here say that he would be worse than Reitsma?
By GTGD
May 11, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
i agree with the idea- Reitsma is a great set-up man. but we need someone throwing GAS for closing. it will have to come from within unless we hit the lottery two years in a row and find another Farnsworth. maybe Ryan Madson from the Phils? but they won’t trade to a NL East rival. and i would NEVER EVER give up Salty in any trade. EVER. Devine, Jorge Sosa, or someone else will step up and get it done if we don’t trade. happens every year.
By MGL
May 11, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Why is there still talk of Frenchy going down? Last 10 games, his ave is .347 and he has 13 RBI’s. He’s not going anywhere for a while. Oh! I forgot, has a walk also.
By Chop Chop
May 11, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
So anyway, Chop Chop Googled Neko Case. Chop Chop clicked on “Image Results for Neko Case” link. All CHop Chop have to say about first pic is “see-through”.
Chop Chop think DOB might find interest. Baby Seal, avert eyes.
By J-Baller
May 11, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, we all want Reeksma out of that closer’s role, but what are they really going to do?
By doug
May 11, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
more proof of sorry bullpen. braves have won fourteen games, four complete games, reeksma saved six and remlinger one (the other three must have been our rare blowouts). with all those one run games we have been losing the braves releivers are 7 for 15 in save opportunities. its not just reeksma, but the whole pen seems to blow up in pressure situations.
By doug
May 11, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
my point is, in order to have a save opportunity, you must have the lead late in a game. give us those eight games back and we are in a tie for first. give us five of those back and things aren’t as bad as they seem now.
By Cincybravefan
May 11, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
Closer by commitee and Jordan or Langy at lead off would have to be better than our current plan. Go Braves!
By Bob, journalist jg
May 11, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Hk, I figured as much … some others pitched in too, Thanks all!
Did you see Jimmy’s new “look”? His voice reminded me of Miss Patsy, listening with my third ear … I had wondered why he was asking so many questions about her!
Speaking of Jimmy Smith, a FOXSports.com news headline “… Jimmy Smith decides to call it a career” … maybe that’s what the transition talk is all about … didn’t have time to read the article but think he’s too young and productive to retire.
Saw a quote on the same page that said “Dayn Perry says that Ruth’s statistical contribution to the game has been overblown and may deserve to be eclipsed.” That Kinda sounds like he’s a Bonds supporter … and reminds me of a sad commentary seen on our blog the other day that, appeared to me, to be suggesting that illegal steroid use by players shouldn’t be held against them … since lots of players used them … and that’s just baseball. Fine … I don’t hold it against them … just want them all to be put in jail, and banished to somewhere far away that has no temptations, when they get out.
Could be he just picked on all the stir caused by my “Babe Stat” post … Maybe the DOB Blog is being used as a free source of ideas by ESPN and Fox folks.
Perry’s supposed to be independent but is listed as a FOXSports.com “author” who is a Cardinal’s Fan … but you probably know him from ESPN.
Rugs and Dead Horses!
By MGL
May 11, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this
A potential future closer @ Miss - QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “It was evident that he had an energy that would make him effective. He has a bulldog mentality. Combine that with his stuff, and it’s not surprising that he’s done well.” — Braves manager Jeff Blauser to the Clarion Ledger about pitcher Will Startup.
Check out his stats - .095 ERA, 19 IP, 11 H, 23 SO, 3 BB. That’s what closer stats should look like.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 11, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith has rested and is now back on the blog. journalist believes this to be the first transition from chuck berry to baseball ever attempted on this blog. journalist jimmy smith is eager for critique from journalist scribe. now, baseball … journalist jimmy smith wonders why so many are saying that reitsma is a great set-up man but not a closer? jimmy smith will concede that reitsma is no closer but what makes one think he will be a great set-up? last night’s eighth inning where he gave up 4 earned runs and could record only 2 outs? it is jimmy smith’s opinion that the braves are not as strong defensively up the middle as last year and reitsma barely survived with great defense behind him. opposing players will hit reitsma. will braves players catch the batted balls and retire the batters or will the hits fall and with them the fortunes of the atlanta braves? now, scribe … fruit or cheese? now, carolina lady … jimmy smith sees crows again today. is this a coincidence or are crows scouting jimmy smith aware of his help to carolina lady in matters of the crow? now, personal hygiene and good manners … esteemed manager of the braves bobby cox last night almost went to the nose for the first time in the regular season. while on camera, bobby moved the fingers of both hands noseward (this is a word, right?) and at the last second merely rearranged nose on face. journalist could detect no probing or picking. jimmy smith recognizes the delicacy of this subject matter and has therefore left it at the end of this jimmy smith post so that young readers and seals who are internet savvy will have the opportunity to skip over nose posting if subject matter is objectionable.
By utahjoe
May 11, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
Bobby needs to make a bigger shake up with the lineup. Here is an example: 1 Langerhans 2.Mc Cann 3.Chipper (at 1st base) 4.Andruw 5.Renteria 6.Francouer 7.Giles 8.Betemit (3rd base). Now JS can trade Adam LaRoach to San Fransisco for Steve Kline and we have a decent left hander in the pen and move Chuck James into the rotation(when he comes off DL) and possibly see what Sosa can do as the closer I cannot see who the Braves can give up for a big time closer. They have to look for lower level closer options such as Justin Dourcheser with Oakland or Scott Linebrink of San Diego or Chad Qualls of Houston, granted none are proven closers but JS has to do something and all these guys are better than Rietsma. I dont even think the Braves could use Rietsma in a package to get anyone.
By Carroll
May 11, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
Reeksma should be strictly limited to situations where we need one or two crucial outs. IE: 7th inning 2 on, one out; or 8th ining, bases loaded 2 out. He seems to always be able to work some magic in small doses like that. But bringing him in to start an inning is a death wish. Like Collin Cowherd was saying the other day about A-Fraud, the thinkers are the ones who get themselves into this kind of trouble, and I believe Reeksma is just too much of a thinker when he comes in to start an inning. But when he omes in to one pressure-packed situation, he’s lights out.
Thoughts?
By Ron Roberts (for real)
May 11, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this
Face it… I think we can forget about a move to acquire anybody or anything that raises this team’s salary ONE DOLLAR while the ownership situation is in-flux. Has anybody in the press pool even asked Schuerholz if that’s a factor? I’m curious.
But let’s also get real… Reitsma’s not what’s keeping this team from contending… the laundry list of issues that come up all fall back on a step-child status that current ownership has provide the team.
We don’t have a true leadoff man because we didn’t have the ability to acquire one in the off-season, and let the one we did have go because, frankly, we didn’t find his abiities important enough to lock him up before the price got too high.
We don’t have a deep, solid rotation because we weren’t creative and open-minded enough to believe that guys like Glavine an Maddux might have more left in their tank and were worthy of contract extensions with the team they gave so much to.
Inflation has gone up…gas prices certainly have… the cost of living has gone up, and yet the Braves’ payroll has stagnated at $80 million for three seasons now. Money doesn’t solve everything and nobody’s said we had to spend as much as the Mets to compete (because they’re still overpaying for what they’re getting, frankly…), but did TimeWarner think that publicly holding the line on that salary figure was going to bring attendance up dramatically? And while we’re on that, attendance last season did go up, so where’s the increase in payroll to match it? We saw an 8% increase at the gate, so what’s 8% of $80 million? $6.4 million more would’ve kept Furcal (who I’ll agree was an underperformer half of last year, but ss still young with many years of upside in his future)… or $6.4 million might’ve made Trevor Hoffman think twice about his future here or in San Diego… $6.4 million might’ve lured a Tom Gordon (who’s lights OUT in Philadelphia).
Some things will work themselves out, but the flipside is, some might not.
Francoeur probably will have a good season from here on out… but what if he doesn’t?
Giles probably will rebound to be effective at the leadoff spot this year, but what if he doesn’t?
Smoltz, Hudson, Thomson, Davies and (insert fifth starter here) probably will be the best, most consistent rotation in the division the rest of the way, but what if another freak injury takes one of the top three out? What if Kyle Davies never improves? What if HoRam never gets it back togehter? What if Sosa just flat-out does suck?
What if there is no closer options for this year in the organization? Heck, I don’t believe there are many choices. My pick? The Aussie, Pete Moylan. But that’s no lock, either.
The blog’s good, DOB, but we got more problems than one move will fix.
By Bob, journalist jg
May 11, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this
Kentavo, interesting comment… I usually try to include a bit of humor in with my serious coments but here’s one of my very few 100% serious questions … wrapped up in some clarifying comments.
I’m 100% positive that your remark wasn’t in any way racist, but some folks probably won’t like … just like some of the things I’ve said on occassion … like every day.
I haven’t thought about that before and I don’t get to many games any more and I’m sure I can’t judge very well from TV … “are you suggesting that blacks don’t attend the Braves games because of the limited number of players of ‘color’ on the team?”.
If it’s true, then it’s a sad commentary on pure fan support which should be “color blind” and bad too that Braves management hasn’t recognized the problem and addressed it in such a manner that the race composition of the players in no way affects the racial balance of the fan support base.
I like your honest, direct opinions and insights … wished we had more!
By Ron Roberts
May 11, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
MGL, I’m glad to hear WIll Startup’s doing well. GO DAWGS!!
I just wonder if he’s come far after being such a phenom at Georgia before struggling a bit on the way out?
By MGL
May 11, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
Ron - He did get touched up badly in his one inning spring training chance, but he shure looks solid in AA.
By Bob, journalist jg
May 11, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
Kentavo, sorry for the “repeat”
Don’t think that I’m an stupid idealist … I’m one of those but not both! I’m well aware that it’s not a perfect world in which we live … I just hope that most folks support the team regardless of their race and the race composition of the team. And I hope that Braves managements is sensitive to the problem, if it does exist, and that they do all they can to eliminate the problem.
Sorry if it was confusing … My original question was indded serious … though it may have been vague. I’m having a bad day at the plate myself … speaking of which, I’m going to get a bite before the game.
By Ron Roberts
May 11, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
True, MGL, but if nothing else, we can learn from Francoeur’s early struggles that AA batters aren’t always comparable to MLB batters.
By Jim From Tenn
May 11, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Wish Minnesota would trade Joe Nathan. guy hasn’t had a bad year in 5 years and strikes one guy out every inning pitched.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 11, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
it is true that many journalists favor a long neck bud. this becomes apparent when dining after the game. the long neck is much in demand. however, in a relief pitcher this journalist is beginning to favor a no neck. yes, that is correct. no neck paronto. we must see more of reliever paronto so that we may appreciate his abilities or lack thereof and determine if he is a potential closer for this team. much hope rests in the big man from peru. what, he is not from peru?
By MGL
May 11, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this
Ron - I agree completely. Not advocating bringing him up, just looking for future. I’m worried that we burned Devine badly by pushing him too fast. Another possibility is the big (6’8”) Aussie in Richmond, Phil Stockman.
By Jim
May 11, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
Who on the present staff would you want to close for now at least? If one were to give a number for the confidence one has that the pitcher will pitch an effective inning (where Mario Rivera is a 10 and Dan Kolb ‘05 is a 1 —generously) I would rate
Ray — 6 or 7 Cormier — 6 or 7 Villareal — 6 Remlinger — 5 McBride — 4 or 5 Reitsma — 2 or 3 Moylan — 2 Paronto — ?
Ray has only had 1 ineffective outing (the outing last Friday against the Mets was not really his fault — a seeing eye single and a little bloop). He should have been the first option out of the pen that night. As someone has said, he is as or more effective against lefties than righties.
I also question why Moylan pitched the 7th inning last night instead of Ray or Villareal. The game was still close enough that there was a chance, and Ray has not been overworked lately.
By David O'Brien
May 11, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
Would those of you who somehow interpreted what I wrote to mean I think one fix (closer) will take care of the problems, please re-read the post and stop insinuating that’s what I said? Please.
It’s simply not what I wrote. Geez, folks, I don’t have an hour a day to list one by one all the problems of the team and how to fix them. I simply addressed the CLOSER JOB AND REITSMA. OK? So if you want to talk about the other crap, that’s perfectly fine by me. Just stop acting like my leaving stuff out means I’m somehow implying those aren’t all problems that must be dealt with.
Some folks assume the blog should every single day be a definitive update on the entire state of the team, the front office, the payroll, the roster, every freakin’ thing. No, no, no. It’s not that. It’s supposed to be, as I’ve written many times, something they want us to spend 10 minutes or less on per day, an issue to throw out there and have you discuss. I spend much, much more on it, but not nearly what some of you apparently expect.
Address an issue, any you want, talk about it, but stop telling me that I should talk about this or that. This simply isn’t the primary duty of my job, it’s not what I’m getting paid for. And I have to spend 10 hours a day doing the rest of my job.
And don’t EVEN come back with some smarta** reply about me complaining or whining or being crabby. if you do, you’re weak and unimaginative.
Out
By uga4ever
May 11, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
I say trade Giles for a quality starter. That would be a fair trade. Then move, Betemit to 2nd.
By Jim
May 11, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
DOB,
What is the injury status of Devine and Boyer? Is Devine’s problem physical or one of confidence?
By Bob, journalist jg
May 11, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this
MGL, I’m eatin a “ham and CHEESE” sandwich listening to the pregame … this pitcher Will “Startup” sounds like a good solution for a lot of things … lets folks what a good job Jeff Blauser is doing!!
Let’s ask him real nice … “Will StartUp, will “Closingup” here be okay with you? It Will with us! … It’s not like we haven’t brought folks up from there before … and from an experience standpoint, that nice Aussie boy hadn’t that many innings when we gave him a try … of course, he’s not doing very well. Our expections could be maybe a full 30 points lower that what he’s acheiving in MS … a 1.25 ERA would work just fine.
By Joe Roman
May 11, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
How about Peter Moylan for closer? Nobody’s got a book on him. He throws strikes, hides the ball well and has an odd delivery. My intuition has always been pretty good on this sort of thing too. Before even considering moving Giles, he needs to be moved out of leadoff. If he’s still in the tank at the end of May and still batting leadoff. I’ll join the second-guessers.
One bad loss to the Marlins is no reason to panic. In baseball, even every fish has its day. Don’t let the squirrels get to you, Dave. You should see what they do to Luckovich.
By Greg
May 11, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
Does anyone in the minors have serious Mark Wohlers-type gas? If so start grooming him now.
By Tomahawkin
May 11, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
Carroll, I wouldn’t trust Reeksma to be the bat boy let alone try to get one or two outs….Send him Back to cincy and give us our Bong Back!
By Appreciative
May 11, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this
Dave, Your blogs are so much better than the others on AJC.com because you do more than simply put a question out for discussion. Thank you for doing more than just posing a question like “Should we trade Salty for Lidge?” and leaving it at that. Your blog is very informative and enjoyable. Yours is the only blog on the whole site, much less the sports section, that I make a point to read (several times) every day.So a few people say “Well what about this?” and “what about that?”, take it with a grain of salt. We appreciate your extra effort. It shows! Thanks.
By Tomahawkin
May 11, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
True That! Anyone off the streets or in the minors, with Mark Wohlers type gas or Rockers Curve, Please Stand Up! Were gettin desperate, I think John S. Should look to Japan and Mexico and find some cats there that can pitch….
By Steve
May 11, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this
I Wonder if we are going to see Jeckyll Hudson or Hyde Hudson tonite………….
By geechee
May 11, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
I totally agree with Appreciative. You do have the best blog on the AJC site. You take it seriously David and it shows, believe me.
The Braves are in a tough situation this year because there is nobody “teamwise” that you can point the finger at. The Braves are not puting the talent on the field that we know they are capable of because of the owners of the team. They will not put out the money management needs to fix the problems.
They do not care about the argument that they will just lose more money because the attendance is just going to drop as the season wears on because they don’t care. The owners are not Braves fans and even worse, if anything they are Mets fans and have no real desire to change anything. They simply want to dump this team so they can get back to openly rooting for the two NYC teams.
I’m a Braves’ fan win or lose but I truly feel the pain of the Braves’ fans that are used to winning.
By Bob, journalist jg
May 11, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this
John,
Thanks for the insight on how the posting on this thing works. I haven’t noticed the Label Change but figure that’s standard. Do you know what window of opportunity I have to hit the escape key to cancel the browser request?
Do you know if IE 7.0 Beta sends headers to cancel and reverse the action after it’s sent the last packet?
Are you saying that if I click the “please wait” after escaping … it will tell the browser to cancel the “cancel operation” already in progress and to initialize a second “post”; causing the dual posting?
I can’t get mine to cancel by hitting either the Browser or the escape key … so at this point i can’t test the rest.
I may be my computer … I’m still using Windows 2000 server because it’s friendlier toward SQL 7.0 than 2003 Server … and because I’m too lazy to become expert on the advanced features of the 2003 web server.
I know for a fact that I’ve had problems sending and receiving files and directories between my Terminal Services Server and the my Client connections for the last 2-3 weeks … so maybe the problem is connected to the same thing.
Thanks!
By hk
May 11, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this
Journalist Bob,
… think Jimmy’s inquiries about Ms Hensley had to do with the seeming correlation between your amazing late night energy surge and ‘Walkin’ after Midnight’ …
… yes Dayn’s piece a definite reaction to your compelling arguments earlier today …
… Rugs and dead horses, yes, not your stuff at all, but … oh, well …
… just got up from a nap, a little groggy, maybe better later ..
By HEAD COACH
May 11, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this
Yep , ben saying it since spring training , we need a closer and a leadoff hitter with speed . Nice of you too join the band wagon Mr. O’brian.
By PA Bravefan
May 11, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this
MGL you are right on track with 2 of your posts! I agree Francouer is coming around. He has driven in a lot of runs over the past week and a half. Compare his number to one of our supposed best players, Chipper. Sure Chipper has a better average and will eventually start hitting the ball a longway, but so far, He has been out homered by Frenchy and Frenchy has more RBI. I know He was on the DL, but he hasn’t been the leader w need him to be. Lets get some people fired up, have a closed door meeting, show some emotion for God’s Sake!! Frenchy is on pace to hit 25 - 30 Hr and drive in around 100. If he doesn’t raise his average anymore, I would still take it for right now!! Nobody at Richmond has that potential from the outfield spot. The second thing I agree about is Will Startup!!! His numbers are phenomenal!!! Let him pitch down there for another month or so, If he is still performing at the same level on June 11. Get his A* a ticket to Atlanta Pronto!!!! We did it last year with some guys and they did well. As for the rotation, If Ramirez comes back healthy and performs well great, if he doesn’t look like he is going to get to wher we want him to get, look to trade him. He has to have some value. I think Chuck James should be sent back to Richmond after his stint on the DL, and start getting stretched out to be a starter again. He has done well in the bullpen, and noone has even mentioned how well he has done. If things don’t get turned around soon, we WILL be out of this race!! Philly just called up what very well could be the next dominate pitcher in Cole Hamel! I have seen him, and trust me if he is healthy he will be a star by the end of the year. The Mets record is a bit misleading, Check out how many games they have played against sub 500 teams (us included) They will start to come back to earth when they play the Cards, Yanks, Red Sox and the other decent teams. WE NEED TO GET HOT NOW against the weak. Marlins and Nats (8 games with these two in the next 10 days!)
By hk
May 11, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this
Journalist Bob,
… hah, better now … I went back to win2000, much more solid than anything later … went to Firefox a couple of years ago infinitely better than IE, zero problems (and zero MS updates) … have DSL, the AJC website is by far the slowest access of anything on the net … my theory, the load placed on it by multiple blog updates going on all the time … these blog pages grow to well over 200k, and there are many of them … as a result, many times when I hit ‘Post’ the thing will hang up … often hitting ‘reload’, even if you wait awhile, will cause dual post … no way to edit or correct that I know of … lot of sites have an edit option, would love that …
By Bob, journalist jg
May 11, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this
geechee, I read your response to Appreciative and we both know that Mr. David Obrien is well aware of how we feel about his skill and his “well beyond the call of duty” involvement relative to the development of interesting material interest and personal participation that makes this different than any blog I’ve seen - he makes you feel like a real friend and neighbor, as do many on this block. I think he made it pretty clear where he was comming from … but, am going back afer the game and reread the lead and his other remarks, just to make sure … maybe then, I’ll find out if I’m in his dog house.
My real reason for the post was just to tell you that even though I seldom agree totally with all you say; your sincerity, genuine concern and elequence get you my vote for Braves Fan of the day!
Keep it up!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 11, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
perhaps it is time to fit dob with a protective pad. is it just journalist jimmy smith or did dob appear to be a bit cranky in that last post? now, hitting to the right side … the announcers marvel at the fact the braves are meeting the ball and pushing it into right field. so does journalist jimmy smith! did you see francoeur strike the ground trying to hit a pitch 2 feet outside the zone? not all braves are subscribing to tp’s new publication. now, hk has jimmy smith confused with hk’s last post. journalist sometimes wonders if bob and hk talk in code - secret actuary code?
By Bob, journalist jg
May 11, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
hk, I sure do like the nice things you say … but don’t believe very much of it … I know better … But I’m glad your mama taught you be be nice and try to make folks feel good too!
I really stepped in it more than once today … but tried to fix thiongs, explain where I was comming from, and generally repair fences. Take a look when you have time … on both blogs and give me some feedback.
Thanks! Looks like we had our hitting shoes on in the first 2 innings … suppertime … later, Francis.
By J-Baller
May 11, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this
DOB, You spend 10 hours a day to write an article or 2? Wow, speaking of unimaginative…
By old timer
May 11, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
Carroll, I am ready to use Reitsma any way you want. Or not at all. My patience with him is used up. I don’t care if Villareal is 0 for 9 in saves tries. I’d start with him now and try to make a trade. About the only good things to happen this year are McCann and Renteria. Everything else has been pretty much worst-case scenario. Maybe we can steal Willis since he’s pitching so bad. What we really need is Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz and Avery in their 20s to cover up all the weaknesses.
By David O'Brien
May 11, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Jim, I don’t know why the Boyer question keeps coming up. He’s done for the year, just had shoulder surgery.
Devine’s problems are a bad back and truly horrible results in his brief stints in the majors. Even after he’s physically ready, the Braves will need to see some steady work from him in the minors before giving him another crack in the majors.
Until last night, Moylan had been pretty solid. But the Braves have been careful using him, too. Don’t know if they have enough confidence in him yet to consider him for closer.
By David O'Brien
May 11, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Startup, by the way, could get some consideration soon, after he’s pitched a while longer above A-ball.
As for Dontrelle Willis, can folks here please put on hold any talk of trading for him now? I mean, he’s lost four straight starts and he’s been simply awful for a month now. So even while he may have a great career, he isn’t looking like a solution to any immediate problems for any team.
The Braves need help now, not for the future.
By hk
May 11, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
jimmy,, code … you’re the one that got me started :) … Hensley = Virgina Patterson Hensley = miss Patsy of ‘Walkin’ after Midnight’ Fame … your prior inquiries re ms Cline, and Bob’s fondness for her music …
… here’s some code for you: propose season ending party in a certain Lady’s backyard inviting all Braves, asked to wear baseball shoes, come direct from the duggout … solve bird problem ??? (Hint: Bobby, as observed by jimmy recently)
By old timer
May 11, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
I’d say Willis is proven, DOB. He can turn it around quickly, especially with a good defense, which right now is about the Braves’ only strength. Might be a gamble, but I’d take him right now, start him in four days and see what happens. Starting pitching is a huge concern for the Braves, and who else can they bring in who could have a big impact?
By geechee
May 11, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
“The Braves need help now, not for the future.”
And there in lies the problem and worries for this team because we know that help will not be forthcoming. If they were going to let JS have the money to find some relief pitching,it seems they would have done so during the offseason when the pickings were much better than now. Everyone saw this coming. The only real hope for relief pitching is if the team gets sold fairly soon while there is still time to turn this around and the new owners want to compete. The team doesn’t really need that much to contend again but, what it does need takes money.
By