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Wednesday, June 7, 2006
‘Death Ray’ likely new closer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Can Ken Ray be an adequate closer for a team going for another division title?
The Braves are apparently going to find out.
Manager Bobby Cox doesn’t really have much of an alternate other than giving the journeyman right-hander a chance.
The Braves couldn’t have asked for much more Tuesday night. Ray pitched a perfect ninth inning for his third save as the Braves beat Washington 5-3. It was a bounce-back game for Ray as well as the Braves.
Called on in the ninth inning of close game Saturday night, Ray allowed a three-run homer to Damian Easley as Arizona put the game out of reach. Ray doesn’t have dominant stuff. But he throws strikes and isn’t afraid to go after hitters.
Actually, Ray doesn’t appear to be afraid at all. That’s a quality needed by a closer. Ray has gone through the worst of times in his career, even passing through three independent teams. The Braves need to upgrade the bullpen and general manager John Schuerholz will certainly make that a priority before the trade deadline.
But for now, Ray will get a chance to show what he can do. He won’t be the only Braves reliever pitching in the ninth inning. But he seems to have the best chance of getting the job done.
