AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCan Bob Wickman relight the bullpen?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When I got an e-mail about the Eddie Guardado-for-Travis Chick trade yesterday, I only wished I had been working so I could write this:
It’s been a rapid career decline for Eddie Guardado, the former All-Star closer who lost his job to a Putz and was traded for a Chick.
(Ba-da-bum. Thank you. You’re too kind.)
I searched today on the Internet and was shocked not to find that anyone else had already used that line. Surely someone did. Too bad a New York team wasn’t involved, because it could have made for a great back-page headline in the tabloids.
Anyway … yes, Guardado was traded by the Mariners to Cincinnati for minor league pitcher Travis Chick, after losing his closer job earlier this season to J.J. Putz. Couldn’t make that transaction up if I tried.
Didn’t the bullpen-needy Braves have a putz … er, a minor league pitcher they could have traded for Guardado? Well, I’m sure they did. But can’t say that I blame the Braves for not wanting to pay the remainder of Guardado’s $6.25 mil salary this season, seeing how he has a 5.48 ERA, blew three of eight saves before Putz took his job in May, and has a .309 opponents’ average that includes a .311 mark and four homers allowed in 61 at-bats in close-and-late situations.
No, the Braves already have a couple of high-paid guys who can do that kind of work, thankyouverymuch. There’s the amiable Canadian who had the horrendous and injury-ended season, and there’s Jorge Sosa, who gave up his NL-leading 20th homer during a frightening ninth-inning meltdown Thursday. For those keeping score, Sosa has allowed 40 hits and 10 homers in 30 innings over his past 11 games (four starts, seven funhouse relief appearances). Sosa has a 6.60 ERA in that span, jacking his season figure to 5.47 (but only 5.00 as a reliever!)
I repeat, he LEADS THE NL with 20 homers allowed despite pitching just 79 innings. He has a .359 opponents’ average with runners in scoring position and league-worst .383 average with runners on base anywhere. With all due respect, if Sosa is the answer, then I can no longer recall the horrifying question.
Only one Brave has a higher opponents’ average with runners in scoring position this season than Sosa. Yes, that’d be Chris Reitsma, the fallen closer who’s done for the season and headed for elbow surgery. He allowed a .438 (14-for-32) average with eight extra-base hits and an unfathomable 1.419 opponents’ OPS with runners in scoring position. No, seriously. He did.
OK, anyway … folks, sorry to be the latest to bring this up, but there’s apparently just not much out there in the way of available bullpen arms, no Kyle Farnsworths this time around. The Braves got him, the best available bullpen arm, at least year” deadline. This year, they might have to settle for Bob Wickman or someone of that ilk.
Braves have been scouting Cleveland games lately, and Wickman is a guy they also pursued this winter. The chunky vet isn’t the sexy 100-mph power arm that Farnsworth was, but Wickman also isn’t as flaky, introverted and prone to weeping after giving up big homers, either.
Wickman has converted a respectable 13-of-16 saves this season with an unexceptional 4.50 ERA, and he’s allowed just one homer in in 26 innings. Right-handers have hit just .213 against him with a .288 OBP, lefties .333/.411. So if Macay McBride can get out crucial lefties, it might work — at least better than what the Braves have now.
Or are we of the belief that Sosa needs more time to show what he can do in the closer role? Personally, I don’t know if there’s enough antacid in Atlanta for an extended Sosa run in the closer role.
Some combination of Paronto, Ken Ray, McBride, Kevin Barry, Oscar Villarreal and Tyler Yates (yes, I know, two rookies and three journeymen) with Wickman added to mix, or a similar veteran, just might be serviceable. Then you drop John Thomson to the bullpen if Davies is ready in late July or August (or if Barry is moved to the rotation?) and Thomson hasn’t been traded by then (don’t know what you’d get for him, honestly). Sosa? Hey, whatever.
Personally the remaining $1 mill or so on his $2.2 mill contract … OK, I’m not going to advocate releasing anyone, especially not someone with a good arm on a pitching-thin staff. But, well, I wouldn’t howl in protest if it happened? Would you?
OK, running out of time. Gotta eat, shower, dress and get to the park.
Wanted to share something hilarious with you guys that appeared in the Onion, which, if you’re not familiar, is an hysterically funny satire/humor mock newspaper that’s based in Wisconsin, I believe, and can be purchased at plenty of bookstores and picked up free at stands throughout Chicago, Milwaukee and that area. Anyway, my ex-wife e-mailed me this from today’s Onion (do you know, by the way, the only thing bad about having a gorgeous ex-wife with a great sense of humor? Having a gorgeous ex-wife with a great sense of humor).
Disabled List Offers Mark Prior Two-Year, $8 Million Extension June 29, 2006 | Onion Sports CHICAGO — Mark Prior, the right-handed pitcher who has spent the first few years of his career on the disabled list, is now considering accepting a recent two-year, $8 million offer from the DL that would keep him not playing through the 2008 season. “I couldn’t even imagine the DL without Mark Prior — over the years, he has become the face, stiff right elbow, strained subscapularis muscle, and inflamed Achilles tendon of our organization,” said Kirk Gibson, manager and longtime former member of the DL, which is currently rebuilding by claiming young arms such as Kerry Wood, Ben Sheets, and Mike Maroth. “We firmly believe that Mark’s best injuries are still ahead of him.” While Prior”s agent says the pitcher is exploring his options, experts predict that it is “inevitable” that Prior will return to the DL and, with the loyalty he’s shown in the past, likely finish his career there.
Comments
By nathan
July 7, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
very nice touch DOB (adding the satire piece)
that’s MY kind of humor.
I agree with you…..Wickman is probably about the best option out there, without giving up the farm….no pun, wait….every bit of that pun was intended! LOL
I won’t be home until about the time the game is over tonight, so rest easy all you N8 haters out there, I won’t chime in until everything there is to talk about has already been talked about! But I’m sure I’ll be able to add some obvious points to the ongoing discussions!
L8R
By Calvin
July 7, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
lol. Good stuff Mr. O’Brien.
By berigan
July 7, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
DOB, I still say Sosa was handled terribly last night by Bobby. He knows Sosa is likely to walk a batter, why have him come in 7-2 bases loaded, NOBODY OUT? How was putting Sosa in, in that situation good long term? It wasn’t like it was a playoff game, let a few other relievers fail,(Hopefully someone would get 3 outs and just give up 2 runs) then go to the closer. Can anyone imagine him just blowing away 3 straight batters? Before last night, it looked like Sosa had a chance, at least better than the 50/50 shot we have had before. Now, supposed fans will boo him like he was from another team, and he will have little chance of success. Oh, and not that it really matters, but seeing the homer again on baseball tonight, it wasn’t the BP pitch he threw A-Rod, it was low and away.
By lee
July 7, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
i love the onion!
By dfree
July 7, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
DOB,
that clip is hilarious, on a serious note, does marcus giles recent hot streak allow the braves to keep him, or simply add to his trade value? in the bullpen, it seems like we got a lot of set up men that could do the job IF we had some one to shut the door in the ninth, wickman is not a great answer but could bridge the door to boyer, mcbride or devine (hopefully one of those young guy can close next year) what is wickman’s contract situation and what would it take to get the salty vet?
By JasonInMaine
July 7, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I originally thought the Braves should have taken a chance on Eddie, but changed my mind after seeing his salary. It is too bad we didn’t have a little extra offense to get an arm or two out of the Angels pen (I remember a report about one of them being unhappy). I haven’t looked up their stats, but Shields or Donnelly couldn’t hurt the pen. What about Bobby Howry from the Cubs?
Regards, Jason
By berigan
July 7, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
Funny, when I started the post on this thread the title was If not Guardado for Braves, then who? then turned into Can Bob Wickman relight the bullpen? Magic!
By Chris
July 7, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave, excellent article and great Onion bit. Maybe you and I can introduce each other to the other’s goreous ex-wives with an excellent sense of humor! Ha! I feel your pain brother.
By geauxbraves2000
July 7, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
Personally, right now, I’d take a 22nd round draft pick for Thomson and Sosa. Maybe asking a little much though. :)
Geaux Braves!!
By nathan
July 7, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
I agree berigan 100 percent!
Now it’s still no excuse for Sosa to give up 5 runs (yeah, I know it was 3 - 2 went to Hudson). But it’s damn near the same thing Bobby did to McGlinchy a few years back. He never was the same after that Grand Slam / Single he gave up to Ventura in the playoffs. Where was Nolan Ryan to Btch Slap Ventura when *we needed him? LOL
But for all the good things Bobby does as far as having patience with the young guys, there always seems to be sombody that he throws to the wolves each year. Then again, maybe those individual were never cut out or gonna be cut out to handle pressure situations anyhow.
But not to be the person who second guesses or claims I know it all, like you guys think I’m the King of, but I just had a gut feeling when Sosa came in with the bases loaded that good things weren’t going to happen. Hell, even if he only gives up 3 or 4 runs in the 9th, it’s still no confidence booster for him. Bobby has alway put people in position to succeed, last night Sosa was destined to fail in that game.
While I complained til the wee hours of the night about last nights “victory”, at least we found out Sosa cannot be trusted in the closer’s roll. So better to find out in July than October, if by some act of congress the Braves actually see post season play, I still doubt they will. Not to mention the fact that if Sosa would’ve half way looked respectable this season as the closer, they might have trusted him enough to not find another one before next season, which would start this nightmare all over again next April.
I believe that with the guys injured right now (Boyer, Devine, hell even Reitsma might be OK if healthy in a limited roll), that the bullpen will be improved next year. It can’t get any worse can it.
But unless the trade A LOT of talent from the minors away, this bullpen will have nothing more than a imitation bandaid put on it this season. Say for example: Bob Wickman.
Think future, JS, not runs of postseason “appearances”.
Go Braves in 2007! See, I can start a day off thinking fairly positive. :)
By Voice Of Reason
July 7, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
The way I see it, the Braves are more fortunate than most teams looking for relievers. They can actually improve their bullpen with the less than stellar crop of relievers available. But then again, they could trot out Bobby Dews to close, and it wouldn’t be much worse than what they’re gettin’ now.
Seriously, JS had better get creative again this year. I choked on my meatloaf last night when that ball skipped over the yellow line in left center. It’s getting to the point where I’m afraid to even attempt to eat during the late innings of these games. Then I end up gorging myself after the game’s over… really makes for a tough night’s sleep. Come on, JS, do something soon before my health is completely shot!
By berigan
July 7, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine, I like the idea of someone from the Angels bullpen as well, but they are still in the hunt. Plus, to get what they need(offense) they will have plenty of desperate teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, etc. willing to trade super prospects to get a good arm. We can’t really afford to trade our prospects.
By Mitch
July 7, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
“With all due respect, if Sosa is the answer, then I can no longer recall the horrifying question.” I’ve written for a daily newspaper, freelanced for a magazine and reported on a NBC affiliate in south Georgia and I’ve never come up with anything this good, DOB. I laughed out loud. But it’s the kind of laughter that comes to keep you from crying.
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Bob Wickman?!? This is what the season has come down to, BOB WICKMAN?!? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
By JasonInMaine
July 7, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
berigan,
I would normally agree, except when it comes to having someone reliable to trot out there in the 9th. A prospect is just that..a prospect. But, we don’t know if Shields or whoever would be a reliable closer, so I can see your point. But, if the Braves could get a proven commodity for a couple of prospects, I would do it. We have plenty of catching prospects as well as middle infielders. It is too bad Smoltz’s arm couldn’t hold up in the closers role because there is no one I rather have and no role where he is more valuable to the Braves. I think that has been proven over the last two years. The ultimate scenario would be to have Smoltz’s arm regain its youth and trade for Dontrelle for as many prospects as it would take.
Regards, Jason
By journalist jimmy smith
July 7, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith does not approve of a bob wickman acquisition. instead, let’s give bob the journalist a shot at closer. someone should check sosa’s toes. his shoes appeared too tight in that ninth inning.
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
Nathan (hell even Reitsma might be OK if healthy in a limited roll), STOP, DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU’RE SAYING?!? This bullpen has turned us all MAD!
By TennesseePaul
July 7, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Nice DOB. I like the way you put is so bluntly with Eddie. Any rumors of scouts at Cubs games?
How’s that new Cash CD working out for ya? Have you heard the band fielding? I brought them up the other day. Also the 88 and the Coldwar Kids. But those last two might be a little harder to find.
I tried to post this at the start and I got all sorts of errors. Now the names changed stuff is bolded. I have no idea where I am now… The names change, but the faces seem the same…
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Trust me everyone on this board… There is NO WAY we are getting Scot Shields from the Angels short of trading them Andruw Jones. Teams have been after that guy since before he came up… He has been the best middle reliever in the game for 5+ years now… He’s the perfect reliever, great stuff with high velocity, great strikeout/walk ratio, very low WHIP, and he’s got a rubber-arm. He once threw a 14 inning (263 pitch) complete game in college… The guy is great.
By Chop Chop
July 7, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
DOB, funny stuff. I’ve read The Onion off and on now for about six years.
Here’s an Onion-style site that’s devoted exclusively to sports:
The Brushback
There’s usually plenty of clever stuff there.
By berigan
July 7, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Wickman had a 3.09 ERA on 6/28, before that disastrous game in Cincy.
By BOB C
July 7, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Yeah let’s go for Wickman - it’s the Braves way - Pena, Reardon, Berenger. What washed up reliever can we overpay for? The Pirates were like that in the 60’s adding stellar (in the 50’s) performers like Mudcat Grant, Juan Pizarro (long after his great Braves days) and George Brunet and overpaying. We made the right move last year and got 10 for 10 saves and then let him get away. We are not going to catch lightning in a bottle two years in a row. The answer right now is probably Tyler Yates. And berigan is right - a little better management of the ‘pen would be welcome.
By Rob
July 7, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Braves lead the league with 18 blown saves. Billy Wagner was $10 million per year. Like I blogged earlier; assuming he blew 4 of those 18, that’s a 14 game swing which equals out to 1st place. I mean, I am the biggest JS supporter in the world, but stop messing around with Fat Wickman, head-case Farnsworth, has-been Hoffman, never-was Todd Jones and spend the money on a fu*&)ng hammer in the pen. It’s costed the Braves big time this year.
By Mets Stink
July 7, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Jason is right, we need a PROVEN closer. Getting a good setup man doesn’t do any good if he can’t close. Wickman would be better than what we’ve got now. I could go out there and hold a 5 run lead.
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
I had said this in an earlier blog, but doesn’t Bob Wickman seem eerily similar to Dan Kolb?
By Lew
July 7, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
Nathan-Never say it can’t get worse and never ask what can happen next. Fate has a very morbid sense of humor and revels in these statements. Besides, the Godfather, DonCoburleone is already on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Please don’t push him over the edge.
By Dr. Jay
July 7, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
What a predicament! I gotta agree with the “Is This What It’s Come To?” crowd. Bob Wickman? WTF?? He looks like the second coming of Dan Kolb.
By Brent
July 7, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Prediction: Francoeur homers off Guardado this week-end, making everyone in Braves land happy that we didn’t trade for his overpaid butt.
By brian r
July 7, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
i’ve been saying for months, Joe Borowski!!!!
By Dr. Jay
July 7, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
It’s unanimous…Wickman and Kolb are the same person…
By Lew
July 7, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
Joe (We already had him once and let him go) Borowski? Can I have another maniacaal scream, Godfather?
By DrBert
July 7, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
Let’s not forget that 18 blown saves did not translate into 18 losses…in some of those blown saves the Braves came back and won the game later (hence Oscar V’s 7 wins)…18 blown saves does not equal 18 losses in this case…but heck, we’d all rather they just won the game without any late or extra inning heroics due to the blown save…and Jimmy Smith, any reports on Wickman’s toes?
By berigan
July 7, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Wickman is Kolb. First off, he pitches in the A.L., and had a decent ERA till he gave up a grand slam to Adam Dunn, the FIRST homer he gave up this year. He has 13 saves, 4 blown saves. (last year, 45 saves 4 blown saves) he is 37, so not a long term answer. And the Indians will want a young arm in return for giving up their closer, so I think that leaves us out again.
By nathan
July 7, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Sorry Don and Lew……
Yeah, I thought I’d catch “flack” for that Reitsma comment! LOL
I seriously doubt he’ll ever pitch for the Braves again, but the guy (allegedly) can’t feel his fingers. Now I’m not sticking up for the guy, either he’s lying now or he lied for 2 months, that’s enough to ship him out in my book, but, I have hit my funny bone before which causes you to not “feel” your fingers. I can’t imagine throwing a baseball with that feeling constantly running through your arm. LOL
I think I’m on to somthing. Last night I came up with a nickname for JS (Jack Sh*t) to those of you not paying attention/ignoring me last night.
Today it’s Reitsma’s turn, here are the 2 options:
Chris “Funny Bone” Reitsma or
Chris “the Tingle” Reitsma
I love either one! Long live sarcasm!
Sorry Don about pushing you over the edge!
BTW Meatloaf sounds good!
By Chop Chop
July 7, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
God, Wickman isn’t Kolb. Kolb has had two good seasons in the bullpen in the majors. Wickman has had many productive years in the bigs. If you don’t believe me, go check out his career stats:
Wickman’s career stats
Kolb’s ERA with the Brewers this year is actually worse than it was for the Braves last year. While Wickman certainly isn’t a great closer by any stretch, he’s an average one. Right now, I’d take that in a heartbeat…as long as the Braves don’t have to pay an exceedingly high price.
My guess is that Brayan Pena is a possibility to be moved to Cleveland for Wickman. They’re looking for a young catcher who might be able to throw out baserunners (yeah, I know that’s not Pena’s strong suit, but he’d be a lot better than Martinez) because Victor Martinez can’t throw anyone out and Kelly Shoppach hasn’t taken hold of the reins there yet. Besides, if Brayan Pena turns out to be a great catcher, Schuerholz can always say the Braves had a 22-year-old Brian McCann there and that the team didn’t have room for Pena. A very logical way to look at it, don’t you think?
By geauxbraves2000
July 7, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
I don’t follow the AL very much, especially the west coast, but does anyone think the Angels would be willing to give up Francisco Rodriguez if the right deal came along?
By ernesto
July 7, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
I’d take Wickman over Borowski, but honestly, I can’t say I’d feel great about either.
By berigan
July 7, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine , I did say we can’t really afford to trade our prospects, what I should have said was any pitching prospects. If trading Salty(As many have mentioned, it ain’t like we don’t have a long term answer behind the plate) will get us a good arm/closer, have at it!
If I recall correctly, there are 19 teams within 5 games of their division leaders, so more people are buying, than selling. It may be that only prospects will be traded , no one is going to want to make their team weaker now. At least till a few teams drop off.
By Alan
July 7, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Another great post, David. Insightful and funny. Not funny, of course, is the Braves’ closer “situation.” I’m all for getting a proven closer like Wickman or even Dempster (from the Cubs), so long as he comes cheaply (mid-level prospect). Neither of these guys would be a long-term answer nor should he be. What he’d do, though, is give a jolt of confidence to the rest of the Braves, especially the pitching staff. The Braves are very much in the race for the wild card. Making a move now would send a message to all of the teams the Braves are chasing. Go for it!
By berigan
July 7, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
Nathan, JS=Jack S**t. It fits the bill! Though I think it is plain as the nose on your face that the real JS was kidnapped by aliens several years ago, and replaced by a crazy alien who has said things like he couldn’t get anything better for a 20 game winner than a minor league catcher.
By Lew
July 7, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Actually Berigan, you can blame Greg Maddux for the Millwood thing. Maddux at the last moment, decided to accept arbitration and the Braves had about fifteen minutes to get SOMETHING for Millwood. It actually worked out better than it could have. Johnny was solid until Erstad cross body blocked him to hell and back.
By nathan
July 7, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
you mocking my plain nose? J/K LOL
Yeah, I always thought that the Millwood deal seemed a little odd. But, everybody knew the Braves were desperate to move payroll once Maddux accepted arbitration. Probably not much else he could’ve done, and it’s not like Estrada was that bad until he was sitting on the tracks when the Erstad express came rolling through!
That play always bothered me, because I’m a pretty big Darin Erstad fan. He’s from my home state of ND. Not too many pro athletes come out of this state, so he’s a local hero. But that was a cheap shot in my opinion. Maris was from the Fargo area, but the little “shrine” they had to him, is worthless now that the JUICE has helped people rewrite the record books.
About the only other MLB players to come from around here are Rick Helling (washed up) and Travis Hafner, he’s a good one. Though he just got totally snubbed for the all star game. Oh Well.
gotta go, I’ve got a wedding to go to….YIPPY.
I’ll type at you all later, enjoy the game.
By Rutuger
July 7, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
Wickman has converted a respectable 13-of-16 saves this season with an unexceptional 4.50 ERA, and he’s allowed just one homer in in 26 innings
So you’re saying he’s better than anyone our bullpen has had in two years, and has given up 20 less homers than our current “closer” (whose name we dare not speak) in a comporable number of innings?
I could take Sosa yard any day of the week, and I haven’t even faced an actual pitcher since HS. Dude is garbage and wouldn’t be on the AA squad anywhere else.
By Rutuger
July 7, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
And at this point a 4.50 ERA in our bullpen would make Braves fans soil their undergarments with excitement, which is actually so sad I think I’ll go rip out my own spine now.
By Blake
July 7, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
WE should get Wickman, but make sure the Indians pay his remaining meal allowance.
By Dr. Jay
July 7, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this
This is like going to a junior high school dance and there are 100 hormonal boys fighting over 15 flat-chested girls. Bob Wickman in high demand. Whodathunkit. We’re one of the have-nots this year folks and that just the way it is. Don’t panic, JS, and mortgage our future with forced trades for one-year rentals. Releasing Sosa will at least remove our last remaining deadwood…let’s start there and just go with the patchwork we have.
By Larry
July 7, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
Show some patience folks, it takes time for a starter to transition to relief and closer is a bit different all together.
Sosa has not solved his basic problem, his mechanics are all over the place which lead to spotty location. He is also still trying to “pitch” the 9th inning. With a 96mph fastball, he will knock to bat out of half the guys hands whom he has to face if he just goes out there and fire it as hard as he can (and still throw strikes). Control is not just a matter of throwing strikes but where the strikes are counts greatly - his are too unpredictable.
Ken Ray still seems to be the most reliable reliever but he is a ground ball pitcher and does not fit Cox’s desires for a closer - he wants power. The problem with power pitchers is they sometimes give up the long ball.
I think putting Sosa as the closer was the best choice, they just need to work on the psychology of closing with him and he will get it (or he won’t).
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
It’s the Indians though, you know they are going to want YOUTH… I reeeeeaaaally don’t like the idea of giving up a prospect so that maybe a tiny band-aid can stop the profuse bleeding of the bullpen…
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the late reply Lew, I was at lunch. Joe Borowski??? Joe Borowski??? May God help us all…
By Max
July 7, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
I’ll take wickman as a closer any time he simple doesn’t give up golfer ball like SOSA!!!
By Blake
July 7, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
Give them the talented Mike Hessman
By Kentavo
July 7, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
The Braves should make it a reality show - “Finding A Closer” and give in-game auditions.
By Bob McDearmid
July 7, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
At least Wickman can provide what it needs to keep the candle burning on a season where there seems to be no light at the end of the bullpen tunnel. (pun pun pun)
Maybe we can trade the Indians the announcing tandem of Bob and Jeff. Thank God for the radio I can turn up, and the TV I can turn down. (no pun)
By Max
July 7, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
Larry what the heck are you talking about???!!!LIghtenberg,stanton ,Pena,Bererngue,Kolb none were power pitchers Cox wants someone reliable.
By Kevin C
July 7, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
Trade for Wickman, move Thomson into a 7/8th inning guy and give Barry a shot until Davies comes back. Also look for a Cub’s exdous soon when Baker is fired, do we take a shot with maddux? Or do we low ball the Cubs and try and make Wood a closer??
By Chop Chop
July 7, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this
Larry, if the Braves have to teach Sosa the psychology of closing, they should release him today. The guy’s 29 years old. He’s played baseball his whole life. If he doesn’t understand what he’s supposed to do out there on the mound in pressure situations (and yeah, he’s a converted position player, but he’s been a pitcher in the bigs for five years now), the Braves can’t expect him to just magically start to “get it”. Sosa showed how much he cared about this team and this season when he showed up to camp with a beer gut after last year’s miracle run and the Braves have been paying for that inattention to detail all season long. It’s time to cut the guy loose.
By Blake
July 7, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this
neither
By Head Coach
July 7, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
Ken Ray has an ERA of 2.72 with 12 earned runs in 39.2 innings and Cox goes with Jorge “homerun” Sosa , sometimes Bobby does thing that baffle common sense. Bob Wickman , boy are we desperate or what ? I think I’ll go jump off my couch in the hope that I can fly like a pig. Thanks for the onion , David. That was too funny. NOW I HAVE TO VENT : Chris Reitsma is the sorriest SOB to ever pitch in a Braves uniform. This moron pitches the entire first half and cant feel the damn ball because his hand is numb ? Is his brain numb too ? What ten kinds of an idiot would jeopardize his career and waste the entire first half of the season , all the while letting his teammates , the fans and the entire organization down. Why ? Somebody please explain this fool’s totally selfish actions ? He knew he was hurt , ineffective and said nothing until june , just unbelievable……….. I am so P>I>S>S>ED OFF.
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
GeauxBraves2000 there is absolutely no way the Angels give up F-Rod, the only way we could get him is for Andruw Jones. And if we are trading AJ, I’d much rather have Ervin Santana or Jared Weaver than Franky Rodriguez. And how come no-one hears my screams??? Hudson to the Dodgers for BROXTON, look him up, hes awesome! Hudson needs to go, by the time AJ is ready to resign for 2008 there will be no money to do it with cuz it will all be tied up in Smoltz, Chipper, Hudson, and Hampton (plus Giles if we keep him)
By Blake
July 7, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
Do you really believe Reeksma was hurt the whole year? Doubt it.
By AZBravoFan
July 7, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this
I still think I’d feel better about just trotting our young guys out there and see which one sticks. Maybe they can catch lightening in a bottle again like they did in the past with McMichael or Ligtenburg. I just don’t have a lot of faith in the likes of Wickman.
By Max
July 7, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Hessman is with us anymore Blake
By Blake
July 7, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
Don,,
I think his nickname is K-Rod
By Rob
July 7, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
well the minor fact of Kerry Wood being out for the season might be a little tiny problem with that solution Kevin.
By Blake
July 7, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
Max,
I am pretty sure you are right. At least I hope not
By Max
July 7, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
I agree with you headcoach.Don it would be foolish to give up on T-Hud right now.I happen to think we could win with him.He is dominate at times and most of the time gives the bullpen rest.I like him
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this
Kevin C Or do we low ball the Cubs and try and make Wood a closer? Dear God no, have we now gone so low as to dare mention Kerry Wood and “trade” in the same sentence?… If I had seen that same sentence before the season started, I would have not even bothered to watch the Braves at all this year…
By Max
July 7, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
Rob Kerry wood is making $13million we don’t want him
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this
I know Blake, but F-Rod is much funner… hehe
By Max
July 7, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
reistma could have been hurt the whole year?.Players have egos and they are perhaps thinking about there next contracts.Remember the more money you make the more bills you have
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this
Okay, I am going to say this now so nobody can act surprised when it happens… Cox kept marching Reeksma out there to close games for one reason - He was the highest paid bullpen pitcher BY FAR and was getting pressure from above to use him. Now that he’s gone, guess who the highest paid bullpen pitcher is - you guessed it, SOSA. I guarantee Sosa stays in the closer role until we trade for someone else or Sosa blows consecutive games. Besides, Sosa is 3 for 5 in saves right? 60% Save percentage is better than we’ve been getting all year. SOSA RULES!!!
By Jon
July 7, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this
To the guy who said it wasn’t fair to bring in Sosa in the ninth inning with the bases loaded and expect him to save a five run lead. Get real! THAT IS THE JOB DESCRIPTION OF A CLOSER. That is what Farnsworth did; and Smoltz, and Wohlers, and Bedrosian, etc., etc.
By TDub
July 7, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
ChopChop, that deal makes sense - but Wickman is making $5 million this year, not much less than Guardado. How about this - trading Thomson to Texas for Francisco Cordero? They need starters, we need a closer (and he’s stuck behind Otsuka now), and both of them would probably benefit from a change of scenery. He’s making a little less than Wickman too - $4.1 million.
By Max
July 7, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
Don how do you how this?If that is the case which i hope your not Cox is not as smart as i thought.I believe you have to go with the HOT HAND
By Max
July 7, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this
how do you know this don?
By Max
July 7, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
Tdub i’ll take that!
By Chop Chop
July 7, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
TDub, I’m with you on the Coco Cordero idea. The Rangers have a club option on Cordero next year for $6 million, $5 million if he isn’t their closer. I doubt the Braves would pay him that amount for next year, but he seems like a better, younger option than Wickman.
By triharder
July 7, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
What is all of this talk about “mishandling” the bullpen? When the starters tank is empty, you bring in the bullpen to finish the game. “Bringing them into a position to fail”??? What the h3ll was Cox supposed to do? Ask for a do over and put the last batter back in the box and send out one of our fragile relievers with their blanky for comfort (some how calling our bullpen “relievers” just doesnt sound right). Did he leave Huddy out there too long? YES. But that is because he knows he didnt have anything better in the bullpen. Come on people - we need the bullpen to come in and get outs - PERIOD! This isnt about making people feel better about themselves. They’re not 1st graders, they’re millionaires for Pete’s sake!
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
DOB answering your question at the end there… No, I would not be upset or question the move at all if the Braves designated Sosa for assignment… By the way DOB why the heck do they call it that? Where did the term “designated for assignment” come from?
By bushwacker
July 7, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
What’s for dinner Dave
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this
Max I know this because me and Cox are like this (I’m crossing my fingers right now)…
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this
Just kidding Max, I really don’t know that for sure, I’m just making a prediction based on past trends…
By Max
July 7, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
your pulling my leg right “DON”?
By MBATL
July 7, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone, or Oliver Stone? We have a conspiracy theorist amongst us!
I’d bet that Sosa will be right back out there in the 9th tonight if a save is needed. Bobby doesn’t change his mind nearly as quickly as us bloggers do!
As to trades, man, it’s depressing. There is no one out there that is better than mediocre. I hope we can do something with this season, but the bigger picture is that we better clear some payroll to pay a real bullpen.
By Max
July 7, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
BRing up BRad Baker let’s see what he has!!!!
By David O'Brien
July 7, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, the Cash CD is outstanding. Beautiful in a tattered, honest way. You can hear the man suffering. I hate to say it, it’s like you can literally hear him dying (it was all recorded in the months between June’s death and his). Get it. The Gordon LIghtfoot cover, “If You Could Read My Mine,” if worth the price alone.
I heard the band Fielding on headphones at Tower. Good stuff. Haven’t hear the others you mentioned.
Bryan, if you’re out there, what was that band you recommended? Dobeck or Bodeck or something like that. I was in Tower looking for it the other day and felt like an idiot because I couldn’t remember the name.
By Rob Mayhue
July 7, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
SMOLTZ…..get another starter and move Smoltzie back to the bullpen!! Easy enough, huh? We have 18-20 blown saves this year…..half that number still has us 3-6 games out.
By Gorgeous ex-wife w/sense of humor
July 7, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
As a blog virgin I would like to thank my equally gorgeous and humorous ex for the props. Figured you could spread the gospels of The Onion. Gotta go cuz it’s “LIMA TIME” in NYC. YEAH!!!!!
By YO MAX!!
July 7, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
MAX WE TRADED BAKER TO THE RED SOX!!!
By Max
July 7, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
MBATLtheir is quality arms out there we just have to go out and get them!!
By Max
July 7, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this
NO Baker is still with us in AAA.!
By hk
July 7, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop,
.. well, I’ve done it again, and it’s your fault this time .. :))
… not what we were talking about, but an evaluation of players, based on some of my pet stats (HR+R+RBI, Hits/inning, etc), and some more subjective items … funny, sometimes when you try to apply a number to what you think is important, it ends uplooking alot different from what you thought in the beginning … something called ‘dugout chemistry’ ends up being more important than ‘leadership’, for instance … probably more fun doing it than it will be to look at, but
click here for chart
By MBATL
July 7, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this
hk, I’m a little worried about you… but a good chart!
By TennesseePaul
July 7, 2006 06:24 PM | Link to this
Couple of things:
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
Okay, prediction for tonight(now 3 for 3 on my predictions btw): 5-3 Braves win - Sosa gets the save… AJ goes yard for second straight game…
By Max
July 7, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this
By the way Don your prediction couln’t be any better yesterday you said 8-1 braves.it would of ended 7-2.
By Hal
July 7, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
For the last two winters now we should have been clearing some payroll to make room for a bona fide closer ! But that would take some foresight and leave little time for authoring a book
By The Grinch
July 7, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this
Good evening, everyone! Glad to see I’m not the only one who reads the “Onion.” Another good site by DJ Gallo (who contributes headlines for the onion and writes a column for ESPN’s Page 2) is www.sportspickle.com. Check it out. Everyone got their rolaids ready for tonight’s game?
By Adam
July 7, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
Rumor is that the Phillies are willing to trade away just about anyone at this point - wouldn’t Tom Gordon make more sense than Bob Wickman? DOB - in your opinion, should the Braves pursue Gordon, and if so, will they?
By bryanfred
July 7, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
Smoltz back to the bullpen? He’s about the only inning eater we have right now (hats off to Hudson for the 8+ last night, not his fault he got the ND). Unless he’s running middle relief for 2-3 innings per night you’d only see him after the starter was gone and the “setup” men had given up 3 or 4. Setup apparently means placing the ball on a tee.
Also, I just caught on to this string but did I really see someone badmouthing Juan Buerenger? What kind of soulless bstrd bashes such a beautiful man?
By Max
July 7, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
Don’t be surprised if Farnsworth becomes our closer again.He hasn’t been able to bring the magic to NY
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this
Rob Mayhue it’s a good point but you can’t transition Smoltz mid-season to become a closer… I’d rather have him as a healthy starter than a potentially injured closer. But you’re right, it would definately be easier to find a 4-5 starter than an above average closer…. What about “Chunky” Chad Poronto as closer, he does kinda look like Bobby Jenks.
By The Grinch
July 7, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
Hey, Max, I predicted 7-4 Braves (which it was until Sosa gave up his second hit of the ninth). Tonight I say 6-3, for whatever that’s worth. Not much, probably.
By MBATL
July 7, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
Adam, Gordon makes a ton of sense to me. Have no idea if he’s available. I’ve seen where Philly is putting hitters on the block, don’t know about pitchers though.
By Max
July 7, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this
I didn’t bash him all i say was that he wasn’t a strikeout pitcher who did a ok job.
By bryanfred
July 7, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah - Onion is posted weekly on Wednesdays at www.theonion.com. Best satire you’ll find anyhwere.
By The Grinch
July 7, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Juan Buerenger and chunky, does anyone remember the rare times he had to bat? That was so comical he even laughed at himself after striking out. I miss him.
By krath
July 7, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
Back to Sosa…. I don’t think he is the solution to the closer problem, but I don’t blame Bobby for giving it a shot. I wish Sosa were successful because I’m convinced he’s a good kid who sincerely is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.
Someone posted earlier about “closing” like all you had to do was come in and do the job. I disagree. It’s not as simple as sending someone out to close and they should do it immediately even without much experience doing so. Some guys seem to be born to it and some others take longer to develop.
Let me repeat, I don’t think Sosa is the closer solution.
Now for my last point. How do expect to bring a guy into a bases loaded jam and expect him to put the fire out when he hasn’t had any success all season putting the fire out in the jams he created himself??
If Sosa ever had a shot at being a closer, he needed to come in to start innings not learn the closer job in a situation under circumstances he’s had trouble all year performing in. Once he gets comfortable in the role, then you use him like a seasoned closer who has confidence and experience. That said, I know this is probably not a practical solution.
I’m aware that the Braves don’t have the luxury of trying to break anyone in slow. If the Braves closer eventually comes from “in house,” it will be brutal OJT. Sometimes you just do what you have to do.
By Max
July 7, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
Grinch your good,i would have never guessed and i hope your right tonight.Hey guy we are less then 1 hour away from game time.LET GO BRAVES!!!! LETS GO BRAVES!!!!
By Chop Chop
July 7, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
Here’s Tom Gordon’s contract situation:
$4.5 million this year, $7 million in ‘07, $5.5 million in ‘08 and a team option for $4.5 million in ‘09 with a $1 million buyout.
There’s no way in Hell that the Braves are going to take on numbers like that for a guy who turns 39 in November. Besides, the Phils are ahead of the Braves in the standings.
By Max
July 7, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this
Listen Krath if Sosa would focus he would be great!! 96-97mph fastball.He just has to focus on hitting his spots,like Maddux does throwing 85-86mph.To me i just think he is to stupid to know what focusing is
By bryanfred
July 7, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this
OK, thanks for the clarification on Senor Smoke.
Anyone remember when Smoltz was considered a fragile headcase who had to see a sports therapist to keep from freaking out? How the world turns.
By Max
July 7, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this
The Braves will not consider make a run at Gordon he is too risky
By MBATL
July 7, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop; sounds to me like a drop in the bucket this year; a pretty big commitment for ‘07, declining in ‘08. I haven’t examined the guy’s arm, so am not saying “do it”. He’s pitching very well, though, and has the “makeup”. Anyway, just thought it was a good name.
However, there’s a strong current in here that we need to find a solid closer without giving up any young talent or paying any real money. At some point, we either make a committment to building a bullpen or keep dealing with closer by committee.
By JMar
July 7, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this
For what it’s worth, I did e-mail Jason Stark’s Useless Information when JJ Putz and Kevin Mench faced off for the first time, for the first Yiddish insult matchup in major league history.
By Sammy Kershaw
July 7, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
DOB You should give the sportspickle a try also.
By Max
July 7, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
No i believe that to get quality you have to give up quality.
By krath
July 7, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
Max, it could be he has the proverbial 10 cent head, I don’t know. I have a gut feeling about Sosa and that’s all it is. I just think with his stuff the “right” person might get thru to him. Maybe not. I never had that feeling about Reitsma. The Braves can’t afford to use Sosa in any pressure situations until he can be fixed IF he can be fixed at all. The HOMERUNS allowed ARE an issue. Can’t have closers or late relievers with numbers like that!
If the Braves were to find someone who is in love with Sosa, I wouldn’t blame them for moving him. If not, I would try to see if someone could get thru to him. The guy has some nasty stuff if it could ever be harnessed. BUT… it may never be harnessed, so it’s a gamble.
By Max
July 7, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
i agree 100% with you Krath he is NASTY .It just hasn’t clicked for him this year.Last year he was on point
By DonCoburleone
July 7, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
That sportspickle site is great… David Wright is gay, I KNEW IT!
By Max
July 7, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this
Milton of the Reds gives up a lot of golpher ball let’s see how many he serves up tonight.15 minutes guys!!!!
By Max
July 7, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this
I’m going to have to predict.10-5 braves!!!
By Rip
July 7, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this
The trade dead line will come and go with no major trades….While John signs books, Alanta BURNS!!!!
By Max
July 7, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this
The phillies are losing with there loss and our win we go up.
By hal neely
July 7, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this
how much of a chance was Ray given? i’d rather have him/mcbride combo than what we are doing now. of course, i’m for wickman also if we could get him. or, trade larouche and/or giles for a big name. we are loaded with minor league infielders and i wouldn’t mind seeing thorman at first everyday if we can get a big name in a trade. my .02
By Rip
July 7, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this
ATLANTA-Sorry
By Max
July 7, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this
Rip are you a Met or a marlins fan?
By Max