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Friday, August 11, 2006
Wickman rockin’ in the free world … er, on the mound
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So I spent part of my Thursday night writing a Bob Wickman story for Sunday and part of it watching “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” (hilarious show, in case you’ve missed it), and didn’t go to the CSNY show last night at Philips.
Now I’m angry, because I’ve been told it was a strong performance, and this came from my friend who’s a fine drummer in a local band (The Lord is My Shotgun, great name for a band, huh?), so I respect his opinion.
I figured it’d be the mighty Neil Young trailed by three fading dinosaurs, but was told the entire band was actually rockin’ and tight, especially Stephen Stills wielding a mean ax alongside Neil.
Anyway … hey, can’t see them all. And Tom Waits last week was enough to hold me over for some time.
Now onto the Braves, since I know just reading four paragraphs about music is enough to turn off a few of the serious, baseball-only posters here at the Braves and The Man In Black corner of the blogosphere.
I’ve got to do this one quickly, because I’m running late to get to the park (always say that, but always am running late).
Anyway, regarding Wickman. The man has converted 6-of-6 saves since being traded to the Braves and allowed only four hits and no walks _ REJOICE! _ with seven strikeouts in seven appearances. Dating to July 1, he’s reeled off 11 consecutive scoreless appearances while converting 10-of-10 saves for the Indians and Braves.
So what do you think? Maybe time to talk to this guy about an extension, wouldn’t you agree? I know, he’s 37 and had Tommy John surgery after the 2002 season, but the big load is healthy and he’s a force out there, a stabilizing presence who’s outstanding in the clubhouse and doesn’t mess around walking guys or running up huge pitch counts or wasting time between pitches.
He gets ground balls, lets his defense work for him, and looks like he could play pulling guard if necessary. And you’ve gotta like that toss of the big ‘ol chaw after he finishes off the last batter (you don’t have to like that? Oh, well I do.)
Anyway, I talked to him Wednesday about the retirement rumors I’d heard when he was traded. He looked at me as if waiting for someone to ask him that so he could go off. He was quite upset at whoever started that rumor and said he fully intends to pitch next season if he stays healthy and feels as good as he does right now. I actually feared momentarily that he was going to twist my neck until my head popped off, believing it was I who started those dastardly rumors. But then he was cool.
And guess what? He’s loved his Braves experience so far, likes the teammates and Bobby and Roger McDowell. He’s fit in great, from taking some of the young relievers out to dinner right away to get to know them, to keeping some guys around in the clubhouse to drink beers and talk baseball after games, to doing exactly what he’s supposed to do on the mound, most importantly.
When I asked John Schuerholz on Thursday whether the Braves would consider re-signing him, he told me they haven’t even thought about next year yet. I believe him, pretty much. Braves won’t know exactly what their budget is and what their biggest needs are and which ones will be easiest to fill until after the season and after the postseason (I didn’t say Braves postseason, so don’t start on that). But they do believe the budget won’t change significantly under new ownership.
If you ask me _ and the Braves won’t _ I’d say if Wickman is affordable, say anywhere around the $5 mill he got for this season, then it’s a solid investment for next season. The Braves absolutely cannot go into another season without a proven, veteran closer. And Danys Baez can’t be the guy. Too erratic. And Reitsma… uh, let’s not start.
If they can do better than Wickman this offseason, fine. But unless they’re ready to spend more than $5 mill and give out a multi-year contract to a closer, then I doubt they can do better.
Braves need to overhaul their bullpen and also add a starting pitcher in order to try and assure this year’s pitching deficiencies don’t return to undermine next year’s team. They also need a proven leadoff hitter next season, but that’s another discussion.
For now, what do you good folks think about re-signing the man with the big semi truck idling out in the players’ lot (just kidding, but Wick does look like he could handle a big rig, or a jackhammer on a road crew, doesn’t he?)
Neil Young, sorry I missed you.
“Old man take a look at my life, I’m a lot like you. I need someone to love me the whole day through. Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that’s true….”
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