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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Are Davies’ days here numbered?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If Mike Hampton comes back as expected, the Braves could have a strong rotation next season.
Will Kyle Davies be part of it?
The 22-year-old from Stockbridge made a dramatic debut in the majors last season, but it has mostly been all downhill since.
Davies had not pitched well before tearing his groin in May and his first three starts after returning in September were extremely disappointing.
The right-hander bounced back with a solid five innings Monday night in beating Washington and should get two more starts before the end of the season to make a favorable impression.
Davies would give the Braves six potential starters for next year, joining John Smoltz, Hampton, Tim Hudson, Chuck James and Horacio Ramirez.
Will someone be traded?
General manager John Schuerholz will certainly explore all his options.
Hudson could be put on the market, but the demand is uncertain. He hasn’t pitched nearly as well as he did in Oakland and his back-loaded contract will soon balloon.
The Braves want Davies to be more aggressive and command his fastball better. Against the Nationals, he did just that, keeping the ball down in the strike zone.
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