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DEL.ICIO.USClose chapter on Reitsma
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Chris Reitsma is a nice guy, but he’s not a closer. Because he’s a nice guy – and, to be frank, because there isn’t an obvious fallback – the Braves keep asking him to get the last three outs. They need to stop asking.
Nothing undoes a team’s psyche like a shaky closer. Even having lousy starting pitching doesn’t carry quite the same weight: If it’s down 5-0 after two innings, a team still feels it has a chance to recover. It’s different when a closer fails. A game that was supposed to have been won suddenly isn’t. A night that was supposed to end with handshakes dissolves into a puddle of coulda/shoulda.
Reitsma has had one good month as a Braves’ closer — July 2005. He has blown half his save chances since. The Braves went to Arizona having won nine of 11, and a large reason why was that Reitsma had been handed only one save situation in those 11 games. (To his credit, Reitsma did work a tidy 1-2-3 ninth to earn a save Monday night.) But a team cannot run forever on bottom-of-the-ninth drama. Over the long haul, a team with any aspirations of playing in October has to have a closer it can trust.
The Braves, sad to say, do not. Last season, Bobby Cox demoted Reitsma for Kyle Farnsworth, who’s no great shakes as a closer himself, and it’s past time for Reitsma to be reassigned again. The weekend was the clincher. Twice Cox summoned Reitsma in Arizona with a ninth-inning lead, and twice the manager was forced to have someone warming in the bullpen behind his nominal closer. When that happens, a team knows it no longer has a closer.
Reitsma’s numbers are bad for any pitcher but beyond the pale for the most important component of a staff — 33 baserunners in 19 2/3 innings, only 10 strikeouts against 26 hits. Put simply, he doesn’t have closer stuff. When men reach against him — and lots of men do — he can’t extricate himself with big heat. He’s a change-up guy. So is Trevor Hoffman, but there’s a difference: Hoffman’s change has worked for more than a decade. Reitsma’s worked for a month.
It’s worth noting that Dan Kolb lost his job after blowing three saves in 13 chances last season. Reitsma has blown three in 10 and has a worse ERA than Kolb did when the unloved import was demoted 52 1/2 weeks ago. For what it’s worth, the Braves like the affable Reitsma much more than they did Kolb, who was seen as distant and difficult. “He’s the best,” Cox has said, speaking of Reitsma as a human being. As a closer, alas, he’s among the worst.
If not Reitsma, who? Well, the Braves’ mishandling of Joey Devine has removed him as an option, so that leaves only two choices – Ken Ray, who’s right-handed, and Macay McBride, who isn’t. They have two career saves between them (both by McBride), but never having done a job seems a better option than relying on someone who has proven he can’t do it.
The Braves aren’t in position to waste any more leads. They’re chasing two pretty good teams. If Ray, who went five seasons between big-league stints, or McBride, who wasn’t groomed as a closer and had two saves in five minor league seasons, can’t do it, then John Schuerholz has to trade for somebody who might. The longer the Braves go without addressing the issue, the farther they’ll have to climb when finally they do.
There are only two ways of dealing with a shaky closer: Either he stops being shaky or he stops getting the chance to close. The Braves keep giving Reitsma chances, hoping against hope. Time now to bow to cold reality. Time now to admit he’s an eighth-inning pitcher who has no business trying to work the ninth. It’s time now, while the Mets and Phillies are still in sight.
Permalink | Comments (93) | Categories: Braves / MLB, Mark Bradley
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By John
May 22, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
Mr.Bradley,you are right on,i totally agree with you,Reitsma stinks as a closer,he is not a closer,John s better do something now,i saw that Danny Graves was designated for Assignment and he was ahalf descent closer so Braves should sign him and give him a shot,he couldn’t be any worse than Reitsma,also i understand that Scott Sullivan is also available,he was ok at one time he saved 21 games,those are just two closer who might come pretty cheap,another alternative is to trade top prospect Salty to the Marlins ,make a package of Salty,Larew and Thorman to the Marlins for Dontrelle Willis and Joe Borowski,That solves starter problem and closer proble,then there is also the option of making Ken Ray the closer or Jorge Sosa.Anything but Reitsma.
By tfbrave
May 22, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
Sosa looks to be good for inning. Has dealt with a number of pressure situations and if allowed to go out there full tilt for an inning at a time could make a good closer.
By Robert
May 22, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
You don’t trade your number one offensive prospect to get anybody - period. Saltalamacchia will likely be moved to another position (outfield, first base) when he’s ready, and he’s too good to give up. However, trading Giles and/or either Langerhans or Kelly Johnson with a prospect other than Salty for a closer could be feasible, since the Braves have about $5 million they can play with payroll wise. That way the Braves can use Betemit everyday at second (he’s too good to be on the bench) and have a leadoff hitter and closer. Danny Graves is washed up and a mental case after being moved from closer to starter back to closer again. He’d be too risky, even if he’s on the cheap. The real question is, if either McBride or Ray, or even Sosa fail as a closer, who exactly would be out there to trade for?? Perhaps Ryan Dempster of the Cubs, if they continue to falter. He sports a 2.57 ERA and eight saves. Or Joe Nathan of Minnesota. They both could come at a not-so-steep price, as would Mike Gonzalez or even the ancient Roberto Hernandez of Pittsburgh.
By Max Sizemore
May 22, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
Yes, Mark. Great column.
John, Danny Graves is washed up. Scott Sullivan has trouble with lefties and doesn’t have closer stuff (see above). Borowski’s luck with the Cubs ran out. We absolutely can’t trade Saltalamacchia. That leaves Ken Ray, McBride or maybe both. The Braves had to rush Devine last year because, as usual, they didn’t invest in the bullpen. Schuerholz would say his bosses haven’t given him enough money to do this, and that’s probably true.
By Larry
May 22, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
You should never blame a spoiled brat for his/her behavior because it is the parent’s fault the child had become this way.
Likewise, don’t blame Reitsma for his shortcomings—he is what he is, a good guy with middle relief stuff. Blame Bobby Cox who has a history of allowing non-performers to blow games and sits and watches it happen.
This is why he is 1-14 in the last game of the playoffs when a manager counts the most! He’s a great cheerleader, but a manager and decision maker he isn’t!
By Ron Roberts
May 22, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this
Here we go again with the “1-15” business…. what’s Tony LaRussa’s record “in the last game of the playoffs” over his career? Joe Torre’s a “mediocre” 4-6 “in the last game of the playoffs,” too, FYI. Cox isn’t what’s wrong with Reitsma, and going to the “closer” your organization gives you is the choice a manager sometimes has to make. If nothing else, maybe throwing the guy out there to watch him fail so much gets the point across to upper management.
Moving on. Saltamacchia isn’t exactly lighting it up at AA right now. Check out stats at www.mbraves.com and see what he’s (not) doing this season.
By Ron Roberts
May 22, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
By the way, the Mississippi Braves website is www.mississippibraves.com.
While you’re there, check out former Georgia Bulldogs’ pitcher Will Startup’s stats.
Potential closer?
By Ipfreely
May 22, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
I agree with Larry’s post,Yes Reitsma is partly to blame,but all the blame should not be on him,I blame Bobby c for continuing to put Reitsma into games and i also blame John s who failed to Dannys Baez when he had the opportunity,john and Bobby both have reputations of farting around with players and when they do get smart and figure out it is time to stop farting around and get serious then it is too late,Thats whats gonna happen this year again,Bobby and John s are both gonna keep farting around and when they do make a change it will be too late,i guess Bobby and john never heard of he who hestitates is lost,thats what happening now,Another problem with Bobby is he had his 65th birthday yesterday,he is starting to fade a lot mentally,look at this way,he must have dementia,he keeps using Reitsma all the time and Reitsma keeps on blowing games.It is not only time for a change for a closer but also time for a change of managers,Bobby was good at one time but age has caught up with him and left him mentally incapcitated,time for TP to be the news Braves skipper and also time for Frank Wren or Dayton Moore to take over.Fire Bobby and John now.
By Wilson Betemit
May 23, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this
Why am I not playing every day?
By Jamie
May 23, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this
A good outing for Reitsma tonight. I know it sounds stupid but I just really hope he can pull throught the rest of the season and be our closer.
By HEAD COACH
May 23, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox thinks Reisma can be an effective closer and that Marcus giles can be an effective leadoff hitter. If Cox is right , this team will be just fine. However if he is wrong , you can stick a fork in this team , they are done. Without a leadoff hitter who can get on base to start a game and a closer to finish it this team cannot compete effectively. Cox has been wrong for the first 25% of this season , will it change ? I hope so.
By Kentavo
May 23, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this
I want the Braves to win every chance they have - but at the same time, I want Reeksma to screw up every chance he gets. Yes it’s a paradox, but the only way to get him outta the closer role is for him to stink it up thoroughly so that way he won’t be in close games when it really counts - October.
By Billybrave
May 23, 2006 02:47 AM | Link to this
Two Words: Jose Mesa
By TONY HARMON
May 23, 2006 03:08 AM | Link to this
THE CLOSER ROLE AND THE LEAD-OFF ROLES ARE HIGHLY OVERRATED. FIRST, ACLOSER DO NOT HAVE TO BE THE SAME PERSON ALL THE TIME. IT SHOULD BE THE FRESHEST PITCHER IN THE STAFF’S BULLPEN. IT SHOULD BE JUST LIKE THE STARTING ROTATION. YOU SHOULD NOT SOLELY DEPEND ON THE SAME PERSON DAY IN AND DAY OUT.
AS FAR AS THE LEAD OFF-HITTER, THIS IS THE MOST OVERRATED TERM IN BASEBALL. THE DEFINITION IS A PERSON WHO BEGINS AN INNING, A RALLY PLAYER. ANYBODY CAN BE A LEAD-OFF HITTER. THE PLAYER WHO NORMALLY START THE GAME DO NOT HIT FIRST EVERY INNING. SO, ANYBODY CAN BE A LEADOFF HITTER.
I AGREE WITH IPFREELY. TIME AND MONEY HAS FINALLY CAUGHT UP WITH BOBBY COX AND JOHN S. IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE. T.P. WOULD BE A GREAT CHOICE. LET,S FACE IT. THE BRAVES WILL NEVER WIN ANOTHER PLAY-OFF SERIES, NOT TO MENTION, A WORLD SERIES UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF JOHN S. AND BOBBYC.
By bill
May 23, 2006 06:51 AM | Link to this
Why are there so many people who obviously know nothing about baseball reading and responding to a baseball blog? Saying that Bobby Cox does not know how to manage demonstrates the ignorance. If we could commission a scientific poll of all major league managers, general managers, and players of the past 15 years (Larry, that leaves you out) to determine who is considered the best manager in baseball, Bobby Cox would probably be in the top 3 on the all of the ballots. Any team can win in the post-season, no team has ever won 14 straight divisions. I enjoy baseball for the entire season, not just the post-season, so give me that record any day.
By Larry
May 23, 2006 07:17 AM | Link to this
“…going to the “closer” your organization gives you is the choice a manager sometimes has to make. If nothing else, maybe throwing the guy out there to watch him fail so much gets the point across to upper management.”
Can anyone tell Ron is a member of the entitlement party?
Ron, I know as a liberal you want everything done for you and your greatest fear is accountability, but surely you don’t think that Bobby doesn’t choose who pitches and when, do you?
And, as for all of you dummies who keep pointing out Bobby’s division titles, please remember that these were accomplished against the Marlin, the Mets, the Phillies and the Expos/Nationals for the most part. Admittedly and recognizable achievement but one that is more fueled by the best GM and Scouting in the game who supplies Bobby with enough talent every season to beat out 4 other teams. So he wins the majority of 162 games every year with supplied talent—big wow!
It’s when Bobby gets to the postseason that the astute baseball fan realizes that he is perhaps the worst strategic and situational manager in the history of the game who routinely is bounce by inferior teams.
Yes, just like 14 straight divisions titles, 1-14 is a statistic not to be ignored. Bobby manages the postseason identical to that of the regular season so only if his team gets hot for three straight series can they win in spite of him—it’s only happened once in his 15 playoff opportunities. Horrible!
By mike
May 23, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this
I would trade any two players not on the major leauge roster to the Marlins for D. Willis. His great attitude and enthusiasm will make him the kind of player the Braves need. I would put him into the rotation and move Smoltz to closer. Hopefully he would realize this move would be best for the team. The rotation would be as strong as before, payroll under control, and we would have one of the top three closers in baseball. Think where we would be without 5 blown saves - in first place.
By h_charles
May 23, 2006 07:30 AM | Link to this
Larry, You are way off base. Bobby Cox isn’t perfect, but he is certainly one of the best. Who would you rather have managing? Who would be able to win 14 straight titles, all with a revolving door squad and an ever-shrinking payroll?? Cox has made some questionable calls, for sure, but so has every other manager in the game.
Back to the subject, Cox has Giles as a leadoff hitter and is behind Reitsma because he doesn’t have a choice. That is the roster he was given. I guarantee you if Braves ownership released the funds, John S. would jump all over a top-notch closer, and Cox would plug him in there every night. That just isn’t an option. So what is so scary about the Reitsma situation is that we simply don’t have a better option. None of the current pen staff have closer stuff. Sosa probably has it, but with the rotation injuries and his penchant for pitching himself INTO jams, he isn’t an option either. Devine, would have been, and may be some day, but his head is nowhere near ready for the job (not to mention his arm).
So until we make a move, Reitsma is it, or we go by committee with guys who have similar stuff with no closing experience. Hopefully a move will be made, but no way I’d give up Salty for a closer. DEspite his slow start, he will be an all-star some day.
By MARK
May 23, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
I feel everyones pain here but take alook out there . There are not many maybe not any available closers for the Braves to trade for. If there was John S. Would have done it in the spring.
By Ron Palmich
May 23, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this
Reitsma is not a closer. He may not even be a set-up man or a bullpen mainstay. He just does not have the mental toughness to overcome his lack of dominating pitching. When he comes to the mound he does not display confidence and the other team does not “fear” him. His defense goes back on its heals. Doesn’t mean he is not a nice guy but it does mean he is not a closer. Time for action
By bubbabaseball
May 23, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this
H_charles, I have to agree with you. Bobby Cox is one of the best managers in the history of baseball, plenty of teams would love to have Bobby as manager. The only downfall is the 2 WS, 1 with Toronto and 1 with the Braves, but I think if they solve the bullpen problems, they can win this year. If the bullpen was fixed last years, they would have won almost 100 games, 95 easy. Look at how many games Kolb blue, and this year, the bullpen has blown at least 10 games in this early season.
By bubbabaseball
May 23, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this
H_charles, I have to agree with you. Bobby Cox is one of the best managers in the history of baseball, plenty of teams would love to have Bobby as manager. The only downfall is the 2 WS, 1 with Toronto and 1 with the Braves, but I think if they solve the bullpen problems, they can win this year. If the bullpen was fixed last years, they would have won almost 100 games, 95 easy. Look at how many games Kolb blue, and this year, the bullpen has blown at least 10 games in this early season.
By Marty
May 23, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this
Here we go again with the Bobby-bashing. It’s no wonder that no one respects Atlanta fans; stupidity and obnoxiousness are not a good combination. Take your fairweather cheers somewhere else, ok? Ask a major-league player who the best manager in baseball is, and I think we all know what the answer what be. Ask anyone in baseball who the best GM is (see: somehow getting Boston to pay half of Renteria’s salary to play for us for multiple seasons in return for a “prospect”), and you would not have much argument. But you know better, right?
By Ron Roberts
May 23, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this
Hey Larry,
Can you post without taking digs at other bloggers?
You have no idea what my political leanings are, nore should it matter.
If you’d read with your head out of your tailpipe you might understand my point better. It MIGHT be that Cox agrees that Reitsma isn’t the guy, but has to play what the organization hands him, roster-wise. Guess what? Most managers have to play the players the organization gets him. Wouldn’t we all like to have Mariano Rivera on our roster? Any manager would… but they have to play what they’re given.
I was merely theorizing that maybe Cox is showing Braves’ managementwhat their fiscal neglect has purchased them for a closer. And I’m not saying that throwing money at the problem is the answer, but standing pat surely isn’t, either.
By Tommy P
May 23, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this
If you go back and take a look at all of the blown saves (Kolb and Reitsma) over the past two years, I’m sure you’d find that if the Braves had been able to salvage 1/2 of those games, they would have baseball’s best record over the past two years, and would now be in first place in the NL east instead of third. Macay McBride missed several weeks due to an injury and is just getting in to regular season form…he needs work and lot’s of it! In reality, he probably should have been given the ball to start Saturday night in Arizona instead of Travis Smith, I’m just glad they gave him the ball in ninth to put out the fire. McBride is a three-pitch lefty who throws mid-nineties, put him in the rotation or let him close!
By Tommy P
May 23, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this
If you go back and take a look at all of the blown saves (Kolb and Reitsma) over the past two years, I’m sure you’d find that if the Braves had been able to salvage 1/2 of those games, they would have baseball’s best record over the past two years, and would now be in first place in the NL east instead of third. Macay McBride missed several weeks due to an injury and is just getting in to regular season form…he needs work and lot’s of it! In reality, he probably should have been given the ball to start Saturday night in Arizona instead of Travis Smith, I’m just glad they gave him the ball in ninth to put out the fire. McBride is a three-pitch lefty who throws mid-nineties, put him in the rotation or let him close!
By banshee29
May 23, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this
Getting to the post-season gives your team a chance to win it all. The skipper has done that for 14 years. Giles is struggling, but be patient. Long-time Braves fans know we always start slow and around mid-June bring on the heat. Who is the best closer in the NL, Wagner? He looked real good Saturday against the Yanks. If some of you fools would show up at the games maybe ownership would spend a little more to get your trendy “hot” closer. Keep coaching from the couch. CHALE!
By banshee29
May 23, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this
Getting to the post-season gives your team a chance to win it all. The skipper has done that for 14 years. Giles is struggling, but be patient. Long-time Braves fans know we always start slow and around mid-June bring on the heat. Who is the best closer in the NL, Wagner? He looked real good Saturday against the Yanks. If some of you fools would show up at the games maybe ownership would spend a little more to get your trendy “hot” closer. Keep coaching from the couch. CHALE!
By banshee29
May 23, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
Getting to the post-season gives your team a chance to win it all. The skipper has done that for 14 years. Giles is struggling, but be patient. Long-time Braves fans know we always start slow and around mid-June bring on the heat. Who is the best closer in the NL, Wagner? He looked real good Saturday against the Yanks. If some of you fools would show up at the games maybe ownership would spend a little more to get your trendy “hot” closer. Keep coaching from the couch. CHALE!
By Matt
May 23, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this
JOHN, Joe Borowski? Danny Graves? Either you are retarded, or you are a Mets fan (It seems the two are interchangeable, however). Im not saying that I have the answer, but God, those two guys suck balls.
By Mart
May 23, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this
I don’t blame Reitsma for being a lousy closer, I blame Cox for continuing to put him in there. Cox is a lousy in-game manager. He insists on taking out the starter, no matter how effective, after six or seven innings, using a set-up man and then a closer, regardless of how worthless the relief pitchers are. I never blamed Liebrandt for being a lousy relief pitcher, I blamed Cox for putting him in that situation when EVERYONE knew he couldn’t handle it.
Instead of wasting capital on looking for the ultimate closer, why not just have the best pitchers on the team (the starters) pitch.
By ipfreely
May 23, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this
URGENT BREAKING NEWS EMERGENCY!,
Braves Manager Boobby Cox just diagnose with Dementia,it appears to be fatal unless his pal John S can save him by replacing him with TP.seems Bobby was biten by a bug,the stupidity bug who has messed with his mind and caused him to continue to use Chris Reitsma as the Braves Closer.John s says he has an anti dementia formula that will help,seems the formula is called Ken Ray,this is an experimental formula,John S said if this formula doesn’t work he has a second formula the Macay McBride formula,this formula too is experimental formula doesn’t work then John S said he is working on a trade formula. There is also another formula that John S has not mentioned and it is called the TP formula,it involves firing Bobby and replacing him with TP,then there is one more formula after that one it is the replace John S formula with Frank Wren or Drayton Moore.Then you got a cure for the Braves.unfortunately nothing cures stupidity and each time Bobby continues to pitch Reitsma he is showing his stupidity.
By Richard
May 23, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this
Right on, as usual, Mr. Bradley. I keep wondering — when’s the trade? Wilson Betemit has proven over the past year he is a major-league regular. He needs to be playing every day, and the Braves don’t seem to have a spot for him. So, deal him for a closer — a good one.
By Hunk Erdown
May 23, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
To act like Reitsma is the only choice in the organization is a load of crap. If there is is not ONE young arm in the farm system that can bring the heat, low and steady, for one friggin inning then the Braves are washed up. The way Cox has stuck with Reitsma makes me believe Reitsma has pictures of Cox in some vile, compromising situation. Come on Braves, bring some young gun up and give him the ball, enough already.
By Hunk Erdown
May 23, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
Here’s the answer: Go to Home Depot, buy one of those outdoor buildings, park it on Hank Aaron Blvd. right in front of the ballpark. Fence it with chainlink and razor wire. Bring up a young kid in the farm system that can throw 95mph. House him in the outbuilding, no running water, maybe a port-o-potty. Throw some raw, red meat over the fence to him every few days. After a few weeks, start bringing him into the game at the ninth, on a leash, and turn his hungry a* loose.
By mark
May 23, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
What’s the old saying - you reap what you sow? That applies to John Schuerholz and his decision to under-invest in the bullpen. Dumping limited salary dollars into a bullpen is not wise, when a team is getting quality starts and consistent, productive offense (as we saw during the recent 9 out of 11 streak). When one of those legs of the stool breaks down, however, then an average bullpen is exposed. So while Mr. Bradley’s column is on-target, it is too late to make an effective move for bullpen help. The decisions made in the off-season regarding the make-up of the bullpen should have been discussed earlier than May 23rd. It was obvious that when the Braves chose not to seriously enter the Billy Wagner sweepstakes or make a run at Trevor Hoffman, that we were stuck with another below average, unreliable bullpen. Let’s just hope they don’t sell off the future (Salty/Devine/etc.) for another Al Pena or Jeff Reardon.
By Rutuger
May 23, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
I was almost hoping he wouldn’t save the game yesterday. It’s like Chernoff said on 790 yesterday—Reitsma is like the slut girlfriend who continually cheats but you, like a loser, keep taking her back, only to be done over yet again. I hope this one fluke save last night doesn’t make the Braves believe they can use him again.
He stinks. The Braves are the laughing stock of the league for holding onto and perpetually placing their confidence in this guy. He’s awful—everyone sees it except for JS and Cox. GET HIM OUT OF THERE. Give Ken Ray a shot. As you said Mark, no experience whatsoever is zounds better than the experience Reitsma has accumulated.
What’s it gonna take to get Grim Reitsma out of this role? 10 games back? 20? It’s like they enjoy blowing these games. The players are only gonna quietly endure Reitsma’s sabotaging of their hard-earned victories for so long before they start speaking up.
By jimmy
May 23, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this
to tony harmon: you obviously know more than every baseball manager or fan who has ever had anything to do with the game. “the closer” should be the freshest pitcher in the bullpen, you don’t have to depend on the same pitcher day in and day out AND the “lead-off” hitter doesn’t lead off every inning so anybody can be a lead off hitter. surely you are not serious but thanks for the good laugh if you are.
By Tomas
May 23, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
Mr.Bradley, your absolutely right, and i totally agree, but John GM, doesnt make trades, hes more like a guy who goes and look in the whole braves organization and if no one can do it then he makes a trade
By Tomas
May 23, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
I also think they should get a leadoff hiter like Ryan freel, who can play 3B, and put chipper in first, yho trade laroche
By Tomas
May 23, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
B Fuentes 10/11 in svo with an era of 1.73
By Jim J
May 23, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
I think any true baseball fan recognizes the warning signs when Reitsma enters the ballgame: immediately wondering who is batting in the bottom of the ninth, wondering if we can get another run when Reitsma blows this lead. I think Cox has already decided Reitsma can’t tote the load. He’s just waiting for JS to get some help. And all of the Giles bashers are the same ones who wanted Francoeur sent to Richmond 3 weeks ago. Besides, Orr will be the leadoff DH in the World Series, and he is ready if Giles goes down for any reason.
By BFS83
May 23, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this
Hunk- the guy you’re looking for is Will Startup. Try these stats: 3-0 record, 0.75 ERA, 4 saves, 24.0 IP, 17 hits, 6 BB, 27 K. And he’s currently at AA-Mississippi, same club we pulled McCann and everyone else from last year (which worked out fairly well, to say the least.)
By Peter
May 23, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
While I’m a huge fan of the Braves I don’t have sympathy for this situation. Yes, teams should go out and try to win “right now” instead of waiting for prospects to come around. However..
when you go out and trade young pitching as this team has done then sooner or later you’re going to pay the price. Everybody makes mistakes but Marquis, Wainwright and Cappelan would look good on our staff right now.
I’m not a front runner because I said the same when we made those trades. Yes the 14 straight is impressive but the team has to rebuild sometime and you do that with young pithing. It’s not just the closer, it’s an entire bullpen populated by at best journeymen. Ask yourselves one question, if you had to pick a guy to get one crucial out would there be ANYONE in the pen that you trust to get that out??
By Hunk Erdown
May 23, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
BF—- Is he a sociopath?
By Jack
May 23, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
Smoltz is a great pitcher——-but Smoltz needs to be the closer not a starter.Starters only pitch every 4th or 5th day. Closers pitch almost every day. Smoltz the closer——PROBLEM SOLVED.
By ballen12
May 23, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
Obviously JS is a moron. I think any casual baseball fan would agree that BC has no idea what he is doing. And Chris Reitsma is 3/4 retarded. I have the solution. Rutuger, you could be our closer. Ipfreely, you can take JS’s job, and Tony Harmon could manage the team. You guys think you have all the answers, but in reality you have no FU*)(ING idea what you are talking about. How can you possibly come in here and bash BC and JS. Those guys win year in and year out with fewer resources than the the “big boys.” You come in here and question their ability to lead. Give me a break.
Bobby Cox isn’t the one failing to hit in the playoffs.
By Vicente Padilla
May 23, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
Bradley that was probably your best column ever! It actually made sense, made a point that was consistent with REALITY, and threw out stats that were actually pertinent with the point you were making. Wow! I was about as shocked as a 1-2-3 Reitsma ninth when I finished it. Good job!
By Hunk Erdown
May 23, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
I’m just saying… It would be great if Pujols comes to the plate with the game on the line, he looks out and sees a guy who’s mission in life is to not only save but to see if he can cork a fastball through some guys ear and make it come out the other.
By Scott
May 23, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
what about catcher, Todd Pratt should be on the next bus out, Eddie Perez should be here over him. He is about as poor of a hitter as I have seen in a really really long time.
By Scott Greene
May 23, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
You should have mentioned Sosa. He has the best stuff on the staff, and Bobby should make him the stopper as soon as Ramirez comes back. Also, I don’t think the Braves mishandled Devine. Devine simply didn’t pitch well. In hindsight, it’s easy to say that they mishandled him, but he came out of college billed as the next Huston Street/Chad Cordero, and I wouldn’t have handled him any differently. You can’t lay that one on the Braves, that one is on Joey.
By Don
May 23, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
Bradley is right on the money (for a change). The Braves have no shot with Reitsma as closer; he’s a proven disaster who has no out pitch. Unfortunately I suspect he will suck just as bad in the 7th or 8th as in the 9th.
They might get 2 or 3 quick saves out of Ray or McBride but neither of those guys is up to the job over an extended period. I think the only shot from the existing roster is Sosa. He would be a Mitch Williams type, giving you heart attacks by putting guys on base virtually every time out. But unlike Reitsma, he’s demonstrated that he has the stuff to get guys out in critical situations. He was a beast with men on base all last season.
Oh yeah, one more thing. Larry, you’re an idiot.
By Scott
May 23, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
agree with you Scott Greene, Sosa would be my first choice to move to closer, he has the stuff to dominate for one inning, and is the best fit mentally on this team. He could really flourish in this role. I also agree on the Devine situation, however sometimes this can effect the future for a young pitcher, maybe this is influencing the way they handle Will Startup.
By DHD
May 23, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
How awesome would D-Train be as a closer?
By Ron
May 23, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Get D. Willis from Fl. Retisma AND Sosa relief. Platoon Benimit/Giles. K.Johnson and Jones 1/3 starts at 3rd.
By Wes Mantooth
May 23, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
If Reitsma could work his pitches faster and stop all that shaking and twitching he does between throws, it would help some. He definitely has the stuff to work as closer, but the coaches need to work with him to get some of those closer “traits” embedded in his head. He basically just needs to keep throwing his fastball low, and avoid the changeup except for when he knows for certain it will draw an air swing.
As for Giles hitting leadoff, he should be flipped with Renteria. Edgar complained about hitting 2nd at Boston last season, and Giles was usually pretty solid hitting 2nd in the past, so it only makes sense to have Renteria then Giles in the lineup.
By Jim
May 23, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
What baffles me is why JS stood pat over the offseason and didn’t get a closer. He even got Chipper to renegotiate his contract to free up some dough - that was never spent on a closer. JS knew Reitsma wasn’t the answer or he wouldn’t have traded for Farnsworth last year. Why would you go into this season w/ Reitsma in the closer role? It was a certain failure. JS needs to make the deal he should have made in the offseason.
By jane
May 23, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
the reason why you’re not playing, Betemit, is because you suck at every position. But you make a great pinch-hitter! hehe.
By Tomas
May 23, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
I think what the braves need are three things, get a veteran consistant bat, a lead off hitter and a dependable closer. We can trade: Matt Diaz, Ryan LAngerthans, Adam Laroche, and maybe Marcus Giles. The closer could be Brian Fuentes of Colorado which is 10/11 in svo and has 1.72 Era, we could also include in that trade Matt Holliday, and for a leadoff hitter someone like Ryan Freel which runs more than furcal, has an very good onbase % and ius Utility
By ipfreely
May 23, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
to ballen12,you are the one who don’t know what you are talking about,yes problem is Bobby C and John S,they both are idiots and morons who both need to be fired,yes they have won 14 division title thats in the past,that don’t mean crap,what is important is what happens now.The idea is to keep the streak going and go to the world series and win the world series.with john s and bobby c in control it ain’t gonna happen,John had ecery chance in the world during the off season to get a closer,he farted around and let them all get away,he could have had Danny Baez but no he farted around and let LA get him,Frank Wren is much younger than John S and TP is a better choice to replace BC,Cox has no earthly idea what he is doing,as i said dementia has done hit him,you can tell it in the way he manages the Braves.if BC knew what he is doing he would never stick with Reitsma as a closer,Reitsma is no closer,never have been and never will be,Ken Ray and McCay McBride can out pitch Reitsma anytime,so can Will Startup,Reitsma is a disgrace and anyone who thinks Reits ma,Cox and Scherholz are the problem then they are full of s** and they don’t know baseball.you everdently are in the same class as Bobby and John s,you don’t know squat.
By ipfreely
May 23, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
to ballen12,you are the one who don’t know what you are talking about,yes problem is Bobby C and John S,they both are idiots and morons who both need to be fired,yes they have won 14 division title thats in the past,that don’t mean crap,what is important is what happens now.The idea is to keep the streak going and go to the world series and win the world series.with john s and bobby c in control it ain’t gonna happen,John had ecery chance in the world during the off season to get a closer,he farted around and let them all get away,he could have had Danny Baez but no he farted around and let LA get him,Frank Wren is much younger than John S and TP is a better choice to replace BC,Cox has no earthly idea what he is doing,as i said dementia has done hit him,you can tell it in the way he manages the Braves.if BC knew what he is doing he would never stick with Reitsma as a closer,Reitsma is no closer,never have been and never will be,Ken Ray and McCay McBride can out pitch Reitsma anytime,so can Will Startup,Reitsma is a disgrace and anyone who thinks Reits ma,Cox and Scherholz are the problem then they are full of s** and they don’t know baseball.you everdently are in the same class as Bobby and John s,you don’t know squat.
By Mike
May 23, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this
Shifting the blame of the lack of a quality closer to Bobby Cox or John S. is insane. Bobby Cox doesn’t have access to the checkbook. John S. doesn’t deposit money into the Checkbook. The Checkbook isn’t full like it was with Ted Turner as the owner. If you are looking for someone to blame for our pitching whoas, blame OWNERSHIP. They are the ones that limit the amount of cash authorized to be spent. They let Billy Wagner go to one of the Braves rivals, the Mets. They wouldn’t allow John S. to pad the offer to Trevor Hoffman enough to pull him away from the Padres. They also wouldn’t put up the bucks to keep Todd Jones from defecting to the AL and the Tigers. Hmmmm…by the way how are those Tigers and Mets doing Time Warner?
Chipper Jones restructured his contract to resign Furcal yet management wouldn’t even put up a little more to keep Furcal. Furcal’s contract was never talked about until he was talking of leaving. Furcal’s agent tried several times prior to his last year to negotiate…OWNERSHIP didn’t want to.
OWNERSHIP is the reason the Braves pitching staff isn’t as dominate as years past; letting Maddox, Glavine and others go. OWNERSHIP will not sign a manager/coach to a long term deal; thus the departure of Leo Mazzone. This is why Braves pitching sucks. This is why Chris Reistma is blowing saves. He doesn’t have anyone knowledeable enough to get him doing the right things. Watch and see, the Braves pitching will suffer and it is already starting to rear it’s terrible head in the bullpen. It is really sad when a set up guy has more wins than anyone in the starting rotation. And look at the Injuries. Five pitchers on the DL and three of them with leg injuries. That very rarely occurred under Mazzone. And who is this Roger McDowell guy? Yes, I know who he is, but as a pitching coach? This is where the Braves screwed up, hiring McDowell. Ok, he was a MLB pitcher or should I say a journey pitcher (4 teams) for 12 years. His stats suck. Just because he was a pitcher doesn’t mean he can coach MLB pitchers.
OWNERSHIP is who should be blamed for Chris Reitsma’s woes. You get what you pay for.
By Maddog
May 23, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this
To the poster who want’s Brian Fuentes - I’d love him too, but no way will Colorado even think about dealing him - they’re actually playing well and in contention - why would they give up the one closer in the NL who’s actually been as good as advertised? Houston’s discussing demoting Lidge, Billy Wagner’s been ok but has blown saves and is making the big bucks from a Mets team that won’t ever trade to help their rivals, etc., etc. The problem isn’t just Reitsma and the Braves - quality closers in the dominating vain of Gagne, Smoltz, Rivera of a few years ago are just not out there. Certainly the Braves’ problems are among the most glaring, but fixing them this year is more problematic than ever because of the ML-wide drop in bullpen stars.
The only thing I agree with is that Cox, who is unshakably loyal to those players who have terrific attitudes and work ethics (and Reitsma does have these - just not a closer’s mentality or talent), has stuck with Chris about two weeks too long - for now he needs to go by committee and situational matchups (Ray, Villarreal, McBride) to end things on a temporary basis.
And, while there are no closers to be gotten there will be starters - what was impossible is now possible - Dontrelle Willis will be available, and, yes, he might be worth a Saltalamachia/Thorman - his troules this year pitching on a just plain horrible club notwithstanding, he still is one of the most electric young starters out there. If not him, then Livan Hernandez even more cheaply, also look to move Chuck James into rotation on return and move Sosa to pen.
Giles? No choice here - just stick with him and keep our fingers crossed - he got on a little bit of a streak before the road trip - again, the problem is there is no real available solution out there right now.
By Michael2L
May 23, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Its nice to see everybody getting worked up. I do the same thing everynight watching the Braves. I share a lot of sympathy with both the Bobby bashers and those who love him, which means I think the truth is somewhere in between. One thing about Bobby is that he seems amazingly stubborn about making changes to an idea once he has put it forward. For instance Reitsma as the closer, Giles as leadoff. Both I believe are great players but they both need something to help them get their heads on straight. Betemit or Renteria should be leading off, Giles needs to figure out what he is doing wrong, but even if he improves he’s not a leadoff hitter. Reitsma does have closer stuff but he doesn’t need to be closing until he shows he can do it consistently. My vote is for McBride. He’s got good stuff, and seems to have more confidence in himself than Reitsma does. I think Reitsma see himself blowing each save before he actually does. Also he never needs to challenge anyone with his fastball. It’s not fast enough. He needs to spend some time working the setup role and figuring out how to get his changeup to where it needs to be. If he could just locate both the fastball and the changeup he’d be 90% of the way there. I don’t think he wants the closer role right now. You can see that fear in his eyes everytime he gets on the mound and you everybody in the stands feels it too. I’d be scared too if people were hitting me as hard as they are hitting him. You can see him trying to put some extra juice on his fastball which is the worst thing you can do because it telegraphs the whole pitch. I just be happy if he could regularly do what he did last night and get a few grounders off the changeup. It’s not that hard. Just don’t hang the changeup and you are golden. Keep it down and let them get out in front of it and either wiff or hit a weak grounder when they try to slow down their bat to catch it.
By BravesMAN
May 23, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
It is depressing reading this blog and realizing how many idiot Braves fans are out there… Bobby and John S are two of the best in the business. Try being a Cubs (or most any other team) fan for a while and let us know how GREAT the management is.
By Rick Roberts
May 23, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
Stats tell the story—Reitsma is not a closer. Bobby frustrates all of us by risking close games with him. Our record in close games speaks for itself—make a change and make it now!! John and Bobby aren’t facing this situation intelligently—they cannot make a square peg fit into a round hole! Send Reitsma to Toronto for a BP pitcher in return—i.e.Jason Frasor. Send LaRoche to the Cubs for Dempster. And, do everything possible to get Dontrelle. Braves management cannot rest on their laurels or past success. Don’t wait for that trading deadline—it will be too late!
By Mark Scher
May 23, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
Mark,
I couldn’t agree more with your article on Chris Reitsma. I am a long time Braves fan ever since the Dodgers left Brooklyn. Last Friday night’s performance against Arizona was the “last straw.” It is too painful to watch the Braves. Management doesn’t want to spend the extra bucks for another trip to the world series! Those days of opportunity are closing quickly.
Mark
By Mark Scher
May 23, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this
Mark,
I couldn’t agree more with your article on Chris Reitsma. I am a long time Braves fan ever since the Dodgers left Brooklyn. Last Friday night’s performance against Arizona was the “last straw.” It is too painful to watch the Braves. Management doesn’t want to spend the extra bucks for another trip to the world series! Those days of opportunity are closing quickly.
Mark
By Mark Scher
May 23, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
Mark,
I couldn’t agree more with your article on Chris Reitsma. I am a long time Braves fan ever since the Dodgers left Brooklyn. Last Friday night’s performance against Arizona was the “last straw.” It is too painful to watch the Braves. Management doesn’t want to spend the extra bucks for another trip to the world series! Those days of opportunity are closing quickly.
Mark
By Jeremy
May 23, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
The braves have blown 11 saves this year-the worst in baseball-think where we would be with a closer-FIRST PLACE. Trade for Willis and move smoltz to closer-great idea!! But it won’t happen.
By DMurph3
May 23, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
Being a California born and raised Braves fan since the late 70’s (thanks to WTBS & then TBS) I can’t believe what I’m reading. BC & JS are clueless? Need to be replaced? Forget the WS in ‘95 and the NL Championships and division titles over the years — just look at the Managing job BC performed last year. Ask anyone who knows baseball or who works in baseball and they consider BC’s ‘05 season one of the most amazing and unbelievable accomplishments in major league history. All the rookies he had to use with all the talent he seems to lose every year….maddux, Glavine, Sheff, Javy, JD Drew and on and on and they still keep winning? Shame on you “fans” who are obviously spoiled and don’t even go to the playoff games. That says a lot right there…empty seats at a playoff game? pathetic.
By count_schemula
May 23, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
Sosa would be interesting.
He has good stuff, it just not seem like he can stay focused for more than 4 innings, if even.
Tell Sosa, look, you only gotta pay attention for just a few minutes here, and keep the ball down!
By steve
May 23, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
Am I the only one who thinks that Smoltz should have stayed a closer? I think his desire to get back to starting (and yes, he is a great one)has won fewer games than the closers have given up over the past 2 years. It used to be we felt comfortable with a late lead. Now I don’t even stay up to watch the end of the games.
By D.S.
May 23, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this
Let’s get something straight — Smoltz WILL. NOT. CLOSE. EVER. AGAIN. It puts too much wear and tear on his arm to go full tilt boogie for one inning as opposed to mixing it up over 7-9 innings. The Braves have made him a promise that he will remain in the rotation. So let’s get back to things that actually can be done in reality.
By Hunk Erdown
May 23, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this
So money is the problem, huh? Okay…. hear me out, and I’m just thinking out loud here, but… I’m thinking… towel head night,John Rocker, and sniper rifles….hmmm. Maybe not….
By Joshua
May 23, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
Reitsma is a nice guy who geneuinely believes he can do the Job. The fact is he cannot as Mark Bradley mentioned and which is obvious to all Braves Fans except the decision makers. We praise John Schuerloz and we readily affix the term great to his name, but he has been here since 1991 and despite the success we have had, the closer role has been bad except for the period that John Smoltz was there. A great GM would fix that by now.
By RobBroad4th
May 23, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Behind you 100% DMurph3. The Braves use to have a three-headed monster in Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz. We lost Maddux and Glavine to other teams and Smoltz ended up in the bullpen. We’ve lost some of the greatest hitters in the game over the years and still we’ve won the division. The 2005 season was nothing short of incredible and all you Bobby Bashers don’t know what you’re talking about. The Braves are a good old fashioned home grown team that makes trades when necessary. All the JS haters have already forgotten the amazing deal we got on Renteria after losing Drunky Furcal to the Dodgers. JS will make a deal when the time is right. As a few of the smart ones on this page have already noted, closers are slim pickings these days. JS went after Hoffman and Wagner but to no avail in the spring. In the midst of this Reitsma uproar, Lidge, Rivera, and Wagner have had their fair share of rough outings and no one says a thing. True, Reitsma isn’t a proven closer like they are, but it just goes to show that Braves fans are spoiled. Have some faith. Bobby Cox isn’t managing a fantasy team where you can drop someone after not producing for a month with no reprocussions. He has faith in his players and so should you.
By ipfreely
May 23, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
you guys keep praising JS but you won’t admit he farted around and let Dannys Baez get away,he didn’t really try hard enough to get a dependable closer,he and BC had it in their minds that CR was gonna be a good closer,that paln has backfired and now JS has himself in a predicament that he is having a hard time getting out.it was utter lunacy on BC part last night to let CR get a save,CR should have never been in that game in fact he should never be allowed to save another game for the braves,he is no closer,he is no better than a setup guy.If JS is gonna keep farting around and can’t find a proven closer (and Lidge is not the answer) then call up Will Startup,look at his record,also try Paronto as closer.
By fart
May 23, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
I think a short term solution to the closer situation is to get Jose mesa for the rest of the year and then go with Will Startup for next year,also pittsburgh has some relievers who might help and also Roberto Hernandez would be a cheap short term solution.
By Hunk Erdown
May 23, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah… perfect… promote Startup… then after he saves a game started by Hudson, we get to hear Bobby talking about the great game by Starchy and Hudtch.
By Karl Childers
May 23, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
Braves ain’t getting anybody, they’re “For Sale” forcryinoutloud!
By Dutchy
May 23, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
I think we all need to remember the way the last 15 years have been handled by Braves management. Yes, we have let a few slip, but when it counted we have made the moves. Rest assured John S. knows of the closer problems and is working on some sort of deal as we speak. If it bothers us all this much it certainly is bothering him. Have faith that a move will be made, he’s just trying to get the right deal at the right time for the right price. Go Braves!
By Allen Karns
May 23, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
This is the 14 year question? Braves have a decent team and no closer! Where’s Pena’, Reardon, Berenger (?spell), or Wholer’s? I’m tired of watching Bobby grimace in pain watching Reitsma blow save after save. They need to get somebody like yesterday. We would be leading the division if we had a decent closer, not to mention the NCLS’ and World Series we could have won if the Braves would invest the money into the one position that has held them back time after time.
By luv everything ATL
May 23, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
Well I hope when John S. works his yearly magic he brings in somebody to play first. LaRoche is HORRIBLE and I can’t be the only person to feel that way. Everytime he comes up to bat i know the other team has a guaranteed out. Is it just me who feels that way?
By Steve in Richmond
May 23, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this
Well, well…..this makes my head hurt….the Cox and Schur. bashing! I think Maddog and DMurph3 have their heads on straight…..but the rest of you. You’ve got two of the best in the business who’ve done it year in and year out. Schur has shown the willingness to pull the trigger and get the goods we need. Yes, it’s tougher with the unwillingness of management to spend the bucks. But he gets it done anyway. We have two good men in the right place to get the job done. I’ve been a fan since the 70’s when they were God-awful and have been able to watch the turnaround. Put your faith in these two good men and let them do their jobs.
By Wes in Atlanta
May 23, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
This should solve all of your problems: Make Reitsma a batting practice pitcher (because all of you say he is so horrible), Make Giles the closer (because some of you say he stinks as a lead-off hitter, others that he can do anything), make Betemit the starting 2nd baseman (because a lot of you say to do that despite the fact that out of 845 innings he has played, he’s only been at second a total of 8!), make LaRoche the designated dugout fly-swatter (because he’ll swing at anything that moves), and banish Bobby Cox to Siberia (because he is so horrible that he has only won us 14 pennants in a row!). You people need to relax and enjoy the game, and root for the Braves both because of their successes and shortcomings. I’m not saying that I don’t wish they could improve some things. But I think if you think the answer is to constantly trade people, demote them, etc, then you should….ready….here it comes….GO ROOT FOR THE YANKEES (aka THE TEAM THAT STEINBRENNER’S MONEY BOUGHT)!!!!!!!!!!!
By Michael
May 23, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this
What about Chad Paronto? I know its early but he’s got some nasty stuff.
By Bobby Cox
May 23, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this
Chris Reitsma stinks as a closer
By John Schuerholz
May 23, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
i am working on trades,i know that Chris stinks
By Bobby Dews
May 23, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
We’re signing Wilhelm.
By Phil niekro
May 23, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this
Yes Reitsma is a bad, Closer I have known Bobby for a long time but I totally disagree with his style of management.he does not know how to use his relievers and he makes a lot of bad decisions but i am his friend and i will stick by him all the way.I love the Braves and pull for them but i am afraid this year they are not gonna win.they are back to the way they were when i played for them,i never won a world series while with them,i did make the hall of fame.I do hope Bobby wakes up and realizes his mistake of keeping Reitsma as the closer.if the Braves really need me and my knuckleball i might be able to give them one inning,let me know.Joe said he would help too.maybe between the two of us we could give the Braves 2 innings.what do you think John,want us to help.
By phil Niekro
May 23, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
Bobby Dews,Hoyt Wilhelm is dead,sign me and my brother Joe.
By phil mckracken
May 24, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this
Get rid of Sosa - he lost again tonight so he sucks. Trade him for a groundskeeper.