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DEL.ICIO.USCan this bullpen be saved?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Glenn Hubbard had his hands in mud. It’s part of his job description. Before every game, he grabs a jar of mud — not just any backyard mud but the official stuff from Delran, N.J., where it no doubt comes from someone’s backyard — and rubs up a bag of slick, new baseballs for the bullpen.
“I tried to add some pine tar to the mud once,” the Braves’ coach said, in a tone that would suggest this was excerpted from BALCO testimony. “But it didn’t really work.”
Given the Braves’ malfunctioning bullpen this season, a mixture with super glue might be a better option. Anything to prevent the ball from leaving a reliever’s hand would be progress.
Monday was a rare day for the Braves. They lost to Los Angeles, 12-5. But they made it through a game without a blown save. Celebrate, Atlanta.
Reliever Chad Paronto was punched for a three-run homer in the eighth. But by then John Thompson already had secured a blown start (seven runs in 1 1/3 innings, helped by three walks in front of him and three errors behind him).
With two-thirds of the season to go, the Braves are 27-24, and relatively close to first place. It’s this season’s little miracle. Not often can a team start the day with the National League’s 12th worst bullpen (4.61 ERA) and baseball’s 25th worst save percentage (.520), but still sit north of the Marlins. Or Richmond.
Those two trends can’t co-exist. The players know it. The manager knows it. Certainly, the franchise architect who tried to swing a deal for a closer in the winter, only to be forced to remodel a bullpen on a foundation made of Chris Reitsma, knows it.
We just passed Memorial Day. It’s too early for John Schuerholz to start chugging Red Bull and speed dialing other general managers until 3 a.m. But some things can’t be ignored. When a bullpen has devolved into a closer-by-committee, it doesn’t mean you have three or four really good closers. It means you have none.
“The situation with the bullpen now, even as early as it is, we’re far enough into the season where the body of evidence is there,” said Schuerholz.
Schuerholz doesn’t divulge a whole lot. For him, this was the equivalent of yelling, “My head’s on fire.”
He is looking for help. He is doing so even though Hubbard was willing to take one for the team Monday: “I must be mudding the balls wrong.”
Schuerholz still hopes a closer will emerge from within the franchise, but said: “I would be less than honest if I said we haven’t talked to people [about potential trades], because we have. Calls have been made.”
Problem: There aren’t a lot of good closers in baseball. More teams have none than one, let alone two. This isn’t like swinging a trade for a utility infielder.
“The hardest positions to fill are the positions that are essential to winning — starting pitchers, closers, shortstops and middle-of-the-lineup productive players,” Schuerholz said. “The universe of options is smaller.”
The Braves also are in the midst of being sold from Time Warner to Liberty Media, a situation that often leads to a frozen budget and a handcuffed GM. But Schuerholz said: “I have not had one conversation about that.”
The bullpen has blown 12 of 25 save opportunities. Sometimes the term “save opportunity” can be misleading. A save can be “blown” in the sixth inning. But in the Braves case, there is nothing misleading about what they’ve blown. Reitsma (four blown saves) isn’t the bullpen’s only stick of dynamite; he’s merely the biggest.
Only five teams had a worse save percentage than Atlanta’s entering Monday. Three had the worst three records in baseball: Kansas City (.333 save percentage, 11-37), Florida (.333, 15-33) and Pittsburgh (.500, 16-34). Another was Washington (.500, 21-30). Only Texas had a worse save percentage (.440) than the Braves and a winning record (26-24).
Monday was a departure. Lance Cormier, Oscar Villarreal and Macay McBride allowed only two runs in 6 2/3 innings of relief work, allowing the Braves an abbreviated comeback from 7-0. Then Paronto played the role of Wile E. Coyote in the ninth.
Some things are inevitable. Like — barring help — losing.
Permalink | Comments (51) | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
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By geechee
May 29, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
“Schuerholz still hopes a closer will emerge from within the franchise” because he’s got no other choices on the horizon. There are no pitchers out there at the moment and there is no money in the checking account even if there were, thanks to TW. A $78 million payroll will not buy you much relief pitching. The problem is not with Braves management it is with its owners TW, a bunch of Yankees and Mets fans in the midst of trying to dump a team they care very little about.
By gotigers72
May 29, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
“Chugging Red Bull”. That was funny Jeff.
I know it’s very difficult to get a closer now, but can’t they at least stop using Reitsma? I still say giving Phil Stockman, who is at Richmond, a chance, would be a good idea. The guy has overwhelming, dominant type stats. I was surprised Paronto was brought up ahead of him. I don’t want the Braves to have to give up one of their rising young stars to another team to get a “closer” like Kolb or somebody that would not live up to the billing.
As you said Jeff, there aren’t any Mariano Riveras or Trevor Hoffmans on the market. May as well go with somebody we already have. Ken Ray is fine with me. Not a dominating type pitcher, but almost every time in, he does the job, usually 1-2-3. But I still think Stockman should be brought up and given a chance to be on the [closer by]committee. ABC=Anybody But Chris [Reitsma}. Where has daddy reitsma been since the game at Wrigley yesterday? Haven’t heard his thoughts about that game.
By HEAD COACH
May 29, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
I’ll agree to disagree with you Jeff. Ken Ray has done everything but leap tall buildings to win the closer job and it should be his. Reitsma is middle relief cannon fodder and everybody except Bobby Cox knows it. Paronto , Remlinger and McBride have been solid. Villareal is the cheapest 7 game winner in the majors and Cormier is cannon fodder too. So the bullpen has blown hot and cold. Cox is the one who is too blame for his mismanagement of Reitsma , after all if you subtract Reitsma’s blown opportunity’s the Bravos would be in first place right now. Cox is guilty of some serious mismanagement and I think there are some veterans in the clubhouse who are wondering what in the hell is going on. This is a talented team with solid starting pitching for the most part , its just that Cox hasnt been able to put the pieces together as of yet. Chipper Jones is playing hurt and I’m convinced of it , his power stroke is nonexistent and the advance scouts are going to pick up on it if they havent already. Betemit on the bench has got me shaking my head in disbelief , this guy would be playing everyday if he were elsewhere. Laroche needs his meds , seriously. his mental lapses are becoming to common. Renteria , Smoltz , Hudson , McCann ,Francoeur and Andruw are all-star caliber , the rest of the team needs to pick it up. Giles is a gritty , hard nosed lunch bucket 2B in the mold of Glen Hubbard but he isnt a great leadoff hitter. His OBP. is great , he just doesnt draw enough walks or steal enough bases to be a distraction for an oppposing pitcher like Furcal was. After two months this team has more question marks than the joker ????? and your right Jeff , 27 wins and 24 losses is a miracle.
By Ron Roberts
May 29, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this
It’s time to do something more unconventional, and start using a guy based on matchups, rather than going to an “ordained* closer.
It worked with Ray and Remlinger over the weekend. I say if we get a solid 7 or 8 inning performance out of our starter, just bring in the guy who best matches up against the next three batters in the order.
It works, more often than not, in the setup innings… so why not go with it when the middle relievers are available for such a situation?
Thomson wasn’t bad today… the infielders behind him were horrible. Thomson wasn’t setting the world on fire, but he wasn’t deserving of the spanking he took in the first two innings, today.
By Justin
May 29, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
Reitsma! He is the Braves biggest nightmare since Jeff Reardon!
By braves fan
May 29, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this
USE MACAY MCBRIDE TO CLOSE…FIRST ROUNDER
By John Hoar
May 29, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
Jeff, a very good article. And you know what? You didn’t say anything to offend anyone. I re-read the entire thing to see if I was mistaken and just missed an insult or two. Not there …
Seriously, it’s pretty easy to pin-point the problem of closer, but this is the first time I have seen any public response from JS, or real information from an interview on the matter of closer. And I think his comment that there had been no discussion about salary restrictions was VERY significant.
I have been going over the figures again and again. With the Red Sox paying part of Renteria’s salary, the elimination of Kolbs, a very large chunk of Hamptons picked up by insurance, and the renegotiation of Chippers contract, and also a couple of other smaller savings, there is money left over. And I don’t think it is a couple of million, but must be something between seven and fifteen million. It’s probably toward the lower end but still a very significant number of dollars to make some sort of a move with.
I may be wrong, but am encouraged that JS is not totally strapped from making a deal. It is just the difficulty of finding the correct deal. Anyway, again, thanks for some new information and a good article.
By Chop Chop
May 29, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this
Head Coach, I believe The Riddler was the one with the question marks.
Ron Roberts, the Red Sox tried the dreaded “closer by committee/matchups” theory in ‘03. It failed miserably. They could hit and hit and hit, but they couldn’t close a game out and ended up trading for three guys at the deadline.
By Ron Roberts
May 29, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop… we’re not the Red Sox, don’t play in a pitcher-challenging ballpark, and don’t face teams with a DH. One example doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it.
But you’re right… I remember it didn’t work for them. But seriously, why should the 9th inning be any different than the 7th or 8th? Three outs is three outs, and if you’d go with the right matchup any other inning, why not the 9th?
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this
“The hardest positions to fill are the positions that are essential to winning — starting pitchers, closers, shortstops and middle-of-the-lineup productive players,” Schuerholz said. “The universe of options is smaller.”
I don’t know why, but that just makes me happy to hear him say that.
Starting Pitchers: Braves have these. Possibly more than they need.
Closers: Braves need these. I’m glad he’s looking. But Ray might actually be the man. Possibly fullfilling this need.
Shortstops: Braves already made this trade. It worked out great.
Middle-of-the-Lineup Productive Players: Meaning, say a first baseman?
I think he’s got something in the works. I bet it’s amazing. I can’t wait to see what it is.
By Canuckbravesfan
May 30, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this
Glad to see someone finally mention Phil Stockman and Will Startup. Stockman worth a shot right now and Startup before the end of the season. The team and fans have suffered enough over the Reitsma saga and a change is in order now that we are over 50 games in and the situation is getting no better after the debacle at Wrigley on Sunday.
By Eric Cartman
May 30, 2006 02:29 AM | Link to this
McBride and Ray can share the closer job, depending on matchups. Reitsma can do long relief. Play Paronto, Villarreal, Remlinger and I’m Chuck James B*** whenever he comes back from the DL in setup situations. Trade LaRoche for another reliable bullpen arm who can close every once in a while. Move Chipper to 1st and play Betemit at 3rd every day. Problems solved.
Of course none of this will probably happen, but it should.
By chuck james, b----
May 30, 2006 02:56 AM | Link to this
i read a rumor about us trading for lidge if lidge cant get straightened out in houston. anybody else hear bout that?
By Jay
May 30, 2006 03:04 AM | Link to this
I just want to see Rheeksma back in middle relief where he thrives.
Sure wish we hadnt destroyed Devine’s head.
By Kudzu
May 30, 2006 07:59 AM | Link to this
Hey, the best “closer” the bravos ever had is sitting over on the bench working every fifth day because “he didn’t want to be a closer”, however it does provide more time for him to make commercials, and I guess the city sentiment is “whatever (he) wants he can have” irrespsective of team needs.
However, another starting pitcher or two, may be eaiser to obtain than a (closer), so, make a switch, get a couple more starting pitchers and put the best closer back in the pen. Don’t be scared! This pen has sucked since he left.
By Jim
May 30, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this
What’s to save? Reeksma is pathetic… he is nothing more than a middle relief pitcher at best and putting him in this role is absurd…. how many of these fiascos does it take to wake up Bobby and Big John?
TW sucks… that’s right and Liberty probably won’t be any better… that Selig would stand by and let conflicts of interest like this go on shows he is nothing but an owners’ flunkie…. gutless…
By Doug
May 30, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Hope something works out from within. Past trades for closers have been disastrous. Giving up good young arms e.g. Cappelan & Colon for virtually nothing in exchange (one flop and one short term rental).
By Del
May 30, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
Hey fans, I have been trying to tell you for a couple months now that Rodney of the Tigers is a closer in waiting. He has filled in for T.Jones perfectly while Jones (their closer) was on the DL. He is a fine set-up man. And the Tigers have a wealth of pitching in their system, so they might entertain a trade. I think the Tigers are the team we should be trying to deal with IMHO.
By Del
May 30, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
Head Coach … I’m with you 100% re. Chipper trying to play hurt. Dispite what everyone keeps saying, his actions speak otherwise. Notice how long it took him to get up after diving for a ball yesterday? There doesn’t seem to be much of a follow-thru on his swing either, majority of his hits are slap shots. I know he is getting paid to drive in runs and hit for average, but how many teams do you know of that have a slap hitter batting in the 3 hole? Not too many, especially amongst the contending teams.
By Drummerdad
May 30, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Hard to figure what JS is going to do because he’s so good at playing his cards very close to his vest. I was living in San Diego when they made the trade for McGriff and Padres fans knew in advance that that was going to happen. The Sheffield trade was a total surprise to me. There may also be an element of teams not wanting to do business with us. The Boston Celtics went through that in 1987 when they needed bench depth and couldn’t buy it, literally. Yet the Lakers were practically given Michal Thompson.
I’d rather see the Braves go get a player than “do a Joey” on another young player. What happened to that kid was so uncharacteristic of how Bobby seems to work. If I understand it correctly Devine is not even playing minor league ball right now. He’s at the “Florida Headquarters”. Please correct me if you know different. They also need a first baseman in my humble opinion. 2 plays: Adam leaves Smoltz (w/ strained hamstring) to get a ball hit between the mound and first. Angered Smoltz so badly that he did a rare thing, lost his composure and gave up 3 runs to the cubs on a day when he was working hard to produce and even spoke about it to the press. Second play he leaves Giles to field a skyrocket in the sun yesterday with apparently no communication to help out. I think this team is struggling with having confidence in each other that plays are going to be made. And whoever said that Bud Selig is a gutless flunkie of the owners is right. Do you think Bowie Kuhn, Bart Giamatti, or Faye Vincent would have stood by and let these corporate takeovers fly?
By braves fan
May 30, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
The Braves have their closer, if only they decide to show confidence in him and give him the job. Ken Ray has allowed 4 earned runs in 25 innings pitched this season. 3 of those runs came in one game back in mid-April. So that means he’s had over 20 appearances where he did not allow a run. He’s allowed only 2 HR’s, so he keeps the ball in the park. His combination of a 92 mph fastball and a nasty breaking change up at 84 mph is just about unhittable. He can get big time hitters out. The worst I’ve ever seen Barry Bonds look was in that at-bat vs. Ray where he struck out swinging on 3 pitches. What else does he have to do? He proved over the weekend that pitching the last inning of a game is not too intimidating to him. I say announce that until he proves otherwise, the job is his to lose. At least give him as much opportunity as Reitsma was afforded. Ray has more incentive too, since he’s on a minimum contract, to pitch his way into some money. Reitsma already makes a few million.
By Davey
May 30, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
Cartman is saying something I’ve been screaming about for weeks - put Betemit in the lineup somewhere (3rd preferably, with Chipper @ 1st). Chuck James in the closer role sounds really appealing - he throws strikes, and gives his defense a chance to make plays. Good call.
By Davey
May 30, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
Cartman is saying something I’ve been screaming about for weeks - put Betemit in the lineup somewhere (3rd preferably, with Chipper @ 1st). Chuck James in the closer role sounds really appealing - he throws strikes, and gives his defense a chance to make plays. LaRoche or Jordan - neither one is our long-term option @ first base. Good call Eric.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
I s’pose Chipper just has to caravan around the world and visit every fan, faceo-to-face, that says he doesn’t want to do another position move, before this move Chipper to first talk ends, eh?
He’s made his statement about the idea, and it won’t happen. See, not only has he done this once before - to no World Series title avail - but he’s also loyal to a teammate (Adam LaRoche) whom he believes in.
By MICHAEL M BEARD
May 30, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
EVERYBODY CAN SEE THAT RAY IS A MUCH BETTER PITCHER THAT REITSMA BUR BOBBY COX. I KNOW THAT HE WANTS TO BE FAIR WITH REITSMA, BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. GIVE THE CLOSER JOB TO RAY NOW.
By MICHAEL M BEARD
May 30, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
EVERYBODY CAN SEE THAT RAY IS A MUCH BETTER PITCHER THAT REITSMA BUT BOBBY COX. I KNOW THAT HE WANTS TO BE FAIR WITH REITSMA, BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. GIVE THE CLOSER JOB TO RAY NOW.
By Mike
May 30, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
Is anyone elese sick of Laroche…I am so tired of seeing him strike out and and give no effort on defense…i like the idea of having Chipper or Betemit there but I think its too big a risk in the middle of the season, maybe it should be an experiment in spring training…Chipper is getting knocked for his early season errors but I think he still deserves a little time to prove himself…he may still have problems with his mobility due to his knee injury and he did play the best defense of his career last year..im sure that it wasnt a one year wonder type of thing…another idea with first base could be to have Kelly Johnson play there in his rehab assignments…to me, the guy proved last year that he was capable of being a terrific big league hitter, and since there’s no room in Atlanta’s outfield, first base might be a good option…KJ was an infielder before, and if BJordan (a lifetime outfielder) can play first Im sure KJ can play…I think everyone is worrying about the bullpen a little too much…Ken Ray looks great, if hes put in the closer role I dont see why he cant be successful..Remlinger looks great lately, and I think Reitmsa would be much better in a setup role…Let me also add that when Chuck James and Kyle Davies come back they can move John Thomson and Jorge Sosa into the bullpen and give them two quality arms in the bullpen..I think Jorge Sosa would be lights out for one or two innings…He’s proven he has great stuff and a good mental makeup, and in watching his games this year most of the trouble he’s gotten into has been in his 4th or 5th inning of work…he wouldnt have to worry about that in bullpen work…
By Kevin
May 30, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
Couple of things to respond to, a closer is a must but not worth trading prospects for as of yet. Give Ray a shot and look to Richmond. As for the Lidge rumor posted by someone, I have not see anything on that and Buster Olney’s ESPN blog usually covers everything. One interesting rumor posted by a New York paper is that IF we Fall OUT of contetntion, Tim Hudson would be available. Chipper needs some rest and LaRoche will be moved hopefully in the offseason, Bobby loves him to much—the suggestion that he needs his meds is probably right on target. Sosa might be an option for the pen but as a closer he worries me somewhat because he tends to allow a lot of baserunners and in the late innings, players seem to focus more getting the runners in.
By metsmanintheatl
May 30, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
word around the league is if you can stay within 6 runs of the braves when their bullpen arrives…you have a shot!!
By Wayne
May 30, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
Reitsma has had more than his share of opportunities to get the job done and failing miserably. He may be a good guy, but closing ballgames ain’t his thing apparently. Give the ball to Ray and let’s see what he can do, and put Chris back in a setup role.
By Adam
May 30, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
I would like to see the braves move chipper to first and betemit to third every day, lets face it willy is well deserved and long overdue for his chance to play everyday. Laroche is a liability at the plate and the field he isn’t contributing very much at all. As poorly as he is playing it wouldn’t hurt to try to make the change in the middle of the season just give chipper some practice instead of throwing him straight to the wolves. Everybody has already touched on this the braves need a closer and i would like to see them check up on Jose mesa or Braden looper. i think braden could be a closer and jose has already proven himself. jose would buy john some time to bring a closer up. I want reitsma out of Atlanta i hate him along with laroche. I wish the braves would have kept kolb and just see how he would have done his second year they had nothing to lose so why not let him clear his head and come back with a clear mind and give it a shot. john and bobby i don’t think have ever given up on anyone so quick. Pat burrell’s second season in philly i think it was he had just a terrible year he went cleared his head and is now a very good player for a good philly team. I think kolb could have been the same way i just have a feeling and look at what he is doing now. I am one of the few Dan Kolb supporters in the Braves nation. August 11 is Bing back kolb night at the tedster athe brewers are in town so wear your kolb stuff.
By Adam
May 30, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
I would like to see the braves move chipper to first and betemit to third every day, lets face it willy is well deserved and long overdue for his chance to play everyday. Laroche is a liability at the plate and the field he isn’t contributing very much at all. As poorly as he is playing it wouldn’t hurt to try to make the change in the middle of the season just give chipper some practice instead of throwing him straight to the wolves. Everybody has already touched on this the braves need a closer and i would like to see them check up on Jose mesa or Braden looper. i think braden could be a closer and jose has already proven himself. jose would buy john some time to bring a closer up. I want reitsma out of Atlanta i hate him along with laroche. I wish the braves would have kept kolb and just see how he would have done his second year they had nothing to lose so why not let him clear his head and come back with a clear mind and give it a shot. john and bobby i don’t think have ever given up on anyone so quick. Pat burrell’s second season in philly i think it was he had just a terrible year he went cleared his head and is now a very good player for a good philly team. I think kolb could have been the same way i just have a feeling and look at what he is doing now. I am one of the few Dan Kolb supporters in the Braves nation. August 11 is Bing back kolb night at the tedster at the brewers are in town so wear your kolb stuff.
By Doug
May 30, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
This team is too good to let winning efforts go down the drain with Reitsma. Losing games with 4 run leads in the 9th will demoralize any team.
By hop
May 30, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
the braves lost out with the bullpen when they or TW decided not spend the money on hoffman,farnsworth and other players in the past.
the word is out the braves are not willing to put up a world series contenter because they simply want spend the money.
thus- the braves are not viewed by other top major league players as a place to win a world series championship.
farnsworth left more for that reason than his own compensation.
the handwriting is on the wall.
the only time the braves are getting top flight players is when they are traded from other teams.
we are not seeing very few of the braves top players resigning. nor,in recent memory are new players outside the organization willing to come here because of money, or the lack of commitment by TW to field a serious contender.
79 million dollar payroll does not buy you much , in today’s market. so you can now watch the dodgers, mets and cards decide the NL pennant winner.
it is sad but the big run by the braves is about over because no one is willing to spent the big bucks to compete for a world championship.
By Doug
May 30, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
This team is too good to let winning efforts go down the drain with Reitsma. Losing games with 4 run leads in the 9th will demoralize any team.
By Dr. Jay
May 30, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
Well Adam, your “Chipper to first” comments didn’t add up until I also saw you’re a Kolb supporter…now I realize you’ve been smoking the dryer lint again. You can’t “just move Chipper to first”…it doesn’t work that way, even if Chipper wanted to try it (and he doesn’t). Take the Dodgers. They gambled with Nomar, but he was willing to try it for the sake of the team and his career. They also knew in February he would make the switch, and had him work with Eddie Murray in spring training. That’s an appropriate learning curve for a guy who was a good infielder just a few years ago. Oh, and Eddie Murray is a pretty good tutor too. I’m frustrated with LaRoche as well, but you can’t just throw people around like you’re playing a video game. We’ll be fine with the current lineup IF we get the bullpen situation sorted out.
By tim- braves lifer
May 30, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this
how long until wilson betemit is someonelse’s allstar third baseman? The braves need his bat now!
By Jason T
May 30, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Ken Ray for Closer for sure! You want numbers how bout a 1.42 era in 25 appearances 16 k’s, I know him personally and he’s got the mentality.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
LaRoche went .310 with 3 HR and 10 RBI in 9 games on the recent road trip.
Maybe he’s not the problem… maybe it’s the cynical fans he has to perform in front of half of his games.
By Lew
May 30, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
We should be thankful we are as good as we are. I was at the Red Sox-D’Rays gasme this weekend and Ty Wigginton watched a ball go past him in the hole at 2nd. Didn’t even move towards the ball. I had visions of Marcus lying flat out trying for the ball. We’re lucky we’re this good. That play made me sick. Reitsma needs to go. I know Bobby is the best around, but this has passed the point of absurdity. He’s been with the team for three years now and has thrown well for one month. Give Ray his shot and look for some more warm bodies. LaRoche is definitely streaky and sometimes you wonder about his intensity, but he is on average for over 30 HR and 100 RBI. Since when is that not good?
By Dave
May 30, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
give Ken Ray the closers job until Joey Divine is healthy again.
By Rick Roberts
May 30, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
I like the way you keep commenting on Reitsma and the BP. The Mets make trades—why can’t the Braves? Let’s just trade Reistma to get him out—he brings down the team when he comes in. A change of scenery would do him good and be good for the Braves. Ken Ray deserves the next shot or, what about Stockman at Richmond? Too many walks, but very few hits off him with good K’s. Rick Roberts
By Kentavo
May 30, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
I think Reeksma blows chuncks all around, whether it’s set up, long relief or closing. Put him in a situation when a game is on the line, and more often than not, he chokes.
By Del
May 30, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this
Yates up, Cormier down. Why not Yates up, Reeksma down???
By Mike Maples
May 30, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
Here’s what I would do with the pitching staff (given the injuries we have, etc.):
Starters: Smoltz, Hudson, Ramirez, Thomson, James (on 15-day DL)
Bullpen: Villareal (RHP long relief), Remlinger (LHP mid relief), Reitsma (RHP mid-late relief), Ray (RHP setup), Devine (RHP late relief), McBride (LHP setup), Sosa (RHP closer, for now), and when BOYER is healthy, he’d be my CLOSER.
Cormier, Moylan, etc. would be gone.
Something has to change. Let the oung guys (Devine, McBride, and Boyer step up like Francouer, McCann, Langerhans have in the everyday lineup. Time for a change.
By Bravesfan
May 30, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
The Braves have one of the best closers in baseball in Smolz. I know he wants to start, but he also wants to be strong going into the postseason. What if he closed until 4-5 weeks are left in the season, and then start him and work on extending his innings until he can go 8-9 innings in the postseason? We have enough starters, and at worst, this would buy time until JS could get another person to close. I agree, consistently losing games in the ninth messes up any teams confidence.
By tbo
May 30, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this
Well, we bring in another bullpen loser in Remlinger and he blows another game. Remlinger is washed up and Reitsma should be sent down or traded for a mop.
By tbo
May 30, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this
Well, we bring in another bullpen loser in Remlinger and he blows another game. Remlinger is washed up and Reitsma should be sent down or traded for a mop.
By headsup
May 30, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this
Ray has done a fantastic job so far, I think he’d be a better setup man.Sosa would make a good closer, he seems to have more of a closer mind frame. The braves should go after Carl Crawford as a leadoff hitter, they need more spark and speed at leadoff. Put Langerhans on the bench, He’d be a great lefthand hitter off the bench.
By Headsup
May 31, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this
I know making a trade for Carl Crawford, with Tampa,seems farfetched, but he’s young affordable and has tremendous upside. He’ also stolen more bases than almost the entire braves team.Imagine him leading off,with Renteria following,and just wait Chipper and Andruw will come around.I like Langerhans, but He really would make a great left hitter on the bench.The Braves miss having a leadoff man to spark the team, they thrive on that… Go get Carl Crawford.
By J-Baller
May 31, 2006 12:59 AM | Link to this
Crawford is an option but the bullpen is a much more pressing issue. The Braves are 2nd in the NL in runs scored so it is obvious that the bullpen needs to be solved BEFORE any more wheeling and dealing goes down!