ajcsportstalk

By Coach

April 30, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

The bullpen will be just fine. Gonzalez and Soriano will pick up the slack and keep on trucking.

By Summerteeth

April 30, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Soriano Gonzo

We’ll be fine.

By Kevin C

April 30, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Plug Chad back in there and let Wickman get some rest. I think that Bobby will start to spread out the save situations a little more now, these guys need to be fresh come October. To be honest with have 3 potential closers—give Wickman 2 straight days in those opportunities and then use Soriano or Gonzalez a shot. I will be interested in what happens with McCay—keep him in Richmond until mid June and get stretched out and put him the rotation. Davies would become trade bait to a AL team

By Brent

April 30, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Glad we traded for Gonzo. He should do just fine back in the closer role. But I would not be surprised if this injury to Big Bob is a lot more serious than we’ve been told.

By Nelson

April 30, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

And now they pretend that we all swallow that they didn’t know the man wasn’t feeling right?. We have just lost two games that we should won, the last one and the Hudson against the Marlins! It is totally the responsability of the pitching coach and Bobby, this and the Langerhan trade could kill the team good effort! Bring Estrada! I’m sure He can play the outfield too. Bye.

By sammy

April 30, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Who will get the bulk of saves opps while Wickman is out? Soriano or Gonzalez. Soriano’s ERA is pretty high but he has put much fewer men on base (1 and inning) and his K rate is nearly 1 per inning. Gonzalez, on the other hand, has a much better ERA, but that could be misleading because he is putting nearly two men on base every inning and not getting many Ks. Cox seem to favor Soriano. Calling him the “future closer” when they first traded for him. I’m not sure which one of the will be better in the closer’s role.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 30, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

The LaRoche trade is looking pretty smart right now. Thankfully we still have Gonzalez and Soriano. I’d rather see Soriano closing, personally.

By georage

April 30, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

The bullpen is not the problem.

Mediocre stats at the plate are the problem. I have doubts Thorman and Wilson can prove a credible tandem at 1st, and left field is a bad joke.

We won’t go far living on 2-out magic.

I think the Braves should look to trade Saltalamacchia for a real left fielder (the Royals Billy Butler would be an interesting roll of the dice).

At some point, I’d like someone to convince Chipper to play 1st so Yunel Escobar could start at 3rd.

By bevsouth

April 30, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

By Nelson you are a moron! If you can’t contribute someting sesible get off the blog.

By Adam

April 30, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Put Gonzo in there….more proven in the closer roll (24 saves last year with the pirates…should be just fine-no worries

By Jeff S

April 30, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

I have a lot of confidence in Soriano. He has a closer’s mindset and seems to rise to the occassion in the crunch. Hopefully-when Wick returns-Cox won’t bring him in when we have a 5 run lead in the ninth. Let the 38 yr old rest!

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 30, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

actually, i’m not too worried about wickman’s absence. i just hope that bobby doesn’t overuse gonzo and/or soriano, though i’d like to see soriano get the majority of the closer role. i’m very glad that we’re getting paronto back — he was great before going on the DL, and i’m very glad that we’re not having to call up mcbride or someone else who can’t cut it. heck, even paronto could be used to finish games.

i love wickman, but honestly, coming into the season i had some doubts about him as our closer over the whole season. yes, he was great last year with the braves, but it’s always nice to have a reliever who can throw some gas, like soriano and gonzo.

as for what moves the braves should make…i don’t really think they need to anytime soon. despite having zero production from LF, 1B only appearing to start coming around, and huge problems in the back of the rotation, we’re still keeping track with the mets and are among the best teams in baseball right now. the top 3 in the lineup are hitting big, andruw is picking it up, francoeur is producing big, and mccann is being the all-star catcher he was last year.

By jenny craig

April 30, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Wickman is FAT - which probably caused his back to go out. Has he ever heard of exercise or getting in shape??

By Epinephrine

April 30, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Hate to say it but this one is on Bobby. Wickman is an old guy and he has used him far too much this season. He is on pace for the most appearances since his tommy john surgery several years ago.

Especially in the early going, Bobby should have known better.

Thankfully, we will be fine. We won’t have a full supply of arms, though, until around June-when Wickman, Paronto, Boyer, and McBride will all hopefully be back and up and running.

By Nelson

April 30, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Hey Bevsouth, Yes I’m a Moron but I’m sure I’m right. Time will give me the reason when Yuniel Escobar start playing for the Braves! (sorry I said Estrada in my comment, my mistake I mean Escobar)

By Ron Roberts

April 30, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

I’m not worried, at all. Why?

For 15 days, we’ll be fine.

By Power of Light

April 30, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

SORIANO SHOULD BE THE CLOSER WHILE WICKMAN IS OUT!!!! NOT SOME LOSER THEY HAD TO CALL UP!!!!!

By ERIC

April 30, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

the close situation is reall not the concern here,its LF bring Brandon jones up now some new blood didnt hurt when we brought mccann & frenchy did it.

By Larry

April 30, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

The bullpen will be fine. It’s that goober that’s managing them that is our only concern.

Wickman had just blown a save against Florida, walked three straight me yesterday, is so fat he was nearly falling down every time he through the ball, and his back injury (from carrying around a 60 pound beer gut) had slowed down his fastball to batting practice speed.

So, what does old goober do? Sit sideways on the bench because he also has a 60 pound beer gut and watch Wickman lose the game just like he’s done so many, many times in so many, many years. He’s the absloutely wrost in-game, strategic manager ever and thus his 1-15 record in the last game of the postseason. The man hasn’t a clue how to manage relief pitchers or manufacture a run when you need it.

By Carroll

April 30, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Mr. Wickman, Mrs. Craig. Mrs. Craig, Mr. Wickman.

Larry: hear, hear!

By bravesfansince1966

April 30, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Wickman’s dishonesty has hurt the team…. Political correctness has also hurt the team with the obligatory “African American”… Noone in the media will pounce on this story. The Braves are no longer one of two teams without an African American on the team…Joe Morgan will be thrilled.

By Bryan Pitney

April 30, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Hey Bobby, were you the only one in Coors stadium who couldn’t tell Wickman didn’t have it for whatever reason after the second walk? I was seeing it after three pitches

By Gordon Pitney

April 30, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

I know a good little league coach who can teach the Braves to run the bases, especially on a line drive. Do the Braves work on base running or are they expected to know this by the time they are pros? Other than that Francour is Mister clutch at the plate and in the field…great catch wasted.

By Wickman Fan

April 30, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Larry and Jenny Craig you have no idea how obtuse you two are. Wickman is the MAN. That is the thing, you sad people do not understand about MLB baseball is WE, the true fans of the BRAVES KNOW, that we have a great bullpen. And to all the Bobby Cox bashers. He is a given in the Hall of Fame. Jeter, A-Rod and J. Damon hung out @ the batting cage JUST to MEET Bobby Cox during spring training. Bobby Cox doesn’t read the local news, i.e., (dumbass southerners trashing him). I wish the fans from a true fan base of Cleveland would come down and SHOW you how to be a FAN!!!!

By gotigers72

April 30, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness JS went out and got Soriano and Gonzalez. Instead, if Wickman had gone down last year, it would have been Ken Ray or Jorge Sosa. I shiver at that thought.

Apparently Bobby is going to use Soriano or Gonzalez depending on who the other team has coming to bat. Utley and Howard, both lefthanders, were the first two batters, so Bobby went with Gonzalez. And the stuff he threw to Pat Burrell, a right handed hitter, was just filthy. That last pitch, whatever it was [change or splitfinger] was absolutely unhittable. He really looked sharp tonight.

Of course Bobby may have gone with Gonzalez because he didn’t pitch yesterday and Soriano had pitched in two consecutive games, but the way Bobby thinks, I think he will go with matchups with whoever the other team has coming up to bat.

Either way, he can’t go wrong. That is why what JS did in trading for those guys now makes him look really good.

By joebrave

April 30, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

mAN LET A GUY GO DOWN, OR SLUMP AND YOU PEOPLE ARE READY TO KILL THEM.IDIOTS

By joebrave

April 30, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

And be careful what you say,or DOB will Ban you from his blog. I stood up for B.C. and bashed Andruw and some pervertd guy that tends to think B.C. is a donkey,some of you people never cease to amaze me, we have a hall of fame manager,or would you rather have Chuck Tanner back? man that was a joke. and a lights out closer and yes even you all (all of you) declared him lights out.people get hurt B.W. will be back and for the Idiot that keeps harping on S. Thorma dude do you even watch the games?

By joebrave

April 30, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Peace out and much love to all just leave Bobby and Kelly and Bob and Frenchy alone and just root for our team or find yopurself another team to root for,after all it’s just baseball.

By Billy Austin

April 30, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

JS continues to show why he’s the best GM in the game period. LaRoche is hitting less than Thorman and we have a very valuable insurance policy in Gonzalez. We have a dominant back end of the bullpen and I think we’ll be fine until Wickman gets his back some rest. He’s pitched in a lot of cold weather and often. I personally believe that if you can’t follow through on your pitches it would be real hard to have control or velocity. He’ll be O.K. and in the meantime we’ll have things nailed down in the 8th and 9th with Soriano and Gonzalez. Tyler Yates and Chad Paranto will keep things in order most nights until late in the game. It’s going to be an exciting season as we are already seeing how valuable our bullpen has been to keep us in games long enough for our bats to win them. By this time last year we were in big trouble with no help in sight. This year we have a good a chance to slowly build a lead over the Met’s and Phillies because our pitching overall is better than either of those two and the top of our order is going to be productive all year. Kelly Johnson was the answer and letting Giles leave was the right move. Thorman is just getting comfortable and I think he’ll figure it out and contribute enough to not miss LaRoche, especially considering we have Gonzalez because LaRoche is gone.

By MiaBchBravesFan

April 30, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

I’d hate to think that I am smarter than JS and Bobby, but….

It will take a little longer, but eventually Lance Cormier will return from his elbow problem. When that happens, the solution for the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation is an easy one.

It seems painfully obvious that Kyle Davies is suffering from a guts-depravation condition that only a spell at Richmond can solve. He’s got torn groin on the brain, and our season’s fortunes cannot wait for him to butch up.

Mark Redman, bless his off-speed tossing soul, is belching up cream puffs and balloons, a ten-plus ERA standing as a wretched testament to a pitching talent that is way past its prime. The experiment is over, the wasted $750K a write-off for the Braves’ bean-counters.

At the end of last season, Cormier and Oscar Villarreal pitched very well under the circumstances of a lost season. Villarreal’s recent bouts with longball snakebite can be solved by the steady dependability of a regular turn in the rotation. Wickman will be back in 15 days, and Tanyon Sturtze looms on the horizon to fortify this season’s happy logjam in the bullpen.

A Hudson-Smoltz-James-Cormier-Villarreal rotation can be counted on a heck of a lot better than the impending pitching mess the Mets will encounter soon Already, Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez is on the DL and their answer is the disaster that is Chan Ho Park. Can Tom Glavine last the whole season - and be effective? Pedro Martinez’s return has already been pushed back from July to August.

September, anyone?

Trust me, Braves’ fans, the division is ours, even with Davies. With Cormier and Villarreal on the back end, it is in the bag.

By gotigers72

May 1, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

I don’t see why fans are enamored with Tanyon Sturtze. Has a career ERA of over 5. Do you think he’s gonna suddenly get it and start pitching like a MLB pitcher should? How old is he? In his 30s I think. It’s not like he’s a young guy that might have some potential. He’s already pitched long enough to show what he can do, and it ain’t pretty.

olThose of you that are doing the name calling with Wickman really need to think about what you are saying. He was overweight last year when he had 24 saves out of 25 chances and walked only two batters after he came to the Braves. No need to make light of his weight, call him names and put him down. He’s a damn good relief pitcher and has been great since he came to Atlanta. The problem with his back more than likely does not stem from his weight. He hasn’t had that problem before. He’ll be back and as good as ever. He has saved the Braves bacon since last July except for his last 2 outings when he probably was hurt. That outing in Floida was not really his fault. He was put in am impossible position with the bases loaded and nobody out.

By Marc

May 1, 2007 5:18 AM | Link to this

Even Paranto has shown us he can close games, with him back off the DL, and with his style being almost identical to Wickie’s, I’d say we’re still in the clear.

By bevsouth

May 1, 2007 5:50 AM | Link to this

I agree with MiaBchfan, a backend rotation of Cormier and Villareal is preferable to Davies and Redman by a long shot.Davies needs to go down and regain confidence and Redmond needs to go away.Tonights game is a oerfect case in point, the Phils are pitching Cole Hamesls and we are starting Redmond,who do you like in this one? If there was such a thing as an over under for pitchers Redmond’s would be 6.

By Jeff S

May 1, 2007 6:42 AM | Link to this

You’re right bevsouth. We better come out with bats blazin if we expect to have a chance with Redman on the mound. I would give Redman tonight to prove me something if I was BC. If he can’t hack it, gotta bring someone else in. Cormier would be the obvious choice. But even giving Matt Harrison or Devine a spot start wouldn’t be any worse that trotting Redman out there.

By rob

May 1, 2007 6:52 AM | Link to this

maybe he ought to do Slim Fast for the 2 weeks!…..Old Country Buffet, Im taking stock in it for 2 weeks!

By Greg

May 1, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

to the idiot from Cleveland who trashes Southerners, but claims to be a “TRUE” Braves fan. Screw you - move back to that hell hole in Ohio and stick with the Indians. Wickman is a fat tub of goo and that’s why he’s having back problems - he should pay the Braves back some of his salary for not being in good enough shape to avoid that type of injury.

By Kaye

May 1, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this

Big Bob will be fine and back at saves in no time. I have had those upper back pulls and you just cant get the arms out. I know what hes feeling and I also know it does heal and your fine. Just takes a few days.

Change point, I was glad to see Langerhans go, but dont feel that Willie Harris is the one that should have been called. He just has not proved himself capable of major league play. There is a reason hes where he is in his career and we need someone better and stronger. Maybe we can look for a trade for a real left fielder down the road a ways.

By dan

May 1, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this

Wickman will be fine. His injury caused him to be wild. When he trough strikes and the ball was put in play he was unlucky, giving up weak seeing eye hits. I’m still much more worried about our starting rotation depth and the fact that the bullpen will be overworked and fade come playoff time.

By Don Macheny

May 1, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Anybody got Chris Reitsma’s number? LOL…Just kiddin’. Our pen will be just fine without Wickman in there for two weeks.

By braves fan

May 1, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

I’d like to see that kid Phil Stockman called up. He’s got incredible stats. He struck out 59 batters in 43.2 innings last season, with a 0.62 ERA (3 earned runs all year, 19 hits allowed for a .135 batting avg against and only 15 walks. That means he averages more than a K per inning and less than a baserunner per inning. That spells relief to me!!! He probably would still be with the big league team had he not got that hamstring injury last season right after his callup. I think he adds that strikeout ability that is helpful in tight situations. Then maybe they can drop Redman and slip Villarreal in the rotation until Cormier is ready to give it a go.

By bnard

May 1, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

i will be honest,i am tired of our fans, not being loyall to the players we have,any little something happends we lose faith,i look at most all cites,across america and get positive response, our fans,so quick to pass judgement,we have a winning record now, let’s think positive and duild on it, the same with all our teams,let’s pray for our players.naybe god see we are grateful enough to have champion rings

By Scott

May 1, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

I would love to see Dan Marino give Big Bob a call. If Nutrisystem works for John Kruk…it can work for anybody.

I’m not overly concerned. Looks like Gonzalez and Soriano are as dominant as advertised and nobody mentions this, but Tyler Yates has been untouchable. I think we will be fine if can just get a left-fielder.

By Suede

May 1, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Do coaches talk? Did the bullpen coach look at Wickman and determine him ready? Was Bobby at all interested after the FL blown save that no control in Colorado was anything more than a high altitude issue? Does the pitching coach not see a problem to where he trusts the player’s analysis. Did anyone even think to have another pitcher up in the bullpen before the bases were loaded, like from the start. I don’t pretend to be a a pitching expert nor paid lots of money to recognize these things but I do know how to “hedge my bet” after a bad performance and a shakey warm up.

By ChampDawg

May 1, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

Dumbass Wickman cost us 2 games by trying to pitch thru the injury. I’m betting the dumbass coaches knew about it too but finally just decided to put him on the DL. Why do folks do this?

By Rodger

May 1, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Wicky probably hurt his back in that clubhouse battle for the last Krispy Kreme!

By Matt

May 1, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

This is why Shurholtz used the “belt and suspenders” method to construct the bullpen. If he thought Wickie could make it through a whole year with no problems, he would never have traded Laroche for Gonzolez (Soriono would have been more than enough). The ‘pen will be fine, big Paronto is comming back soon. I just hope they don’t see this as a reason to give to much responsibility to Tanyon Sturtze, whenever the hell he comes off the DL (shivers)

By BamaBrave

May 1, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

You nailed it on the head, Suede. Thank Gawd we have Soriano and Gonzales…or it would be like last year.

By laneyw

May 1, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Wickman needs to lose some weight, when he get’s on the mound he really looks big, his stomach is a major problem.

He’s a good pitcher, but I think when he get’s up there his weight is on his mind.

By h_charles

May 1, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

What, now Wickman is “fat”? Was he too fat when he was the most consistent closer in all of baseball? Sure, Wickman is heavy. Newsflash — he has always been heavy. Pitchers get hurt. That is baseball. Pedro Martinez is 150 pounds and he can’t stay healthy — what, is he too skinny? Reality is Wickman is just getting old. He is still a warrior that takes the ball no questions asked and never gets rattled. Sure, he probably shouldn’t have been out there the last few times, but that is Cox’s decision. If you want your closer to be able to handle any situation without crumbling mentaly, you have to have a guy who takes the mound no matter how he is feeling — goes with the territory.

The only issue with his size is his lack of mobility off the mound, which may have cost us game 3 in Colorado.

As to the effect on the bullpen, it isn’t closing that may hurt. Soriano or Gonzalez are both fine candidates (Yates actually is pitching the best, but he isn’t ready for that yet). The impact will be in the 6th/7th and who steps up there. Moylan and Villereal are the keys here. Moylan has to be be able to do more “holds” than anticipated, and Villereal has to pitch better. Bobby has to have enough confidence in him to let him go 2 or three innings mid-game instead of thinking of lifting him after an inning for a pinch hitter. The real impact here may actually be in the rotation. This injury may buy Redman more time since Villereal is now less likely to take his rotation spot.

By jch

May 1, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Glad to see Wickman on the DL - it was pretty obvious to everyone at home something wasn’t right. The only question, why Roger & Bobby took 3 games to pick up on it. If the guy can’t “fully extend his pitching arm” during release as was stated, shouldn’t someone other than a bunch of blogging fans pick up on it??? Wouldn’t you pull some video of Wickman after the first game to see if something was wrong?

By jch

May 1, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

The real question isn’t who’s going to fill in at closer (Gonzo & Soriano have that covered with spades) or, even, how the ‘pen will fare - Paronto’s back and the ‘pen will be fine.

It’s the #4 & 5 starters that worry me. Redman has been a HUGE flop. He hasn’t had a quality start yet and Cox saying “he’s still in his spring training” is a bunch of bunk. If so, he should be doing it in Richmond or Mississippi, not up here where it counts.

And Davies, nothing really to say that his performance doesn’t already scream. He needs some time in Richmond to gain some confidence. Give Villareal and/or bring up Lerew from Richmond and give them a chance - I’m sure they can do better than a 10+ ERA.

By chris

May 1, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

MiaBchBravesfan is right on. The Mets are on borrowed time. The Braves will take the division, and the back end of the rotation will be Villarel and Cormier.

By Land-Man

May 1, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

We’ve got Harris now. Does that mean Terrance will shut up?

By Suede

May 1, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Since Bobby seems so afraid of the straight steal to stay out of the double play (unless players name is Furcal.. and even then he was handcuffed) and he is a statistical manager. Can anyone tell me which has a better chance of success, a straight steal or a hit and run?

Hey Braves watch out for the line drive!

By Ralph

May 1, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Bobby has got to stop leaving the the starters and relievers in so long, he’ll take them out when the braves are so far behind they can’t catch up.

By Fed Up

May 1, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

We have two closer with better stuff than Wickman. I have absolutely no worries.

By BamaBrave

May 1, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Isn’t about time for an enlighted and insightful article from Mr. Obvious, Terence Moore, entitled “Wickman Not At 100%”?

By Bravesfan

May 1, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Some of you people are cold cold cold. Bob goes out with a back issue and now hes fat, his stomach is a problem, hes old, hes out of shape, blaaa blaaa blaaa. You are the same people who dont have problems with him when he is healthy and closing it one two three.

He has a back problem, its not serious and he will need a shot and some rest. Get off his back. Until you throw a baseball the way that man does and you have a pull between your shoulders dont pretend to know how you cant finish your pitches. Relax, the braves will be fine and Wicky will be back full strength and you can then embrase the man again.

I cant stand fair weather fans, go join the mets. Theres no room for them here.

By #25 Jones

May 1, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

this is how it should go: Yates 7th inning Soriano 8th inning Gonzalez 9th inning i believe that Gonzalez is a hard thrower with somewhat location but soriano has been hit often so i would choose Mike as the closer for now. Go Braves

By liz

May 1, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Bobby has a history of getting ticked at pitchers who try to hide their injuries. I betcha Wickman signed his trading papers by not fessing up. He hurt the team with unnecessary bravado. Shame on him.

By Wayne in Utah

May 1, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter who closes out the games. To be honest, I hope for the remainder of the year, Bobby will spread it around a little bit more.

I know there is that old thought that a pitcher has to know his role, but personally, I think Gonzo, Soriano, Wickman and the other quite capable members of the pen would agree, that to use them effectively is more important than some silly title of “closer”.

Just one mans thoughts.

By suede

May 1, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Hey Braves fan, We are sick of the “holier than thou” fans who say that because a fan questions the logic or play that they are “fair weather fans” The truth of the matter is that these fans that question things are just as good a fan as you and will be there through thick or thin no matter what. They just want to voice their questions. Are you better than these “fair weather fans”? Let them voice their opinions it has nothing to do with dedication to the team!

By old timer

May 1, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

It was obvious on fri. & sun.that wickman had ab issue. tell bobby that the issue is wins,not ego or good buddy system. lose these games in April & May will cost the team in Sept. get with it coaches-put the best players out there and win ballgames NOW.

By Kentavo

May 1, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Logic would dictate that Soriano and Gonzo share closing duties in Wick’s absence - a lefty-righty combo.

So, throw logic out the window because we’re talking about Bobby Cox here. He’ll probably use Yates and Paronto as closers and keep Soriano and Gonzo as set-up guys.

By Kentavo

May 1, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Logic would dictate that Soriano and Gonzo share closing duties in Wick’s absence - a lefty-righty combo.

So, throw logic out the window because we’re talking about Bobby Cox here. He’ll probably use Yates and Paronto as closers and keep Soriano and Gonzo as set-up guys.

By Joseph

May 1, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

The Braves will be fine as long as the starting rotation can continue to pitch well. I’m more worried about Kyle Davies. If Langarhans doesn’t get going, why not trade davies along with ryan and some minor leaguer for Carl Crawford.

By Joseph

May 1, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

I still would not have traded Laroache for Gonzales. But anyways, I feel we need another dominating starter in our rotation in case Smoltz retires and Hudson isn’t resigned. I think he’s a free agent after the year.

By Kentavo

May 1, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Note to Joseph: Langerhans plays for the Oakland A’s.

By BossLady

May 1, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe anybody would blog that did not know the up-to-date happenings on the team.

By BossLady

May 1, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe anybody would blog that did not know the up-to-date happenings on the team.

By suede

May 1, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

One player will not affect the Braves, nor John S. ability to find the right fit for the future. Wasn’t it J.S. who found Wickman last year when the need was even greater? It certainly can affect a couple of games though… Old Timer makes a good point.

By Brad

May 1, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Hudson is signed through 2009 with an option for 2010.

By Terry

May 1, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Redman should be released. How many times this month have the Braves given him the lead and the next inning he gives it all away. Surely there is someone in the minors that can pitch and get someone out.

By SCOTT

May 2, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

I WAS NOT REALLY HAPPY WITH THIS GUY WICKMAN HE LOOK OUT OF SHAPE FROM THE BEGINING HIS PICHING WAS SO SO . I THINK THE BRAVES NEED TO FIND ANOTHER MIDDLE RELIFE AND MOVE SORIANA AT CLOSER HE GOT GREAT STUFF .OTHER THAN THAT THE BRAVES WILL BE JUST FINE

By Dana

May 6, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Fire Terence Moore