The Braves declared Mark Melancon their primary closer Friday, a shift in thinking from their plan when they added three relievers July 30-31.
Melancon, who posted 51 saves in 2015, has experience unmatchable among his colleagues. He briefly spoke with reporters Saturday before the Braves’ game against the Marlins about that background and how he’s enjoying his new team.
Q: You're going to be closing for the Braves. Is that a spot, given your history, that you're extremely comfortable?
A: Yeah, it's the spot I prefer to be in. But this team, this club, it's fun to be out there and be able to watch. Our bullpen, obviously we've struggled a little bit in the past, but it's all going to come together. With Shane (Greene) and Chris (Martin) showing up with me, we're still getting to know each other. It's good. Everybody's jived really well. That's going to be a big key to this team.
Q: What's different about getting those final three outs?
A: Your focus level has to be off the charts. Every pitch is such a big pitch, you have to be ready when you come through those gates. You have to be prepared.
“You have to bear down. One of my thoughts after each out, I have to work harder for this out than I did the last. I’m that much closer, but I have to step on the neck and be that much more focused, on point. Just work that much harder to stay out of trouble instead of getting out of trouble.
Q: How enthusiastic are you about this opportunity? The Giants were playing well (before he was traded) but you were sent to a contender.
A: It gives me goosebumps just thinking about how good this team is. For me, it's about winning the World Series. So this is a team that has an unbelievable shot of doing that. I think everybody in here has that excitement in them and feels the urgency. We have the ability. It's exciting.
Q: How in awe are you about Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies, who've shown why they're two of the game's most exciting young players?
A: I don't think (Albies has) gotten out since I've been here. It's been 11 or 12 games and I don't think he's gotten out. Obviously I'd heard of those two guys, then you go down the line with all the young guys we have, (Mike) Soroka, Max (Fried), you just keep going. I can't say enough. On the field, it speaks for itself. But off the field, these guys are so polished. There's no ego. They're respectful. They're well-spoken. They carry themselves with confidence and not arrogance, confidence. Such a difference.
Honestly, I think that component of the team, that youngness, the ability level at such a young age is special. When you put it all together and you have (Brian) McCann, (Nick) Markakis, Freddie (Freeman), Dallas (Keuchel), guys who are gelling with these young guys – and there’s no egos. It’s really special. A lot of relatable guys in here. A lot of energy.
