Last season the Braves had one of the preeminent bullpens in the National League. That can be attributed to their power arms in the pen. This season is no different. The Braves have a bundle of relievers that can strike hitters out in pressure pack situations. Power relievers tend to do better in the pen in the long run. The Braves might have the best pen in the NL East and may be the whole National League. That will happen if everybody pitches up to their abilities and if Mike Gonzalez can come back and still be effective.
1. Long Relief Pitcher: Jeff Bennett- Bennett is player that can surprise a great deal of fans next year. He has shown his dedication to making the team by losing over 50 pounds this off-season. He also pitched very well as a starter in the Venezuelan League. Since John Smoltz said that he will like a break every once in a while during the season, it will be smart for the Braves to have a pitcher in the pen that can start games. I will say that Bennett will have a breakout season for the Braves next season.
2. Lefty Specialist: Will Ohman- Ohman is a very serviceable left-handed specialist. In 119 career appearances away from the famous park, he has posted a 2.32 ERA and limited opponents to a .192 batting average. So luring Ohman away from Chicago might be a sneaky move for the Braves. He should do a good job replacing Ron Mahay next season.
3. Middle Reliever: Blaine Boyer- Boyer was one of the original Baby Braves from the 2005 season. He was extremely impressive in his rookie season. When coming up to the big leagues, Boyer was never rattled. Boyer is out of options so Bobby Cox might feel obligated to protect him and keep him on the team. That’s why he will probably make the team over some guys like Charlie Morton, Phil Stockman, or Chris Resop (all of whom have low to mid 90’s fastball). Next season I will say that Boyer will have an ERA in the range of 3.60-3.80.
4. Middle Reliever: Tyler Yates- Yates had a plethora of ups and downs last year. If Yates isn’t over work he is a quality reliever. At times he looks like a great pitcher. The Hawaiian native has a fantastic repertoire of pitches in his disposal. He has a mid 90’s fastball and a very good slider. He just has to attack the hitters and execute his pitches. If the starters pitch late into game frequently and Cox can conserve Yates, I have no doubt that he will do an excellent job.
5. Set Up Man: Manny Acosta- Acosta was one of the best rookies the Braves had last year. He has a tremendous quality of pitches in his arsenal. He has a moving fastball that can reach triple digits. His out pitch is ordinarily a curveball/screwball type of a pitch. If Acosta can just attack hitters, he will be a marvelous 7th or 8th inning set up man this upcoming season.
6. Set Up Man: Peter Moylan- Moylan had an unbelievable season in 2007. His low to mid 90’s sinking fastball and his filthy slurve/slider pitch really baffles his opponents. It would be really hard for the young side arm thrower to have a better season than what he did last year. His numbers won’t be substantially inflate either. Moylan is going to play a big role as the Braves ground ball specialist and set up man in the 08 season.
7. Closer: Rafael Soriano- Soriano is going to be key for the Braves bullpen success this season. He is going to have to prove that he can be a consistent closer for the Bravos. Last year when Bob Wickman was released, he showed that he can handle his new role. Being a power pitcher that has good secondary stuff, will really be assistance late in games. Power pitchers tend to do better in the post season also. Soriano will start the season as the Atlanta Braves closer. When Mike Gonzalez returns to form, I will expect for Gonzo and Soriano to split time as Braves closer.
8. Honorable Mentions: Charlie Morton, Phil Stockman, Chris Resop, Zach Schreiber, and Royce Ring.
Filed under: Miscellaneous
So where does Ring end up then? I think either Boyer or Bennett will be traded for some bench help. Hopefully Bennett is traded. I think that was a fluke for some reason, but that’s just me…
Bobby is going to carry two lefties and Ring will be the second one. One of Acosta or Bennett will not be on the team, or maybe both if a guy like Stockman really comes out and performs. Bennett’s strikeout numbers spiked enormously for Atlanta last year but he isn’t that good. I think Boyer has the potential to be the third best man in that pen and he is finally healthy. Also, Jeff Ridway is in competition for a spot and I think they are keeping Morton as a starter.
I agree with everything you just said except the Jeff Ridgeway part.
Bobby Cox doesn’t usually carry two left handed relief pitchers. If the Braves were to trade a reliever it would be Boyer. Because he is going to be out of options. Bennett had success in AAA, MLB, and in the winter leagues last season. He has also lost 50 pounds so he can have succes throughout the whole season. Bennett can be the Braves so called “6th Starter” next season. Bobby has said that he will like for Morton to continue starting. So he could get some more time in AAA with Reyes, Jurrjens, and Carlyle. The Linuep is coming up soon.
Very all around optimistic outlook. I think it’s a little reaching to hope that all these guys perform as well as your expecting. We all have a tendency to pull for anyone in a Braves uniform (except Rocker), but I’d give the bullpen a B- as a unit.
Hey Kyle did you happen to receive the email I sent you about switching to WordPress? I can’t seem to find that option in the settings anymore…
Ridgway definitely has a chance. He’s got just as good stuff as the other two lefties and had very good minor league numbers. Second, last year the plan was to have two lefties in the pen. Bobby was carrying Mike Gonzalez and Macay McBride. The point is that we don’t have a proven one so he’s going to carry two to try and cut down on his risks.
^^ Very good point!