The Braves only have about four or five spots in next year's bullpen filled, with Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters, Eric O'Flaherty, and Peter Moylan headlining the bunch, with perhaps Scott Proctor as a good lock for the pen as well. That leaves the kids to compete for the remaining two spots, though the Braves have said they will likely bring in some additional veteran bullpen help.
Per MLBTR, the Braves have signed minor league free agent Jay Sborz. He is a former second round pick of the Tigers out of high school from the 2003 draft. He made it into one Major League game last June and got shelled in two-thirds of an inning. He wasn't listed on many top prospect lists for the Tigers due to constant injuries, but he has a low-90's fast ball and a good breaking ball. His problem has been control, with a 5.6 walk per nine innings rate in the minors. He'll be just 26 next year and with a live arm he could find his control and be a valuable bullpen piece. The Braves have had a good track record of sorting out pitchers with control issues the last couple of years.
Sborz will get an invite to spring training, and will be competing with Juan Abreu, the newly renamed Jairo Asencio, Kyle Cofield, Erik Cordier, Cory Gearrin, Lee Hyde, Stephen Marek, Cristhian Martinez, and Jose Ortegano for one or two bullpen spots. There are some talented arms in that bunch, but it's a bit lean on proven talent.
My guess is we'll see more of this type of signing from the Braves this off-season -- bringing in relievers on minor league contracts with invites to spring training. There still needs to be at least one more proven addition to the bullpen, and with all these young arms you may see Atlanta trade a couple of these unproven arms for a proven reliever.
Curiously, Billy Wagner is still listed on the Braves 40-man roster. Perhaps this is a bit of wishful thinking from Atlanta, or perhaps they're trying to convince him to return (of course, that could be wishful thinking on my part).
0 recs | 67 comments
One more year, Billy
2011 is going to be special.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - November 20, 2010
Dan Uggla and Billy Wagner seem like they would be best friends in the clubhouse. Blue-collar like ballplayers that won’t shy away from situations. One will overpower you with his bat, the other with his fastball
award6 - November 20, 2010
Just can’t see Wags retiring when he’s coming off such a great year. Finally got that proven power threat we’ve needed for what seems like forever. Pieces are beginning to find there places.
lemke2blauser2bream - November 20, 2010 via mobile
I’d welcome Wags back with wide open arms however, I’d really respect him for sticking to his guns.
Pavy848 - November 20, 2010
And the fact that he ended on a injury makes it seem like he would want to come back
If Billy does retire and if no trades happen, I would like to see any combo of these five: Proctor/Hyde/Marek/Ascenio/Gearrin. If it were Braves management, they will most likely select Proctor b/c of his experience and then probably Marek. Jose might have an advantage b/c he has been up in the majors and at 1 point was going to be the Braves closer
Or you could bring one of the two of Minor/Beachy into the pen.
PhuckthePhillies - November 20, 2010
EDIT: Didn’t realize Proctor was already assumed a role.
So for the final 2 spots, I would then propose 1 of the 2 Beachy/Minor to the pen(For long relief) then have 1 of these 4 for the last spot Ascenio/Gearrin/Hyde/Marek
PhuckthePhillies - November 20, 2010
Juan Abreu
This kid throws in the high 90’s and has a wicked slider if his command and control improve slightly he’d be great out of the pen.
Jay212033 - November 20, 2010
It was nice to see his command improving throughout the year. When I saw him in ST he barely knew what direction the plate was. But his arm is electric.
cbwilk - November 20, 2010
YEAH WTF ON Proctor ? He is no lock .
Who says Proctor has already locked up a spot, I like Proctor as a depth signing for perhaps a demotion to AAA or even if he makes the MLB roster, etc…. But to go as far as to say he is a lock ? AGAIN WTF. Proctor is not a lock to in the MLB Bravos bullpen to start the season, I don’t care that he has a guranteed contract and I still like him alot but to call him a lock is crazy. C. Martinez filled that role decently enough last season and was view as a cast off by the Marlins. Braves should let Proctor and Martinez fight it out in spring training, Proctor gets the nod b/c of experience but i that is the route we go I would look for Proctor and Martinez to make the opening day bullpen b/c Proctor cannot be over used ANY LONGER.
Marek and Gearrin and whom I am pulling for at this point with L. Hyde also perhaps making some waves in spring training as well although most still view Hyde as a year away .
WAG’s is done, he is not coming back, we haven’t even gotten to the Winter Meetings yet, once alot of the deal’s start happening down their that is when Wag’s name is gonna be removed from the ATL Braves website.
Who is Ascenio – L. Valdez I am assuming ? Seriously ?
Holty_Panthers_Fan - November 20, 2010
He's a lock.
It’s locked up. Locky lock lock. Lockness monster. His name is Scott Locktor. Can’t block the lock.
Oh, am I being redundant?
Bubdylan - November 20, 2010
Why?
Why did I read that in Dr Evil’s voice?
bighop - November 21, 2010
Because you're very intuitive. :)
Bubdylan - November 21, 2010
oh man how incredible would it be if wags came back
SouthernPanther - November 20, 2010
What about Wagner’s 2011 salary?
Don’t get me wrong: I’d love to have him on the team next year, but at what cost? I am sure his vesting option for 2011 kicked in, and I imagine that would eat up the rest of the Braves’ remaining finances. Why not just use that ~7M for Hinkse @2, JJ Putz @2.5 & Christian Guzman @ 2.5? Putz becomes the same veteran presence Wags would provide, and you still have Kimbrel slated as the closer.
Wren_and_Stimpy - November 20, 2010
You’re on crack if you think Putz is going to sign for that low of an amount…
An I think Guzman has already been snatched up
An the braves offered Hinske 1.5m
MO'toole - November 20, 2010
Dang
I was hoping to land Guzman that would have been huge for us and great backup for Uggla and Gonzo at both Middle IF positions and he can hit decently enough to get by. Agreed on Putz no way he would sign for that low of an amount of cash.
Holty_Panthers_Fan - November 21, 2010
Wait
I see nothing officially locking up Guzman to any club ? When did this happen ? Any article links MO’toole.
Holty_Panthers_Fan - November 21, 2010
He's still a free agent.
-C
cthabeerman - November 21, 2010
Thks
I thought so, some need to check the recent signings before posting LOL. Still anyone can make a mistake not gonna hate on anyone tonight. Braves are gonna find a way to make their bullpen great again, we do need one more Veteran arm even if Moylan returns which seems iffy at this point.
Bring back Hinske, Guzman or if not Guzman more than likely we go with A. Everett he is a GA native and would luv to come back home and play for ATL. He nothing special with the Bat but we have bench power already with Conrad and Ross plus is we bring Hinske or W. Helms returns to ATL since Hinske wants a two year deal when we have our bench. So with all that said bringing in Everett for around 1.0-1.5 million make total since and perhaps less a HOMETOWN DISCOUNT Mr. Everett would be appreciated.
Holty_Panthers_Fan - November 21, 2010
Just one question
How do you pronounce Sborz?
MBL1 - November 20, 2010 via mobile
I tried to help and searched some name pronunciation websites but had no luck but if I had to guess I would say either
1. Su-boars or
2. Boars
chicagobullies - November 20, 2010
1. Spores*
chicagobullies - November 20, 2010
It’s really just like how it looks, say borz and put a sss at the beginning.
cbwilk - November 20, 2010
We actually had a lot of fun with this when he came through Norfolk with Toledo, saying his name in the voice of the Swedish Chef.
cbwilk - November 20, 2010
That is exactly what I was doing!
king of games - November 22, 2010
I would love to see Beachy
as our fifth starter, but my gut feeling is that it will be M^2, if not then my second best option would be for him to serve as long relief (but they will prolly throw him back in AAA to keep him warmed up in case a spot start or injury comes up). With this being said, I believe Christian will get the long relief job, and I pray Marek will get the last bullpen spot, and I truely believe many people will be suprised with the results we get from him (unless you have already seen what this kid has got). I believe he will be our suprise reliable arm this year that has the other team asking, who is that guy??? (much like Venters did this previous season). A veteran arm in the pen would be nice but I see Marek as a very, more than capable option, and I also believe, we should resign Kevin James, I mean Eric Hinske and a capable utility guy with some speed and defense, being his primary strengths…Our 4th outfielder should hopefully be Mr. Young (who we all know greatly deserves a shot), Mather, or gulp Schafer (only if he proves healthy and capable of handling the stick), This internal options will save us some $$$ to make a few, small deadline moves…..just a few of my opinions, thoughts, and viewpoints………..let me know whatya think.
chicagobullies - November 20, 2010
I doubt Wags remaining on the 40-man roster is wishful thinking...
…it probably just means his retirement paperwork has not been processed. Once it is official, he’ll be removed whether we like it or not and until then he is still under contract for 2011.
cavebird - November 20, 2010
Stupid Question.
But how does retirement work in the MLB. What happens if a player retires with time still left on his contract?
blitzerlover - November 20, 2010
If a player retires he forfeits whatever money he’s owed, unless he has some kind of deal previously worked out with the team.
cbwilk - November 20, 2010
Nice. Thanks
blitzerlover - November 20, 2010
I think Wren signs one veteran reliever to a 1-year, $3M ish deal
a la Takashi Saito last year. Someone like Putz, Fuentes, or Koji Uehara (just picking some names that I’d be OK with at that price… no inside info).
Once that is done, I’d be fine with some combination of the other guys (and the Beachy/Minor loser if we don’t trade a SP). My preference is probably for the artist formerly known as Luis Valdez, but all of those guys listed in the post have potential.
Jacob Peterson - November 20, 2010
Kimbrel, Venters, EOF, Moylan, and Martinez as the long man seems like good locks for the pen. I think we should sign a veteran reliever for cheap that could close. Also, Proctor seems like a good bet to make the pen. If not, I think Proctor, Asencio, Marek, Abreu or Hyde are the best options for the last spot.
Braves24 - November 20, 2010
KK soon to be DUMPED ?
KK has drawn interest from the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Leagues. I don’t care what we get for him, just make it a salary dump of around $3 million and be done with him.
Isn’t KK already back in Japan already ? Didn’t the Braves tell/allow him to return to his native country making a trade almost a no-doubter ?
Holty_Panthers_Fan - November 20, 2010
MLBTR - KK interest Link
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/11/odds-ends-matsui-kawakami-tigers-phillies.html
Holty_Panthers_Fan - November 20, 2010
come back Wags
Get the saves record (and another chance at a ring)!
hawves - November 20, 2010
Young guns in pen
I would like to see Beachy, Marek, and Kimbrel in pen together. They were lights out in AA and AAA in relief last year and best in the org.
Abreau has nasty stuff, too.
Beachy will make opening day roster. He is too steady and dependable to not make it.
Braves12 - November 20, 2010 via mobile
I just looked at NL Cy Young Voting.
I miss #2.
frozendesert - November 20, 2010
Also
Why does this site ‘require’ me to connect with facebook?
frozendesert - November 20, 2010
it doesn't
Its ust an option go all the way to the top right and you can log in with your SB account
chicagobullies - November 21, 2010
I really like Stephen Marek
I hope he gets a shot. He aint gettin any younger. He improved considerably from a forgetable 2009 to post a 1.14 ERA, 1.026 WHIP and 10.5 SO/9 in 60 appearances between AA and AAA in 2010.
roberty - November 20, 2010
Moylan
Gondee’s being a little premature with his inclusion of Moylan on the 2011 roster. He doesn’t have a contract for next year, and given the Braves’ financial constraints, there is a chance that Moylan isn’t brought back.
2Brave2Bscared - November 21, 2010
Agreed
I have heard more than a couple reports that it’s a good possibility of no more Moylan in Atlanta, I was suprised to see that he was automatically included as well.
chicagobullies - November 21, 2010
If the pen wasn't so young...
….I’d prefer letting Moylan go. I just don’t think he has much left and if I ever see him face another lefty I will sh_t my pants.
Undocorkscrew - November 21, 2010
But
Moylan’s racked up a ton of appearances over the last few years. His arm’s gonna fall off one of these years, and I’d rather it be when he wasn’t on the Braves.
Yakker - November 22, 2010
Let the dogs bark their way. I know that Braves are gonna hit the deck really good this time. Along with Craig Kimbrel and Scott Procter on the side and Peter Moylan as the leader, I can predict well that this time Braves are going to be a superb Team.
mehmetozgur33 - November 21, 2010
One more guy....
I would really love to see them get one more known arm for the pen…someone like a Kevin Gregg? Someone who could come in and set up…or come in and close. I am a little uncertain about putting the hinge to the bullpen in to the hands of such a young crew by themselves.
calbers - November 21, 2010
I think if they did resign Moylan
then he could definately serve as the veteran presence in the pen.
The experience and confidence Kimbrel and Venters received last year simply cannot be measured. I would not overestimate how this confidence could very easily carry over this year.
Also, don’t forget Kimbrel had Wags next to him for quite sometime last year and supposedly Wags offered more than his fair share of advice, I think Wags tootlage (or h.e its spelled) will greatly benefit Kimbrel this year and for many years to come, Also I’m sure Kimbrel still has Wags number, for any future questions.
With all this being said, I really think the money could be alotted elsewhere better or saved for the deadline, rather than adding 2 vets to the pen.
chicagobullies - November 21, 2010
But....
Losing Wagner, Saito and Dunn and replacing them with Kimbrel, Venters and a “?”, who replaces Kimbrel and especially Venters? We have tons of internal options, but I do think we need to sign at least one veteran reliever that we can count on as opposed to a pen full of league minimum guys. Bringing Moylan back on top of that and we are getting close to another year with a good bullpen.
Kimbrel, Venters, Moylan, O’Flaherty, FA vet, would be a good start to the pen. Marek, Proctor, Gearrin, Hyde, Ascensio, Abreu and Martinez can fight it out for the other 2 spots. Without Moylan and the FA vet, it just seems too young to me.
bighop - November 21, 2010
what is this word
“definately” you speak of?
you know, the little red line under the word means it’s spelled wrong.
apoxonbothyourhouses - November 22, 2010
I think whatever Veteran we get needs to be a closer. I don’t trust putting that job in the hands of Kimbrel or Venters.
I would love Fuentes, Gregg, or Downs. Heath Bell would be an interesting pick up.
drumzalicious - November 21, 2010 via mobile
Signing a Type A free agent closer is pretty stupid for this team
We have enough talented kids to get three outs in a 2 run game
kbertling353 - November 21, 2010
even wagner last year
8 mill contract + loss of pick (~5 mill) = 13 million for one year of a closer.
kbertling353 - November 21, 2010
I don’t think its that crazy not to mention we still ended up with some great talent out of last years draft.
In fact I think it would be foolish for the team to let Venters or Kimbrel close. There is no guarantee that Venters can or will repeat his success and Kimbrel has yet to be in the majors for a season to even know how he will be. I love both but also realize that they are young rookies.
drumzalicious - November 21, 2010 via mobile
I think the whole myth of closers just results in teams...
…overpaying in terms of money and draft picks. I don’t see any problem with Kimbrel or Venters closing. If they don’t close, they will set up, and them blowing up in either role would be bad, which means it doesn’t really matter whether we sign a set up guy or an “established closer.” Set up guys are cheaper and usually just as good.
Also, RP is one of the few positions with a ton of good free agents available. Unlike other positions, I think the price of RPs will fall as the off-season progresses. Accordingly, if we sign one, we should probably do it late in the off-season.
cavebird - November 21, 2010
another canidate.
Grant Balfour. Closed a couple of times in Tampa Bay and put up great numbers in the AL East. Could probably be had for 2/9mil
drumzalicious - November 21, 2010 via mobile
yeah, there are plenty of serviceable RP’s out there. giving up a first round pick is unnecessary IMO.
kbertling353 - November 21, 2010
didn't realize he was Type A
kbertling353 - November 21, 2010
fail
Braves24 - November 21, 2010
Balfour.....what about Pedro?
My impression of Balfour is that his is mainly an overpowering fastball guy – kind of like Kimbrel, except Kimbrel’s FB is faster. I’d like to see more of a intimidating guy with supreme placement as closer. What about Pedro Martinez? Would he take less than 7 mil to function as a closer? Could he do it?
bloodgimp - November 21, 2010
so much wrong with this post
AvoidTheDolphin - November 21, 2010
Exactly...
I think people on here get too caught up in potential. Kimbrel has great stuff and struck out over 13 per 9 innings pitched in AAA…and he also struck out over 17 per nine in limited MLB innings. Those are great numbers and are indicative of future success. However, did anyone else see that he also averaged 5.6 BB per nine in AAA and almost 7 per nine in his time w/ the big league club?? To put things in better perspective…he walked 35 batters in 55 innings in AAA…and then in ATL he walked 16 batters in only 20 innings. Kimbrel has POTENTIAL…as he has such great…raw stuff. He COULD put things together and have a great season in ATL this year….but he could just as easily struggle with the strike zone and be back in AAA by the end of April.
Venters was great. I think we should expect to see him continue to be good. However, his numbers last year were SO good…you can’t assume he is going to duplicate those…it wouldn’t be fair. (For what it is worth…Bill James has him regressing a lot). Even if he did duplicate his success in ’11…who fills in for him? Who pitches in the 7th and 8th?
The reality is that if the Braves believe this is a contending team…they need options in the pen. History has shown us that valuable relievers can often come out of nowhere. However, we have to have guys on the roster who could step up…right now we have a bunch of young kids that we will not be willing to give bumps along the way…that you might be willing/expecting a veteran to take.
We need to look for one…if not 2 guys to fill out the bullpen. One of those guys needs to have some closer experience…..and in addition we need to take a flyer on at least one more reclamation project. Between the veterans, Moylan, Venters, EOF,and Kimbrel you have a bullpen. If Kimbrel or someone gets hurt/struggles you have the depth to plug the holes. If we go into the season with just the youngsters we are without depth..and will have to pay dearly to fill those holes through a trade.
calbers - November 21, 2010
my thoughts exactly
drumzalicious - November 22, 2010 via mobile
Wonder if the Braves would deal Venters, once Soriano and Putz are off the market. His high IPs last year are almost certain to catch up with him.
Yakker - November 21, 2010
Who says?
He functioned mostly as a starter before this season. Arm endurance is arm endurance—simple as that.
AvoidTheDolphin - November 21, 2010
Not the same thing. For relievers, the IPs come one or two at a time, and the appearances rack up. That’s where the future arm injury/loss of effectiveness can come from. Not a lock, but it’s a high probability Venters won’t pitch as well as he did in 2010 by 2012, and a poor/injured 2011 is also a possibility.
I’d trade while his value is high.
Yakker - November 22, 2010
Signing a 'closer'
Though I think we will be fine with our pen the way it is now it would fall in line so much better if we can add a veteran right handed closer (ala Putz, Wood, Balfour, Rauch, Gregg, etc) the rest of the pen really falls into place.
FA closer
Kimbrel RH SU
Venters LH SU
Moylan RH MR
O’Flaherty LH MR
then the last two spots more unused spots can go to Proctor, Martinez or any of the young guys who take a spot ala Venters last year with a good show in ST.
Do we spend our 5-10M on an outfielder who won’t be given a spot to start because of the money tied up in McLouth or do we spend that same money to press our advantage in the pen and throw 60-80 quality innings?
bbxxj - November 21, 2010
I’m hoping we get Putz. He was straight filthy with Seattle as a closer and (as long as he can stay healthy) is still one of the better relievers in baseball.
I’d still let Kimbrel close — or at least give him the chance — and then let Putz, EOF, Moylan and Venters handle the 7th and 8th. That’s pretty damn good.
Scott Coleman - November 21, 2010 via mobile
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