Does Wickman have what it takes to finish the year as the Braves closer? Beyond that, do we trust him in the post season? Honestly, both questions worry me right now. I believe that Moylan will regress a little toward the end of the year and Soriano is better than he looks right now. However, Wickman has been inconsistent all of his closing career. His biggest asset is... his bigness. His stuff isn't filthy, he doesn't throw it by anyone, and he has a problem keeping the ball down. Not the makeup of a ML closer.
That said, i think he can be effective if there is someone to take the stress off of him and Soriano. Gonzo will be that guy next year, but for the moment there seems to be nothing in the system that can be an effective 7th inning guy. My apologies to Moylan, but some power is needed.
That said, is there anyone on the market that can help?
Update: ideas
Eric Gagne: Former allstar closer for the Dodgers. Cy young award winner in 2003. Currently plays for the Texas Rangers. He pitches effectively when healthy but had been plagued by trips to the DL. Currently pitching well in the closer role but sill in recovery from season ending back surgery in 2006.
Gagne is certainly an interesting option for the pen, when healthy. His 14.6 VORP is much better than Wickman's 1.9 mark. However, Big Bob has more appearances. That said, i'd take Gagne any day over Wickman. However, he's not just up for the taking.
Gagne will likely command a top prospect for a rental. Plus, since his one year contract is incentive based and has a full no trade protection, I'm betting the contract will become guaranteed. At $11mil that a big chunk that the braves would have to eat or pay to have eaten. I just don't see it.
Akinori Otsuka: Quality relief pitcher and fill in closer. This Japanese import has been a steady contributer in the pen. He is currently experiencing arm issues and is listed as day-to-day with the rangers.
Otsuka is another Soriano style reliever. Good stuff and can close, but has been blocked. That does not make him a closer. Think of what happened last year. His contract is a 1year @ $3m but i think he still has arbitration left (not sure on this). Unfortunately, everyone and their brother is asking about him. On top of the requisite pitching prospect, I can see a prospect like Escobar being demanded for him if not more. That's likely more than the Braves are willing to pay. However, he would stabilize the pen. JS needs some magic on this one.
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5 comments:
I believe the names Eric Gagne and Akinori Otsuka ring a bell. I prefer Gagne as the closer if we get him though. Put Wic in the 7th togive us more time to make up for the lead he gives up!
I'd give up Yunel for Akinori in a heart beat. More than they hoped to trade him for?
middle relief does not usually command a major league ready prospect along with the minor league arm the rangers want in return. I apologize if the inclusion of the latter was not implied well enough. I have fixed this.
oh, and i should point out that Akinori is a rental. A very expensive rental at that. Not Gagne expensive, but not cheap for a middle reliever.
Gagne is a closer. A better closer than Wic at that.
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