An opening to a possible bullpen solution for the Atlanta Braves?
By James Kunkle
The bad news is the Atlanta Braves bullpen is still having problems on a nightly basis, the tad bit of good news is the fact that it still might be the best pen in the NL East as hard as that is to imagine.
So as we all know, the lone trade deadline has come and gone, so no more trades obviously. The Waiver wire will have players come and go, but it will be hard for the Atlanta Braves to have a chance to claim anyone due to their record being so good. So it might be time to get creative and fix these bullpen issues.
Yes, I’m talking about the “Opener” Strategy that the Rays started and made use of starting last season. Other teams have tried it as well, including the Brewers in the postseason last year. I’m not saying I’m for or against it, I’m just stating that it might not be a bad idea to at least consider.
We are going to use Tampa as a model for this scenario because as we all know, they have used it the most and have had the most success with it as well. So, they used a few options to start last year but it was mostly Sergio Romo and now Ryne Stanek this season who has been the “opener”.
So that begs the question, who could Atlanta’s primary options be? Well I have come up with 6 names on the current 40 man roster who could possibly be our guy(s)
Each one of these pitchers have a unique trait that I would think would help their case. Brian Snitker has shown a willingness to throw Luke Jackson out in high leverage spots, so why not the first inning? Maybe his slider would play well then?
To me, the best option might very well be Newcomb (last night notwithstanding). As long as he would stay consistent and not walk batters, I would probably have no issue with him pitching the first or second on most nights.
Chris Martin doesn’t walk many hitters so that would be a positive, and Touki has a history obviously of starting so maybe he could throw 1 or 2 innings a night to start off a game.
Webb throws hard and that might play good as batters out of the gate might not be timed up for the heater. Lastly, that brings us too Wilson.
Our own Fred just recently discussed how the Braves should consider giving Bryse the chance to close games. Well this is kind of like a closer at the front end of a game where he is typically used.
Again, I’m not saying I’m for or against this but with our recent run of bullpen issues, it deserves a mention at the very least. I do know that Tampa won 90 games in a highly competitive AL East while using openers.
I will say it would be nice to be able to have the starter still on the mound in the 8th inning or so with the lead for a change. I would feel slightly more comfortable.
Next. New Shortstop on Deck. dark
Let us know what you think about the Braves possibly using the Opener strategy to maybe solve – or at least improve – the bullpen issues in the comment section below.