Braves Actively Searching For Bullpen Help

Feb 23, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Aardsma (58) throws in the bullpen during camp at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Waiver Wire

There was significant chatter yesterday about David Carpenter – the one we traded to the Yankees not the one we have at Gwinnett – being DFA. Carp wasn’t exactly having a stellar year for the Yankees. In his 18 2/3 IP he gave up 11 runs – 10 earned – and walked 7 while striking out 11. That translates to an ERA of 4.82 and a WHIP of 1.446, no better than the current bullpen numbers.

Those of you with good memories will recall a few meltdowns he had last season as well. I don’t see him as an answer unless he’s free – clears waivers and elects free agency – but the cupboard is pretty bare so he could return via trade. A more interesting right handed option might be David Aardsma

David Aardsma

Aardsma awaits a decision by the Dodgers on adding him to the 25 man roster, if they do not he can elect free agency. Now 33 his career seemed to headed the wrong direction when he had surgery on  a torn hip labrum follows a 31 save year with Seattle in 2010.  As if that wasn’t enough while working his way back in shape he had to visit Dr. Andrews and have ligament replacement surgery.

Injuries have a way of causing pitchers to make adjustments that cause further injury until it becomes a constant cycle that drive the pitcher out of the league. Dizzy Dean took a line drive off his big toe that eventually ended his career because he ruined his shoulder when he changed his motion. In Aardsma’s case it was his legs.

In the off season he worked on getting his old form back and with a special training program and the results have been good. Pitching for AAA Oklahoma City he’s thrown 18 2/3 innings posting a 2.41 ERA and a 1.018 WHIP striking out 23, walking just 7 and racking up 15 saves. His experience and ability seem to be a fit for the Braves. . .  and about a dozen other teams as well.

Dana Eveland

Eveland chose to opt out of his contract with the Red Sox yesterday after not being added to the major league roster. He too had to figure out how to pitch when what he was doing wasn’t good enough to get hitters out. he spent a year in Japan and came back using a two seam fastball instead of the four seam her originally relied on. The change worked and last season with the Mets  he posted a 2.63 ERA, 1.098 WHIP striking out 27 and walking 6 in 27 1/3 IP.

Surprisingly considering the dearth of left handed relief help he had to take a minor league deal with Boston and has been at Pawtucket all year.  In 23 1/3 innings over 16 games he put up a 1.54 ERA and a 0.857 WHIP striking out 20 and walking just three.  Like Aardsma he hasn’t allowed a homer this year.  he’s also a fit for the Braves bullpen. . . and about a dozen others.