Braves Finalize Opening Day Roster
By Fred Owens
Aug 15, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Trevor Cahill (35) throws against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at Marlins Ballpark. The Arizona Diamondbacks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Pitching anyone?
The Braves signaled they weren’t happy with any of their starters when they traded from Trevor Cahill whose rotation spot was solid immediately he arrived. Stults had already been named the fourth starter so the rotation was complete. The bullpen was always going to be Craig Kimbrel, Jim Johnson, Jason Grilli, 2 lefties to be named layer and 2 righties decided the same way.
None of the original lefty relievers brought in for a look made the final cut as Luis Avilan seemed to have recaptured his mojo and took one of the lefty spots. The Braves looked around and decided that even though Brady Feigl had pitched to a 1.17 ERA and 0.913 WHIP and struck out 7 in his 7/23 innings or relief they rather claim Andrew Makirahan – originally a rule 5 claim by the Marlins – and give him the other lefty spot because . . . well why not?
Juan Jaime started the spring as he always has throwing hard with little idea where it would end up. He got better towards the end and since he’s out of options and they really didn’t have any other choices after Arodys Vizcaino not only made Jaime look like a control specialist but also got caught using a PED and landed an 80 game suspension.
I think we’re caught up to this afternoon. If I missed any drama I apologize but it’s all been a bit of a whirlwind.