The Morning Chop, Box, Bullpen, Moylan
May 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Atlanta Braves manager
Fredi Gonzalezwatches from the dugout during a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Three Ways to Improve This Braves Bullpen
I feel like I’m beating a dead horse, but I can’t believe how bad the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen has been this season. Just two years ago, the Braves along with the Kansas City Royals had the two best relief groups in baseball. Greg Holland and company continue to dominate the American League with a 2.5 WAA, while Atlanta is dead last in the NL with a -1.7 WAA. It might be closer to -2 once Baseball Reference adds in yesterday’s catastrophe at Chase Field.
Trading away Craig Kimbrel can’t stand as the sole reason for the Braves’ immediate nosedive in relief pitching. Jason Grilli has done decently as the team’s closer with 15 saves in 16 opportunities. Kimbrel hasn’t been all that electric in San Diego (4.74 ERA, 1.316 WHIP, 12 SVs, and a 76 ERA+). But one thing is certain: this bullpen is absolutely killing our team. Fredi Gonzalez has done a great job of getting the rest of his team to play competitive baseball, but is grasping at air to find something to fix this bullpen that can’t hold leads.
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Go To Closer By Committee and Use Jason Grilli in Non-Save Situations.
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