Health of Simmons, Withrow key for Braves bullpen
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The Atlanta Braves bullpen looks to be it’s strength in 2016. The Braves actually have too many arms (you can never have enough) for roster spots. The Braves have veterans, guys coming off injuries, a youngsters all competing for six or seven bullpen roster spots. Three spots are locked with Johnson, Vizcaino and Grilli. Spring Training games begin tomorrow so it’s going to be fun to see who stands out to make the Opening Day roster.
"Serving in the unenviable role of Kimbrel’s replacement last season, the 39-year-old Grilli saved 24 of his 26 opportunities as his numbers jumped back up to 2013-esque levels, his only All-Star season. When Grilli’s season ended in Colorado, the Braves’ relief production went down with him: The team’s bullpen ERA jumped 63 points in the second half.Jim Johnson and Arodys Vizcaino filled his ninth-inning role well, but the trickle-down effect decimated the franchise’s bridge from their starters to the final frame. Grilli expects to be ready when the regular season arrives and he’s considered the closer until proven otherwise.“The second half of the year, we had no idea who we went to,” Gonzalez said. “We had a bunch of guys down (in the minors) we just kept bring up and trying to mix and match.”"
Wisler, Norris, Kendrick, Chacin round out Braves rotation?
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: So as we sit on the day prior to Opening Day Spring Training, it sounds as though Manager Fredi Gonzalez has already pinned out his starting five. The Spring Training games will ultimately decide who gets the rotation spots, but Fredi has a good idea on who he’d like it to be. I’m shocked that Manny Banuelos or Perez’s name weren’t thrown in the mix. Guess they have to show they’re worthy of a spot in ST.
"As of now, manager Fredi Gonzalez indicated that five would be Julio Teheran – a lock for his third consecutive opening-day start – and, in no specific order, Bud Norris, Matt Wisler and veteran non-roster invitees Kyle Kendrick and Jhoulys Chacin.“We’re going to build those guys up as starters, get them stretched out and prepared to go north,” Gonzalez said. “Those are going to be the main five guys. But I think early in camp, at least the first time in the rotation, you can start a (Aaron) Blair or a (Lucas) Sims, or a (Sean) Newcomb, you can start a Williams Perez. And still, the rest of the (main five) guys, we’ve got it worked out where they’ll have six or seven starts to get stretched out."
Ryan Howard asked to retire in open letter by columnist
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: The longtime Phillies slugger, Ryan Howard, has been asked by Philadelphia Daily News columnist Stu Bykofsky to retire. Haha, in a strange scenario, yes you read that correctly. He wrote a letter, link is below, stating the facts on why he thinks Howard should retire. At 36-years-old and having a huge contract, 2016 may be the last we see Howard. I doubt someone will pick him up at seasons end unless he has a monster season and shows signs he can still hit. An AL team that needs a DH is the most likely situation he plays in 2017.
"On Friday, Bykofsky penned a lengthy open letter, citing his reasons. Here’s an excerpt:Retire at season’s end. Please.Despite what you say, and probably believe, you can’t hit lefthanders. You chase low and away pitches with the enthusiasm I chase a cold beer. The difference is, I get the cold one.Every successful athlete must have a solid core of confidence. I get that. But believing that at 36 you can capture the magic of 26 is delusional. Reflexes slow. Age is kryptonite to the Supermen of Summer."