The Atlanta Braves are looking for an anchor at the back of the bullpen. Could a former closer for multiple organizations give the Braves that anchor?
The Atlanta Braves are working to fill the bullpen with a veteran power arm at the back of the bullpen. Could a righty that does his work with a mix and has had success with multiple organizations end up being the right choice for the Braves? Let’s take a look at David Robertson.
Player profile
Undrafted out of high school in Alabama, David Robertson went to the University of Alabama, where the New York Yankees drafted him from in the 17th round in the 2006 draft. He made his pro debut the following season in 2007, and he jumped all the way to AA in his first full season, combining for a 0.96 ERA over 44 games and 84 1/3 innings, posting a 0.91 WHIP and a 32/113 BB/K ratio.
Robertson climbed up the upper levels of the minors in 2008, finishing with 25 games in the majors with the Yankees. He continued dominating in the minors, with a 1.68 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and a 23/77 BB/K ratio over 30 appearances and 53 2/3 innings. However, his first taste of the major leagues didn’t go as well, making 25 appearances, pitching 30 1/3 innings, with a 5.34 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and a 15/36 BB/K ratio.
The Yankees opened Robertson in AAA in 2009, but after just 8 games, they brought him up to the big club, where Robertson had a much better showing, making 45 appearances, tossing 43 2/3 innings, with a 3.30 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 23/63 BB/K. He was lights-out in the playoffs as the Yankees won a World Series, making 5 appearances, tossing 5 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run and striking out 3.
He then took over as one of the most dominant setup men in the game. From 2010-2013, Robertson averaged 67 games, 64 innings, a 2.36 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and a 26/82 BB/K ratio as the Yankees setup man, earning an All-Star nod in 2011.