We are going to take a look and see if the Atlanta Braves should resign former Brave Bud Norris to shore up the bullpen.
The Toronto Blue Jays surprisingly released Bud Norris Tuesday after reportedly a difference in opinion on where he should be pitching. And he could be a fit for the Atlanta Braves bullpen.
After spending his first few years in the Major Leagues starting games, it looks as if Bud Norris has found his niche and is a quality relief option.
In fact, it was the Atlanta Braves who decided to move him to that role in the 2016 season. Now it is true, he was moved there because he was not getting the job done as a starter.
Norris has spent the last two season playing for the Angels and the Cardinals, and one look at his numbers show he has progressed since his bleak Atlanta days.
His numbers, while not eye-popping, would be a good get for a team like the Braves who most would agree have a few issues in the pen right now.
In 2017 for the Angels, Norris racked up 19 saves while throwing 62 Innings and accumulating 74 strikeouts.
His numbers got even better in 2018 while with the Cardinals where he tallied 28 saves in 57.2 Innings pitched.
He registered 67 strikeouts and had a 3.59 ERA. His SIERA was 3.30 and importantly only 17 percent of the runners he inherited went on to score last year.
Now, most Braves fans right now want to know about one thing, and that is — can he throw strikes?
Norris’ career walk rate is exactly 3.5/9. While not stellar, it is certainly passable and something we could all work with.
In both the aforementioned 2017 and 2018 seasons, Norris’ FIP was below four as well.
Now, I would be remised if I didn’t mention the negatives that could possibly come with signing Bud Norris.
If you will recall last year, Norris’ and then Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny, got into a little bit of hot water with the way they were dealing with Jordan Hicks.
Reports say that Norris’ is old school in his approach to the handling of younger players and has been this way for a few years.
Obviously, only former teammates can attest to that and thankfully, there would be a couple of those on the current Braves team.
So with all this being said, is Bud Norris a target you would want the Braves to look at signing now that he is a free agent again? Let us know in the comments below.