Braves Release Lefty Rivas, 3 Others

by cbwilk on May 28, 2009 4:53 PM EDT in News Comment 12 comments

Carlos Rivas throws a bullpen session for Myrtle Beach. (CB Wilkins)

According to Baseball America, the Braves have released left handed pitchers Carlos Rivas and Tyler Wilson, as well as right hander Manuel Vega and outfielder Quentin Davis.

I feel like I've seen Rivas for about 15 years in Spring Training, but he was actually signed by the Braves out of Venezuela in 2001. He made his American debut in 04 with the GCL team and followed up a solid performance there with another good year for Danville in 05. After 5 games with Rome in 06, he needed Tommy John surgery and missed all of the 07 season. He came back in 08, pitching masterfully in 9 relief appearances for Rome, but less than masterfully in 25 games (7 starts) for Myrtle Beach. His struggles continued this season, as he racked up a 7.52 ERA in 8 games (5 starts) in a return to Myrtle Beach. These are the kind of transactions I hate to see, cause I know what a great guy Carlos is and how hard he's worked to return from his injury. But, you have to produce.

On the other hand, I've never heard of Vega. In fact, I couldn't even find any kind of stats or information on him. There was a Manuel Vega who played for the Cuban National Team, so this could be him. Either way, he ever made it into a game for a Braves affiliate, so it's hard to say that this is any great loss for the organization.

Tyler Wilson, who the article erroneously has listed as Travis, was also playing for Myrtle Beach. He was signed in 2005 as a draft and follow after being drafted in the 21st round in 04. He was pretty effective at every level for the Braves, playing for the GCL team, Danville, Rome, and parts of 3 years for Myrtle Beach, compiling a 3.34 ERA in 105 relief appearances. But, his ERa was higher this year, checking in at 4.58 in 15 games, and he was always looked at as an organizational filler.

The speedy Davis was never quite able to put his potential into production. Signed in 05 as a 13th round draft pick, Davis' best season was in 2007 for Myrtle Beach, as he hit .261 with 37 stolen bases and 11 triples. but, he struggled mightily for Mississippi in 08, hitting just .191 and missing half the season with various injuries. He didn't rebound this season in a return to the Beach, drawing his release after just 70 plate appearances.

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If this sounds like a naïve question, but what’s happening with all the vacant spots from all these releases? Twice, you’ve broke the news that guys were being released, but is there just no word on who is taking their places, or are they just “clearing overhead?”

Also, that hat is awesome. I can’t wait to see what variety of Pelicans hats they’ll sell at the Beach.

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on May 28, 2009 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

In MB...

They change uniforms and colors what seems like every year. I guess they figure tourists might buy a new hat every time they go to a game over their vacation if it’s different every time.

by MichaelProcton on May 28, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tourists, yeah, but I’ve bought like… three Braves hats, like ever. And the last one, only because I had a handful of Braves Bucks vouchers to cash in for it. I just know that I’m going to get one MB hat for the rotation.

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on May 28, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

While we’re on the subject, they also released OF Quentin Davis and promoted Cory Gearrin to Mississippi.

I’m not sure who all is getting these spots. For guys like Wilson and Vega, it’s just cutting guys who aren’t going to make a team, so it doesn’t affect anything. Looking at the MB roster, they’ve activated Lee Hyde from the DL, brought back Michael Broadway and Mikey Mehlich from phantom assignments to Danville. Who knows, I haven’t kept up with the day to day movements enough to say.

Also, I figured out this is Tyler Wilson, not Travis. I’m gonna edit this post.

And I personally dislike the other MB hats. I’m not a fan of the light color. But the BP stuff is sweet.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on May 28, 2009 5:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I was afraid of that.....

Tyler Wilson was decent enough to go to the Hawaiian league a couple of years ago, I think. I guess things didn’t work out….

by secondbass on May 28, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love the fact that MB is so different than the rest of the Braves affiliates. I don’t mind the baby blues, but if they have some sort of navy hats like the the BP ones, I’m all for it.

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on May 28, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m curious to see if this means Kimbrel goes back to Myrtle Beach. I think the Sally League is about tired of him.

Tommy Hanson 4 ROY

by timmy3 on May 28, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just yesterday

I was commenting that I didn’t know why Gearrin hadn’t been promoted yet. Today, promoted.

Someone in a decision making capacity is obviously reading these blogs.

by Bronn on May 28, 2009 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Vega apparently played with our Dominican Summer League-affiliated team in '07 and '08

Vega apparently played with our Dominican Summer League-affiliated team in ’07 and ’08

by MichaelProcton on May 28, 2009 5:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And crap...

I had to watch Davis play the OF down in MB last Sunday instead of somebody better.

by MichaelProcton on May 28, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, I appreciate you finding that. I forget that there are multiple places to look this stuff up and that the Baseball Cube never has DSL stuff. Thanks again.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on May 28, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs