Atlanta Braves Making The Team Meter 2011: Pitchers, Week 1
by gondeee on Feb 14, 2011 9:32 AM EST
Email
PrintThe original Making the Team Meter (MTM) returns for its sixth year as your one-stop shop for finding out which Atlanta Braves players will break camp with the team, and which ones are headed back to the minors. Throughout spring training I'll track the progress of each player who does not yet have a guaranteed spot on the opening day roster.
This year, like last year, the MTM will be initially broken down into two parts -- one for pitchers and one for hitters. Today's installment will cover all the pitchers in camp who might have a chance at making the team. To begin with we'll assume that there is a group that has already made the team, a pretty safe assumption with these guys:
Starters: Tim Hudson, Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, and Tommy Hanson (1 spot available)
Relievers: Peter Moylan, Jonny Venters, George Sherrill, Eric O'Flaherty, and Scott Linebrink (2 spots available)
The battle for the last rotation spot will be a three-headed monster, and the scrum for the final two (really one) bullpen spots will also be a pitched battle.
| Player, Position | This Week's Trend | Last Week | Notes and Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Abreu, RHP |
 |
This hard-throwing ex-Royals prospect will get some serious looks this spring. Control has always been an issue. |
|
| Jairo Asencio, RHP |
|
The pitcher formerly known as Luis Valdez is back after missing a year. The Braves kept him around through this whole name debacle, so they must really like his arm ... we'll see. |
|
| Brandon Beachy, RHP |
 |
If Mike Minor should falter, or any other starter get injured, Beachy will get his shot. A really good spring showing will also have him pushing hard for a bullpen spot. |
|
| Erik Cordier, RHP |
He had his elbow scoped a month ago and will miss the first few weeks. He's our first drop from the MTM. | ||
| Randall Delgado, RHP |
|
One part of the three-headed pitching prospect monster in the Braves system. It will be fun to see him face some Major League hitters. |
|
| Cory Gearrin, RHP |
|
This side-armer will get a long look for the pen. He had just an okay AFL season, and I'm guessing he's not among the first choices for the pen. |
|
| Lee Hyde, LHP |
|
I consider Hyde a real sleeper in our system. He's behind a lot of other lefties, but I think he'll surprise a lot of people this spring. |
|
| Craig Kimbrel, RHP |
 |
He's here only because he's still a rookie, and he's only slightly removed from being prone to walking a lot of people. Still, he should make the team (and be the closer), but we'll keep an eye on it. |
|
| Stephen Marek, RHP |
|
This hard-throwing reliever's time is now. He will push hard to make the bullpen as camp breaks. We'll keep a close eye on him. |
|
| Cristhian Martinez, RHP |
|
I'm putting him at 50-50 in large part because of his perceived rubber arm -- that would make him a good long man in the pen -- and because Fredi Gonzalez is familiar with him from his time in the Marlins organization. |
|
| Mike Minor, LHP |
|
The fifth starter's job is his to lose. He's still a rookie, BTW. | |
| Jose Ortegano, LHP |
|
Could surprise a lot of people if his control problems have been worked out. He threw a lot this winter in Venezuela, with good success. |
|
| Scott Proctor, RHP |
|
The last bullpen spot is his to lose. The lingering effects of Tommy John Surgery should be long gone. I want to see him in the Braves pen, but I want to see him earn it too. |
|
| Anthony Varvaro, RHP |
|
Another Mariners cast off. Varvaro throws in the mid-90's and is now three years removed from TJ surgery. |
|
| Billy Wagner, LHP |
|
What? You think he's going to retire? |
|
| Michael Broadway, RHP |
|
The first of the non-roster invitees, he represents one of the many Braves minor league pitchers who could break out at any time. |
|
| Johan Flande, LHP |
|
A former Phillies prospect, Flande is basically minor league depth at this point. |
|
| Kenshin Kawakami, RHP |
|
Awkward... |
|
| Rodrigo Lopez, RHP |
|
It will be interesting to see if he pushes Minor and/or Beachy for the rotation. Of all the non-roster invitees, he has the best chance to make the club. |
|
| Brett Oberholtzer, LHP |
|
I'm surprised he gets an invite, but not J.J. Hoover. Braves must really think highly of Oby. |
|
| Jay Sborz, RHP |
|
This former second-round pick of the Tigers has been stricken by injury throughout his career, but when healthy he can throw hard. Control has been a problem the Braves hope they can sort out. |
|
| Julio Teheran, RHP |
|
Not sure who this is, just some minor league pitcher getting a gift invitation to spring training. I'm sure we won't hear much more about him. |
|
| Arodys Vizcaino, RHP |
|
I'm interested to see if he can stay healthy. |
| Arrow Key: |
|---|
| = Chance of making the team is waffling or 50-50. |
| = Chance of making the team is trending down. |
| = Chance of making the team is trending up. |
59 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I don't get all these downward trends?
If anything they should be static, or trending upwards since they were invited to ST
Let me clarify
I know their chances of making the team aren’t good (and in some chances 0), but it’s sort of confusing to say that they are trending downward before ST has even started
A red arrow doesn't mean they're bad
Most of the time, it simply means there’s simply no room for them. There’s a very tentative idea of what the 25- and 40-man rosters are going to look like, and in a lot of cases, the red arrow guys are there to push the green arrows guys into earning their spaces, and sometimes we’ll be surprised by someone not expected to break the roster, demonstrate talent worthy to break it.
And in lots of cases like these jobber kids like Teheran, Delgado and Vizcaino, it’s a taste of what big league hitters feel like to remind these scrubs (sarcasm) of what they need to work on in the minors, as well a small reward and show of faith from the org to give them their invites.
But in all cases, everyone’s going to be showcased to some degree to remind the rest of MLB orgs of what’s brewing in the Braves’ system, in case any scouts want to attempt to make any blockbuster trades at some point.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Feb 14, 2011 9:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
for me
the biggest question mark of all of those guys is Rodrigo Lopez, i’m really hoping his presence on the roster is to put pressure on the young guys (Beachy, Minor) to work harder… but that’s just me….
He's said it over and over again
But the papers have yet to be officially filed. Technically, he’s got an option year if he decides to ever change his mind, but if it’s just a case of un-filed paperwork, than he’s simply a 40-man roster spot that is inconveniently being taken up right now.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
Hmmmm, interesting.
I really wish the Braves could convince him to give it a go one more year.
War Eagle
Thought DoB said his agent filed the papers.
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
BU Hockey: National Champions 1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009
Bean has the papers, but the whole issue is that he has yet to actually file them.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
and why do you think that is “the whole issue”??? maybe the issue includes Wags’ agent not knowing the address for MLB headquarters or maybe he’s just out of stamps.; yeah, that may be it. or maybe Wags is waiting to see if his wife gives him permission to reconsider.
I guess none of us will truly know until it's official
The way I’m looking at it, Bean is taking his sweet time, because there’s a modicum of hope there, that Wagner will reconsider; chase down those last three saves and pass John Franco, or whatever seduction tactics he’s got. Otherwise, he loses a client, and whatever commission may have come with the Braves exercising his option year.
I’m not going to pretend like I know how the financials work, but there’s also the issue of forcing the Braves to have to cut him in order to free up the roster spot, but I’d guess that would activate the $250k buyout, to which Mr. Bean might get a slice of that, too.
But the biggest issue is that the lack of official filing is holding up procedure, a roster spot, and giving a lot of false hope that someone who has vehemently stated that he is done, repeatedly, will come back.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
I thought I read in DOB’s blog on this subject that once the official start of spring training occurs and he does not show up the option and therefore his contract is void. Will see if i can find the exact reference.
by CharlotteChop on Feb 14, 2011 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Q/A with DOB on Wagner
Q. I just think at this late date it is significant that Wagner has not left the roster. If the Braves know he’s retiring for sure, why do they need to wait for him to file paperwork to free up the spot?
A) Because a team can’t "retire" a player; only a player can retire, by filing his paperwork. He’s on the roster because he had a vesting option that vested. So until he’s officially retired, the Braves can’t just drop him without paying a $250,000 buyout of that option. But if/when he doesn’t show up for spring training, that point will be moot and they won’t have to pay that buyout, regardless.
by CharlotteChop on Feb 14, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Awesome
So I wonder what the official deadline is for him to not report to camp when the Braves can alleviate themselves of his occupation of the last spot? Whether or not it’s today, seeing as how all pitchers and catchers are to report, or when the rest of the squad shows up?
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
I think it is the “official start of spring training” which I think is next Saturday, the 19th.
by CharlotteChop on Feb 14, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
I'd assume he comes off the "restricted"
list, or whatever list you can put a contracted player on who isn’t/hasn’t reported for work.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
it is called failure to perform and/or breach of contract.
any 1st year law student and presumably one Bean Stringfellow is going to damn well know that conveniently failing to “officially file” retirement documents is not going to generate any additional agent fees.
I’ve said this now a dozen times and a dozen different ways but … this whole thing, seriously, makes no sense at all; that is, if you actually believe what has been said to reporters and written in newspapers.
Forgive me for not knowing this
Or not explaining that I am possibly the furthest possible dreg of the working world from anything involving law, that of the artist occupation any further times.
But I can agree on the sentiment that it is indeed a bit odd. Maybe Bean thinks he can convince Billy to come back for one more year, despite the opposition.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
its the same in all occupations: if you totally do not show up, have no excuse whatsoever, and do not do any of the work that you are susposed to do, you don’t get paid.
I wish I could believe you 100%, but some of the companies that I’ve freelanced for have defied such an honorable rule on many occasions, leading to my jaded outlook on the subject as a whole, but that would be a very different topic, so for the sake of closure in this regard, you’re right.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
I just can't see Wagner/Stringfellow...
delaying to squeeze an extra $250k out of Liberty Media, but this is definitely getting to be curiouser and curiouser.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
It was reported that he filed the papers...
…but that was found to be incorrect. That being said, there is a fanshot up of an article reporting that Wagner told the media this past Saturday night that he is definitely retired, so it looks like that is dead, much to the detriment of the Braves and my fantasy team. :(
we have to think about it from this direction at least once...
He isssss just 3 saves away from the record, and that very well could be the difference between getting into the Hall or not.
He was dominant all season, but went out on an injury! that can’t feel good! We know it bothered Chipper.
He knows he could make that money.
He knows he could go to the post season again—which is a demon he still hasnt conquered.
I mean, it is jsut one more year! and it could be a huge year! Wagner wants that ring! he said it last year!
My opinion FWIW: its not the money and its not the LHRP record for saves; but one last opportunity to strive for and possibly acheive a world championship and to also burnish his credentials for Cooperstown and unquestioned baseball immortality, maybe. definitely maybe.
then to me, sounds like a no brainer...
“retire”, but don’t file. The Braves can clear the spot and are under no obligation to pay if he’s not reporting. And if May comes around, and he’s got that itch, he can hit extended spring, make a mid season return, and take home a prorated portion of his last year while helping the Braves push for a post season with some of the best relief arms in the business.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Jesus, I forgot about KK.
Morgan: Do you think I could come into the clubhouse after the game and display my ass for both those veterans and the younger guys?
Baker: Well, Joe, you are on the payroll of the team, and you're a legend, so I suppose — holy shit!
[Joe has appeared next to Dusty, in the dugout, completely naked]
Morgan: Hey.
I heard he's been offered a position by MLB
to pitch in the All-Star Home Run Derby.
The deal is said to be worth 24 mil over 5 years.
War Eagle
by WarEagle86 on Feb 14, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
hahaha well played
A lot of room in right center, if he hits one there we can dance in the streets, the 2-1....
J.J.Hoover
Hoover is probably gonna remain a starter which means he has almost no chance of pitching in the bigs this season. Oberholtzer will probably break in the majors as a relief pitcher which is probably why he is in camp and Hoover is not.
by jrhode on Feb 14, 2011 10:38 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I don't think Sherrill is the sure thing to make the club.
And Linebrink is probably not 100% either. I could easily envision a scenario in which one of those guys struggles in ST and gets cut or stowed in the minors in favor of a younger guy.
The thing about old relievers is that they’re a real crapshoot. I think it’s pretty likely that one of Sherrill/Linebrink is pretty good this year and the other stinks or gets hurt.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Feb 14, 2011 10:59 AM EST reply actions
They both have Major League contracts worth millions of dollars. They were the big off season acquisitions to shore up the bullpen. I don’t think their spots could be more secure.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
i wholeheartedly disagree...
unless they’re injured during spring, those 2 are on the team.
Bubba Sparxxx: It's gettin' Uggla...IN HERE! UP IN HERE!
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'M SO GOD DAMN EXCITED!!!!
Not only that but it’s friggin 54 degrees here in Boston, it FEELS like spring training out there!
From what I can gather at this point the up arrows just mean “people we expect to make the team?”
There’s a lot of really good guys on the bubble here, speaks worlds about our minor league depth, really great to see.
Hard to imagine Christian Martinez on the outside looking in but when you look at the list it makes perfect sense.
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
BU Hockey: National Champions 1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009
I think
Marek and Proctor are going to really battle it out for that final spot. In some ways I hope Marek gets it. He’s all that’s left from Teixeria.
"You go to Spring Training every year expecting to win,"- Bobby Cox
Last spot
Don’t you think the last spot should go to a long reliever/spot starter type? How about Lopez or Martinez or even Beachy?
by jrhode on Feb 14, 2011 12:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I also hope Marek pitches strong against Proctor
and that Beachy is considered for the starts spot.
If you don't follow DoB on twitter you're missing out on all teh sweet pictures!
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
BU Hockey: National Champions 1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009
The Heyward Nets are up!
"That guy mvhsbball is really an insufferable schmuck." - FuquaManuel
by Scott Coleman on Feb 14, 2011 12:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
"That guy mvhsbball is really an insufferable schmuck." - FuquaManuel
by Scott Coleman on Feb 14, 2011 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
What happens if Wags doesn't report?
He hasn’t retired (I guess)? But if he doesn’t report, doesn’t something happen? Not that I’m expecting him or anything, but geez if he turns up this afternoon wouldn’t that be a hoot? Especially if he’s in shape (I assume he would be if he does appear).
And to clarify for everyone asking...
the arrows are basically an indication of who’s likely going to make the team, and not their performance. If Jose Ortegano has a really good ST and Venters gets knocked around, do you really think he’s going to make the club over Jonny?
This will be an odd ST. For the first time in a while, our roster is basically set except for two or three spots.
"That guy mvhsbball is really an insufferable schmuck." - FuquaManuel
by Scott Coleman on Feb 14, 2011 12:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Don’t be so quick to think Jonny has a spot locked up. He’s a young kid who kind of came out of nowhere last year. He wouldn’t be the first guy to have a great rookie season out of the pen then never be able to repeat that performance. I hope he does, I love Jonny and he was outstanding for us, but we can’t forget that bullpen guys can have it and lose it quicker than anyone.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
www.dropoutproductions.com
That may be,
but the fact is he’s a lock to make the team after last year’s performance.
And just for the record, I’m a little worried about Venters in 2011 as well.
"That guy mvhsbball is really an insufferable schmuck." - FuquaManuel
by Scott Coleman on Feb 14, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
There are always question marks at RP going into spring training, but I agree with you. He was used so much last year, I hope he doesn’t suffer this year. We all saw him wear down in Aug and Sept last season, so hopefully he has rested well in the offseason and brings the same stuff this year.
by CharlotteChop on Feb 14, 2011 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
Damn it...
like Conrad, he’s got options, and others may not (Proctor). We’ve got lefties in EOF, Sherrill, among others, so he’s not mandatory for that purpose either. As Cashman said about Joba, if they have options remaining, then technically they are competing for a job like the rest.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
I think we can all agree that if his spring performance is even remotely like his 2010, he’s a lock to make the team. For that matter, anyone who can approximately duplicate Jonny’s 2010 is going to make the team. A player can always crash and burn (see McClouth, Nate or even Jones, Chipper (late-2009-early-2010)) but on a reasonable trajectory he’s a pretty safe bet. Jonny in particular has a pretty good margin for regression before he is really in danger of losing a job.
I thought hurricane season was over........
by bravesguy311 on Feb 14, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Talking Chop
Related FanShots on Talking Chop
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Roy Oswalt doesn’t need to save the Rangers, he only needs to provide insurance and depth
- James Loney: Umpires should call pitches from behind mound — and be robots with replay
- Magglio Ordonez set to retire after 15 seasons
- Barry Bonds thinks it will be ‘very sad’ if he doesn’t get into the Hall on his first try
- Chris Johnson’s glove webbing had a Spidey sense at Coors Field — for one play, at least
