Unlike this time last year, the Atlanta Braves have an incredibly deep bullpen to count on throughout the year. This means that Bobby Cox will not have to overuse two or three guys and have them burnt out by September.
This season's bullpen will consist of new closer Billy Wagner, Japanese setup man Takashi Saito, the jovialant side arming Aussie Peter Moylan, lefty specialist Eric O'Flaherty, Kris Medlen, who could be used in several different roles, and several different pitchers fighting for the final two spots in.
Scott Proctor, who will be relied on with healthy, appears to be ahead of schedule and could be ready as soon as opening day. This all coming from Bobby Cox, himself.
Jesse Chavez is another young, power arm who could break camp with the big club. Cox is very impressed with the youngster and his changeup. He says that he remembers the big arm from last year, but not the all impressive changeup. Chavez had a full year in the majors last year and had a great first half, but appeared to tire after the All-Star break. I fully expect Chavez to leave camp with one of the two final bullpen spots.
Mike Dunn, who was acquired in the Javy Vasquez trade, also has a power arm and will be in the Atlanta bullpen in the near future. If he solves his control problems that he encountered last year, he also has a good chance to make the team out of spring training.
Like Dunn, Craig Kimbrel has also battled control issues throughout his minor league career, but his outstanding stuff has him labeled has Atlanta's 'closer of the future' and awarded him as Atlanta's 2009 minor league pitcher of the year. He has also drawn comparisons to Billy Wagner. I doubt he will be pitching in Atlanta at the beginning of 2010, but it won't be long before you see Mr. Kimbrel toeing the Turner Field rubber.
Luis Valdez, who was the Gwinnet Braves closer this past year, also has a shot in spring training. I personally like what Valdez brings to the table and believe he will impress many this spring. He is just a bit overlooked when comparing him to other young flame throwers reporting to Braves camp.
I am very excited about the Braves' bullpen this year and I believe this will be a true strength to this year's ball club. Injury will not be a major problem since the 'pen has such depth and versatility. I'm also hopeful that this depth will lead Bobby to use his top relievers more sparingly than the last few years.
Peter Moylan and Eric O'Flaherty should not have to appear in 80 games this year and they should have a lot more in the tank down the stretch.
Of all the questions the braves have going into 2010, the bullpen is not leaving much room for concern.
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