Pitchers and Catchers!

Written by Colin on February 14, 2008 – 10:40 am

Alright, so today is when Pitchers and Catchers report for the first day of Spring Training. We’ll focus on that instead of whether or not you have a significant other today – sports take priority anyways. So either take some time today in between buying last-minute flowers and gifts, or kick back with a beer in your living room and read through our quick digest of the pitchers we think will make the big-league team.

Starting Rotation:
John Smoltz – A lock for the #1 spot, if Smoltz stays healthy he’ll be as good as he’s been in years past.
Tim Hudson – Only #2 because nobody can upset Smoltz as the ace of this rotation, Hudson is a #1 pitcher anywhere else. He would have had 20 wins last year with a stable bullpen and more run support.
Tom Glavine -Glavine will likely be in the #3 slot this spring, and if he stays healthy he’ll be a good #3 arm, despite the naysayers and Mets fans.
Mike Hampton - He is supposedly healthy and will probably take the #4 spot if he stays that way. When he’s healthy, he’s really good. But I don’t think anyone is counting on him to stay healthy all year.
Chuck James - James will have stiff competition for the 4th and 5th spot from some of the younger guys, but I think he’s more likely than not to win a spot in the rotation.
Jair Jurrjens -This offseason acquisition from Detroit is going to likely be a #3 or #2 arm down the road, but now he has to prove himself, as Detroit rushed him into its rotation last year with limited success.
Jeff Bennett – Bennett is a solid young pitcher that will likely win a rotation spot down the road, but he’s possibly equally as likely to start the season out in the bullpen as a long-reliever.
Jo-Jo Reyes – Despite driving a Toyota Previa, Jo-Jo had some limited success last year and has to prove he’s maturing as a player to win a spot in the rotation. With another season in Richmond he could be a lot better at the major league level.
Buddy Carlyle - Buddy is the veteran vying for the 5th spot in the rotation. I’d have to say he’s a long-shot for the slot given the other talent the Braves have on staff.

There are other starting pitching candidates, but I’d be shocked if the rotation included anything other than the pitchers mentioned above. We may hear more of the younger guys as the season goes on.

Bullpen:
Rafael Soriano – The closer and backbone of the bullpen will be a success if he can stay healthy and away from pitching home run derbies.
Peter Moylan -If Moylan can eat up as many innings as he did last year, he’s a great asset to the Atlanta bullpen.
Will Ohman – Needs to hold down the left-handed middle relief spot until Mike Gonzalez can return mid-season.
Blaine Boyer - Will be a good addition if healthy.
Manny Acosta - Had great stuff last year – went more than one inning per outing on average – Manny will end up with a bullpen slot this year, no doubt.
Royce Ring - Royce had a good record in 26 appearances last year. If he can extrapolate that success into a full season and more appearances, he’ll be a staple.
Tyler Yates – Despite a higher ERA, Yates can strike some batters out. I think we’ll see him a good bit this year as well.

The bullpen will be pretty decent to strong this year – for more on that, check out our recent post on the success of the bullpen.

So let Spring Training start, even though it was 23 when I woke up this morning. Forget the gopher or woodchuck or whatever rodent looks for it’s shadow, this is a sure sign that Spring is on the way.

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