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Is It Time For Boyer To Go?
Written by Jonathan on April 18, 2009 – 2:22 amThe biggest frustration for Braves fans this season has been the bullpen and their inability to exhibit any stable effectiveness to maintain a lead or close game. Starting with blowing a 7-run lead in an inning and, most recently, allowing the Marlins to pull away from a 5-4 lead to 10-4 in an inning. With that kind of performance, how can you expect to win games aside from having your starters go the distance?
If you were to ask five Braves fans who the most unreliable reliever on the staff was, there is a good chance you would get at least four different answers. They’re just that bad at times. My all-around choice for most lacking in production on the staff, however, is Blaine Boyer, without a doubt.
Last year, we gave Boyer a free pass. The bullpen was depleted by injuries and starters just weren’t able to get deep in the games at all. By the All-Star Break, Boyer had compiled 51 appearances and was believed to be battling the arm fatigue developed from that throughout the rest of the season. By the time the season had ended, he had appeared in 76 games and compiled a 5.88 ERA with a 2-6 record.
Sure enough, let it slide, he was worn down, beaten up and just all around needing a break. Well he got it. It’s called the offseason. This season, Boyer should have a fresh arm and be ready to go, but so far, more of the same. Wednesday night, he faced 5 batters and gave up 4 runs. On the season, Blaine has been on the mound in 3 games, recorded 4 outs and given up 6 earned runs. Not to mention that he has walked three batters and hit another; something we really just don’t want to see out of relievers. With all said and done, and a little bit of math, that’s a 40.50 ERA and an 0-1 record.
So here is the question, is it time for Blaine Boyer to hit the road? When Jo-Jo Reyes is called up from Gwinnett on Saturday to take the start in the place of the injured Tom Glavine, someone has to be sent down to make room on the roster. All signs point to that person being Boyer, based solely on performance. Sure, he has potential and a powerful arm, but how long can we really be patient and hope that it develops?
The catch is that Boyer is out of options, so there is the chance that if we send him to the minors, he could be claimed and no longer part of the organization. At this point, I’m not convinced that that is a bad thing to happen. Maybe he can find more success elsewhere for some other club. Am I being too harsh or is it time for Blaine to start packing?
Tags: Blaine Boyer, Options
Posted in Roster Moves, Speculation | 8 Comments »
By Killa Cal on Apr 17, 2009 | Reply
You make a convincing argument about Boyer. I still get chills everytime I see Moylan warming up in the bullpen, but the Braves problems aren't limited to one or two arms. Middle relief has been a problem for years! Let's nip it in the bud this year before it's too late!
By royi on Apr 17, 2009 | Reply
Yes, yes it is.
By Colin Ake on Apr 17, 2009 | Reply
I like Boyer. I really do. When he's on he's solid. But he hasn't been on except for rare exceptions in a couple years.
He walked 2 or 3 people back to back in Philly in the first breakdown of the year.
It's time to let him go.
By JeremyL on Apr 17, 2009 | Reply
The problem with Boyer not only lies with his ineffectiveness, but Bobby Cox' inability to realize it. Boyer went to school with Bobby's daughter and Bobby likes him. So, he keeps trotting him out there every day or so and makes excuses when he blows up on the mound.
By josh on Apr 17, 2009 | Reply
When you have only played in one game and your getting boo'd during opening day ceremony's at your home ballpark it's time to go. There is no difference between a Wholers throw one in the seats walk or a Boyer 3-2 count walk. We have tried and tried to support both of them and there is a time when you have to say goodbye. If we could let one of the best closers in 90's walk after all he did for us… We can sure help Boyer pack up his locker!!!
By Kurtis on Apr 17, 2009 | Reply
i feel bad for the guy. i really do. i know he is trying is best, but he cant get it done. i would say release him. who knows, maybe a fresh start somewhere else would help him, and he could be successful in another uniform. id rather him be great somewhere else, rather than continuing to blow it here. something needs to be done!
By Mark on Apr 19, 2009 | Reply
him and jo jo have to go, im so sick of seeing these jokers ruin my day. Bobby needs to realize that these guys cant pitch in the majors. Jo Jo is an absolute train wreck, hes not a starter on any team in MLB, so why does Bobby keep giving him opportunites to start? I just dont get it…
By Keith on Apr 19, 2009 | Reply
Boyer will always be a problem. As for Moylan, his stuff is electric…just have patience. Bobby was smart to pitch him with a big lead today. We must remember it has been a year since he pitched in the regular season. Having control problems is not a surprise. Just keep him out of tight situations until his arm strength and control improves. This guy will likely be a closer one day.