Joey Devine is 2005 first round draft pick of the Braves
To err is Kolb, to forgive Devine? Well, I don’t see Braves die-hards forgiving Dan Kolb for his missteps anytime soon but new Braves draftee Joey Devine may soon help them forget about their bullpen turmoil! 
The Braves drafted the 21-year-old closer with the 27th overall selection in the 2005 MLB baseball draft on Tuesday. This marked the first time the Braves had chosen a college player with their first pick since 1991 (when they chose outfielder Mike Kelly out of Arizona State). The three-time all-ACC choice asserts that he is ready to sign on the dotted line! Braves scouts are already openly speculating he may spell relief (in more ways than one!) for the major league club later this season. His stuff is that good! 
As a junior at North Carolina State last year Devine had a 5-3 record and saved 12 saves while compiling a 2.03 ERA. He racked up 72 strikeouts and walked only 10 batters in 48 2/3 innings. This move is a definitely a departure from the Braves’ historical strategy of drafting high school pitchers. Is it a stroke of genius or a sign of desperation? Only time will tell…
