Braves News World

The search for reliable relievers continues as the Braves recalled Jorge Vasquez from Double-A Mississippi (the third straight call-up from Double-A). Vasquez has mowed down Southern League hitters all season long while compiling a 1-1 record, 10 saves and a 1.17 ERA in 24 games. Vasquez was acquired from the Royals during the offseason in the Eli Marrero trade. The arrival of this Jorge enables the Braves to move Jorge Sosa, who is one of their most effective relief pitchers and has a horrible record as a starting pitcher, to the 5th starter’s spot. Figure that one out!

Catcher Bryan Pena was sent to Triple-A Richmond to make room for Vasquez. That move was somewhat surprising considering Pena was thought to be ahead of catcher Brian McCann on the organizational depth chart. But with Pena off to a slow start and McCann making the most of his early major league at-bats, the Braves chose to go with the hot hand as Johnny Estrada’s backup. The Braves need all of the offense they can get these days!

The situation is so dire that the Braves are now raiding the Mississippi Braves team in search of warm bodies for the major league club. First it was catcher Brian McCann (who has certainly warmed up to hitting in Atlanta in the short time he has been up). Now right-handed pitcher Blaine Boyer has been recalled from Mississippi to join the major league club. But it doesn’t even stop there – more on that in a future post…

Boyer hasn’t pitched particularly well this year (2-4 with a 5.03 ERA) but he can’t be any worse than homer-happy Roman Colon (0-3 with an 18.50 ERA this season), who was sent down to Mississippi to make room for Boyer. After struggling in a starting role this season, Boyer was recently converted to a relief pitcher. Many believed he would be groomed to be a closer for the big league club. The role change was an indication he was being fast-tracked to the show but few believed his progression would occur this fast (he made only 6 relief appearances before being called up)!

Though Chris Reitsma has been reliable in the closer’s role (when the Braves have actually had a save opportunity) of late, there may be open auditions for the position later this season. Despite Colon’s ineffectiveness thus far, after making a few starts at Double-A Mississippi the Braves plan to have him close games at Triple-A Richmond. Boyer and darkhorse candidate Joey Devine, who was the Braves’ first round draft pick this year, may get some save opportunities in Atlanta as well. Like Boyer, many believe Devine might be “fast-tracked” to Atlanta late this year. One thing’s for sure, with John Schuerholz’s hands tied financially by parent company Time Warner and regular players dropping like flies, the track from AA to the majors has never been faster.