Braves sign minor league free agent Brad Baker
As crazy as it sounds, the Braves’ bullpen gained a little more experience by signing a minor league free agent. With the team’s relief corps in disarray, Brad Baker will likely play an important role in the Braves’ bullpen plans next year. The 25-year-old relief pitcher registered 27 saves, tops in the Pacific Coast League, in 37 chances while compiling a 4.75 ERA last season for Portland, the Triple-A affiliate of the Padres. In 2004, he saved 30 games (most in the Southern League that season) and sported an ERA of 1.57. Baker has an overall record of 42-33 and a 3.61 ERA with 73 saves in 6 minor league seasons. Oft-injured outfielder Billy McCarthy was outrighted to Triple-A Richmond, opening up a spot on the 40-man roster.
