Bob Wickman, CL, Atlanta Braves

May 9, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By David Wysocki
Edited by Ryan Dodson

It's amazing how far the Atlanta Braves have come in one year. At this time in 2006, the Braves saw their bullpen as the black hole of the club. After making a deadline deal and a couple offseason moves, the Braves have stockpiled arms, and it appears as if it will pay off big as closer Bob Wickman will be spending some time on the disabled list with an upper back strain. The injury doesn't appear to be serious, and he should be back in a couple of weeks.

Wickman, a 38-year-old righty, is a two-time All-Star over 13 seasons with the New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians and the Braves, but he has struggled of late. In his last three outings against the Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies, Wickman threw 1 2/3 innings and allowed six walks, five hits and six runs - five of them earned. The results were two blown saves and a loss. Before these appearances, he hadn't allowed a run in 9 2/3 innings.

Table: Bob Wickman's Statistics 2005-2007

Yr	Team	G	IP	W	L	SV	K	BB	ERA	WHIP
2005	Cle	64	64	0	4	45	41	21	2.47	1.26
2006	Cle/Atl	57	52	1	6	33	42	13	2.67	1.22
2007	Atl	13	11.3	1	1	6	9	10	3.97	1.85

The Braves never formally announced a closer in his place, so it's likely that manager Bobby Cox will look to play the matchups. It was originally believed that former Pittsburgh Pirates lefty closer Mike Gonzalez would fill the void, but righty Rafael Soriano has picked up two saves to Gonzalez's one during Wickman's absence. Compounding Gonzalez's situation is the fact that Atlanta designated reliever Steve Colyer for assignment. While the move may seem insignificant, it limits the Braves to one left-hander - Gonzalez - in the bullpen. As a result, Cox may be more tactical in employing Gonzalez, and that could open the door for Soriano to get more of the ninth-inning chances.

Both Gonzalez and Soriano have been fantastic relievers. Gonzalez had 24 saves in 2006 and has a 2.28 career ERA. Both have more strikeouts than innings pitched in their careers. Soriano can challenge that with a 2.93 career mark of his own and seven career saves.

This season Gonzalez has two wins, a 1.26 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 11 strikeouts. Soriano has a win, three saves, a 3.31 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP. He got roughed up in a couple of outings but has been very good overall, having gone nine straight appearances without allowing a run.

The Braves, as of May 8, are tied for first place with the powerful New York Mets in a very competitive National League East. Don't be surprised if one of these players swipes the spot away from Wickman if he is unable to regain his effectiveness once he returns. They are both very capable.

If Soriano is available, grab him now. He appears to be the safer fantasy option at this point, given the Braves' current bullpen situation. Gonzalez is an option as well; he may still get the odd save chance, while his ratios and strikeout rate are likely to help you. Place Wickman on your bench or disabled list because he was stellar before the injury. Once Wickman returns, he should resume his closing duties.

It's quite possible that neither Braves reliever is available. In that case, you may look to pick up Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jon Rauch. Washington placed closer Chad Cordero on the bereavement list, which means he must miss a minimum of three games and a maximum of seven. Rauch will fill in; the tall, lanky right-hander earned two saves last year, and he has a career 3.88 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.

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David Wysocki

David has been a KFFL writer since 2005. He is a San Diego native and a History and Geography student at California State University-Chico. He has a writing background and has appeared in, and helped produce, various local newsletters and magazines on sports and music. He also pitched for the No. 2 nationally ranked Rancho Buena Vista Longhorns his senior year of high school in 2002.

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