Is it over really over for Reitsma?

[MrSnider]

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Braves Beat/Blog writer David O'Brien mentioned Startup in his blog yesterday. He indicated that Startup will likely get a shot this year.

Personally, I think Startup is the closer of the future versus Devine.

[Howie]

Haha. Startup is an awesome last name.

[rainman23]

Haha. Startup is an awesome last name.

That's the worst name I've ever heard for a closer.

[Zito is God]

I have been preaching that McBride has the best stuff out of the pen, but the Braves don't want to give him a chance. I have reitsma and suffer every time he is out there. He has good stuff, great changeup and a good mid 90s fastball. His curve is quite average though. I just don't think reitsma has that closer mentality, he used to be a starter. I need cheap saves since I only have Ryan as the other closer and therefore always lose the Saves category in my league, but he blows up around 50% of the time and it is quite ridiculous.

Devine is nothing special, he has special potential, he executes it about as well as a bum off the street. Stop saying hes going to come back and be lights out. He will not be a dominant closer this year in the majors, quote me if you wish.

[stevekahuda]

I sure hope so. I just traded him for Harang before the latest implosion!

[isockbull]

Reitsma is trash

[MrSnider]

No, he's not trash. He's just not a closer. He's a good middle reliever. Like someone said previously, he used to be a starter and that's how he approaches things.

[warrick95]

Devine is in extended spring training working out some mechanical issues. I guess they'd rather have him in that setting working on mechanics rather than AAA. In addition, his back was giving him some issues apparently...which may have contributed to his control issues.

Use Reitsma at your own peril, I suppose...

[PerfectTen66]

Reitsma is only the closer because there are no other options. As a Braves fan, I was against getting Edgar Renteria and spending that money on a big time closer. They could have used Betemit as SS everyday and their bullpen would be much more solid. They may lose the division by a couple of games - games that were blown by Reitsma.

[dabeave27]

Will Startup was a dominant closer at UGA. Helds opponents to a .193 BA and always had an ERA in the low 2s. The guy has closer experience, and I think if he gets the call he'll do fine.

Might want to keep an eye on him