K.Ray new closer?

[Cleveland Steamers]

ATL up by 1 in the 9th goes with Kenny Ray. Ray has been great thus far and Cox was quoted in the week saying "he has been spectacular." Could be the guy from here on out...but doubt it.

[divelaw71]

Maybe, but remember that Cox said he would mix and match guys to give Reitsma a break. Perez and Walker were lefties and they had been giving Reitsma problems. It could have just been a matchup thing.

[divelaw71]

Here is what Rotoworld had to say about Ray today, for what's it worth:

Chris Reitsma was coming off strong outings on Monday and Wednesday and should have been available today, but manager Bobby Cox opted for his hottest reliever. Despite some command issues, Ray is sporting a 1.57 ERA in 23 innings. There's probably no better time to use him than against a team full of hackers like the Cubs. It's doubtful that Ray will be the long-term answer in the closer's role for the Braves, but he'll probably get more chances as long as he keeps putting zeroes on the board. Pick him up.


Is Reitsma completely out?

[acsguitar]

I had to pick him up because I am losing really bad

[Kurtangletn]

Baez or this guy?

[divelaw71]

Ray over Baez. Gagne is due back next week.

[MashinSpuds]

Ray over Baez. Gagne is due back next week.

If you're a gambler, Ray, but Baez could easily be back in the saddle when Gagne goes back on the DL the following week. I'm pessimistic.

[CadensDad]

Ray came in to face 2 lefties. Thats the biggest reason he came in I think. He has alot better stats against lefties than Reitsma does. I wouldn't look into this too much and if you have Reitsma on your team it shouldn't matter who the closer is since Reitsma sucks

[Iconoclastic]

No harm in picking up Ray. If he keeps doing well Bobby should put him in more save situations.

[divelaw71]

This is what MLB.com said after the game:

With the one-run lead, Ken Ray, tossed a perfect ninth inning to notch his first career save. Cox indicated this doesn't mean Ray is now the team's closer. He had decided before the game to give Chris Reitsma an opportunity to get two consecutive days of rest.


Not sure if this is a committee or not....