I'm not going to get into any arguments about this, just a great signing. Dude's been lights out since he's been here, and even if they got last year's version of the Candle, it'd be great. Having a closer let's Boyer/Devine/FA set up man fill out the back end of the pen, instead of relying on those guys. I'd much rather have Boyer/Devine/Startup/etc. be BACKUP plans, like they should have been this year, and make a dominant bullpen if they all stay healthy and good, with Wickman, than relying on them. Great job JS! First good thing you've done in a while.
I have always liked Wickman. He gets the job done if he is healthy. It is not a bad signing for the Braves at all. A little risky if he gets hurt, but 6.5 M for a closer for ayear is not all that bad. Anyone decent in this market would cost at least as much and would likely have cost a multi-year deal as well.
He was hurt for a little while but otherwise he's been relatively healthy. THe last two years incl this one, he's pitched a full season, a good sign. I think he is exactly what the Braves have been missing since Smoltz converted back to a starter. He's been comfortable in their uni and has the experience to be successful. He's not flashy but he is pretty dependable for a closer.
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Pedantic wrote:Six and a half? I think I just spit up blood.
Yeah that is way too rich. I just can't conceivably see how he will justify that kind of cache. I thought "decent signing, if the price was right". That price would be <$2mil.
There will be relievers on the market next year that are better than Wickman, that will cost a fraction. Only reason they don't get looked at is cuz they don't have magic closer dust sprinkled all over them.
Pedantic wrote:Six and a half? I think I just spit up blood.
Yeah that is way too rich. I just can't conceivably see how he will justify that kind of cache. I thought "decent signing, if the price was right". That price would be <$2mil.
There will be relievers on the market next year that are better than Wickman, that will cost a fraction. Only reason they don't get looked at is cuz they don't have magic closer dust sprinkled all over them.
like who? Arthur Rhodes and LaTroy Hawkins of the world?
Less than 2 millions for a closer? Have you learned something from the crappy Atlanta pen recently?
Here's RP signed for less than 2 millions last offseason, I exclude most of the minor league contract unless they've made contributions to the team
Chad Bradford $1.4
Doug Brocail $1.0
Hector Carrasco 2yr 6.1
Mike Dejean 1.3
Elmer Dessen 3.4
Octavio Dotel 2.25
Joey friggin Eischen signed for 1.3
I'll skip the rest of the list. Where in the world do you find a closer in the FA market for around 2 millions? Roberto Hernandez? Jose Mesa? Do you really want them closing?
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Pedantic wrote:Six and a half? I think I just spit up blood.
Yeah that is way too rich. I just can't conceivably see how he will justify that kind of cache. I thought "decent signing, if the price was right". That price would be <$2mil.
There will be relievers on the market next year that are better than Wickman, that will cost a fraction. Only reason they don't get looked at is cuz they don't have magic closer dust sprinkled all over them.
I think the Braves had that less then 2 million dollar closer and his name was Chris Reitsma. This could very well put the Braves back into the playoff hunt next year if they can also find a dependable 8th inning man as well.
Amazinz wrote:Save Opportunities are similar... You can come into the game with a Save Opportunity in the 6th inning. This is what Holds measure.
A pitcher is credited with a save opportunity when he enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs or with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck.
It doesn't need to be the 9th inning.
Wow. That's pretty stupid, IMO. Thanks for the info.
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I havn't even read everything I've bought"
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Amazinz wrote:Nah this a discussion about the possibility of a wild card. Let's not get crazy here. The Braves would have needed a lot more than Wickman (maybe divine intervention) to interfere with the Mets dominance this season.
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by brandnew » Wed Sep 20, 2006 10:30 pm 
