Is Mike Gonzalez the closer in Atlanta?

[jmtigers]

That was LAST year. This is a totally different bullpen for ATL this year. I think Wickman is there to stay as the closer with Soriano the "setup" man. Gonzalez will be that late inning matchup guy.

[activechamp2006]

Mike Gonzalez will be closer at some point this year, but Wickman will start there.

I see Soriano as the guy in the passenger seat behind Wickman.

[GotowarMissAgnes]

Mike Gonzalez will be closer at some point this year, but Wickman will start there.

I think it's actually more likely that Soriano would be the 2nd choice to close if Wickman fails. All things equal, I think most teams/managers would prefer not to have a lefty closing.

I hear what you are saying, but I think that bias ought to be fading away with the success of guys like Wagner, Ryan, Gonzo, and Fuentes.

[nakgxf]

I agree with gotowarMissAgnes. I think if a guy can blow through one inning no problem and get you the save, it doesn't matter whether his is a lefty or righty. Gonzalez looks to me to be one of the guys that can get it done nearly every time. I'd like to see him closing games instead of wasting away as a "late innings matchup guy".

[5]

Wickman is a closer.

wickman is THE closer.

yeah, especially if he pitches like he did once he came over to the NL last year. Cox likes vets.

[negola_d]

Wickman is the closer but watch the Soriano-Gonzales duo. One of them might be closing games in june.

[Coppermine]

Wickman is a closer.

wickman is THE closer.

Your MOM is the closer

Oh, it's just not the same saying it to you... sorry snakes.

[Jackie Treehorn]

The only way Wickman is not closing is if he's hurt. He's proven in his career that if he's healthy, he's not going to blow many saves. That said, he's had his share of health problems, so it's not a bad idea to stash Gonzalez if you have Wickman. I'm pretty sure he'd be next in line.

[NikkiSixx]

I would rather see Soriano close for the Braves than Gonzalez.

[idealFX]

The only way Wickman is not closing is if he's hurt. He's proven in his career that if he's healthy, he's not going to blow many saves. That said, he's had his share of health problems, so it's not a bad idea to stash Gonzalez if you have Wickman. I'm pretty sure he'd be next in line.

um... the way you speak highly of wickman is indicative of your having him. although he WAS proven, i expect him to have a 4+ ERA, 1.3+ WHIP, and no more than 0.2 K/IP. this, as you can see, may not necessarily yield save-blowing numbers (well kinda), it will fill you with anxiety everyday checking the braves' box score.

i will agree with you, however, that gonzo is in line for the closer job just because of his experience. they both have nasty stuff, but gonzo's been exposed to the pressure, allbeit with the pirates.

I would rather see Soriano close for the Braves than Gonzalez.

and as a mariner faithful, as do i, buddy; as do i.