Feb 22 2009
Spring Training Position Battles - Braves Fifth Starter
The Braves, once believed to be short on pitching, have made some big moves and now have Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, Javier Vazquez and Kenshin Kawakami in the top four spots. Five pitchers look to battle for the last spot. Jorge Campillo, Charlie Morton, Jo-Jo Reyes and James Parr have big league experience but it’s right handed pitching prospect Tommy Hanson who has the highest ceiling.
Expect Campillo to win the job out of spring training, Campillo was 8-7 with a 3.91 ERA last year. Hanson should be ready at midseason - he dominated two levels last season striking out 163 in 138 innings. Once he reaches the show expect him to stay there - even after the return of ace Tim Hudson.
Looks like Tom Glavine will be the one who takes the fifth spot, if indeed he’s healthy. The Braves signed Glavine Friday to a one-year deal, and Glavine will report to spring training next week.
In Glavine, the Braves get a guy who is on the verge of turning 43, but at the same time is not a power pitcher. The surgery he underwent in August to repair a torn flexor tendon in his elbow is not like Tommy John surgery. This is a procedure Glavine and the Braves are both optimistic he can rebound from, and all reports from his rehab so far have been very favorable.
If Glavine can give the Braves 20 starts and 120 innings out of the fifth spot, this rotation will be as deep and as solid as any in the National League. The inning-eating Lowe and Vazquez, coupled with Jurrjens (188 IP last season) should help a bullpen that was overworked and burned through by midseason in 2008.
Due to off days the first two weeks of the season, Glavine isn’t projected to make his first start until April 19.
Campillo moves to the spot starter/long relief role out of the bullpen. Morton, Parr and Reyes all figure to start the season in Gwinnett. So, too, will Hanson, who I agree has the most upside of any pitcher in the Braves’ organization, and who very well could force his way into the rotation by midseason.
Bud.
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