Okay, that might be a little bit strong, but the Atlanta Braves are building one of the best bullys ever right now. First they added Billy Wagner to the mix as the new closer. Then they added Takashi Saito to fill the set-up role. Then a strange thing happened, Rafael Soriano accepted the Braves arbitration offer.
Deep breathes, people. Soriano is not going to be the 7th inning guy. He is going to ask to be traded, just like Mark Bowman says in the article linked above. If he does not ask to be traded, the Braves will have to wait until June 15th to move him due to current MLB arbitration rules. The Braves could outright release him during Spring Training if they choose to, but that scenario is about as likely as me being offered the GM job in New York.
I just raked my own eyes out. Billy Wagner, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, is set to become a Brave. Apparently they have agreed on a one year deal, pending a physical. Wagner is set to make $7million for the 2010 season, with a $6.5million vesting option if dude finishes 50 games.
Wagner, whom I have always despised for various reasons, pitched well last season after returning from Tommy John surgery. In 17 trips to the mound, he compiled an ERA of 1.72 while striking out 26 batters in his 15.2 innings of work.
The move will make it hurt less if either Mike Gonzalez or Rafael Soriano leave via free agency. Like Wagner, who was offered arbitration on Tuesday by the Red Sox, both players have been offered arbitration and are Type-A free agents. K-Ros explains some of what that means in his column, and we will try to give a full breakdown when time permits.
Who will rack up more Ks this season?
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