Projected Bullpen
CL RHP Craig Kimbrel
SU LHP Jonny Venters
SU RHP Peter Moylan
MID LHP Eric O'Flaherty
MID RHP Scott Linebrink
MID LHP George Sherrill
LR RHP Scott Proctor
Forecast: Conventional wisdom was the Braves would likely turn to Venters to be the new closer after the retirement of Billy Wagner, but it looks like rookie Craig Kimbrel is going to get the ball to start the season. Kimbrel looked good last year in his call-up to the team. The Braves added Linebrink and Sherrill to sure up the middle relief. Linebrink is a veteran who will hopefully help Kimbrel and Venters along while Sherrill is great against left-handed batters (but gets killed by right-handers).
On paper, the bullpen looks fine. It would look terrific if Wagner had decided to stick around for one more year. Kimbrel is the question mark, but Venters could step into that role if Kimbrel can't cut it. It will be interesting to see if Linebrink has anything left. It will also be interesting to see how Gonzalez handles the bullpen after watching Bobby Cox's handling of it over the past two decades.
Pitching is what will give the Braves a chance to compete in the N.L. East this year and the bullpen will need to be good...maybe great if Atlanta can hang.
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