Braves Release Closer Bob Wickman-Likely The End Of Their Playoff Hopes

[Mitchell]

While I realize that the Atlanta Braves are only three games out of the National League Wild Card lead, they made a move tonight that likely spells the end of their playoff hopes.
For those who did not hear the news, the Braves designated closer Bob Wickman for assignment, and are intending to either release, or trade him. While I realize that Wickman's 20 out of 26 in saves, and 3.92 ERA, are hardly Cy Young material, he was about the best option at closer that the Braves had. Mike Gonzalez is gone for the season with elbow surgery, and Rafael Soriano is very prone to serving up the home run ball. Who else do the Braves really have? The article I read on the Braves website, described Wickman's personality, and his unwillingness to pitch in non save situations as the reason for his termination. I could have understood this if this were last year, and Atlanta was not still in the playoff hunt, but three games out of a wild card spot, with five weeks left, is hardly finished status.
I dont know what Bobby Cox has in mind, but I dont agree with this move. We will now have to see what happens with the Braves closer situation.

Mitch

 

[loupanther]

I think the not wanting to pitch when asked thing was the biggest problem. The Braves have tolerated bad stretches by pitchers (Soriano, for one) but the bad attitude thing is something Bobby Cox doesn't generally put up with, especially from a guy w/6 blown saves this year. I say if he was openly disgruntled about it then it was only going to get worse as the season wound down. Octavio Dotel should help them out when he returns from the DL.