Building the Bullpen...

This week Frank Wren and Kenny Williams got together on another trade this past week, the Braves sending minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield to the White Sox for veteran set-up man Scott Linebrink and 3.5 Million dollars. Both GMs seem to like to move quickly and have been known to do the unexpected, the move should help the middle part of the Braves bullpen and will give a veteran presence in an otherwise young pen. Linebrink is one on the books for one year at around 2 million dollars after the White Sox kicked in 3.5 million of the 5.5mm he is owed.

Next the Braves signed free agent George Sherrill to a one year deal at 1.2 million which could end up being a real steal if the former closer preforms like his pre-2010 self. Sherrill struggled through a rough season with the Dodgers after being very effective as the Orioles closer in 2008 and before he was traded to LA in 2009. Will have the ideal environment to regain his form being the number three lefty in the Braves bullpen behind possible closer Jonny Venters and the steady Eric O'Flaherty both in tow.

As of right now the bullpen looks something like this:

Craig Kimbrell- fire balling right hander will compete for closer role.

Jonny Venters- and his nasty slider will be Kimbrell's main competition to close and should be top flight set-up man.

Peter Moylan- Side armer will likely be the main right handed set up man, primarily pitching against right handed hitters.

Eric O'Flaherty- Left specialist will be a key cog again in a division that includes the lefty-heavy Phillies and increasingly left handed Marlins.

Scott Linebrink-Could also fill righty set up role or that of a right handed specialist. If he responds well to the NL as he has in the past could be in a little more high leverage role.

George Sherrill-Lefty will see a lot of time as a situational pitcher similar to O'Flaherty, could work into a higher leverage role if he regains 2009 form.

All the players listed above are almost certain to open the season in the Bullpen, the guys who follow are on the cusp or could see some time in the event of an injury.

Scott Proctor-Worked mainly out of AAA for the Braves last season in his first year off "Tommy John" surgery with disappointing results. Was given a major league guaranteed contract so the brass must have faith that he will return to form.

Christian Martinez- Was reasonably effective as a long man for the Braves last season after being claimed off waivers. Could serve a similar role in 2011.

Stephen Marek- Had an extremely effective year at AAA. Righty could be among first to get the call in the even of an injury.

Brandon Beachy- Will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation with lefty Mike Minor, though because of the all right handed Braves rotation Minor is thought to have the edge. Beachy could be an excellent long man or injury replacement in the rotation.

Corey Gearrin-Side armer could see time if the situation arises, fairly effective in the Arizona Fall League.

Conundrum:
Billy Wagner is still on the Braves 40-man roster. Speculation indicates that this is just a precaution, as he has yet to file retirement paperwork and his vesting option did in fact vest this past season. So should he have a change of heart the Braves would be able to attempt to keep him instead of allowing him to sign anywhere.