Fragmentsofme
12-23-2003, 01:42 PM
I really don't like this pick up, dude hasn't posted an ERA under 4.34, and last year it was around 6
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/atl/news/atl_news.jsp?ymd=20031222&content_id=622091&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
Almanza agrees to one-year deal
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/images/2003/08/28/yuDdzqvT.jpg
ATLANTA -- Inch by inch, the Braves are getting closer to completing their roster for the 2004 season.
The perennial division champions filled their need for a veteran left-handed reliever by coming to terms on a one-year deal with Armando Almanza on Monday. The southpaw became a free agent after he was not tendered a contract by the Marlins this weekend.
Almanza, whose fastball has been clocked in the mid 90s, fell out of favor with Marlins manager Jack McKeon this past summer and his season ended in late August when he was placed on the 60-day disabled list with tendinitis in his left shoulder.
The Braves, who are confident that the 31-year-old's shoulder has returned to health, now have Almanza, Antonio Alfonseca, Kevin Gryboski, Jaret Wright and Will Cunnane as Braves closer John Smoltz's primary setup men.
Almanza, who posted a 6.08 ERA in 51 appearances for the World Series champions last year, is currently the only left-handed pitcher on the Braves roster with a wealth of experience as a reliever. Jung Bong showed flashes of promise early last year, but the young southpaw's future seems to be as a starter.
After allowing just three earned runs in his first 16 appearances last year, Almanza's season turned south. He allowed 14 earned runs in 14 May innings, and another nine earned runs while throwing just six innings in July.
McKeon's displeasure with Almanza came as a result of the pitcher's inability to handle his emotions on the mound. The southpaw, who allowed left-handed hitters to hit .277 against him last season, issued 25 walks in 50 1/3 innings.
Almanza, who made his Major League debut with the Marlins in 1999, hasn't pitched since allowing three earned runs in two innings at Coors Field on Aug. 19. Two days later he was placed on the disabled list.
To make room for Almanza on their 40-man roster, the Braves designated Chris Waters for assignment. Waters went 3-8 with a 4.41 ERA while pitching at Double-A Greenville this past season.
The Braves will continue to look for a potential fifth starter. But with Bong, Bubba Nelson and Andy Pratt already in their system, they feel confident that they don't necessarily have to acquire another arm.
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/atl/news/atl_news.jsp?ymd=20031222&content_id=622091&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
Almanza agrees to one-year deal
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/images/2003/08/28/yuDdzqvT.jpg
ATLANTA -- Inch by inch, the Braves are getting closer to completing their roster for the 2004 season.
The perennial division champions filled their need for a veteran left-handed reliever by coming to terms on a one-year deal with Armando Almanza on Monday. The southpaw became a free agent after he was not tendered a contract by the Marlins this weekend.
Almanza, whose fastball has been clocked in the mid 90s, fell out of favor with Marlins manager Jack McKeon this past summer and his season ended in late August when he was placed on the 60-day disabled list with tendinitis in his left shoulder.
The Braves, who are confident that the 31-year-old's shoulder has returned to health, now have Almanza, Antonio Alfonseca, Kevin Gryboski, Jaret Wright and Will Cunnane as Braves closer John Smoltz's primary setup men.
Almanza, who posted a 6.08 ERA in 51 appearances for the World Series champions last year, is currently the only left-handed pitcher on the Braves roster with a wealth of experience as a reliever. Jung Bong showed flashes of promise early last year, but the young southpaw's future seems to be as a starter.
After allowing just three earned runs in his first 16 appearances last year, Almanza's season turned south. He allowed 14 earned runs in 14 May innings, and another nine earned runs while throwing just six innings in July.
McKeon's displeasure with Almanza came as a result of the pitcher's inability to handle his emotions on the mound. The southpaw, who allowed left-handed hitters to hit .277 against him last season, issued 25 walks in 50 1/3 innings.
Almanza, who made his Major League debut with the Marlins in 1999, hasn't pitched since allowing three earned runs in two innings at Coors Field on Aug. 19. Two days later he was placed on the disabled list.
To make room for Almanza on their 40-man roster, the Braves designated Chris Waters for assignment. Waters went 3-8 with a 4.41 ERA while pitching at Double-A Greenville this past season.
The Braves will continue to look for a potential fifth starter. But with Bong, Bubba Nelson and Andy Pratt already in their system, they feel confident that they don't necessarily have to acquire another arm.