Atlanta Braves: 5 Key Veterans John Hart Didn’t Move

Many were skeptical about the signing of RHP David Aardsma after he opted for release from his Minor League contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.  A relief pitcher with a career. 4.08 ERA, heading to his 9th organization since his Big League debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2004, Braves Country wondered how this guy could help in what was the worst bullpen in all of baseball when Aardsma joined the Atlanta Braves.

I don’t know if it’s merely a coincidence but since David Aardsma came to the Atlanta Braves in early June, the bullpen has improved considerably.  No longer do I consider it the albatross of the 2015 Atlanta Braves.  That is now the meager offense that lives to not provide run support in countless quality starts.  At least the strikeouts are down, right?

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In 20 appearances of work coming out of the Atlanta ‘pen, Aardsma has a 1.80 ERA in 20.0 IP.  His WHIP is exactly 1.000 and his ERA+ is at an outstanding mark of 211.  Though he may walk a few too many guys (9 BB’s), he will strikeout batters (21 K’s) and put out the fire when called upon by Fredi Gonzalez.

With nearly all the veterans in the Atlanta Bullpen gone (Jim Johnson and Luis Avilan are now with the Dodgers, Jason Grilli has a torn Achilles’ Tendon, and Craig Kimbrel was gone before Aardsma even got here), I have to believe that David Aardsma is now the leader of our young bullpen.

He can help coach the young, promising arms of Arodys Vizcaino and Andrew McKirahan, while helping Ross Detwiler adjust to his new role as the long-inning guy in Eddie Perez‘s bullpen group.  While I knew that adding Aardsma to the relief corps would help this young Atlanta Braves team, I didn’t think he would have his best season as professional at 33 years of age.  Perhaps working with Roger McDowell has brought out the best in David Aardsma’s ability to record out for the Atlanta Braves this season.

Next: The Captain of the Clubhouse