Atlanta Braves: Four Areas to Build on for Next Season

By Matthew Schoettler | Oct 1, 2015

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Mar 12, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tyrell Jenkins (63) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

ALLOW YOUNG ARMS TO LEARN IN LIMITED ROLE

The Atlanta Braves boast a ton of young pitching talent; moreover, the Braves have allowed some of their young arms to learn on the fly (Matt Wisler and Manny Banuelos). However, could they enjoy more success by having a limited role out of the bullpen?

-= Related: Tyrell Jenkins: Should Atlanta Braves Promote Prospect? =-

Although it may seem smart to allow young pitchers to learn on the fly, it does not help when they get torched for runs; it can ruin a young pitcher’s confidence. Thus, some of the young pitchers nearing a promotion or recently promoted could have more success. Mike Foltynewicz, Matt Wisler, and Manny Banuelos come to mind for this role.

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Each pitcher struggled to some capacity this season, and some might find more success in a bullpen role. By being in the bullpen, this allows the pitcher to learn how to mix his pitches and how to attack hitters. Also, it limits the young pitcher’s exposure to experienced hitters, allowing a pitcher to have more success on the mound. This could also help future call ups like Tyrell Jenkins, Zach Bird, and Lucas Sims (2016-2017 ETA to MLB).

The Chicago White Sox, notably, used this method to bring up Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon; moreover, the Pittsburg Pirates plan on using this tactic for their top prospects Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon, so there is precedent in using this method. It could turn out to help the pitchers more than throwing them in the fire every fifth day.

Also, with the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen not performing well this year, this allows the team to bolster their bullpen depth without having to go out and sign arms. With how the bullpen performed this season, there is no way that this tactic would be a step in the wrong direction.

Next: Matt Wisler Showing Growth Throughout September

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