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Atlanta Braves Five Ways They Can Improve in 2018

By Kit Anderson

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 28: Closer Arodys Vizcaino #38 and catcher Tyler Flowers #25 of the Atlanta Braves congratulate each other after getting the final out of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 4-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 28: Closer Arodys Vizcaino #38 and catcher Tyler Flowers #25 of the Atlanta Braves congratulate each other after getting the final out of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 4-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 13: Arodys Vizcaino #38 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the 9th inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 13, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois. The Braves defeated the Cubs 4-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 13: Arodys Vizcaino #38 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the 9th inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 13, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois. The Braves defeated the Cubs 4-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

1. Improve the Back End of the Bullpen and Demote Arodys Vizcaino 

Arodys Vizcaino blew a save last night against the Chicago Cubs. If Vizcaino remains as the Braves’ closer that will happen with regularity.  While he is an upgrade over Jim Johnson he still isn’t capable of being consistent.

The only thing he has proven to be consistent at is allowing a lot of baserunners.  A fact that is harsh but true.

Dan Winkler may be given a chance in the 9th inning but he seems like an unlikely closer. The Braves should look at the trade market to see if they can acquire a better closing option.

The Braves must find an answer to their 9th inning problems before it costs them their small division lead. Vizcaino should be demoted to a role bullpen arm. Allowing him to face certain hitters and matching him up against the weaker hitters not with all the cards on the table in the 9th.

Vizcaino isn’t a reliable closer, no matter how many more chances the Braves give him that will continue to be the case.

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