Player Preview: The Bullpen

In 2008 the Braves finished last in the league with 26 saves. The bullpen also had one of the highest ERA'S in the majors. I can't fail to mention that this only occurred after the Braves lost flamethrower Rafy Soriano and Aussie-Peter Moylan.

Closer, Mike Gonzalez pitched a dismal 36 games in 2008 returning from Tommy John Surgery.  For the most part Gonzo's stuff looked pretty solid. The Cobra posted a 3/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio but his control was a little wild. Gonzalez will serve as the Braves closer if he remains healthy and keeps his pitching under-control. When steady, Gonzo can be one of the better closers in the league utilizing a fastball that reaches the mid-90's and nasty slider. 

Peter Moylan is coming off Tommy John Surgery also. In 2006 the pitcher from "Down-Under" posted a wicked 1.80 ERA while tallying 63 K's in 90 innings of work. The sidearmers arsenal features a mid-90's fastball. If Peter is capable of fully recovering from Tommy John, he will serve as a vital Set-up man in the Braves bullpen. 

Rafael Soriano is another Braves relief pitcher attempting to make a comeback from surgery. Soriano is predicted to be a Set-up man out of the 'pen, but could battle for the closing spot with Gonzalez. Soriano, has some of the best stuff in the league when he is healthy. He has a career 0.87 ERA vs. righties and has posted 160 K's in 144.1 innings of work! Soriano's moving fastball clocks out in the upper-90's and he throws a wicked slider. 

Look for newly acquired lefty-Eric O'Flahetry and Boone Logan to make a contribution out of the 'pen. O'Flahtery, who is one of the few lefties in the Braves bullpen, will mostly be used during situations where his southpaw arm will confuse opposing batters. Don't count out Manny Acosta whom Bobby Cox frequently uses in ground-ball situations and Atlanta native Blaine Boyer who has closer material but has some control issues. Boyer, tallied a whopping 67 strikeouts in 72 innings of work, while only suffering 25 walks. 

Are there any other players that ya'll expect to contribute from the 'pen this year? Who do ya'll think will serve as the Braves closer this year? Will injuries lurk over the bullpen as they have the past few years?