Legitimate Concern For the Atlanta Braves: Bullpen Management

Before I start, I am not saying that the Braves should fire Bobby Cox.

If I see that in the comments, your comment will be flagged.

That's my warning (I appreciate opinions, but not stuff like that).

Okay, let's go...

You know, I thought that bringing up Luis Valdez was a move to provide the Braves with more depth.

Apparently, it was a move to give Boone Logan and Buddy Carlyle another person to talk to while awaiting their bi-weekly appearance.

I think we all get that Mike Gonzalez, Peter Moylan, Rafael Soriano, Kris Medlen, and Eric O'Flaherty can all pitch.

I cannot honestly say that about Carlyle, Logan, and Valdez.

Not because of their performance, but because of their sickening lack of work.

Every night, it's Medlen, EOF, Moylan, Gonzo, and Soriano.

And the first three days you do that, it's fine.

But when you start talking four and five days, its perilous in a playoff hunt.

Take for example Kris Medlen this week.

Tuesday night, he's electric; two Ks in a 1-2-3 inning.

Wednesday, he's roughed up a bit. The Braves lose a lead, lose the game 8-7 after a valiant comeback.

Thursday, he pitches three straight days for the first time this season and was a lot roughed up. The Braves lose a two-run lead.

Meanwhile, fresh arms sit uncalled upon in he 'pen while the Braves flail in the infield.

What gives Bobby (the next few paragraphs are like an open letter to Cox)?

Really, what gives?

Do you realize that the Braves are only four games out in the Wild Card?

That they actually have a shot in September?

If so, then why was Kris Medlen called on after a bad outing and 30-some-odd pitches the past two nights instead of the three-headed unused monster?

This doesn't make me mad though.

IT PISSES ME THE HELL OFF!!!

I've only followed this team for the past five-plus months on a nightly basis and only defended this team every time it's come under fire.

It may not be my place, but I've made it that way.

Now, I've got to put up with some trolls who are perpetually in a ho-hum, let's-just-think-about-how-this-team's-going-to-F-up-next-season mode.

I'm getting tired of sufficiant offense, fine starting pitching, and rival losses getting wasted because of your inability to hand the ball to someone outside of your big five.

(this concludes the Bobby Cox section)

I'm an optimist when it comes to the Braves.

I wasn't worried about a three-game deficit last week.

Right now, I should be excited about a one- or two-game deficit.

Instead, I'm looking at a team set to re-tie for third in the Wild Card and fall four games back because of trust issues.

A month ago, it was the bats' inability to support the pitching staff.

Now, it's relievers finally seeing 60 innings of work catch up to them.

I'm not conceding the season yet, but, hey, I'm pretty [insert strong expletive] close.