Braves 2009 rotation starting to take shape

January 12, 11:19 PMAtlanta Braves ExaminerRyan Harings

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There are certain truths that continue to be self-evident in the world of sports. In basketball, with apologies to Lebron, the big men still rule, in football defense wins championships and in baseball pitching remains king. Braves fans will never forget the dominant rotations that spearheaded our unparallel success in the 90's. Once considered to be the great bastion of pitching; the Atlanta rotations of the last couple years have done little to pay homage to their former greatness. Injuries claimed John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Tim Hudson; while inconsistency and youth plagued Jo-Jo Reyes and Charlie Morton. Only a superlative season by young Jair Jurrjens and a surprising one by journeyman Jorge Campillo kept the rotation from falling into shambles.

Braves GM Frank Wren made a very public declaration that fixing the Atlanta rotation was going to be at the top of his list during the off-season. Wren immediately identified Jake Peavy and AJ Burnett as players that could anchor a rebuilt Braves pitching staff. Unfortunately Wren was forced to look at other candidates; as the Braves wouldn't satisfy the Padres asking price for Jake Peavy and AJ Burnett opted to take more money to pitch for the Yankees. Despite the inability to lure Burnett or Peavy; the Braves have still made considerable headway in their attempts to remake the rotation. Free agent signings Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami are joined by Javier Vazquez who was aqcuired from the White Sox in a trade involving prospect Tyler Flowers.

The following is a look at the pitchers under contract that could fill out the Braves 2009 staff.

#1 Starter

Probable Pitcher - Derek Lowe
It wasn't easy, but Frank Wren finally landed the type of pitcher that can anchor a rotation. Lowe has been tremendously consistent and his signing should complete the makeover of the Atlanta rotation.

#2 Starter

Probable Pitcher – Javier Vazquez
Vazquez is a solid pitcher that has command of four quality pitches. Javier is returning to the NL East, a division where he enjoyed plenty of success earlier in his career.

#3 Starter

Probable Pitcher – Jair Jurrjens
Jurrjens had a season to remember as a 22-year-old rookie; he paced the rotation in innings while posting an ERA of 3.78. In Jair, the Braves believe they’ve found a pitcher who can help stabilize their rotation for the next decade.

#4 Starter

Probable Pitcher - Kenshin Kawakami
The former Japanese All-Star pitcher is the newest member of the Atlanta Braves and will be expected to contribute immediately. Atlanta thinks Kawakami could have a similar impact to Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda; who last year threw 183 strong innings.

#5 Starter

• Jo-Jo Reyes is a big talented left-hander who has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues. Reyes has quality stuff and throws harder than the typical lefty; but he struggles with inconsistency and has a tendency to allow too many home runs.
• Atlanta would love for Charlie Morton to take a step forwards and seize control of a spot in the rotation. Few pitchers in the organization can match the pure arsenal that Morton brings to the mound; he complements a mid 90’s fastball with a devastating curve ball and adequate changeup. His biggest obstacle has been mental; at times Morton loses his composure and confidence. This leads to an increase in walks and big innings.
• James Parr came up towards the end of the season and acquitted himself very nicely. He lacks overpowering velocity; but keeps hitters off balance by mixing pitches and speeds.
• Jorge Campillo surprised everyone with his performance last year. He pitched very well out of the bullpen and excelled when given a spot in the rotation. I believe that Atlanta would prefer to use him in relief, but his versatility gives the Braves several options.
• It has been too long since Atlanta has developed a homegrown pitcher with the ability of Tommy Hanson. It’s tough to envision the superbly talented Hanson beginning the year at the major league level; but it would surprise no one if he forced his way into the rotation by mid-season.