The Braves’ Reliever Puzzle: Unraveling the Mystery of Their Waiver Claims
In the world of baseball, the Atlanta Braves have been making some intriguing moves lately, and it’s time to delve into the story behind these waiver claims.
The Braves’ recent acquisitions of relievers Carson Ragsdale and Josh Walker from the Baltimore Orioles have left many fans scratching their heads. While these moves might seem minor, they raise some fascinating questions about the team’s strategy.
The Enigma of Relief Pitcher Acquisitions
For years, the Braves have consistently targeted relief pitchers with less-than-stellar statistics. It’s a trend that has left fans and analysts alike bewildered. In an era where pitching development is a complex science, teams often prioritize advanced metrics over traditional stats. So, why are the Braves consistently going against the grain?
Carson Ragsdale: The Mystery Deepens
Ragsdale, a 2020 draftee, has had a rather tumultuous journey so far. His stats have been abysmal since reaching Triple-A, with an xFIP nearing the 6.00 mark. Despite this, the Braves claimed him, only to release him during Spring Training. His brief MLB appearance with the Orioles last year resulted in an ERA- of 357, a FIP- of 114, and an xFIP- of 125. A head-scratcher, indeed!
Josh Walker: A More Conventional Choice
Unlike Ragsdale, Walker’s acquisition is less perplexing. Drafted in 2017, he has made several MLB appearances over the last three seasons. His career stats (ERA-/FIP-/xFIP-) of 160/95/108 over 27 1/3 innings are more in line with what you’d expect from a typical 26th man reliever. Walker has also shown effectiveness in Triple-A, making him a more conventional choice.
Pitch Analysis: Uncovering the Logic?
When analyzing their pitches, one can almost see a rationale. Ragsdale’s sinker might