Ligtenberg in a Bottle

In the midst of some minor player movement, the Braves signed Independent League relief pitcher Ben Grezlovski. Never heard of him? Nether had I. But of course no one had ever heard of Kerry Ligtenberg when he came out of the Independent Leagues in ’97 and became a solid contributor to the Atlanta bullpen, only to take over the closer’s role the following year. Could this be what Schu is talking about when he says ‘lightning in a bottle.’

In other minor player movement, our Dan Kolb consolation prize was not tendered a contract (though we may sign him to a minor league deal). And Jim Brower was also non-tendered, let’s hope we don’t see him again. He was, how do you say, real shitty.

Over in Devil Ray land, Joe Borowski was designated for assignment, which means they have 15 days to trade or release him. That move probably means that there was sufficient interest in him from other clubs that the Rays didn’t want to just make him a free agent. But Tampa’s ineptitude at making any major trades this winter will likely continue.

It’s looking more and more like it’s going to be Chris Reitsma closing out games in ’06. With that in mind, let’s look on the bright side of Reitsma. Last July when he assumed the closer’s role he was dominant until apparently getting hurt. He was such a good reliever in July that he won the Rolaids Relief Man Award for that month. This proves that he can close, and close effectively. . . when healthy. The Braves have never been afraid to let anyone take over the closer’s role – see Ligtenberg, Rocker, Stanton, etc. They are certainly showing no fear this off-season.