Spending Too Wisely?

Well, actually we aren’t spending anything. After the Braves lost out on Farnsworth, Hoffman, T. Jones, and Wickman for not offering enough cash in a contract, they are about to lose out on another reliever who everyone thought would be a cinch to sign in Atlanta. Makes me wonder what we are going to spend our money on next year. Of course, this guy might be available shortly, as it looks like the Brewers are going to non-tender Kolb.

Speaking of Tuesday’s deadline to offer contracts to players, it will be interesting to see if any other pitchers jump on the market that might attract the Braves’ interest. Former Cubs closer Joe Borowski is likely to be available as is Ramon Ortiz. Ortiz is a former Reds and Angles pitcher who has primarily been a starter in his career, although in 2004 he was much more effective as a reliever, posting a 2.76 ERA against a 4.72 career ERA. Borowski was a reliever for the Braves during parts of the ’96 and ’97 seasons, posting decent numbers. He blossomed in ’03 as the Cubs closer when he recorded 33 saves while posting a 2.63 ERA before suffering a shoulder injury in June of ’04. Borowski seemed to regain his form for Tampa Bay at the end of last season, posting a 3.82 ERA after the All-Star break. Since he is a former Brave he may draw quite a bit of interest if he is non-tendered by the Devil Rays.

The Cubs Corey Patterson may also be non-tendered and may draw some interest as a candidate to lead-off and play left field.