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Friday, December 03, 2010

Braves grab Linebrink in swap with White Sox

The Braves acquired veteran right-handed reliever Scott Linebrink and cash considerations from the White Sox in exchange for right-hander Kyle Cofield, who is considered to be a middle-tier prospect, on Friday.

Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: December 03, 2010 at 08:42 PM | 7 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: braves, white sox

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1. Barry Gibb Posted: December 04, 2010 at 02:45 AM (#3702194)

Braves get 3.5 mill, paying 2 mill; I'll take it.

2. Brian White Posted: December 04, 2010 at 03:05 AM (#3702198)

Linebrink has posted good K/9 and BB/9 - its his high HR rate that was contributing to his higher ('higher' meaning league-average) ERAs. HR/9 is usually the most volatile component of those three, right? I'd rather take my chances on a reliever who gave up too many home runs, than a guy who doesn't strike people out, or walks too many.

Anyway, I doubt the Braves will miss Cofield, and 1 year/$2 mil for Linebrink is totally reasonable. So I like it.

3. This is going to be state of the art wall Posted: December 04, 2010 at 04:03 AM (#3702222)

League average ERA as a reliever is bad. Also, look at his stats by leverage type. He was horrible in the highest and mediocre in the lowest. He serves up quite a few meat balls as his fastball is straight and while he has good velocity it isn't great.

The fact the Sox saved 2.5 million for a replacement level player is great. Maybe he turns it around in the senior circuit, but I highly doubt he's anything other than a fungible middle reliever ever again.

4. Brian White Posted: December 04, 2010 at 04:14 AM (#3702226)

League average ERA as a reliever is bad.

Well, I wouldn't call it bad. League-average ERA isn't bad. It isn't extremely desirable, but it isn't like the guy is Jesse Chavez or anything.

My point was, if you took all relievers who posted league-average ERAs the last two years, and wanted to wager on one who would end up being better than average this year, you'd best bet on someone like Linebrink. He's a good bet to be above average. Not great, no, but for $2 million and a fringe prospect, that's still a nice deal from the Braves' point of view.

5. This is going to be state of the art wall Posted: December 04, 2010 at 04:30 AM (#3702237)

His league average ERA as a reliever was worth -.1 WAR. It's replacement level. You could expect to find guys in AAA that can come in and post a 100 ERA+ out of the pen. Sure, he maybe bounce back, there is just no evidence for it other than he's leaving US Cellular and going to the NL. I guess the Braves feel they are a few pieces away though. I don't know enough about their team to say if they are or aren't. I'm just saying counting on Linebrink isn't a good bet IMO.

6. Ignatius J. Reilly Posted: December 04, 2010 at 06:04 AM (#3702261)

I'd be surprised if the HR rate doesn't decline. And if it doesn't--he won't be long for the roster.

7. Mike A Posted: December 04, 2010 at 06:23 AM (#3702265)

If there is one thing the Braves are good at, it's getting great seasons from veteran relievers.

I like the deal, the Braves didn't give up a blue-chipper and added some stability/depth in the pen.

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Friday, December 03, 2010

Braves grab Linebrink in swap with White Sox

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