I always saw Strider as a closer. He had success as a starter, but he doesn't get stronger as the game goes on like Randy Johnson or Curt Schilling. He is a 5 inning pitcher. Pitchers want to be starters because of the potential payday. I get it.

I didn't know he had the brace procedure. And while Smoltzie came back from TJ, he only had his arm opened once. The best thing for Stider going forward is to shut him down for the rest of the season and move him to the bullpen. It's easier on the body and mind to throw 1 inning 3 nights in a row than it is to try and throw 6 innings every 5th day. He could be the best closer in the game. He also could come on and give you a 2-3 inning save in October if needed.

The issue then becomes where do the Braves get pitching? This may not be as bad an issue as I once thought. ERA is up around the league and has been trending up. Teams are just scoring more and that is good for TV. So, perhaps having a loaded offense is the way to go. And this offense is LOADED. Ozuna is having the complete opposite 1st month as he did last season. Acuña is well... MVP is going to MVP. Ozzie being out of the lineup didn't slow us down a bit vs Houston. Guillerme is definitely not a long term solution, but he doesn't have to be. Riley and Olson are going to be themselves and if they can get 25 HRs and 80 RBIs from Kelenic/Duval then they have everything they need from an offensive stand point.

The Phillies and Dodgers are still our only threats in the post season in the NL. Philly does it with those 2 stud starters and L.A. can beat you in numerous ways.
Philly is the bigger threat though imho. Philly is built for October because of Nola and Wheeler. The Dodgers don't have that, nor do the Braves. I know he's been black balled but it may be time to give Trevor Bauer's agent a call. Also, call the White Sox and see what it would take to get Crochet. They may want a king's ransom, but if the plan is to put Strider in the pen, it might be worth it to mortgage the farm for Crochet or someone similar in order to win now. Can't be thinking of what this team will look like in 10 years. I mean... what are the odds they'll even be able to keep Acuña and Ozzie and Fried anyway? So, may as well win NOW.

This post was edited on 4/18/24 at 2:06 pm