Braves Have Holes to Fill

Braves GM John Schuerholz will have to hit the ground running Monday because he has a lot of holes to fill. The bullpen, who had a league leading 29 blown saves also had a 4.39 ERA. Middle relievers are being gobbled up so if he wants a solid bullpen, he will have to move fast. The have Bob Wickman, and they may look to Scott Linebrink of San Diego. Daryle Ward is arguably the best pinch hitter since Lenny Harris. He was 8-14 with seven RBI's and wants to return to the Braves. The Braves tried to trade Tim Hudson when they thought Tom Glavine was going to return to the Braves. However, it is now unlikely they will trade the slumping pitcher who went 13-12 with a 4.86 ERA. They may look to a low level pitcher like Miguel Batista to solidify their pitching staff. The Braves were looking to sign Dave Roberts but his price went way out of range. They will look to add a speedy, contact hitting leadoff man but it will be hard to find. Braves leadoff hitters hit .268 and are looking for someone who can hit close to.290. Willy Aybar might be their answer. He hit .331 with a .421 OBP in 148 at-bats as a leadoff man.