One less lefty in the mix

[rico43]

Ryan Buchter has signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 2011, he was a gift from the Cubs who took Rodrigo Lopez off our hands.

His MLB career line: one game, one inning, 1-0 record.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Probably should have been given more of a chance at the MLB level last year with the struggles of Avilan and others trying to find a decent lefty option out of the pen.

Just never could harness his control to be a viable option, though, so not that big of a loss. But despite his control issues I think he could be a quality middle second lefty type out of someone's pen.

[Braves1976]

The writing was on the wall for Buchter once the Braves dropped him from their 40-man roster, etc. He just never showed enough control to be trusted, not even as a lefty specialist. Of course, we've also added a lot of lefties this off season (including both starters and relievers). Outman, Rondon and maybe Veal being among the better lefty reliever options added.

PS: As I noted in the other thread: LHP Leyson Septimo looks like another lefty with major control issues, maybe we can do better getting him on track than we did with Buckner before him.

[Braves1976]

Probably should have been given more of a chance at the MLB level last year with the struggles of Avilan and others trying to find a decent lefty option out of the pen.

I think they would've if not for the timing, as I recall he was either struggling too in the minors or hurt around the same time (maybe a little of both at different points). Plus the only lefty he faced in the Majors he walked. Then he got out the righty after that and ended up getting a win in that game. If Buchter ever stops walking so many he could at least turn into a good lefty specialist for someone.

That said, I don't think Avilan has much of a future with us either. I am still thinking we'll probably trade him at some point.

[clvclv]

I think they would've if not for the timing, as I recall he was either struggling too in the minors or hurt around the same time (maybe a little of both at different points). Plus the only lefty he faced in the Majors he walked. Then he got out the righty after that and ended up getting a win in that game. If Buchter ever stops walking so many he could at least turn into a good lefty specialist for someone.

That said, I don't think Avilan has much of a future with us either. I am still thinking we'll probably trade him at some point.

I fully expect Avilan to be gone as soon as...

1.) Vizcaino proves to McDowell that he's healthy enough to be used on back-to-back days, or
2.) Someone offers up an A-ball SP or a younger version of Avilan who is a year or two away that our scouts like a little bit.

With all the guys we have with late-inning experience around, you have to think that they want Simmons and Vizcaino hanging out with them in the pen every day so they can soak up as much knowledge as possible.