Braves bullpen may not have Dotel, Mahay

[HMFFL]

Braves reliever Octavio Dotel declined a $5.5 million mutual option.

The Braves likely would have declined if he hadn't, because they have a closer, Rafael Soriano, and didn't want to pay such a high salary for an injury-plagued setup man.

The Braves continue discussions with free-agent lefty Ron Mahay, but general manager Frank Wren acknowledged the highly sought reliever's price could rise out of their range.

Looking for a backup shortstop

The Braves plan to acquire a backup shortstop. They could use Willy Aybar or Martin Prado in one utility infield job, but neither plays shortstop well enough to be the primary backup to Yunel Escobar.

Aybar and Prado can play second and third base, and Wren mentioned that Aybar could also play some first base.

Rookie Sammons might make roster

Rookie Clint Sammons would be the likely backup catcher if the Braves don't acquire a veteran for the role this winter.

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[lpsevier]

I'm a little disappointed with not being able to resign Dotel. Why can't Lillibridge back up Yunel?

[DaSportsGuy]

This will be a huge blow to our bullpen! Not having Dotel will kill us and if we don't get Mahay, that is another huge blow to our pitching staff.

[Nemesis21]

I'd like to keep Dotel, but he's looking for closer's money and a lot. Soriano will be our closer and we don't have to pay him a lot.

[KB 34]

Dotel hasn't pitched 31 innings since 2004 so I can't see how not having him on the DL is a big hit to the Braves, especially for over $6 million per year. It was the right move to trade Davies, but a terrible choice of who for.

Lillibridge will be better long term then Escobar if you ask me, which is why I'm happy to see that he will be playing everyday at AAA instead of rotting on the bench. However, he does need a bit more seasoning.

Mahay I'd love to keep but not at the expense of 2 solid starters. Therefore, he most likely has to go. I'm pretty confident that Soriano, Devine, Moylan, Ascanio, Ascota, Ring, and Yates/Villarreal/whoever will get things done until Gonzalez returns.

[bravesatl]

Dotel hasn't pitched 31 innings since 2004 so I can't see how not having him on the DL is a big hit to the Braves, especially for over $6 million per year. It was the right move to trade Davies, but a terrible choice of who for.

Lillibridge will be better long term then Escobar if you ask me, which is why I'm happy to see that he will be playing everyday at AAA instead of rotting on the bench. However, he does need a bit more seasoning.

Mahay I'd love to keep but not at the expense of 2 solid starters. Therefore, he most likely has to go. I'm pretty confident that Soriano, Devine, Moylan, Ascanio, Ascota, Ring, and Yates/Villarreal/whoever will get things done until Gonzalez returns.

i agree with everything said here, other than i dont see a whole lot in lillibridge and i love yunel....