The only other reliever to return from last year’s pen (out of eight who pitched in 30 or more games) and the most obscure of the lot. Gryboski is a former Mariner farmhand whom the Braves picked up cheap in spring because he was out of options. Gryboski pitched well as one of the back-of-the-pen guys early in the season. He got hurt in late July, missed about a month, and when he returned couldn’t get anyone out. However, he was fading even before then. His ERA at the break was 1.54, it was 2.27 when he got hurt, and 3.48 at the end of the season — 7.56 in the second half.
Which is the real Gryboski? Well, probably neither, but certainly closer to the one in the second half I’m afraid. He doesn’t get many strikeouts — only 33 (versus 37 walks) in 51 2/3 innings last year. He allowed a .387 OBP because of all the walks. Very few pitchers — if any — can thrive walking more than they strike out. The Braves would be wise to see if they can flip him for prospects or infield help in spring training.
Although he does look like Sluggo from the old Nancy comic strip,
http://www.gilchriststudios.com/nancy/sluggo/main.asp
Gryboski’s a disaster waiting to happen and should get the ball in a mop-up role this year.
who the ehll would give up prospects for him? i wouldnt even trade Keith Lockheart for him on the case of infielders.
You’d be surprised, John. Somebody will panic and take a look around for any reliever with a half-decent ERA last year. Happens every year.
Oh so many baserunners…
well can it hurry up and happen Mac? the longer hes on the team the more impatient I get, lol. I guess you can tell I don’t like him at all.
Now’s no time to panic. Remember, Rudy Seanez is just a phone call away.
:: grabs a phone and tells Rudys buddy to mug Gryballski hold him captive and have Rudy pretend to be Gryballski :: ok i know i hate Kevin, heck i refuse to spell his name right anymore
You need to put keith lockheart back on the braves