The Braves designated Bob Wickman for assignment today. The former Atlanta closer gave up the game-winning homer to Adam Dunn last night, and today they’re letting him go.
While I have thought all along that Wickman was perhaps the third-best reliever on the team (thus making it unfortunate that he got to pitch in so many close games), he is probably still a league-average reliever. The way the Braves’ bullpen has been stressed so far this season, I have a hard time believing that this is entirely an on-the-field decision.
The way the Braves, Bobby Cox, Schuerholz, and everyone else in the organization spoke about Wickman, it was clear that he was the #1 Guy, Closer (TM), and Ace Reliever. Did Bob do something awful in the clubhouse that made the team dismiss him, or is this a ridiculous reactionary move to blowing one too many games? I suppose we’ll find out over the weekend.
The article above suggests that Wickman complained about being used in non-save situations, which is reprehensible, but is this really the best solution?
For what it’s worth, Wickman has a career 125 ERA+, and his ERA has been better than average every year since 1994. I’m about ready to throw in the towel.
jfwiii.net 
Who knows. The wheels are finally starting to come off the whole season during this road trip, though, so I don’t see how anything matters that much at this point.
At least it’s almost time for football.