The Braves' bullpen blowup Wednesday might have been an aberration, but five relievers losing command in the same game is not a good omen. And you can bet manager Bobby Cox and general manager Frank Wren won't waste a lot of time waiting for them to come around.
Part of the issue is that the Braves went into the season with only one situational left-hander, Eric O'Flaherty, and his hold on that spot was tenuous at best. He had his moments this spring but was hanging on for dear life as camp came to a close. The pitcher who lost out to O'Flaherty, left-hander Boone Logan, was acquired from the White Sox in the Javier Vazquez deal during the offseason. It was Logan the Braves were interested in when they first approached the Sox.
Considering how much the Braves liked Logan before they dealt for him, and considering that the bullpen as presently constructed gave up four singles, four bases-loaded walks and a hit batter to blow a seven-run lead Wednesday, don't be surprised if Logan is among several call-ups if the Braves continue to have trouble with their setup relief.
A loss like that can stay with a team for a while. And when that happens, the guilty relievers usually don't stay with the team, period.
