Not too many parties in the streets of Atlanta, but the city should be happy today. Bob Wickman hardly resembles a midseason trade for Fred McGriff. However, it could prove to be just as important for this Braves team this year.

It goes without saying that any move was a good move for Atlanta. This move could prove to be better than just any move. The Braves have plenty of talent and plenty of youth in the bullpen. That seems to be their downfall. The young guys all seem caught in the headlights. Wickman is just the veteran Atlanta needed to help balance out the young guys in the pen. Playing with a young staff is not necessarily bad, but the Braves have proven that it can be risky.

Wickman’s stats won’t wow anyone and maybe they shouldn’t. He has an ERA of 4.18. In 28 innings, he only has 17 strikeouts with 11 walks. Numbers can make a dreadful Braves fan nervous after living through the first half of this season. Stats are relative though. The strikeouts and walks do tell you that Wickman will not overpower anyone and may be forced to flirt with walks to get hitters out. However, the ERA is meaningless at this point. Wickman will benefit from the move by having a good defense playing behind him. His ERA should improve in Atlanta.

One stat that Atlanta fans should love…homeruns allowed. The three key relievers given a shot at the closer for Atlanta, Reitsma, Ray, and Sosa each have allowed homeruns per nine innings of 2.25, 1.04, and 2.12 respectively. Wickman’s homers per nine….0.32.

Don’t expect a miraculous change over the next few weeks. However, do expect that Atlanta is in the race for the long haul and have someone who they can call on late in a game. With nine games remaining head to head with New York, Atlanta just hopes to be a thorn in the Mets side while trying to take over the wild card race.