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‘Viz-able Hope? Red Sox Scout Braves Arms

By Blake Yagman

Mar 17, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Arodys Vizcaino (38) throws a pitch in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Washington Nationals won 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Arodys Vizcaino (38) throws a pitch in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Washington Nationals won 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Red Sox pitching struggles have been the dominant theme of this season; finally, help could be on the way.

As reported by Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox’ Senior VP of Baseball Operations Frank Wren is in Atlanta scouting multiple Braves pitchers. Included amongst the bunch that are likely being evaluated: ace Julio Teheran and closer Arodys Vizcaino.

Frank Wren has intimate knowledge of both pitchers. In addition to having been the previous General Manager of the Atlanta Braves (2007-2014), Wren signed Teheran at age 16 out of Cartagena, Colombia and traded for Vizcaino from the Chicago Cubs in 2012. Wren’s knowledge of how both pitchers work is invaluable, especially considering the potential price tag to acquire either.

Jun 19, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Atlanta Braves won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Atlanta Braves won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Julio Teheran is a 25-year-old righty who made his major league debut with the Braves in 2011. Teheran has been the Braves ace since being called up; he has been highly effective, mixing a heavy sinker with several off-speed pitchers to fool hitters. This season, he has a 2.66 ERA with 92 strikeouts through 98 innings.

Arodys Vizcaino, if acquired by the Red Sox, would likely work the 8th inning and close when Craig Kimbrel is unavailable. Vizcaino is 26-years-old and throws a devastating 2-seam fastball that averages 98.6 MPH per pitch. Interestingly, Vizcaino was initially drafted by the New York Yankees as a starting pitcher; however, overuse caused Vizcaino to require Tommy John surgery– leading to his exclusive use as a reliever.

Either (or both) pitchers could help the Red Sox out tremendously. The current pitching staff is extremely overextended; as a result, the team just had to call up William Cuevas to aid in the bullpen. While Cuevas may be an effective major league pitcher at some point, he has not been remotely close to the type of pitcher the Red Sox desperately need: someone who can pitch consistently.

The Braves are looking to rebuild; earlier today, their GM John Coppolella said that he “does not believe the team will trade Julio Teheran.” However, Teheran is one of the team’s most trade-able assets (not named Freddie Freeman); as the team continues to inevitably struggle, his death grip on Teheran could be loosened. It should be interesting to see whether Frank Wren’s previous relationship with the Braves could be helpful in trade negotiations.

Next: Red Sox Call Up Bryce Brentz

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