The 1990 Braves had Justice, Gant, Smoltz, Glavine and Avery. The pieces were in place for their historic turnaround in 1991. They also had the worst ‘pen in team history.
No one saved more than 8 games. The Braves recorded 30 saves in all, blowing 22 opportunities. Charlie Kerfeld, Dwayne Henry and Joe Hesketh all had runs as closer, but none of them can be called the worst reliever in that ‘pen.
That would be Rick Luecken, who gave up a single to Brad Komminsk in his Braves debut — one of five Giants hits the right-hander allowed in 1-2/3 innings. He allowed three hits in 1 IP in his next outing, a pitiable ratio he nearly maintained — 73 H in 53 IP as a Brave. Opposing batters hit .355 against Luecken.
When he wasn’t giving up hits, Luecken was giving up walks: 5.1/9 IP. That’ll get you a 1.943 WHIP, and your eventual release.
Quite an accomplishment on that team.
ROWLAND'S OFFICE 