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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
897 comments Add your comment
Frankie Knuckles
May 15th, 2009
6:43 pm
They want to try Medlen in the Bigs. He’s been Dirt Nasty in AAA this year – better than Hanson. I’m looking forward to our new Maddux ( ok maybe I get a little ahead of myself ). It shall be interesting.
Mixxo
May 15th, 2009
6:45 pm
*Still waiting on the Medlen scouting report.*
Google
May 15th, 2009
6:47 pm
http://www.baseball-intellect.com/scouting-kris-medlen/
a643dp
May 15th, 2009
6:48 pm
Did anybody see that the Mets had 7 SBs against the Giants last night.
Or...
May 15th, 2009
6:49 pm
One prospect previously lost in the shuffle of top Atlanta Braves pitching prospects is Kris Medlen. Not anymore.
Medlen first caught my eye in 2007, when he was used out of the bullpen. Clean mechanics, solid fastball, plus curve, good control…an intelligent pitcher. However, reliever prospects don’t get much attention because of the sheer number of them, plus the fact that a team can always shift a starter prospect into the bullpen, which makes it even harder for a reliever prospect to standout.
So I was intrigued when the Braves went ahead with plans to make Medlen a starter, a move with a much worse rate of success compared to moving starters to the bullpen. Medlen ended up thriving…his numbers as a starter resembled what he put up in the bullpen. In fact, they were probably better.
Medlen has continued his success as a starter early on this season. His numbers have been spectacular thus far:
34.5 K%, 6.4 BB%, .266 BABIP, 0 HRs, 1.17 ERA
Stuff
Medlen has a quality three-pitch mix — a better than average fastball, a plus curveball, and a solid-average change-up. The development of his change-up has been key to his success as a starter.
Medlen does a good job of mixing his pitches and keeping hitters guessing. He generates plenty of swings and misses with his curveball, which looks like a high fastball coming out of his hands. He manipulates the pitch, able to throw it for strikes or put in the dirt. He’s also able to add or subtract velocity to the pitch.
Medlen controls all his pitches well, but he often gets too much of the plate, making him somewhat hittable. While all his pitches will play at the big league level, he doesn’t have a dominance factor like many of the elite pitchers do. He’s not going to blow hitters away with his fastball. He has to use his intelligence to his advantage.
Mechanics
Medlen’s mechanics are a nice balance between power and safety. He keeps a short arm action, giving his pitches some deception. His tempo is fairly average, but he generates good separation between his torso and hips, which helps him produce solid velocity. He’s generally able to get over his front leg, but there are times when he ends up pitching uphill.
Medlen projects to be a potential No. 3 starter, but will more likely settle in as a strong No. 4. If starting doesn’t work out, there will always be a role out of the bullpen to fall back on.
bravos2249
May 15th, 2009
6:49 pm
Man not only is Conor Jackson on the DL he is struggling…I’ll admit I wanted him for Tex but Casey has been doing better. They moved him to LF though.
ZC Rider
May 15th, 2009
6:50 pm
Darren Sutton is an announcer for the DBacks. Is he Don’s son? If so, the father-to-son broadcasting ability drop-off is Chip Carayesque
Scott
May 15th, 2009
6:50 pm
We better sweep the DBacks. I live in Arizona and see most of their games. They’re pathetic. They’ve gotten booed for the past 10 home games. The only good thing about them is Mark Grace.
Scott
May 15th, 2009
6:51 pm
ZC Rider:
No he’s not.
brent a.
May 15th, 2009
6:51 pm
I saw Medlen pitch against Pittsburgh in spring training. Very excited to see him with the big club next week.
I enjoyed reading the Q&A with (Carroll, I’m guessing) in the paper today. Rarely do I see an actual paper, but was in a waiting area. Curiously enough, I did not see a writer’s name anywhere on the article. Is this part of the new AJC?
braveshater
May 15th, 2009
6:53 pm
I know KJ doesnt have the arm strength of fransour but cant they at least experiement with him right field. It would fill a HUGE void in the 6th spot of the lineup.
Lew
May 15th, 2009
6:55 pm
I can’t wait for Tony Armas Jr. to pitch in Atlanta, too. I mean, with ERA’s since 03 of 4.88, 4.97, 5.03, 6.03 and 7.56, he would have been a fitting addition to last year’s rotation. By all means, let’s give him another chance. AFter all the Blog always runs out of players to b!tch about. We can always use more.
Goldenglove002
May 15th, 2009
6:57 pm
Wow, perfect timing for the Medlen interview Carrol!
I’m glad to see JoJo finally getting the boot from the rotation, so this great. This could be interesting to watch as it goes along because I don’t think too many of us were expecting Medlen to become a big option for the starting rotation. But he’s obviously been great in Gwinnett, enough to get the call before Hanson.
The big question is, where does the pitching staff go from here? When (and if) Glavine comes back I do not expect Bobby to keep him out of the rotation, which means Medlen will likely move to something else. If he’s not doing great, they would probably just move him to the pen (where I think his future probably is if he’s with the Braves) but if he keeps up the numbers or even anywhere close to what he’s been getting in AAA then the Braves might have to consider making another big move to keep him in. Kawakami would probably be first to go at this point if Medlen is good, but I don’t think that would be a great idea considering he’s not that bad and it might have negative future implications with signing japanese players in the future. I also expect that JoJo is going to be called down when Glavine comes back unless he gets very good in the pen.
At the start of the offseason, our rotation currently looks like Lowe, JJ, Vazquez, Hudson, Kawakami, Hanson, Medlen. Frank Wren better be having some fun when he thinks about that.
Lew
May 15th, 2009
6:57 pm
As for Armas Jr. being brought up to make Javy Vazquez happy. I heard they’re bringing back Brayan Pena cause Yunel’s lonely, too.
Cooper S
May 15th, 2009
6:57 pm
ZC Rider, Scott: Daron Sutton is Don’s son.
Rex
May 15th, 2009
7:00 pm
mbatl- You are correct. You cannot protect yourself from all “Super2″ potential scenarios without sacrificing potential wins. 2-3 wins could seperate you from the playoffs or not and I am happy that the Braves are being smart about this. And if they feel Medlin is more likely to win games than Morton, you have to go with him.
Ben
May 15th, 2009
7:03 pm
When are the Braves gonna pull the plug on the “new Frenchy” experiment? His OBP, his BIGGEST weakness, is currently EVEN LOWER than it was in 2006 and 2008!
This is about the time I believe Mondesi got it in 2005.
Frankie Knuckles
May 15th, 2009
7:04 pm
Rex, I agree, Morton has the confidence of a sodomized puppy.
Sgt. Pepper
May 15th, 2009
7:05 pm
Excited to see Medlen on Tuesday. I am dying to get back to Turner Field for a game. Haven’t gotten over there since Kawakami’s Turner Field debut.
On an unrelated note, anyone from Atlanta know anything about Mid-Town Tavern? Playing a show there next Saturday and just trying to get a feel for the place in advance.
McFann :Ô:
May 15th, 2009
7:06 pm
Lew I heard they’re bringing back Brayan Pena cause Yunel’s lonely, too.
Il Cattivo
May 15th, 2009
7:07 pm
sodomized puppy – Frankie Knuckles
I take it you are a cat person.
Mixxo
May 15th, 2009
7:08 pm
Thanks “Or” and “Google” for that report.
I was kinda tied up at the moment.
Steve from OH
May 15th, 2009
7:08 pm
Gotta say, I’m pleasantly surprised to see Medlen come up. Looking forward to his debut on Tuesday. Still kinda wonder why it wasn’t Morton, but I do think Medlen is a better option, so why not go with him?
Interested Observer
May 15th, 2009
7:09 pm
Wow. What power Carroll has..one little Q&A and Medlin gets the call. I’m sure Brian Barton can’t wait until his story comes out. Next time Carroll heads to Gwinnett for a Q&A I’m sure she’ll have a long line of players willing to participate!
bravos2249
May 15th, 2009
7:10 pm
ESPN article about PLAYING THIRD BASE
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=4168545
Dogs Rule
May 15th, 2009
7:12 pm
Cats suck and are dumb and useless.
Il Cattivo
May 15th, 2009
7:16 pm
Wow – tomorrow is a Derek Lowe start and there is rain forecast. Except for the start against the Mets and opening day, the rain has really been following him.
McFann :Ô:
May 15th, 2009
7:19 pm
Il Cattivo–
Yeah…I think it mainly haunts him against sub-.500 teams.
Wayne in Utah
May 15th, 2009
7:20 pm
Derek Lowe should be used to help the weatherman predict rain. Expanding that idea a bit forward, he could be traded to other teams in parts of the country that are in drought conditions.
Capt Caveman
May 15th, 2009
7:21 pm
Just read that article on 3rd base and can’t agree more. When I was in the minors I played catcher and also third and first base, and I have to say that having a catchers mentality when it comes to knocking down a ball comes in handy but does not always come in “healthy”,
There were at least 2 occasions where I knocked down a ball to the detriment of my body. LOL
“Hey Caveman — Great Play !!! …………. Yeah I think the trainer is down in the tunnel.”
You try to get the pain and swelling to subside before you have to bat so you wont have to come out of the game. But you never admit that it hurts … EVER. Even on the way to the hospital. LOLOL
Yeah Good Times,
nolie
May 15th, 2009
7:27 pm
And Believe me if they come out playing flat I will be the first to bash, especially Francoeur… (Tomahahlin)
Oh My, what a surprise.
Heath (Cleveland)
May 15th, 2009
7:27 pm
ESPN had a top 10 game 7 winners and only had the Braves over the Pirates (Bream at home) at #9. Several hocky winners above that one…really? Lame.
Tomas
May 15th, 2009
7:28 pm
Kris Medlen good choice……I don’t like that Jo-jo will stay on the big club because that means another player more deserving of the spot gets send down. My guess is James Parr gets send down.
Heath (Cleveland)
May 15th, 2009
7:31 pm
Tarp on the field….oy.
jennifer in GA
May 15th, 2009
7:35 pm
so I know alot of people on this blog was wanting schafer in the lead off spot…. so i dare to ask who wants him in the leadoff spot now?!?!??!
bravos2249
May 15th, 2009
7:35 pm
ANyone have a radio link…I can’t remember the website….
Scott
May 15th, 2009
7:35 pm
my mistake. Darren is don’s son. And why is there a tarp? it looks sunny.
Goldenglove002
May 15th, 2009
7:35 pm
Heath, number 2 was game 7 of the 1991 series. Braves obviously did not win, but that was in there also.
Brandon
May 15th, 2009
7:36 pm
I hope this game isnt delayed….
bravos2249
May 15th, 2009
7:36 pm
NM about that last post…I had it saved on another browser…lol
bravos2249
May 15th, 2009
7:37 pm
The rain is coming from like SE…odd
Rob from SC
May 15th, 2009
7:37 pm
I though Kawakami is going tomorrow
Smyrna Jim
May 15th, 2009
7:37 pm
I try hard not to correct spelling on the blog, but the graphic at the bottom of Peachtree TV pointed out how long Hinch had been manger.
Smyrna Jim
May 15th, 2009
7:38 pm
Not the slightest hint here (12 miles northwest) of rain anywhere within sight of my windows.
unhappy camper
May 15th, 2009
7:38 pm
it rains EVERY fuc**** day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if the Braves don’t sweep the pitiful Diamondbacks, i think i’ll go CRAZZZZZZZZZZZZYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Goldenglove002
May 15th, 2009
7:39 pm
Is it really raining at the park? Its beautiful up here in Kennesaw (about 30 minutes away)
Brandon
May 15th, 2009
7:41 pm
Chipper being vocal in the dugout and leading the team out onto the field…. NICE…
Carroll Rogers
May 15th, 2009
7:42 pm
brent a. my name was in the lead-in section of the Q and A, said Medlen spoke to me. (Actually wrote my own name in the third person. Lame!!)
medlen throws 91-93, occasionally touches 94. has what they say is a plus changeup and a plus curveball.
little late starting because they were poised to put the tarp on the field but the umps waved it off. should have ball here in a minute
bravos2249
May 15th, 2009
7:43 pm
Brandon
I thought the same thing.
unhappy camper
May 15th, 2009
7:43 pm
Chipper’s pre-game pep talk in dugout went… “alright guys, who stole my dip and if any of you screw up, i’ll bash you to O’Brien, and don’t think i won’t!”
Carroll Rogers
May 15th, 2009
7:44 pm
Frank’s quote on Medlen over Hanson….after first saying that Medlen was the guy who was pitching best in AAA and that’s what they were going for.
“It’s also we’re looking at a time window,” Wren said referring to Glavine’s possible return in a couple of weeks. “That’s the other consideration. I think if we were looking at the long haul, and there was a situation for a starter to come up and be a starter for the rest of the season, it would probably be Tommy (Hanson).”
Smyrna Jim
May 15th, 2009
7:45 pm
Get some bullpen action going – it’s clearly not Javy’s night.
Heath (Cleveland)
May 15th, 2009
7:45 pm
…saw them putting the tarp on while watching on MLB TV on DirecTv. Glad to hear tarp is off and the game is under way.
StingerSplash
May 15th, 2009
7:46 pm
Is anybody else listening on Gameday Audio and getting the Peachtree TV audio feed instead of WGST? Does anybody know why this is happening? It’s just very odd.
jennifer in GA
May 15th, 2009
7:46 pm
this isnt going so good
Brandon
May 15th, 2009
7:46 pm
Not a good start…
Heath (Cleveland)
May 15th, 2009
7:47 pm
….great start…ugh.
nolie
May 15th, 2009
7:47 pm
No moves unless for farm talent. (RichBrave)
teams seldom make moves for farm talent at that time unless they are giving up and dumping high-priced veterans. Hopefully er won’t be in that spot. If they do make a move at that time it will be for a veteran to fill some need on the big club.
Carroll Rogers
May 15th, 2009
7:47 pm
that’s two runs in four pitches from Vazquez.
Rob from SC
May 15th, 2009
7:48 pm
Javy does not look good
Not Again
May 15th, 2009
7:49 pm
For those of you clammoring for either Medlen or Hanson, understand that if Bobby makes a switch away from Reyes, it’s gonna be Charlie Morton, who is on the 40 man roster. (Medlen and Hanson are not; if you have to ask why that should matter at all, this blog is not for you and you need to take the MLB 202 course.)
maybe you should take MLB101 huh? Your logic wasn’t so right after all. Guess Bobby and Frank over-ruled you .
Rob from SC
May 15th, 2009
7:49 pm
Vazquez really has some rough innings
Frankie Knuckles
May 15th, 2009
7:49 pm
Anyone know of a free audio feed.
nolie
May 15th, 2009
7:51 pm
well since every blogger and his brother bragged all day on how easy a sweep is gonna be, Karma took offense I see. Y’all never learn. Smack AFTER the game folks.
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
May 15th, 2009
7:52 pm
2-0 Arizona…..that was quick
Brandon
May 15th, 2009
7:52 pm
Time for the bats to come alive here at home…
Smyrna Jim
May 15th, 2009
7:53 pm
Hearing some thunder here now.
PI Braves
May 15th, 2009
7:54 pm
bravos2249 – here’s the link for WFIS – http://www.broadcastradiostream.com/WFIS.asx
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
May 15th, 2009
7:54 pm
Nolie…..If you read the blog and never saw the braves play you’ve think they invented the game. Folks….There’s a reason Vasquez has bounced around from team to team. If he was a keeper someone would have kept him.
Brandon
May 15th, 2009
7:55 pm
caught a break there…Omar’s liner off of the 1st basemens glove…
TnBrian
May 15th, 2009
7:56 pm
I don’t have much of a thyroid. Doug Davis had his removed and believe me, your thyroid and hormones ain’t nothin to mess with.
Garret Cleanup
May 15th, 2009
8:02 pm
I promise at least one single every other game from me: slugging cleanup man Garret Anderson.
The Lammer
May 15th, 2009
8:04 pm
*sigh* another one of those nights, huh?
alsim
May 15th, 2009
8:07 pm
The Braves had a great road trip against some tough teams. Logically that mean they will come home and lose to last place teams.
.
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
May 15th, 2009
8:07 pm
I’ve told you all before. The braves get a hard on to play the Mets. After that series there’s an emotional let down……You’ll see
McFann :Ô:
May 15th, 2009
8:08 pm
Wait a minute…that thing Infante got on base from was ruled a hit? Holy cow…
keylargo
May 15th, 2009
8:12 pm
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
One of the nicest 15 year old girls someone like you hopefully never meets, posted just after you did. Have some dignity.
Frankie Knuckles
May 15th, 2009
8:13 pm
PI Braves – Thanks for that link bro
Dumbfound
May 15th, 2009
8:13 pm
Mets Troll, I guess we all Know what you are thinking abou !! Any bath house in NJ ?!! I think plenty !!!
braveshater
May 15th, 2009
8:16 pm
Looks like we better hope CK saves the day again. None of these clowns ever look at the coach rounding second. whatever happened to that.
Heath (Cleveland)
May 15th, 2009
8:16 pm
Watching all these highlights for the Blue Jays….that is gonna be a really touch series for the Braves. Those guys can flat out rake.
Smyrna Jim
May 15th, 2009
8:17 pm
Good hit, Casey!
Jeff321
May 15th, 2009
8:17 pm
Did Doug Davis just “channel” Jeff Bennett on that shoddy play?
Brandon
May 15th, 2009
8:17 pm
a botched throw from Davis to the 1st basemen results in the BRaves 1st run….what a messed up play…
Frankie Knuckles
May 15th, 2009
8:18 pm
Mets Troll, If no one has reminded you today – You’re a Tool.
cabravesfan
May 15th, 2009
8:18 pm
braveshater
since you clearly don’t watch the braves on a regular basis I will fill you in. That was Brian McCann on 2nd. Brian is a catcher. Brian is not fast. The ball was not hit that deep…no reason to run into an out.
Heath (Cleveland)
May 15th, 2009
8:18 pm
Have to take advantage of the opponent’s miscue here.
King521
May 15th, 2009
8:18 pm
Yeah we really gotta beat these D-Backs and Rockies before the Jays get here…their offense is unreal with Scutaro and Aaron Hill setting the tables!
braveshater
May 15th, 2009
8:18 pm
That was an 85 mph fast ball right down the middle. If u cant hit that, u dont need to be in the Show.
braveshater
May 15th, 2009
8:20 pm
I see u still cant fucin read yet always have something to say. If I dont address u, there is no need to speak to me.
Thanks.
braveshater
May 15th, 2009
8:20 pm
It doesnt matter who it is ahole, u should still check the coach, since your back is turned to the play.
Smyrna Jim
May 15th, 2009
8:21 pm
RBI!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff321
May 15th, 2009
8:21 pm
Ya gotta love Schafer’s speed!
Brandon
May 15th, 2009
8:21 pm
Schafer brings home Francouer on a fielders choice…2-2
braveshater
May 15th, 2009
8:21 pm
Wow. The kid made contact. Great Job son.
Carroll Rogers
May 15th, 2009
8:22 pm
that’s some real wobbly defense by the DBacks. wobby at first on Omar Infante’s liner in the first, Justin Upton bobbled Francouer’s single then Davis’ wild throw on Kotchman’s dribbler…..They look like they’re playing nervous to me.
Brandon
May 15th, 2009
8:22 pm
Sacrifice bunt from Javy…Schafer on 2nd for Omar Infante…
Smyrna Jim
May 15th, 2009
8:23 pm
braveshater – please try to refrain from addressing people who disagree with you in such a profane way (especially the lovely ladies).
braveshater
May 15th, 2009
8:23 pm
I dont respect anyone from anywhere that has an actor as a governor anyway.
Heath (Cleveland)
May 15th, 2009
8:23 pm
Nice when the bottom of the order puts up runs. Javy given a fresh start basically.