Medlen cleared to begin light throwing
Braves pitcher Kris Medlen has been cleared to begin throwing after a visit to Dr. James Andrews on Monday in Birmingham. Medlen is four months into his rehabilitation from elbow reconstruction surgery. For the next two weeks he’ll begin doing light throwing and lobbing at 30 feet.
Medlen said he is on track to begin throwing off a mound in spring training. Recovery from “Tommy John” surgery typically requires about 12 months, which would put him back, at best, in late August or September.
Medlen went 6-2 with a 3.68 ERA in 31 games last year, including 14 starts, before tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He had surgery on Aug. 18.
“I talk to (Braves reliever Peter) Moylan all the time and he says when you start throwing, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Medlen said. “The last 3 ½, four months – it’s flown by. I’m excited about how fast it’s going.”
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126 comments Add your comment
Keaton
December 8th, 2010
12:09 pm
That’s great! It is going to be awesome to have Melen as a possible part of the rotation again for next season
Mcmann
December 8th, 2010
12:16 pm
i think were gonna win the world series
LuisG
December 8th, 2010
12:19 pm
Thanks for the news, Carroll!
joedub
December 8th, 2010
12:21 pm
Good news. Med’s “Road to Recovery” Blog sucks though. He should get some tips from Moylan about that too!
Dawgdad (The Original)
December 8th, 2010
12:31 pm
Dave, I hear Matt Diaz has signed with the Pirates, but see no mention of that on AJC. Any details of signing, any other teams interested, why Pittsburgh. I figured him for the filthies.
Ted M
December 8th, 2010
12:32 pm
So… Hudson, Lowe, Hanson, Jurrjens and Minor or Beachy or Medlen (eventually).
Who has the inside track for the 5th spot?
Ted M
December 8th, 2010
12:33 pm
I saw that too. I feel sorry for Matt; Pittsburgh is probably the worst franchise in MLB.
Ed Zachary
December 8th, 2010
12:33 pm
Go Kris!
vivabeta
December 8th, 2010
12:37 pm
Diaz will get regular playing time in Pittsburgh, which he has never had. He would’ve been strictly a platoon guy on any of the other teams.
Beat Philly
December 8th, 2010
12:37 pm
Great news! Something tells me we’ll be needing him come August or September.
urban redneck
December 8th, 2010
12:48 pm
sweet!!!!!!!!!!! my favorite brave back in action. he should have the 5th spot unless minor gets a lot better.
Fish Bisch
December 8th, 2010
12:50 pm
If Chris Meldan were to be ready in ST; where would he be penciled in at? 5th starter? Bullpen? long relieve or short relive?
Chuck M.
December 8th, 2010
12:51 pm
I do wish Diaz the best,I hope that Kris does not get to restless this season during his recovery time it is important not to rush GO BRAVES!
Kevin
December 8th, 2010
12:51 pm
Diaz is going to platoon in Pittsburgh as well. The Pirates have already talked about it.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
12:54 pm
Diaz will get regular playing time in Pittsburgh, which he has never had. He would’ve been strictly a platoon guy on any of the other teams.
The article I say had this to say: The 32-year-old handles lefties well and could become a complement to Garrett Jones, who handles righties well.
Sounds like a platoon to me!
rebelson
December 8th, 2010
12:54 pm
Great to hear about Kris…hope he has a great recovery…think he could be the real deal…now….went back and looked at some old footage of jordan schafer…this kid is awesome…somebody with some pull talk to the powers to be and get the Braves to keep this guy…i do believe our CF troubles would be over…
jim
December 8th, 2010
12:55 pm
I think Medlen’s eventual role will be back in the bullpen — and the 6th emergency starter guy. If he returns by Aug, or Sept. this year, it will be in the pen, but (barring trades) I would expect the 2012 rotation candidates to be: Hudson, Hanson, JJ, Lowe, Minor, Teheran, Delgado, Medlen. Even if both Lowe and JJ are moved after next year, I would think the other 5 would get first shot at starting since Medlen has both started and relieved and the others have been almost exclusively starters. This is not a slight on Medlen, since I think he would be an important component of a young pen. I think he needs to develop a more effective third pitch (breaking ball) to have sustained success as a starter, and the bullpen role suits hnis repertoire better.
rebelson
December 8th, 2010
1:04 pm
does anybody else have any thoughts on the schafer kid?
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
1:12 pm
yeah…….I think the Braves will trade him!
Novice Ned
December 8th, 2010
1:18 pm
Schafer is our opening day CF with McLouth in left and Chipper in rehab (Pardo at 3B).
The Grinch
December 8th, 2010
1:18 pm
Medlen is not gonna be the 5th starter next season, folks. Being cleared to throw in ST is not the same as being ready to pitch full time in the majors again. Moylan came back after 11 months and hasn’t really been the same since. Don’t rush him. We have plenty of pitching.
Novice Ned
December 8th, 2010
1:18 pm
Prado at 3B.
AdirondackDave
December 8th, 2010
1:18 pm
Thanks for the good news, Carroll. Medlin is a quality pitcher and, if all goes well in rehab, can be a big-time asset for the club. This club is good very now about to dominant when Teheran is in the rotation for good in ‘12.
rebelson
December 8th, 2010
1:20 pm
ppaddy123….and the reason they will trade him….?…the kid can run…damn sure catch the ball…and can hit…with the possibility of adding 20 to 25 home runs…and he can be had probably for the chump cham=nge we will get from KK’s sale…so why trade him?
Tim B.
December 8th, 2010
1:24 pm
I think the only way the Braves trade Schafer right now is if he is part of a package that can get us a high level outfielder that can play right away. Otherwise I think they see what he can due in spring training. I don’t think other teams would give up much for him until he proves he can hit at AAA and in the majors and due to injuries, he hasn’t done that yet. Hopefully, the Braves keep him, he is healthy, and he earns a spot as the 4th outfielder.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
1:25 pm
The opening day line up will have Chipper in it! Hopefully he’ll hit like he was when he injured his knee. Hopefully, Freddie will not hit him 3rd. Put Uggla between Bmac and JHey with Chipper behind BMac.
Art
December 8th, 2010
1:27 pm
It seems the Braves are putting most of there hopes in 2011 on a 21 year old unproven first baseman named Freddie Freeman. What happens if he starts the year off just opposite of Heyward in 2010. Who will play first base and wouldn’t it have been smarter to sign or acquire a one year first baseman in case Freeman is a year away from being ready.
Chuck
December 8th, 2010
1:28 pm
When Wren speaks of chipper, he only speaks of his knee, as if the rest of him isn’t an issue. Odds are that Prado will be at 3rd what % of the season? The last 6 yrs, avg 120 G/yr. Yep, last season was only 95, but the 2009 season was 143 and he shouldn’t have been out there a lot of that time, so i didn’t feel bad including the 95. So 25% of the time Prado will be at 3rd. You better have a good 4th outfielder! Platoon Hinske and Mulchman (what is that guy’s name?) 25% of the time?
Brock
December 8th, 2010
1:28 pm
jim- that 2012 rotation list looks awesome. I would not be afraid to put any of those guys in any part of the 5 man. A good problem to have.
rebelson
December 8th, 2010
1:29 pm
Wow!!!!!!!!…..Prado..Heywood…Uggla…Freeman…McCann..Schafer…Gonzo…Hinske…Chipper…our pitching staff….just think of the possibilities this could lead to…and yes…the rest of the bench and our new manager…come on spring time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
1:30 pm
There is no way the Braves can trade McLousy……..they owe him too much $$$. I like Schafer but he bats LH and McLousy bats LH and JHey bats LH and Hinske bats LH and Matt Young bats LH…..are you starting to see a pattern here?
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
1:36 pm
Joe Mather is the only RH outfielder on the roster, other than Prado. I don’t see him as a CF…..do you? I see the Braves need someone RH who can play CF…….the Braves have a possible gem in the making in Schafer…….he’s trade bait!
jim
December 8th, 2010
1:44 pm
PPaddy,
so all the CF candidates in hose are LH. That should not be a problem.
With Chipper: we have 4 lefties — Heyward, Freeman, McCann, CF
3 RH hitters — Uggla, Prado,Gonzo and one SH — Chipper
without Chiper — substitute Mather for Chipper and we have 4 lh AND 4 rh hitters in the usual lineup. Most of the pitchers in our division are RH — Doc, Oswalt, Johnson, Nolasco, A. Sanchez, Pelfry, Madson, Lidge, KRod, Storen — exceptions Hamels, Santana, Lannan are not markedly beter against lefties than righties.
nyyankees are the best
December 8th, 2010
1:44 pm
so how are you idiots today
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
1:47 pm
Opening day line-up:
Prado LF
JHey RF
Uggla 2B
BMac C
Jones 3B
Gonzo SS
Freeman 1B
McLousy CF
Hudson P
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
1:54 pm
Jim, I honestly think Chipper will be in the opening day line-up. But if not, it will be Prado at 3rd. My point is, with all the LH depth we have in the OF, Schafer has the most potential to be an everyday player in CF. The Braves might keep him at AAA with that in mind for 2012 when Mclousy’s contract is up. But, if he has value now…..Wren might pull the trigger to get another RH to play the OF. Remember, we have Matt Young (LH) and the Braves are high on him as well.
Fab-Five Fredi
December 8th, 2010
1:56 pm
ppdaddy123-Who is “Heywood”. Didn’t know the gay guy from “Spin City” was playing for the Braves..Or is is it Heywood that played Re-run from “What’s Happening”
Art
December 8th, 2010
1:59 pm
Any chance of a Kawakami to Pittsburgh for Doumit who can play outfield and first base.
DoninAcworth
December 8th, 2010
1:59 pm
Well ppaddy123 you just may be right but whomever…we’re going to be pretty good!
lilhomer
December 8th, 2010
1:59 pm
Opening day line-up
Schafer CF
Prado LF
JHey RF
Uggla 2b
Jones 3B
BMac C
Gonzo SS
Freeman 1B
Hudson p
lilhomer
December 8th, 2010
2:03 pm
Opening day line-up
Schafer CF – L
Prado LF – R
JHey RF – L
Uggla 2b – R
Jones 3B – S
BMac C – L
Gonzo SS -R
Freeman 1B – L
Hudson p
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
2:03 pm
WOW! Fab-Five Fredi in the house! Too bad you can’t spell your name right
Fred Brathwaite (born 1959), more popularly known as Fab 5 Freddy
David O'Brien
December 8th, 2010
2:05 pm
Any chance of a Kawakami to Pittsburgh for Doumit who can play outfield and first base. — Art
If you’re being serious, then I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but… Art, the Braves just want to dump as much of Kawakami’s salary as they can. They will not get an impact player back in any such deal.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
2:05 pm
lilhomer ……..Maybe the Yankees sit a guy on the bench making $7.75 MM, but I don’t think the Braves will!
Fab-Five Fredi
December 8th, 2010
2:05 pm
Sooooo, When does Chipper pull up lame. Does he make through April? DOB needs to have a poll for a date and type of injury, winner gets an AJC t-shirt.
Justafan
December 8th, 2010
2:07 pm
Welcome back Medlen. Now lets get the flat bill cap curse stopped!
Medlen really adds great things to this team.
Chumper Dumper
December 8th, 2010
2:17 pm
Please, take it slow and easy for the next 8 months. I’ve never seen a runt throw the way this runt does. Little fellow brings the heat, so please, take it slow and easy and be ready for 2012.
Heisenberg
December 8th, 2010
2:23 pm
Medlen would most likely come back in the starting rotation. Being on a known consistent pitch every 5 days schedule is considered less stressful on a recovering elbow than working out of the bullpen. If he is in the bullpen, just getting him warmed up to face 1 batter could make him not available the next day. Kind of like how they had to handle Saito in the last half of 2010. That makes the bullpen difficult to manage and puts extra load on other relievers. Best to insert him into his rightful place in the rotation with a gradually increasing pitch count while his arm regains strength.
Heisenberg
December 8th, 2010
2:29 pm
I was being sarcastic last week when I suggested the only way we would see Diaz at the Ted in 2011 was when the Pirates came to town. He deserves better than that.
Justafan
December 8th, 2010
2:35 pm
Frenchy signs with Royals for 1 year 2.5 million.
Kevin
December 8th, 2010
2:43 pm
If we get $2 million back for Kawakami do it in a heartbeat! If not send him down to A ball for not wanting to be sent back home to give the Braves half their money back.
JoeBravesFan
December 8th, 2010
2:45 pm
Dayton Moore seems to have a fetish for former Braves players…
jim
December 8th, 2010
2:45 pm
And Frenchy could have signed a multiyear deal similar to McCann’s 3 years ago and be making 4 times that now. Thank goodness it never happened.
BIGhomer
December 8th, 2010
2:46 pm
ppaddy123, last year the Braves had a $6.67MM pitcher in the minors. Won’t be too crazy to think maybe this year they’ll have $7.75 MM OF on the bench.
With the pitching we have, we’ll have a damn good team out there if Chipper and Schafer come to ST healthy and playing well.
JoeBravesFan
December 8th, 2010
2:46 pm
Kris Medlen will be able to provide that push we’ll need in late August/early September to get to the playoffs again…I, for one, am looking forward to his return!
JonnyVenter'sLeftArm
December 8th, 2010
2:53 pm
If I’m a Royals fan, I think I’d be getting tired of all the Braves rejects.
Frank Wren
December 8th, 2010
2:58 pm
Our fortunes in 2011 are dependent on a rookie firstbasemam; Nate McLouth; and a broken-down, overpaid thirdbaseman.
Keep hope alive, Atlanta !
KK for Oswalt,
December 8th, 2010
2:58 pm
Medlen was better, at Gwinnett, than Hanson. Check the numbers..the kid needs to be in the rotation upon his return. Good luck to Diaz. Class act, good teammate, apparently, and a lights out hitter against lefties.
Any chance Heyward gets a deal like McCann got after his first or second year, tying him down for a few years? And finally, Chipper: you are a dead lock HOFer. Retire. We can get much more production for your money. No offense, it’s just business.
jim
December 8th, 2010
3:00 pm
Medlen won’t be fully recovered physically and mentally until 2012. If we are looking for someone to come in and give us a late season push, a more likely longshot scenario is that Teheran or Delgado dominate at AAA, and are called up just before or after the rosters expand and give the Braves a few quality starts in September. A contribution from any of the 3 would be serendipitous and the Braves hopes for 2011 will rest primariily with the starting 5 and bullpen that leaves Orlando in April.
1eyedJack
December 8th, 2010
3:06 pm
Loved Matty during his time in the ATL. He landed in just the right spot to be available if the Bravos need him come July.
Heisenberg
December 8th, 2010
3:14 pm
That may be the first ever use of “serendipitous” in these blogs.
There is something to be said about Braves talent levels in 2010 and how they overachieved. When you consider players that have been released and the fact that either no other teams are in a hurry to sign them or only the bottom feeders are interested. I do not wish to be to hard on any one player here, but if say Diaz is signed by the Red Sox to multi-year deal a day after being let go by Braves, then you start to wonder if a mistake has been made. But when teams like Pirates and Royals are taking your former players it confirms an upgrade in talent is needed.
STRETCH
December 8th, 2010
3:18 pm
Braves Closing In On Deal With George Sherrill
By Tim Dierkes [December 8 at 2:11pm CST]
The Braves are closing in on a deal with lefty reliever George Sherrill, tweets ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. Sherrill, 34 in April, was non-tendered by the Dodgers after a lost 2010 season. He’s always been useful and sometimes dominant against lefties in his career. The Braves could be strong on the southpaw relief front, with Eric O’Flaherty and Jonny Venters already in the fold.
Heisenberg
December 8th, 2010
3:22 pm
Sherrill is a good team guy. All-star closer for Orioles then traded to Dodgers and accepted a middle inning role without complaining.
GT Alum
December 8th, 2010
3:25 pm
Heisenberg -
DOB said at least 8 teams were interested in Diaz, with 2 of the ones I heard rumored being the Phillies and the Yankees. Diaz is a great 4th OF type. The Braves gave him a couple chances to start everyday, but both of them were marred by injuries. Back-up OFs don’t tend to get a lot of multi-year deals, especially ones who are average defensively in LF. While the Pirates aren’t the best landing spot for a player, 2 years for at least $4.2M is a nice contract for a player like Diaz.
On the other hand, I’m surprised Frenchy found someone to pay him $2.5M. Other than his cannon arm, he’s basically just a warm body in RF, but he doesn’t seem to have caught on to that fact.
jim
December 8th, 2010
3:26 pm
Frank Wren,
The Phillies hopes ride on an injury prone Lidge, an Utley and Rollins who have missed considerable time in 2 of the last 4 years, an old LF, and an uproven rookie in RF.
We need not even bother to look at the Mets’ uncertainties.
The Giants will need their starters to stay healthy, and the fat Panda to lose some weight if they are to repeat. Even the Yankees with all their cash must count on a 37 year old shortsop, a declining Pettite, and a 40-year old closer to continue to perform like before if they lose out in the Lee and or Crawford sweeps. (And their ace does not exactly have a body built for the long run)
An 85 million dollar club is going to have questions like you raise, but even the rich clubs have their issues.
Surely nobody knows that better than you, Frankie.
Even Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle were once rookies. The kid hit 311 with about 90 RBIs in AAA last year and he is a top 20 prospect. He is as ready as he will ever be to take the next step and will likely give us as much production as we had from the two broken-down vets who manned the position last year. If Young or Schafer show in ST that they are better than Nate, they will get the opportunity to replace him as soon as he struggles. If Chipper breaks down is Mather capable of putting up 2009/2010 Chipper type numbers?
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
3:27 pm
BIGhomer if McLousy hits anywhere near the Mendoza line………@$7.75 MM I think he’ll be the everyday CF. KK was sent down to “straighten himself out” as was McLousy. McLOusy actually played decently when he returned. KK was a total failure!
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
3:28 pm
1eyedJack
December 8th, 2010
3:06 pm
Loved Matty during his time in the ATL. He landed in just the right spot to be available if the Bravos need him come July.
Ain’t that the truth!
GT Alum
December 8th, 2010
3:35 pm
Looking at his splits over his career, looks like Sherrill is consistently good against lefties, but his performance against righties varies wildly. Hopefully, we’ll be able to bring him in situations where the opponent has a couple of lefties lined up in their order.
704_Brave
December 8th, 2010
3:47 pm
Looking like Braves are gambling on 33 year old George Sherrill for another arm out of the pen. He was not good last year for LAD. I like the acquisition if it’s on the cheap, hoping that he can regain previous form.
Better option than Ron Mahay IMO.
Also, has anyone else thought about Jeremy Hermida? Is he done at 27? He’s an Atlanta native and I’m sure the Braves know him well…if he’s had on the cheap, it might not be such a bad, low-risk gamble…
704_Brave
December 8th, 2010
3:49 pm
Also, it looks like the Braves are hung up on how much they will have to eat of KK’s salary…he’s not in the mix, so I’d eat all of it as long as you get anything back…can’t have a guy make that kind of money in the minors…
stew
December 8th, 2010
3:52 pm
I don’t want Sherill. He’s a soft tosser. If he had anything left, he’d still be a Dodger. Linebrink four years ago yeah this year no! Why don’t we ever get a blue chipper? Love Uggla’s bat, but he should be in left field. I just don’t see Sherill and his 6+ ERA.
ryan c
December 8th, 2010
3:54 pm
this is why the braves want sherrill…
career againt left-handed batters: .167ba .235obp .500ops
that’s billy wagner type awesomeness! in fact, billy’s career line against left-handed batters is slightly worse: .189ba .262 obp .516ops
704_Brave
December 8th, 2010
3:56 pm
From Chris Sprow on ESPN ticker:
Just talked to Fredi Gonzalez, who says Andruw Jones’ name “has been brought up” among those being looked at as possible additions to the outfield.
STRETCH
December 8th, 2010
3:56 pm
704,
NOW WE’RE TALKIN!!!
stew
December 8th, 2010
3:57 pm
Art
Last year we signed Glaus to give Freddie another year of seasoning. We can’t do that again. Time for Freddie to put up or shut up.
GT Alum
December 8th, 2010
3:58 pm
704_Brave –
They’re not getting anything or anyone of consequence back. Might just be PTBNL. The only item there for Wren to work out with the other teams is how much of KK’s salary the Braves are going to have to pay.
704_Brave
December 8th, 2010
3:59 pm
Andruw would essentially be Chipper insurance (Prado back to 3B), plus add depth and perhaps fill in at 1B if Freddie falters…just my opinion…
704_Brave
December 8th, 2010
4:01 pm
GT Alum,
Agreed…even if they eat all but $500k I’d say it’s a win with KK.
Heisenberg
December 8th, 2010
4:03 pm
Please spare the crap about A Jones and loosing weight and being in good shape and working hard blah blah blah. He cannot play CF anymore, still strikes out, and has lost some power.
Hermidia, take a pass. Similar career track as Frenchy and we are not in need of another left-handed bat.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
4:04 pm
I don’t think bringing Andruw back would be a good move for the Braves or Andruw…..too much water under the bridge!
Novice Ned
December 8th, 2010
4:07 pm
I’d LOVE to see Andruw wearing #25 again for the Braves. With no expectations other than watching him flash that goofy grin while giving us slightly less than average results. But could he help as an emergency 1B and 5th outfielder? Probably.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
4:09 pm
I’d like to see the Braves pick up an Ángel Pagán type 4th outfielder. A switch hitter with decent speed and a good glove.
704_Brave
December 8th, 2010
4:09 pm
I’m not advocating bringing back Andruw either and no way is he a CF candidate…just passing along some chatter. Just speculating about what FW and Fredi are thinking.
He’s had some pop in his bat the past couple years in a limited role. Not great numbers, but he could be shifted around a bit in case Chipper is a no go next year…
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
4:10 pm
We need a 5th outfielder?
Just Pat
December 8th, 2010
4:11 pm
I was AT the game where Bobby benched Andruw for lack of hustle and kind of lost my “taste” for him then.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
4:12 pm
anyone playing the middle infield can play the outfield
704_Brave
December 8th, 2010
4:13 pm
How badly was Hermida hurt last year? His career numbers aren’t great, but his OBP is higher than Frenchy’s?
Just curious, that’s all…he’s only 27 and I’m sure the Braves know him well…
gcs
December 8th, 2010
4:13 pm
Wren, please hurry up and lock down Uggla’s extension. The salaries are spinning out of control!
.
BRAVES FANATICUS
December 8th, 2010
4:15 pm
No. to Andruw.
No to Sherrill.
No to Schafer.
Novice Ned
December 8th, 2010
4:16 pm
Should the Braves extend Uggla before watching him play in a Braves uniform? Any concerns about a repaet of Kolb or McLouth (small market star who can’t handle high expectations)?
GT Alum
December 8th, 2010
4:29 pm
Even if you look at Sherrill’s 2010 splits, in 73 ABs he only allowed lefties a 192 avg, 286 OBP and 573 OPS with just 1 HR and gave up 10 BBs against 19 Ks. Righties, on the other hand, lit him up like a Christmas tree. As long as he’s only allowed to pitch to lefties, he should be fine.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
4:30 pm
Novice Ned
December 8th, 2010
4:16 pm
Should the Braves extend Uggla before watching him play in a Braves uniform? Any concerns about a repaet of Kolb or McLouth (small market star who can’t handle high expectations)?
Really, dude?! career .263 BA, .349 OBP, & .837 OPS
Heisenberg
December 8th, 2010
4:31 pm
Ángel Pagán as 4th OF my azz! If the NY Mess are stupid enough to let him go, I would take him over anyone currently on Braves roster as starting CF.
Heisenberg
December 8th, 2010
4:33 pm
Kolb & McOut only had 1 good year before coming to Atl. Uggla has had 5. Not a valid comp.
704_Brave
December 8th, 2010
4:34 pm
Jerry Crasnick is reporting that Sherrill just got inked to a 1 year, $1.2MM deal with bonuses that could take it to $1.4MM.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
4:34 pm
The only negative thing about Uggla is he strikes out twice as much as he walks. But I think being around some of the Braves hitters and seeing their plate discipline will rub off on him some.
kenny j
December 8th, 2010
4:37 pm
Beachy for Lorenzo Cain and call it a winter. Andruw is history. Get over it. Good luck Kris, sounds great!! Good luck to Matty, he deserves to start. Hard to believe people bitched about him only hitting .269 against righties while .330 clip against lefties. Who wouldn’t love McLouth or Shaefer to hit .269 for the whole year. We’ll miss you Matty. Mike Minor is the future and our only lefty people!! His letdown after 6 innings was because he had never pitched that much before. He can hit 94 consistently and command 3 pitches. Ceiling is unlimited. Great year on the way!! Go Bravos!
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
4:37 pm
Heisenberg
December 8th, 2010
4:31 pm
Ángel Pagán as 4th OF my azz! If the NY Mess are stupid enough to let him go, I would take him over anyone currently on Braves roster as starting CF.
Please re-read my post…..I said Ángel Pagán type 4th outfielder.
Heisenberg
December 8th, 2010
4:39 pm
Adam Dunn, Mark Reynolds, and most power hitters strike out a lot too. I will take to 30HR/100RBI thank you. The fear of Uggla hitting one out will create better pitches for those around him.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
4:44 pm
I would love to see him duplicate his 2010 numbers with the Braves. I think batting in the 3 hole behind Jhey and Prado and in front of BMac would be his best spot. I have a feeling Chipper will end up in the 3 hole (like always) but he would be better now batting behind BMac and in front of Gonzo and Freddie.
Heisenberg
December 8th, 2010
4:46 pm
OK pdaddy I did miss the word type. I have hated the Mets since 1969, but Pagan is a player I really like. The mere thought of him in CF over what we currently have got me a bit excited.
K.C. Frenchy
December 8th, 2010
4:48 pm
Next year will be a wash for Medlen, same as Huddy who only pitched in September after same surgery, but that will give some experience for Minor to see what we have, 2 more years of Lowe & Huddy, hopefully JJ comes back strong, & Hanson continues to improve, best rotation in baseball! Lowe was our best pitcher in Sept. he was lights out & looked like a new man, if JJ comes back strong look out for the Bravos!!! Ugga Ugga
jim
December 8th, 2010
4:48 pm
Didn’t Uggla reduce his K’s this year? (Or at least increse his walks)
K.C. Frenchy
December 8th, 2010
5:01 pm
The ONLY lineup should be 1. McOut/Shafer CF 2. Prado 3. Heyward 4. Uggla 5. McCann 6. Chipper 7. Gonzalez 8. Freeman anything other than this is a mistake, DO IT Fredi!!! this gives you speed at leadoff, perfect 2 hole hitter, Chipper is NOT a 3 hole bat anymore, perfect cleanup man, & no pressure on Freeman to produce yet. Youre welcome Fredi, Go Bravos!!!!
GT Alum
December 8th, 2010
5:01 pm
Kinda curious what we liked about Sherrill over Ohman and Mayhay.
Brooks Conrad wears a Glove?
December 8th, 2010
5:03 pm
@stew. Have you listened to ANY of the reasoning that the Brave’s brass are using in regards to picking a MR lefty? We HAVE to have someone with MLB experience to support Venters and Co. against the Phils. If Sherril puts up anything remotely close to his career #’s against the Phil’s left-handed stars, it should be considered a great roster move.
As for the Andruw haters…we can’t have the best of all worlds. If he is willing to sign for a ~&1 million performance based salary, what are the Braves going to lose? Yes, he has lost his mid-90’s speed, early 2000’s power, but he has the instinct to know where to throw the ball…something Nate and Jordan don’t have. If he can come off the bench 60 or so games a year, bat .250-.260 (~10 dingers), it’s already an improvement over status quo.
That being said…I hope Uggla tears the leather off the ball at the Ted like he did when he was a fishy. 162-0…let it begin.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
5:08 pm
K.C. Frenchy No way should the Braves take Prado out of leadoff. He’s a doubles machine (40 in 140 games) he has a high OBP and a super patient JHey hitting behind him. When he was healthy last year he helped make that team go. Whether it’s Schafer or McLousy next year…..they’ll be batting 8th!
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
5:12 pm
Also, having an aggressive hitter like Uggla hitting 3rd rather than a selective Chipper will lead to more run scoring opportunities from the 3 hole (and some screaming at the TV as to why he swung at that pitch)!
Chopdawg
December 8th, 2010
5:15 pm
Don’t see the sense in moving KK if we still hafta pay most of his salary! He had a terrible year last yr, but the yr before that he was decent; couldn’t we still use a spot starter/long reliever?
If we can move him & only hafta eat half his salary, OK; but any more than half, I’d just keep him.
ramblingman
December 8th, 2010
5:17 pm
“It seems the Braves are putting most of there hopes in 2011 on a 21 year old unproven first baseman named Freddie Freeman. What happens if he starts the year off just opposite of Heyward in 2010. Who will play first base and wouldn’t it have been smarter to sign or acquire a one year first baseman in case Freeman is a year away from being ready”
Then what do they do next year when it’s a 22 year old unproven first baseman?
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
5:19 pm
Chopdawg , I think as much as anything, KK just needs a new start someplace else. Totally agree about his numbers, but I don’t think he’ll do us any good in the pen.
ramblingman
December 8th, 2010
5:22 pm
agree with paddy, KK needs a fresh start. Sad thing is that we are going to pay more than half almost for sure.
ppaddy123
December 8th, 2010
5:26 pm
ramblingman “Then what do they do next year when it’s a 22 year old unproven first baseman?”
So true! He’s proven he no longer belongs in the minors. Sink or swim they’re gonna’ turn him loose!
Chris
December 8th, 2010
5:26 pm
I’m not super excited about the Sherrill signing. Yeah, he should help against the Phils, but how often do you actually use your third lefty out of the pen? I was hoping Wren would spend as much of his remaining budget on a 4th OF as he could and then use the leftovers for the last bullpen spot and give Diory a shot at the utility infielder role. He’ll only cost around $400K.
Wren should wait out the Carl Crawford signing. If Crawford goes to the Yanks or Red Sox, that team would have outfield excess that would look good in CF at the Ted. If it’s Boston, it’s likely that Ellsbury or Cameron would become available. If it’s New York, there would likely be one of Granderson, Swisher, or Gardner made available. None of those five guys are bad options. As much as I hate to see the Yankees and Red Sox signing the best players, it might be best for the Braves that they do.
ramblingman
December 8th, 2010
5:26 pm
I am still holding out hope that the Braves can swing a deal for Bartlett, then swap Gonzo somewhere and get some salary relief for Bartlett by getting someone to take KK. Pipe dream I know.
Best case scenario? We also pick up Garza (will cost us some prospects) and then we can offer JJ and Gonzo for a pretty decent return.
ramblingman
December 8th, 2010
5:28 pm
Sherrill did not cost that much more than minimum. How often are they going to use the third lefty? More than one would think, especially if one of the lefties is the closer.
Chris
December 8th, 2010
5:32 pm
ramblingman,
Yeah, I guess I’m expecting Kimbrel to be the closer, but you’re right. If Venters is the closer, Sherrill becomes a lot more important. He would essentially take on O’Flaherty’s role from last year.
GT Alum
December 8th, 2010
5:32 pm
“It seems the Braves are putting most of there hopes in 2011 on a 21 year old unproven first baseman named Freddie Freeman. What happens if he starts the year off just opposite of Heyward in 2010. Who will play first base and wouldn’t it have been smarter to sign or acquire a one year first baseman in case Freeman is a year away from being ready”
That’s part of what Hinske (and possibly Mather) is for. No, he’s not your ideal 1B, but you’re not going to get an established starter to just sit on the bench while you see if a kid can handle the job or not.
Plus, the Braves aren’t going to give up on Freddy if he struggles. They may platoon him or something like that, but I don’t know that there’s much to gain by leaving him in AAA another year. If he can’t make the adjustment to the majors this year, he might just be another AAAA player.
GT Alum
December 8th, 2010
5:38 pm
Chris -
Even if Venters isn’t the closer, he’s likely going to be designated the set-up man, which only leaves EOF and Sherrill for lefties in the 6th or 7th innings. It sounds like Fredi’s plan is for Kimbrel to close and Venters to pitch the 8th, although he might reverse that if it lines up to be righty-heavy in the 8th and lefty-heavy in the 9th.
Besides, I’d like to see Venters get the occasional day off this season. It would be nice to have a ‘pen where the key guys aren’t worn down at the end of the season.
wjones
December 8th, 2010
6:04 pm
“GT Alum
December 8th, 2010
5:32 pm
“It seems the Braves are putting most of there hopes in 2011 on a 21 year old unproven first baseman named Freddie Freeman. What happens if he starts the year off just opposite of Heyward in 2010. Who will play first base and wouldn’t it have been smarter to sign or acquire a one year first baseman in case Freeman is a year away from being ready”
That’s part of what Hinske (and possibly Mather) is for. No, he’s not your ideal 1B, but you’re not going to get an established starter to just sit on the bench while you see if a kid can handle the job or not.
Plus, the Braves aren’t going to give up on Freddy if he struggles. They may platoon him or something like that, but I don’t know that there’s much to gain by leaving him in AAA another year. If he can’t make the adjustment to the majors this year, he might just be another AAAA player.”
Boy, are you guys putting Freeman on a short leash or what? My God, why would the team give up on a top prospect after one season? And we went with the cheap, mediocre veteran LAST year. We should rejoice that the Braves are going with the young talent.
Stuart
December 8th, 2010
6:07 pm
Matt Diaz will play in Pittsburgh until they collapse for 728th year in a row and then they will trade him for prospects to a contender like they always do.
MLB needs to buy this club since being competitive is not important.
GT Alum
December 8th, 2010
6:25 pm
wjones,
I thought I said the Braves aren’t going to give up on him if he struggles. With the rest of that paragraph, I was just saying I don’t think another year in AAA is going to help him develop much further. Not necessarily saying that we toss him aside after this season if he does struggle, but that he’s proven all he can in the minors.
However, it’s not like top prospects don’t flop. Wasn’t Francoeur once a top prospect? Wasn’t Andruw once a top prospect? Hell, much as I like Hinske, he’s not exactly had the type of career you’d expect from a guy who won ROY. It happens.
wjones
December 8th, 2010
7:12 pm
“GT Alum
December 8th, 2010
6:25 pm
wjones,
I thought I said the Braves aren’t going to give up on him if he struggles. With the rest of that paragraph, I was just saying I don’t think another year in AAA is going to help him develop much further. Not necessarily saying that we toss him aside after this season if he does struggle, but that he’s proven all he can in the minors.
However, it’s not like top prospects don’t flop. Wasn’t Francoeur once a top prospect? Wasn’t Andruw once a top prospect? Hell, much as I like Hinske, he’s not exactly had the type of career you’d expect from a guy who won ROY. It happens.”
Sorry, it was the reference to regarding him as a AAA player if he didn’t do well this year that led me to believe what I posted. As far as Frenchy and Andruw, neither went belly up their first year up. In fact they are good cases to look at when studying the case of Freddy. Andruw, at age 19, started the year at high A ball, then went through AA and AAA, and was called up by the big club in September, in the middle of a pennant race, and hit two homers in his first World Series game. He struggled a little in a part time role in 1997, then was given the job in center field for 1998, and had a solid 9 years, at times spectacular. So I don’t know how you could regard Andruw as a flop at all. Maybe he didn’t put up the numbers that was expected of him, but look at any of his numbers from 1998 through 2006, and tell me you wouldn’t have wanted those in center field last year.
Frenchy, on the other hand, skipped AAA, went up in mid season straight from AA, and exploded in 2005, contribuing mightily to our division championship in 2005. He followed up with very solid seasons in 2006 and 2007, driving over 100 runs in both seasons. Then the league adjusted to him. Neither of these players were a bust. I would take similar numbers from Freeman, who projects to be a higher average hitter and a more patient hitter than either of them. And yes, you never know how a player will turn out, but neither do you know how a middle-aged, mediocre veteran will turn out either. As for me, I am glad to see the Braves give the young talent a chance to succeed, and as you said in your post earlier, Freddie left nothing to prove in AAA. You could argue he deserves the promotion more than Hayward did last year, and that turned out ok, didn’t it?
Bravefaninok
December 8th, 2010
7:27 pm
Freeman is a stud……He will be Fine! He plays above average D and has Hit at every level,
Batting 8th he will get a ton of walks as well.
ppaddy123
December 9th, 2010
6:46 am
Bravefaninok
Batting 8th he will get a ton of walks as well.
He won’t bat 8th…..McLousy will!
rick p
December 9th, 2010
1:26 pm
I hope the Braves have Tim Hudson talk to Medlen and keep him away from Scott Proctor. Medlen seems like a hyped up kid who’ll try to set the record for quickest time coming back from TJ surgery–and those are the guys who have to have it re-done. I almost wish they hadnt cleared him to throw this early
That said he’s one of my favorites and I wish him luck (and patience)