4:11 pm September 22, 2012, by David O'Brien
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1,978 comments Add your comment
Jeff R
September 23rd, 2012
7:59 pm
SNEAKY PETE, Nolie’s a swell guy. I hope it turns out okay for him.
George_George
September 23rd, 2012
7:59 pm
Now Nite All.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
September 23rd, 2012
8:21 pm
Barely ten days left in this season and our Bravos are on cruise control………quit the difference a year makes ay?
jeffrey d
September 23rd, 2012
8:25 pm
Thanks Sneaky Pete. If you have any connection with nolie, let him know my thoughts and prayers are with him, and that George George doesn’t like Fredi.
C1etus Van Damme
September 23rd, 2012
8:26 pm
Just imagine where we’d be if Braves management had decided to let Medlen start the year in the rotation…instead of waiting until July 31st to insert him into the starting rotation.
What a waste.
Sopheee
September 23rd, 2012
8:30 pm
Thinking of you, nolie polie. Take care of yourself.
jeffrey d
September 23rd, 2012
8:33 pm
Just imagine where we’d be if Braves management had decided to let Medlen start the year in the rotation…instead of waiting until July 31st to insert him into the starting rotation.
At a 160 innings limit and watching Tommy Hanson pitch in the one game playoff?
C1etus Van Damme
September 23rd, 2012
8:41 pm
The thing that’s amazing about Kris Medlen, is the fact that he eats up innings and saves the bullpen.
Medlen pitched effectively as a starter BEFORE he got hurt. When he came back, the Braves put him in the mysterious “important long man relief role”….and instead gave starts to batting practice pitchers Randal Delgado, Julio Teheran..as well as to Jair Jurrjens (when he came back from the Minors).
Only when Tommy Hanson got hurt, did Braves management relent and give Medlen a chance.
Kris Medlen’s heroics saved the Braves season. Braves management deserves NO CREDIT for where we are today. Our bullpen would have been overworked in August and September, had Medlen not saved our season.
I’d love to see the Atlanta press at least give some lip service to the fact that LUCK is the primary reason why we’re leading the Wild Card. Medlen is dominating as a starting pitcher DESPITE Braves management wanting him to do the long relief thing.
David O'Brien
September 23rd, 2012
8:49 pm
Cletus Van Damme: Are you for real? Your comments, I mean. Are they to be taken seriously?
C1etus Van Damme
September 23rd, 2012
8:54 pm
jeffrey d……how little you remember the facts.
Kris Medlen had already came back from surgery at the end of 2011. He pitched a few innings in relief at the end of last season. He had all winter to build up arm strength. He was more than ready to begin the 2012 season as a starter.
I disagree with how Washington shut down Strasberg. Strasberg pitched in September of 2011. He also had the winter to build arm strength. If the Nationals come up short in the post season, their management deserves the blame.
Also, Medlen is a different pitcher than Strasberg. He has more command…and doesnt need 100 pitches to get through 5-6 innings. Medlen has shown throughout his career (look at his minor league numbers)…that he can go deep into games.
I thought it was insane to waste him in the long relief role. I hope we never see Delgado, Teheran nor Jurrjens in the rotation in 2013.
Medlen, Hudson, Maholm, Minor as our first 4 starters in 2013…and trade Hanson if Beachy recovers in time to start the 2013 season.
jeffrey d
September 23rd, 2012
9:04 pm
Okay, first off…..I’ll be the first to admit that I’m ecstatic that Medlen has been unbelieveably awesome. That said, I’m tired of all the know-it-alls who beat their chests saying that Medlen should’ve been starting all along. Going into this season, Medlen had a 4+ ERA as a starter. That plus the fact that he was coming off of Tommy John surgery and that the Braves had about 20 starting pitching options (Hanson, Hudson, Jurrjens, Minor, Beachy, Teheran, Delgado, Vizcaino) made perfect sense to start Medlen in the bullpen.
David O'Brien
September 23rd, 2012
9:06 pm
The first of what is hopefully a few big Emmys for Breaking Bad. Greatness.
Russell Bell
September 23rd, 2012
9:07 pm
Nolie, hang in there bud.
Puma
September 23rd, 2012
9:08 pm
Just because Meds is pitching awesome now, does not mean he would have been this awesome had he been starting all year, false logic. Just like there is no guarantee that this will continue at this high level; how long can anyone sustain this level of pitching. I almost wish he would have a bad game before we get to post season, almost!
Ward
September 23rd, 2012
9:09 pm
Hello everyone! If Medlen would’ve started early. He would’ve been shut down early like Strasburg. Cletus Van Dame = Denz………
kenhotlanta
September 23rd, 2012
9:09 pm
SNEAKY PETE: Please tell nolie we are praying for him and looking forward to his return here…the blog is not the same without him.
Puma
September 23rd, 2012
9:10 pm
DOB – I take it you favor Breaking Bad over Mad Men
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 23rd, 2012
9:10 pm
Prayers for Nolie!
Russell Bell
September 23rd, 2012
9:12 pm
Secular concerns for Nolie.
Ward
September 23rd, 2012
9:14 pm
C1etus Van Damme – Must think he’s a pitching scout, or expert in this field.LOL…..
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 23rd, 2012
9:18 pm
Prayers for my favorite Seminole…
Capt.Mudd
September 23rd, 2012
9:18 pm
C1etus Van DeCammps…….Re: 8:41 pm….
I enjoy your ‘beans’ but I am confused a bit about…….???
Ok–seriously….and I am ok with your personal opinions on Meds–it’s your right. But, question here for you, sir. I was under the supposition Medlen was being handled, or better, his post operative activity schedule was based on sound professional medical protocols as per his specific corrective procedure.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 23rd, 2012
9:20 pm
Chipper Jones @RealCJ10
Huddy w/ a gem today and his fellow war eagle brother, Rossy w/ a solo #jimmyjack to center. Good 4-2 trip. Last homestand coming up…
Ward
September 23rd, 2012
9:20 pm
nolie – Heal up buddy, and take it easy…….
C1etus Van Damme
September 23rd, 2012
9:20 pm
David O’Brien…..do you disagree that Kris Medlen saved the Braves season?
If the Braves had kept Medlen in the bullpen…and kept the revolving door of trotting out Delgado, Teheran and Jurrjens (and who knows who else they would have drudged up)….do you really think we’d still have the Wild Card lead?
The Braves have won all 10 of Medlen’s starts since July 31st. Since July 31st, the Braves are 30-21. 10-0 in games started by Medlen. 20-21 in games not started by Medlen.
In Jurrjens’s 10 starts earlier in 2012, the Braves were 5-5. In Delgado’s 17 starts, the Braves’ record was 5-12. The Braves lost Teheran’s only start.
So the Braves record in the Jurrjens/Delgado/Teheran trio of starts…was 10-18. In those 28 starts….they pitched a combined 143 innings (which averages out to be barely 5 innings a start).
In Kris Medlen’s 10 starts since July 31st, the Braves are 10-0. He has pitched 70 innings (which averaged out to be 7 innings a start…this despite only going 5 innings in each of his first 2 starts).
Medlen saved the Braves bullpen….and the Braves season. Instead of going 10-0 in Medlen’s starts….it is VERY REALISTIC to believe that the Braves could have gone 3-7 or 4-6 in those games if Medlen hadnt started (maybe even worse, given our 10-18 record when Delgado/Teheran/Jurrjens pitched).
So Mr. O’Brien, how am I “not to be taken seriously”? The numbers PRECISELY show that Medlen SAVED the Braves season…and saved our bullpen from being overworked.
Kat
September 23rd, 2012
9:22 pm
Congrats …Homeland is a great show if anyone hasn’t caught it yet. Second season starts next Sunday.
Capt.Mudd
September 23rd, 2012
9:22 pm
Oh yeah, forgot the question. So you’re statements regarding Braves’ post operative handling alledge they deviated from the medical norm?
C1etus Van Damme
September 23rd, 2012
9:26 pm
Capt.Mudd……..at the beginning of the 2012 season, both Fredi Gonzalez and Frank Wren stated that Medlen was needed in the mysteriously important role of “long relief”. That he was “too valuable” there.
Please. For whatever reason, they didnt believe that Medlen was capable of being the 5th starter. They kept trotting out Delgado (even though he was getting lit up), as well as Jurrjens. They even gave Teheran a start.
Only after Tommy Hanson got hurt…did they finally give Medlen a chance.
Luck is the sole reason why we’re leading the Wild Card race. Lucky that injuries forced Braves management to do what they SHOULD have done at the beginning of the season….put Medlen in the starting rotation.
Ward
September 23rd, 2012
9:26 pm
C1etus Van Damme – Give it up man…….. let it go……
James
September 23rd, 2012
9:27 pm
Medlin + Turner Field = great WC winning chance !
Ward
September 23rd, 2012
9:28 pm
Guy’s, have a good one! Talk tomorrow………Looks like this guy is trying to pick a fight. Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
C1etus Van Damme
September 23rd, 2012
9:28 pm
Capt.Mudd……..Medlen had already pitched at the end of the 2011 season. He had all winter to build up arm strength. Braves management mentioned nothing about not having him start at the beginning of the season due to any concerns about his arm holding up. Instead, they brought up the BS long relief role that they needed Medlen to fill.
Half Empty
September 23rd, 2012
9:29 pm
Cletus is the dreaded PL I believe.
Lane Kiffin
September 23rd, 2012
9:30 pm
Leo said that it was just luck that the situation with Medlen worked out. When the season began there wasn’t any plans for Medlen to start at any time during the season.
Sorry to hear about Nolie. Thought he might have left with some of the other Vets over Mr. Obrien’s actions of late.
C1etus Van Damme
September 23rd, 2012
9:31 pm
Ward, if anything, I’m giving Medlen BIG PROPS for saving our season. How is that starting a fight? I’m stating the obvious: If you look at the stats of the non-Medlen starts in the 5th starter role…..we pretty much stunk up the place. Our 10-18 record in Delgado/Jurrjens/Teheran started games…DOES NOT LIE!
David O'Brien
September 23rd, 2012
9:32 pm
DOB – I take it you favor Breaking Bad over Mad Men — Puma
Yes, or Homeland or Boardwalk Empire. Mad Men is great, I just think those three (and Sons of Anarchy and Boss, which aren’t nominated) were better.
James
September 23rd, 2012
9:34 pm
Kris Medlin & Craig Kimbrel pile up the K’s.
Lane Kiffin
September 23rd, 2012
9:35 pm
Having Medlen start the season could have been the difference between a WC and winning the division.
Kat
September 23rd, 2012
9:36 pm
30 degrees tonight… going to be a two blanket night in bed. Burr.
Half Empty
September 23rd, 2012
9:36 pm
I was not aware that any veterans with any sense were leaving the blog because of Mr O’Brien.
and Leo is a talk show guy now and nothing more. who is not included in the inner workings of the Braves FO, so who cares what he says?
Half Empty
September 23rd, 2012
9:38 pm
Having Medlen start the season would put us in exactly the same place that the Nats are with Strasburg. I’d much rather have him available now.
Kat
September 23rd, 2012
9:38 pm
Congrats Claire Danes!
David O'Brien
September 23rd, 2012
9:39 pm
Sorry to hear about Nolie. Thought he might have left with some of the other Vets over Mr. Obrien’s actions of late. — Lane Kiffin
Uh, excuse me?
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 23rd, 2012
9:39 pm
Don’t freeze Kat! Especially not on your 2mile trek, uphill to the laundry room.
Half Empty
September 23rd, 2012
9:39 pm
yes, Homeland is awesome.
C1etus Van Damme
September 23rd, 2012
9:41 pm
Lane Kiffin……totally agree with your 9:35pm post. Having a dominant closer (Kimbrel) and a dominant starter (Medlen) all season long….would have given us the best record in baseball, despite our inconsistent offense.
Instead of wasting Medlen in the Wild Card play in game…we’d have him available for 2 games in the first round (meaning that we’d only have to win one of the non-Medlen games). Yet few on here can see that. They’d rather toe the company line and drink the kool-aid.
C1etus Van Damme
September 23rd, 2012
9:43 pm
Half Empty……..Disagree. Strasberg should not have been shut down. He started 5 games in September of 2011. Had all winter to work on building arm strength. Limiting him to 160 innings was a joke.
Half Empty
September 23rd, 2012
9:44 pm
Lane = Cletus.? they always travel in a pack
Half Empty
September 23rd, 2012
9:45 pm
no matter what you think about it, they would have shut down Medlen too. Like I said, I’d rather have him now.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 23rd, 2012
9:45 pm
There was no reason for Medlen to be in our rotation when the season started. There were too many options at SP. He was needed more in the ‘pen, and did a great job there. If not for him, Durbin and CMart would have been the go-to RH pitcher when we got to the 7th beyond. That would have been scary. Once the ‘pen settled down, our rotation had issues. JJ, Delgado, and Minor were quite inconsistent. Minor settled down though, and Medlen took JJ/Delgado’s spot. We’ve been cruising on since then.
If we had started Medlen in the rotation, he’d have been shut-down just like Strasburg… and I doubt he’d have started the year on a run like he is now.
Half Empty
September 23rd, 2012
9:46 pm
That is true for the most part TOBF, but much too complicated for some to understand.
Lee in S GA
September 23rd, 2012
9:48 pm
Don’t understand why the so-called- know-it-alls on here get so defensive about Medlen being so DOMINANT.,..wait I think I do…they don’t know it so much after all as most of them think he should have remained in the pen….GO BRAVES and right now the FALCONS just may be the best team in the NFL
David O'Brien
September 23rd, 2012
9:48 pm
Cletus: Yes, if Medlen had been in the rotation all season, the Braves would have surely won more games. Not sure if they’d still have him pitching at this point, with 180 or so innings in his first full season after TJ surgery, but they’d have won more games, certainly.
At the same time, they would also have won more games if a couple of former or current All-Star hitters performed anywhere near their normal output. Or if Jurrjens had pitched somewhere close to the All-Star he was in the first half of 2011 than what he’s been since. And on and on…
What I’m getting at is, what’s your point? What’s done is done. Medlen’s now in the rotation and lined up to pitch what will be the most important game of the year, until the next week when he’ll pitch a more important one, provided they win and get in the division series.
So what are you suggesting people do? Not sure why you’re giving me stats when I have Medlen’s stats memorized by this point and when I’m doing an off-day story about him tomorrow. Do you think people aren’t aware of how much better he’s been than Jurrjens and Hanson? Or what? What do you want folks to do with this information, with the righteous indignation that you’re giving us about Medlen’s use? Your timing is really odd.
This would’ve been a good subject in June or July, but really not moving the needle much now that he’s been in the rotation since July 31.
Kat
September 23rd, 2012
9:51 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan @ 9:39 pm
Hah. Yeah it’s going to get cold here fast. Already have my slippers out.
phil
September 23rd, 2012
9:51 pm
Nolie ill again….hate to hear it.
Get that man an Ipad so he can stay in touch.
My best for a quick recovery.
Lee in S GA
September 23rd, 2012
9:56 pm
Mr Nolie…I don’t know if (big) Jake is related to you or not…but I am sure you are grateful to have a friend to have a friend like him.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 23rd, 2012
9:57 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Stubbs runs down a ball in the left-center field gap. Each playoff team has various strengths; Reds are the best defensive team.
Umm, Braves? Hello?
phil
September 23rd, 2012
9:57 pm
Cletus = Beavis
Wasting Medlen in the WC game? And if we lose it, how ya think we’ll do in that next round?
keyLargo
September 23rd, 2012
9:59 pm
Medlen and Strausburg both had surgery about the same time. Medlen, however had two setbacks during his comeback rehab and pitched 2.1 innings in games 159 and 162. Strausburg had no setbacks and threw about 35 innings in Sept 2011. If you can’t understand the difference between those two comebacks, well, you’re just a dumbass.
phil
September 23rd, 2012
9:59 pm
First outside fire this evening….kinda nice.
Lee in S GA
September 23rd, 2012
10:02 pm
49ers lost was very special for me….i hate-um
Puma
September 23rd, 2012
10:07 pm
Anyone know who the Brewers would have lined up to pitch WC game? Or the Cards?
I think I would prefer the Cards at this point, plus could be a little revenge for last year.
SNEAKY PETE
September 23rd, 2012
10:17 pm
Big Jake and I are the sons of his first cousin who used to post here for years as Moby Grape but now lives in Italy. We live right next to him
David O'Brien
September 23rd, 2012
10:18 pm
Bottom line, Medlen saved our season. Medlen is the reason why we have a Wild Card lead. — Cletus
Great. Let’s all agree.
And now that we’ve got that settled….
SNEAKY PETE
September 23rd, 2012
10:21 pm
Some peeps seem to have a pressing need to belittle the Braves, the players and even our beloved moderator. anti-establishment types I guess.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 23rd, 2012
10:33 pm
there were those on this blog who did mention that Medlen should have been in the rotation in April and May.
And those idiots would now be kicking a hissy fit because we would have had to shut him down, ala Strasburg.
Capt.Mudd
September 23rd, 2012
10:34 pm
……Yeah C1etus……you have had your thorough say, of which you have shared several thoughts you possess regarding the successfulf 2012 campaign[ pitching assignments] of Mr. Medlen’s pitching assignments; congrats, kudos, dittos and, I applaud your interest in the Atlanta Braves MLB Club. Best Wishes to you and yours.
Sincerely:
Captain Muddlen
SNEAKY PETE
September 23rd, 2012
10:35 pm
.there were those on this blog who did mention that Medlen should have been in the rotation in April and May Cletus
so what? you have repeated that a million times. You need a gold star for you faltering ego?
SNEAKY PETE
September 23rd, 2012
10:38 pm
some people are truly needy
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 23rd, 2012
10:39 pm
Get on the mend nolie. All the best.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 23rd, 2012
10:42 pm
David O’Brien
September 23rd, 2012
9:39 pm
“……Sorry to hear about Nolie. Thought he might have left with some of the other Vets over Mr. Obrien’s actions of late. — Lane Kiffin
Uh, excuse me?……”
WTF? Must be ACE or somesuch.
ncgary
September 23rd, 2012
10:45 pm
magic number thinning down,
sheets got anything left
those first few games
back for him
looked like wren
had pulled a rabbit out of his hat
would be nice if his arm is healthy
heres a comment to get the naysayers neighing
but say medlen or any other athletic pitcher starts a do or go home game
and starts out bad
do you throw him in left or right field for a couple innings and bring him back
if the next option aint got it either?
Venice Jim
September 23rd, 2012
10:47 pm
rich – way to take down the FBS wannabes yesterday…
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 23rd, 2012
10:49 pm
Clete-baby:
What’s the source of your inside poop on the internal machinations of the BRAVES organization?
Are you a beat writer? If so, I realize you can’t divulge your sources, but if you’re just a ham and egg’er like us shmoos, give buddy………what do you know we don’t?
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 23rd, 2012
10:51 pm
GEORGIA STATE? Yeah, they’re movin’ on up to bigger and better things.
Amazing what a new coach can accomplish isn’t it?
ncgary
September 23rd, 2012
10:54 pm
get well soon nolie
keyLargo
September 23rd, 2012
10:55 pm
And those idiots would now be kicking a hissy fit because we would have had to shut him down, ala Strasburg.
No, those morons would be saying Phil Neikro pitched 342 innings in 1979 and there is no reason Medlen can’t do the same in 2012.
David O'Brien
September 23rd, 2012
10:56 pm
Sorry, folks, just realized who that was. The permanently banned one. Comments now expunged.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 23rd, 2012
10:57 pm
Hey Clete, I called the destruction of HALLIDAY hours before he was dismantled. Let’s hear it for me. I am the great and powerful ME! Hurrah for ME!
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 23rd, 2012
10:58 pm
DOB:
Thank you!
SNEAKY PETE
September 23rd, 2012
10:58 pm
yes I agree, that was PL
SNEAKY PETE
September 23rd, 2012
10:58 pm
Rah Ghost!!! WTG guy!!
ncgary
September 23rd, 2012
10:59 pm
i wonder how many games nuxie lost where he gave up 3 runs or fewer?
guessing id say at least 135.
usuaiiy ralph or claudell could get him one run to play with
SNEAKY PETE
September 23rd, 2012
11:00 pm
Hey DOB, PL is back as Vic Mackey. he is probably also Antwon Mitchell.
Capt.Mudd
September 23rd, 2012
11:01 pm
Also Clete, can you tell me why Steven Tyler left Idol?
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 23rd, 2012
11:02 pm
No, those morons would be saying Phil Neikro pitched 342 innings in 1979 and there is no reason Medlen can’t do the same in 2012.
Ah yes.
vic mackey at 10:59 appears to be him as well
ncgary
September 23rd, 2012
11:02 pm
hey ghost check back i was saying the fillys would be turrible
when everyone else was proclaiming them with world series rings
SNEAKY PETE
September 23rd, 2012
11:02 pm
DOB already got Vic in the face with a bullet.
Capt.Mudd
September 23rd, 2012
11:03 pm
If any regular has not called an Uggla K, please raise your hands! Everyone’s a “Star!”
ncgary
September 23rd, 2012
11:04 pm
before spring training even
Venice Jim
September 23rd, 2012
11:05 pm
We are watching the Emmy’s delayed since i was stupid enough to be working, but glad to see a fellow alum of The College win yet again, even if i was rooting against him…
Capt.Mudd
September 23rd, 2012
11:10 pm
Best Wishes for a full recovery….@Nolieee
GTI in Brooklyn
September 23rd, 2012
11:16 pm
Hey, PUMA, if you’re still reading:
The CARDS could have WAINWRIGHT ready to pitch the WC game, but LOHSE has been their ace this year, and the WC game would actually fall on his regular go day.
Similar scenario for the BREWERS: GALLARDO could go, but ESTRADA has been their best pitcher lately and he’d also be lined up to start on the 5th.
Either team could have one guy for game 162, if needed, and then the other for the WC game.
(I researched this and put up a more detailed post today at 1:25pm, if you’re interested, on the 5th page of the blog.)
GTI in Brooklyn
September 23rd, 2012
11:17 pm
Also, for the DODGERS, if KERSHAW proves healthy enough to keep going, he could easily be used for game 162, or the WC game on the 5th. Scariest possibility of all if you’re a Braves fan.
Capt.Mudd
September 23rd, 2012
11:22 pm
Goodnight ’suave’ bloggers…..stay thirsty/remain irritated
kenhotlanta
September 23rd, 2012
11:26 pm
They have consolidated the Emmy awards so much and there are many more shows now than ever, lots of deserving ones didn’t get any awards. Prime example is “Game of Thrones”, TV as good as it gets.
PTBNL
September 23rd, 2012
11:55 pm
Sneaky, I have missed Moby and wondered what happened to him. Glad to hear he is ok.
I am sorry to hear that nolie is not well. I will have to back up on the blog to see what you said about him.
chipontheroad
September 24th, 2012
12:15 am
good ri dunce cletus
Half Empty
September 24th, 2012
12:19 am
Treme is back!!
Venice Jim
September 24th, 2012
12:26 am
I apologize to those who think I have the power to disgorge human type beings from the blog for the role I might potentially have played in bidding adieu to Paul once again…not a usual occurrence…