LIVE: Can Medlen stake his claim in Braves’ rotation?
Kris Medlen makes his second of at least three starts today for Braves, but will he stay in rotation? (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Hello. It’s hot. (Old journalism training: Don’t bury the lead.)
The Braves close out what has been a successful home stand (7-2) against Houston, and what happens in today’s game against Houston could impact their starting rotation as much as it doesn’t the National League East standings.
Kris Medlen will make his second start after winning 7-1 over Miami last week. In his first start in two years — Tommy John surgery followed by relief work — Medlen allowed only one run and four hits and needed only 57 pitches to get through five innings. (A lengthy rain delay ended his night.)
He is scheduled to make at least one more start next Saturday at New York, but then the Braves will have a decision to make. The rotation currently looks like this: Tim Hudson, Ben Sheets, Paul Maholm, Mike Minor and Medlen. Tommy Hanson, who went on the disabled list July 31 with what’s believed to be a minor back injury, is eligible to be activated a few days after Medlen’s start against the Mets.
So what would the Braves do? Hudson, Sheets and Maholm will stay in the rotation. Presumably, so will Minor, who has strung together some nice starts after problems earlier in the season. That leaves three options: 1) Moving Medlen back to the bullpen, where he has been valuable; 2) Moving Hanson to the bullpen, which seems doubtful given that he has never pitched there in his career; 3) Going to a six-man rotation.
Medlen would be the easiest move, but if the guy looks strong against the Astros and Mets I don’t see how the Braves could do that to him. I may get into this more later in a post-game column, depending on how today’s game goes.
Today’s lineup is fairly standard, with the exception of catcher Brian McCann getting a day off: Michael Bourn (8), Martin Prado (7), Jason Heyward (9), Chipper Jones (5), Freddie Freeman (3), Dan Uggla (4), David Ross (2), Paul Janish (6) and Medlen (1).
That’s it for now. I’ll be here through the game to respond to your questions and vents. The cyber floor is yours. What are your thoughts on Medlen and the rotation?
By Jeff Schultz
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185 comments Add your comment
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
1:56 pm
Five of the six outs in first inning were strikeouts.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
1:59 pm
Might make sense to start Johnson though. .284 career average and he used to be a starter. However far from a home run hitter.
Zing
August 5th, 2012
2:01 pm
There are a whole lot of options, actually, with Prado’s ability to play in the OF or 3B opening things up. Can either pencil in an OFer or 3B… Internally, Terdoslavich I think was originally considered the prime contender, but he’s slumped this year I believe. A lot of people want Gattis in LF and Prado at 3B, but I think that’s asking a lot of him. And, of course, there’s Francisco… The Braves could always go out and get a free agent, too.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:05 pm
We’ve discussed before but potentially a lot of money coming off the books after this season (including the “dead” money Derek Lowe’s contract). For anybody interested, here’s link to Braves’ contracts.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0Ah4PW47PiAi-dGl3TWdkOUdsV1oteHFQdWVlZnZfZXc&output=html
Steve
August 5th, 2012
2:08 pm
Lowe = Good start to the year but recently released. What a waste of money. And how about Dempster’s first start, 4.2 innings, 9 hits, 8 runs, 3 walks, 2 home runs.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:09 pm
After 3 straight strikeouts by teammates, David Ross homer gives Braves’ 1-0 lead.
NCDawg
August 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
I think Medlen to bullpen is likely. But if Hanson falters when he comes back, we may see Medlen back to start. I don’t thnk a 6 man rotation is likely. Or, even with the waiver thing, there could be another trade…the best c=scenario is that the Braves all of a sudden find themselves with an excess of starting pitching…and given last year’s debacle, they are likely to keep it all in case someone gets hurt or forgets where the strike zone is….
ChipperisGod
August 5th, 2012
2:12 pm
Steve, never said I was perfect. Those were just elementary mistakes that a good writer like Jeff shouldn’t make, IMO.
Jeffrey
August 5th, 2012
2:13 pm
Go to six man rotation. Medlin deserves it even if he does have a bad outing today. Also, sheets could probably use the extra time, minor is still young and Hanson can’t go more than six innings in a five man rotation. Get more innings out of the starters, get moylan back and we’ll be okay. Nice shot uggla.
Jeffrey
August 5th, 2012
2:14 pm
I mean Ross.
Medlin Fan
August 5th, 2012
2:19 pm
Putting Medlin back in the bullpen would be a huge mistake for the Braves. The kid can pitch and they need to use the best 5 pitchers and not worry about hurting someones feelings. However putting Hanson in the pen would strengthen them. It would be like going out and making a trade for top notch middle reliever.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:19 pm
ChipperisGod — I’ll never make an excuse for a typo. But some background: This morning was more about getting a quick blog written and posted for the reader before giving it a good enough read. I know the difference between “there” and “their,” etc. No editors on online-only posts.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
2:21 pm
I wonder who Fredi will go with in the playoffs? I’d guess Hudson, Sheets, and Maholm.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:21 pm
Medlen through 3 innings: 0 runs, 1 infield hit, 1 walk, 3 Ks, 1 wild pitch.
Zing
August 5th, 2012
2:21 pm
Hey Jeff — would you take a suggestion for what would be a rather critical article? (You seem to be the perfect guy for the job!)
I keep reading news stories about MLB teams moving into new stadiums and being positioned well with new revenue coming in from a local tv deal (most recently the Astros). Every time I read or hear that, I’m reminded how Turner (the company, not the man) so badly screwed the Braves with that 20-year (or whatever term) local tv deal for practically nothing as part of the sale of the Braves to Liberty Media. The more I think about it, the more it seems like borderline fraud than just a bad deal, especially with the backdrop of similar dealings when the company sold the Hawks/Thrashers. (E.g., Red whatever his name was winning his lawsuit basically because of Turner/Time Warner’s hanky-panky and backroom dealings). With every team that signs one of these deals, the Braves’ relative payroll will drop lower and lower–which is screwy, considering that the metro ATL is I think the 8th biggest or so media market in the US, and quite a sad reversal of the “America’s Team” days. Is there ANY heat being put on Turner or perhaps Terry McGuirk for this ridiculous situation? (Maybe McGuirk’s not at fault at all, but he seems to have been on both sides of the deal, which creates at least an appearance of a conflict of interest). Can you generate some heat maybe?
Apologies in advance if I’m misidentifying some of the corporate actors here; I don’t recall exact specifics and don’t feel like fact-checking at the moment.
Zing
August 5th, 2012
2:23 pm
Hey Jeff — would you take a suggestion for what would be a rather critical article? (You seem to be the perfect guy for the job!)
I keep reading news stories about MLB teams moving into new stadiums and being positioned well with new revenue coming in from a local tv deal (most recently the Astros). Every time I read or hear that, I’m reminded how Turner (the company, not the man) so badly screwed the Braves with that 20-year (or whatever term) local tv deal for practically nothing as part of the sale of the Braves to Liberty Media. The more I think about it, the more it seems like borderline fraud than just a bad deal, especially with the backdrop of similar dealings when the company sold the Hawks/Thrashers. (E.g., McDavid whatever his name was winning his lawsuit basically because of Turner/Time Warner’s hanky-panky and backroom dealings). With every team that signs one of these deals, the Braves’ relative payroll will drop lower and lower–which is screwy, considering that the metro ATL is I think the 8th biggest or so media market in the US and a sad reversal of the “America’s Team” days. Is there ANY heat being put on Turner or perhaps Terry McGuirk for this ridiculous situation? (Maybe McGuirk’s not at fault at all, but he seems to have been on both sides of the deal, which creates at least an appearance of a conflict of interest). Can you generate some heat maybe?
Apologies in advance if I’m misidentifying some of the corporate actors here; I don’t recall exact specifics and don’t feel like fact-checking at the moment.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:24 pm
John Schuerholz had chance to catch foul ball in his suite behind home plate, missed, it bounced out. Official scorer: E-Prez.
Zing
August 5th, 2012
2:25 pm
Tried to make a comment about a suggestion for an article, Jeff, relating to the ridiculous tv deal the Braves are locked into but it isn’t showing. Maybe it’s too long. Anyway, would be a good think to look into.
Jeffrey
August 5th, 2012
2:27 pm
I was at the game two years ago when medlin blew his elbow. Mac got some milestone that night, was it 100 homers?
Steve
August 5th, 2012
2:28 pm
Jeff do the Braves give you guys (media personnel) free food/drinks? What is it usually and is it any good?
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:29 pm
That’s 9 pitches so far to Heyward on this AB.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:30 pm
Heyward obviously didn’t like the call. It was close.
jim
August 5th, 2012
2:31 pm
Medlen should have been starting from the beginning. Hanson is excellent in innings 4-5-6 but he has trouble in innings 1-2-3. Remember the conrad walk-off slam game? He gave up 8 runs in the second inning. Remember who slammed the door the rest of the way? Medlen and martinez. Times haven’t changed for hanson in two years. He can’t get past 6th inning because he overexerts himself in early innings. Our big comeback game this year was started by hanson. We should trade him to someone who doesn’t know better and only sees a 12-5 record. We won’t keep him when boras takes him to free agency. We would be better served trying to get something good for him either b4 august ends or in off season.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:32 pm
Steve — Pressbox food, quality, cost varies by sport, city, etc. Braves have flat cost $10, all u want. Food OK. I never complain about press box food whether I eat it or not. Not their job to feed me.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
2:36 pm
Interesting. However I don’t think they should charge you guys.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:37 pm
Medlen: 49 pitches through 4 innings. That’ll work.
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
2:38 pm
Schultz, looks like I count 33 million coming off the books next year. This is with some ‘no brainer’ releases of Jurrjens, Wilson, and Diaz. Over 34.5 if you release hinske too. 6 and change will add Maholm’s option for next year. Some arb eligible players will get a raise which will def leave less than 30 million to play with. Is less than 30 enough to sign bourn and mac?
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
2:41 pm
Guess that’s the million dollar question. I mean the 30 million dollar question
ACE
August 5th, 2012
2:42 pm
Thanks for the salary link. Good info.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 5th, 2012
2:45 pm
“Honey, I took 75M less to stay with the Braves” was the statement taken by the Police at the hospital. McCann’s wife and frying pan currently residing at the John’s Creek PD.
News of the Future…
archie
August 5th, 2012
2:48 pm
Jeff, I have no real argument about Reed Johnson, I don’t know much about him, except he’s a far better baseball player than Hinske or Diaz, two definite bench guys.
But I also remember when Bobby Cox stubbornly believed Martin Prado was a bench guy, playing sparingly for years behind terrible starters like Garret Anderson and Kelly Johnson. He only started Prado because he was forced to do so. Otherwise, Martin would still be labeled “a bench guy” today.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:48 pm
TomahawkChoppin’ — “…. Is less than 30 enough to sign bourn and mac?” … I need to refer you to their respective agents. But McCann not an FA yet. He has another year.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:50 pm
Archie — “…He only started Prado because he was forced to do so.”
<<< I wouldn’t assume that.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
2:51 pm
Bourn has Boras correct? Anyone know who McCann’s agent is? Hopefully not Boras. Ross’s arm is awesome!
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
2:51 pm
btw archie, your six points were right on point. those are all the reasons I’m for hanson not being in the rotation.
Rick
August 5th, 2012
2:51 pm
Jeff here is the BIG question for you…..I know that Fredi and the Braves are trying to let Uggla “hit his way out if it” but when do we put Prado at second and Johnson in left field? I know you will ask! I know Uggs makes 13 mill a year but when does it become about right now and less about “we have to play this guy because he makes 13 mill?” Did we not learn anything from last year and DLowe? Help me out here!
Steve
August 5th, 2012
2:52 pm
Archie you make zero sense.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:55 pm
Kris Medlen has allowed only 1 Astro to 2nd base (after wild pitch) in 5 innings.
Rick
August 5th, 2012
2:55 pm
And BTW Kris belongs in the rotation………above Hanson! Dont know what we do with Hanson but right now Kris is better……..and thats coming off of surgery! Just saying!
Steve
August 5th, 2012
2:56 pm
Besides a short 3 game losing streak July 19 – 21, Washington has not lost 2 or more in a row since June 24-25. Pretty impressive! Hope the Braves can catch them.
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
2:57 pm
Sure mac has an option, but I would assume they try to lock him up this offseason. Braves usually don’t negotiate during the season, and they def wouldn’t let him test FA, i dont think. So it follows that they will probably talk extension this winter.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:58 pm
Steve — Yes, Bourn=Boras.. McCann=BB Abbott.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
2:59 pm
Rick — I think the money is such a huge factor that things would really have to be catastrophic for Uggla to be benched.
archie
August 5th, 2012
2:59 pm
Come on Jeff, 2009 hasn’t been that long ago. During the 2009 season, Prado stepped in as the Braves’ starter at second base when Kelly Johnson went on the disabled list midway through the season. Kelly had been awful, at the plate and on the field. Prado has remained in the lineup ever since. Prado’s final stats for the season consisted of a .307 average, 14 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 64 runs scored. Had Kelly stayed healthy, this would have never happened. Cox never had faith in Prado before that. Kelly was hitting .224, 7 HR 32 RBI, and 10 errors…and Cox had no intention of benching him.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
3:02 pm
Archie — So you’re saying that if Kelly Johnson stayed healthy but stunk, Cox never would’ve benched him. Seriously? That’s your position?
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
3:05 pm
I do disagree with your prado story. Cox didnt play prado for entirely different reasons. Prado paid his dues and got his opportunity. Lou Gehrig didnt get a chance to play until Wally Pipp sat out with a headache. Does that mean that the Yankees were crazy for not playing the Iron Horse. No, it just means that a decision to replace someone is very complex.
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
3:06 pm
Heck, Gehrig didn’t even make the 1923 Yankees World Series roster.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
3:07 pm
Repeat….post of 4 weeks ago……Please put Medlen in the rotation and trade for a relief pitcher. Thank God he is currently in the rotation and they called up the sidearmer from AAA until Moylan is back. Hanson…..maybe rest him until September and bring him back in long relief…..and delete him from the playoff roster if the Braves make it. Braves rotation looks solid with Medlen…..now the bats go cold. Figures.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
3:09 pm
Jeff….
I rememnber that year…..and Cox always stuck with his starters when they struggled. I agree….if Johnson had not been hurt….Cox would have stuck with him over Prado that year. Cox stuck with vets over rookies and young kids….every time. I do not miss that about Cox…or his playoff and WS managing skills….or lack of them.
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:10 pm
I kinda figured that was coming Jeff…are we not pass catastrophic? Derrick Lowe type stuff here….right? Or are they considering what he did last year and he gets a pass……thinking that he will come out if it………after 90 days.