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
LuisG
August 5th, 2012
12:04 pm
Hudson, Sheets and Maholm will stay in the ROTATION [...]
DaddyK
August 5th, 2012
12:06 pm
” Hudson, Sheets and Maholm will stay in the bullpen.” Do what? Where is @ajcsportseditor? They are in rotation not bullpen.
Chris from the Rock
August 5th, 2012
12:06 pm
Too much pitching is never a problem. Next year’s rotation battles will be intense in ST. Assuming they pick up the options on Hudson and Maholm, Medlen, Delgado and Teheran will battle it out for the 5th spot.
AN
August 5th, 2012
12:12 pm
Typos: 1) not an 8-2 home stand, yet; 2) Hudson, Sheets, Maholm will stay in rotation, not bullpen.
Stuart
August 5th, 2012
12:12 pm
I would go with a six-man or stick Hanson in the pen since he is unable to give the Braves six innings.
Scott
August 5th, 2012
12:13 pm
Sorry, I’m not a Hanson fan. He’s someone I feel confident throwing out there needing a win. He’s just not a true #1. I’d rather have a six man rotation and keep Medlen in there.
ChipperisGod
August 5th, 2012
12:14 pm
Get yourself an editor Schultzy.
I don’t want Hanson in the rotation personally. His ERA is far too high and for some reason we always score a lot of runs when he pitches. He struggled against the Marlins and Mets, and good teams like the Nats have crushed him all year.
Medlin is a beast on the mound and deserves a shot. And that whole contract deal coming up with Mac, Bourn and Hanson? Resign Mike and Mac, Tommy is more expendable then those guys. We have loads of pitching, and especially with Beachy coming back next year, Tommy is the odd man out IMO.
Until he can consistently prove that he can be a shut down starter and win games against quality opponents, he shouldn’t be in the rotation.
Fredi G will stick with him and I hope Tommy can regain the dominance he had in the rotation of the first half of last year. I just don’t see it happening.
Are You Kidding?
August 5th, 2012
12:17 pm
Never pitched their? Really? There?
Steve
August 5th, 2012
12:19 pm
Jeff, headed to NY next weekend to see the Braves/Mets. Any good restaurant recommendations for dinner?
archie
August 5th, 2012
12:20 pm
1. Hanson’s velocity and control have been going down, almost game-by-game.
2. His conditioning is poor. He’s obviously out of shape, wears down quickly.
3. His control is also going south.
4. He has difficulty bouncing back from mistakes; the numerous home runs he gives up, mistakes in the field (by himself as well as others).
5. He does not help his team at the plate. He’s a poor bunter, rarely makes contact.
I cannot think of a single reason to keep him in a pennant/wild-card race rotation when there are at least 5 other pitchers on the roster who are superior starters. He’s Jurrjens 2.0.
TuffShhhtuff
August 5th, 2012
12:20 pm
Don’t think today’s game will start on time. There’s a line of storms from about Augusta to Macon almost to Columbus that is moving North and should arrive in ATL about game time. Most move North to South but this one is in reverse. Maybe the game will get rained out today and a certain sportswriter will be happy (NOT JS). Seems he needs his beauty rest, based on the “selfish” comment made last week.
Birdhair
August 5th, 2012
12:20 pm
Moving to a 6 man rotation actually might the smartest idea considering how 1. we collapsed last season and the bullpen was so taxed and 2. the fact that we will likely be in the 1 game playoff game the little extra rest might pay dividends in the long run
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
12:23 pm
I have so many wonderful editors. Thank you all for your corrections and, most of all, your warmth.
archie
August 5th, 2012
12:25 pm
Oh, and I forgot:
# 6. Hanson’s goofy wind-up and delivery, and lack of a good pickoff move makes him an easy mark for base stealers. Wanna see a good move, watch Medlen.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
12:28 pm
Are You Kidding? — I’m not sure if you were referencing Hanson. But in the majors all 99 of his appearances have been as a starter. In the minors, he made 75 appearances, 69 coming as a starter. In rookie ball at Danville in 2006, he pitched out of the bullpen 5 of 13 times. The following year at Single-A Rome, only 1 of his 15 appearances came out of the bullpen. Everything else has been a start.
Here’s a link: http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hanson001tho
don't forget Jurjens.
August 5th, 2012
12:28 pm
don’t forget Jurjens.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
12:28 pm
Ha ha. Jeff isn’t it amazing how perfect everyone is?
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
12:31 pm
Don’t Forget Jurrjens — The only way Jurrjens makes it back into the rotation is injury problems to others.
massahh
August 5th, 2012
12:33 pm
does hanson become FA after the season or does he still has 1 more arbitration left?
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 5th, 2012
12:34 pm
Gonzo says Venter’s elbow is OK. I take that as Manager speak for his left leg may fall off at any moment…KMed to the pen.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
12:34 pm
Jurrjens is done. Next year Beachy, Hudson, Hanson, Maholm, Minor.
MattyB
August 5th, 2012
12:35 pm
I say keep him starting because he’s going to be there anyway in the postseason as part of a 3-man rotation. He’s too cool and consistent under pressure to not be included in the playoff rotation.
ChipperisGod
August 5th, 2012
12:38 pm
Why would we be warm about these very simplistic errors you made? You’re a great writer, but as a professional, you should be able to catch yourself when you make these kinds of mistakes.
Dawgdad (The Original)
August 5th, 2012
12:44 pm
The Braves win in 15 of his 19 ML starts and they consider moving him back to the pen? Go to a six man rotation, Fredi, do something original man. We always lose down the stretch because the pitchers get tired, or so they say. There will be injuries somewhere along the line, before the season is over. If someone is going to get dropped it should be the weakest link, aka Hanson.
Can you imagine, a manager in the playoffs telling his guys to run at every chance against Hanson. They could rack up 10-12 stolen bases, which would be embarrassing for the Braves. Plus with all the walking around the mound and sweating wiping, he wouldn’t last but five long innings.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
12:45 pm
“ChipperisGod” what’s it like to be perfect?
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
12:46 pm
Massah — Hanson will be on arbitration track for a while. Can’t be FA until 2016.
English Speaking White Guy
August 5th, 2012
12:47 pm
McCann sitting again? He used to catch 4 out of 5 games. Now its 3 out of 4. Really messing up my fantasy teams. He needs to be traded to the AL so he can DH when he’s not catching.
ACE
August 5th, 2012
12:48 pm
tuffstuff ripping DOB on JS blog. I doubt he will lose any sleep over it.
Birdhair
August 5th, 2012
12:52 pm
Why not move Ross to C when Hanson throws? Ross two days in the lineup wouldnt be so bad. He’s a high OBP player and Ross might help Hanson stayed disciplined holding runners on and would obviously help throw them out.
massahh
August 5th, 2012
12:53 pm
i’d say keep both hanson and kmed as part of a six-man rotation. this way we can keep hanson’s value the same and trade him in the offseason for a bat.
GrammarWhat?
August 5th, 2012
12:57 pm
Jeff, Are You Kidding? was referring to your misuse of the word their. It should be there. I think we’d all agree you were correct about Hanson’s bullpen experience.
massahh
August 5th, 2012
1:05 pm
jeff, can we send jurjens and hanson to the nats for TWO sacks of balls?
Busch Leaguer
August 5th, 2012
1:12 pm
Never has a Braves pitcher with a 12 and 5 record taken so much abuse.Better to pitch ugly and win than have good stats and lose.
Hack Wilsun
August 5th, 2012
1:23 pm
What’s the weather like at the ted?
Wrecker
August 5th, 2012
1:23 pm
Hanson’s splits home and away are a bit odd. In approximately the same innings, he gives up more than 1 run more at home (4.89 home and 3.78 away), .050 more in batting average (.289 versus .240), and .050 in OBP (.372 versus .322). This is odd since Turner Field is traditionally a somewhat neutral field for batting versus pitching.
Most of his pitches are down about 3 mph from his peak a couple of years ago. You wonder whether the grind of the 2009 and 2010 season (194 innings (minors and majors) and 202.2 innings) have worn on him. He only pitched 130 last year and has pitched 126 this year, but his March to June and July to September splits are not that different, primarily because he has missed time in the latter half of the last two years.
Zing
August 5th, 2012
1:35 pm
JS: Doesn’t matter how well Medlen does, Gonzalez will stick him back in the ‘pen. So, really, the debate is simply: is that going to be a good or bad move (not, what will the Braves do?).
Probably will be a bad move, and Hanson will cost the Braves a couple of games before being shut down for the season (yet again). I feel for the guy; he’s not the same pitcher he was when he first came up. He used to be a power pitcher, and now he’s a junk baller– much like Jurrjens. Hanson’s value in the future may very well be as a setup guy / middle reliever to get him through an entire season.
My Man Woody
August 5th, 2012
1:38 pm
Medlen may be (and probably is) a better starter than Hanson, but he is such a valuable commodity out of the bullpen especially in those games where Minor or Delgado cant go more than 5. The braves are better with Hanson as one of the top #5’s in baseball and Medlen in the BP than they are with Minor as the best #5 in baseball but no one to pitch consistent ling relief.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
1:38 pm
Zing — I’m inclined to agree on plans. …. Not ready to make declaration on Hanson’s future though.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
1:39 pm
And Medlen starts with a strikeout.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
1:40 pm
Oooh, Powerball is up to $212 million. … Sorry, mind wandered.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 5th, 2012
1:45 pm
getaway day strike zone…for both teams.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
1:47 pm
Uh-oh. Prado hurt on that slide.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 5th, 2012
1:47 pm
he was out and prado hurt.
Zing
August 5th, 2012
1:48 pm
I really, really hope Hanson bounces back, but this is 2 years in a row that he’s worn down. Something seems to be wrong, and it seems like it’s a shoulder issue. There’s no Tommy John shoulder fix, unfortunately.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
1:48 pm
He got spiked/cut (as you probably can see on TV). … Staying in game.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 5th, 2012
1:49 pm
please put some antibacterial on that stat, Prado is prone to infection.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 5th, 2012
1:51 pm
Gordon Solie would describe Prado as, “Double tough, would fight a buzzsaw and give it the first two rounds.”
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 5th, 2012
1:52 pm
I would describe the blonde in the first row behind the plate as “Double Tough.”
Steve
August 5th, 2012
1:53 pm
Jeff, what do you think the Braves will do next year with Chipper retiring? Move Prado to third and have Johnson start in left? What do you think they will do about center field if they can’t afford Bourn?
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
1:56 pm
Steve — Johnson is a bench guy. Prado to third is a possibility. But he’s arbitration eligible again and he has been danged in trade talks before. A lot of things up in the air.
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.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:10 pm
TampaGator who would you bump from the rotation then between Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, Maholm, and Minor? I know Hanson has been bad lately but we all know what his potential is.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
3:12 pm
That’s it for Medlen. 79 pitches as many as he’s thrown in a while.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
3:12 pm
Game not available in TB….but what is up with this Norris guy for the Astros….and the Braves hitters. The guy is 5-8 and an almost 5 ERA….and he is shutting the Braves down. I guess opposing fans think the same thing when Minor is pitching now.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:14 pm
Gosh the Braves only had 30,000 in attendance last night? On a Saturday? I remember when every Saturday night game was sold out. If they even build a new stadium, they need to put it in north Atlanta. They would see a huge difference in attendance.
archie
August 5th, 2012
3:14 pm
Go back and look at the record books and the 2009 bloggage archive (if it exists). Fans were clamoring for Prado to play, but to no avail. Cox was going down on the ship with Kelly Johnson come hell or high water. I hate for anyone to get hurt, but if Kelly hadn’t gone on the DL, Prado would have never been a starter. I can’t say for sure what Cox would have done a month or two later, but the records show what he did.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:15 pm
*ever
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:15 pm
Let me be the first to say that Fredi is overworking this kid Gerrain!
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
3:15 pm
Steve…..I would bump Hanson for Medlen (and you can’t see the potential in Medlen right now?)….and make Hanson a long reliever….for now. Medlen is so much better right now than Hanson….you would have to be blind not to see that. Medlen over Hanson if you want to be serious about possibly catching the Nationals and making the playoffs.
BravesFan79
August 5th, 2012
3:15 pm
I think a 6 man rotation would be good to give the starters extra rest. As little stress as possible is needed if we want to keep Hudson and Sheets fresh down the stretch.
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:16 pm
No sooner does my post go in do this guy drills it to the fence!
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
3:16 pm
Nice job, Cody Gearrin. One batter, one double.
corkymillerlovesbeer
August 5th, 2012
3:18 pm
Freddyg…doesn’t manage the bullpen well….
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:21 pm
I agree that Medlen is awesome but I just don’t think they would move Hanson to the bullpen. It sucks that he has done bad lately though. He had such a good start to his career.
If Houston takes 2 of 3 at Turner Field that will be pathetic.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
3:22 pm
Good job by Venters. Gearrin, notsomuch.
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:22 pm
Wow that looked like Jonny V from last year! Is that because it was Houston? Nice job any way it goes!
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:22 pm
I bet if the Braves screw up and don’t make the playoffs Fredi is gone.
corkymillerlovesbeer
August 5th, 2012
3:24 pm
steve….would you like the new stadium in cumming
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
3:24 pm
Glad Venters got the job done. I got really nervous when FG walked the bases loaded with Venters control issues. But it worked out….and why I am not a manager in the ML.
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
3:26 pm
steve if braves don’t make the playoffs, I believe something will be done. Im not sure what would be done. But another missed playoffs will equate to us not standing pat. Changes coming from somewhere if we miss out
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
3:26 pm
The more I think about it, I like the idea of a 6-man rotation for the short term. Probably the subject of post-game column.
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:27 pm
I think it comes to a point that we stop saying “not a chance” to saying he is not good enough to be in the starting 5! Simple! No more passes for bad performance! If we want to win then we need to make tough decisions and sometimes tough decisions are just that; hard to make but good for the team! When Heyward did not peform last year they sat him in favor for someone else who did perform! Same for JJ this year! Rules can be no different for Hanson or Uggla for that matter! Perform and play! Dont perform and become an expensive cheerleader until you throw strikes or choose to go to right field!
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:28 pm
Corky, I would say 90% of the people that go to Braves games live in Buckhead, north. Turner Field has nothing around it as far as entertainment, is in a bad area, and Marta doesn’t even go there except for the bus. I am willing to bet if the stadium was in Cumming, they would easily have 35,000 a night. I love the Braves and love going to games but live in Roswell which makes it a pain. I went Thursday night and it literally took me an hour and 15 minutes to get there. Just a lot easier to turn on the ole TV.
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:30 pm
Uggla continues to make my point! He has had over 90 days to break this slump but he tries to pull and homer on EVERY pitch! When do we say enough as a GM and as a Manager?
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:30 pm
Getting VERY sick of watching Uggla do nothing all the time. Wish I could get paid that much to be bad at my job.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
3:30 pm
Uggla hearing a few boos after that popup.
corkymillerlovesbeer
August 5th, 2012
3:31 pm
steve, high definition has taken a lot of fans away from the park…concession prices (meaning beer) is absurd…supply and demand works well….if they dropped some of the prices I would be inclined to go the games more…atlanta’s traffic is absurd any way you put it….even the gwinnett braves are attendance is a lot lower than was expected….
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
3:31 pm
Uggla should JS. he refuses to work on mechanics in a game.
corkymillerlovesbeer
August 5th, 2012
3:32 pm
what does everyone think about frank wren as a gm…i think he is way over rated…
katherine
August 5th, 2012
3:34 pm
Man, uggla is having an ugly season
katherine
August 5th, 2012
3:35 pm
Steve I totally agree…I live in the Roswell area myself.
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
3:35 pm
if janish reaches, johnson should pinch hit. save mac for later
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:36 pm
90% a bit much there Corky…..fans are from Henry County, Fulton (North and South), DeKalb and all over! I do agree that we need more places to hang before and after the game and it is just not available where the Ted is right now! How about some SBL (small businees loans) to bring in some nice bars and restaurants along that long stretch from the Ted to downtown Atlanta? Dont want to get political but talk to that Mayor in Atlanta about that instead of that TSPLOST!
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
This is true Corky but how do you explain Boston, NYY, Philly, Chicago, Texas, St. Louis, LA, etc. Ticket prices and concessions cost more in those cities and they average 40,000+. Heck even Detroit who was killed with the recession averages 37,000 a night.
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
Nevermind….janish delivers
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
Paul Janish with a clutch 2-run single.
Paul Janish with a clutch 2-run single.
(I felt like I needed to type that twice.)
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
3:38 pm
Shame that medlen wont get the win. though JV could use a win to boost his confidence
archie
August 5th, 2012
3:39 pm
Hinske’s birthday. Looks like he’s already had a cake.
Jeff
August 5th, 2012
3:40 pm
It’s a scary thing when Paul Janish is more clutch than Dan Uggla.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:42 pm
I wonder what happened to Hinske? He used to be awesome. When he hit that home run against the Giants in the playoffs a few years ago was the loudest I have ever heard Turner Field, except when Heyward hit that home run in his first at bat.
katherine
August 5th, 2012
3:42 pm
The area around turner is not conducive to “hanging out”. Its a bad area….and the traffic getting to the game is awful…and its august in atlanta…soooo….I’d rather watch the game at home or a sports bar near my home most of the time.
TomahawkChoppin'
August 5th, 2012
3:43 pm
Someone put a bucket of fried chicken in Uggla’s locker. We need Cerrano to snap outta this.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:44 pm
Remember all the hype that Schafer got? What a bust he ended up being.
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:45 pm
Let me be the first to say that irregardless if Chad gets outs this inning without any runs…..why does Fredi have to overuse these guys!? Is it just me?!
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:45 pm
New Taco Mac off of Holcomb Bridge, great place to watch any sporting event. They have like 100 TV’s.
corkymillerlovesbeer
August 5th, 2012
3:47 pm
steve, majority of the southerners would rather save their money and support college football teams…all of the cities you mentioned have hardly a college football following…
katherine
August 5th, 2012
3:47 pm
Steve the one in east Roswell?
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:48 pm
That move for Bourn/Schaffer looks like one of the old school GM “I got you” jobs! Reminds me of John from the past!
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:49 pm
And there goes Fredi proving my point! I bet its Martinez coming in now!
Wrecker
August 5th, 2012
3:51 pm
I love what Ross is doing today and you have to figure he will get more starts as the season winds down. I am sure that Fredi would like to start him more, but it has to be difficult to balance playing catchers (wearing them down offensively) and resting them, particularly when you have two as talented as Brian and David.
Wrecker
August 5th, 2012
3:52 pm
What I forgot to say was, if Ross started 80 games a year, he would be hitting .240.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:52 pm
Corky, really? Philly area loves Penn State. Texas LOVES the longhorns. Even Boston follows Boston College pretty closely. LA loves USC.
corkymillerlovesbeer
August 5th, 2012
3:53 pm
nate mclouth is back in majors with orioles…good news is he will be a free agent next year…..i am sure frank wren will sign him instead of bourne
Rick
August 5th, 2012
3:53 pm
Wow nice pitching! Still dont know about Fredi and his use of this pen! He reminds me of Mularkey and his use of the Falcons offense! Predictable!
Steve
August 5th, 2012
3:53 pm
Katherine, yup! Great sports bar. Pretty new as well.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
3:59 pm
Bourn really struggling — 0/4 today. Entered game hitting .091 so far in August after .250 July and .324 June.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
4:02 pm
What’s crazy is Bourn will still get $12 – $15 million a year.
katherine
August 5th, 2012
4:02 pm
Yea ive driven by it a few times steve. Its kinda over by the studio movie grill
Bronkelliott
August 5th, 2012
4:02 pm
Bourne is in desperate need of a few days off. He is fading quickly and awful at the plate. Play Johnson for 2 or 3 games and let him get his wheels under him again. In the offseason, the Braves need to evaluate their conditioning programs. Some players cannot play the full schedule and a good bench is so valuable down the stretch. Go Braves and finish this game off in style!
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
4:05 pm
This just in: Chipper Jones is good. And clutch. Still.
katherine
August 5th, 2012
4:06 pm
Does chipper really have to go?
Steve
August 5th, 2012
4:07 pm
I can’t believe what Chipper is doing at his age. He will be missed! Will be cool when they retire his number.
katherine
August 5th, 2012
4:11 pm
I started watching the braves because of chipper and smoltzy….Im going to be really sad to see chipper go
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
4:13 pm
Lived in Chicago for 5 years…….big difference between a Cubs or White Sox fan and a Braves fan in Atlanta….they were different in Milwaulkee. Baseball in Chicago is culture…..in Atlanta….it is something entertaining to do…..unless the Cubs are in town….and then Braves fans get a taste of what it is like to be a BASEBALL FAN. And people in Chicago follow Northwestern and Illinois….and Penn State…and Ohio State….and Michigan….and Michigan State….and go to a lot of college football games….that has nothing to do with anything there. The difference is the culture and the understanding of and the appreciation of the GAME of baseball and the players who have played it and those who are currently playing it. I doubt seriously if most “Braves fans” could name a single starter on the 1982 playoff team other than….maybe….Dale Murphy. Serious Braves fans could…and they are in the minority these days in Atlanta. Now….”Braves fans”….do the wave when something important in the game is going on…..
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
4:18 pm
Chipper needs to reconsider the retirement thing…..he is too good to retire….even if he plays only 80 or 90 games next year for the Braves. He would be worth 20 mil just for those games…..
Steve
August 5th, 2012
4:19 pm
Good points TampaGator but how do you explain the 90’s when the Braves were averaging 40,000 a night? Even on a Monday they would get a huge crowd. I get it why week night games are never sold out but there is no excuse for empty seats on a Saturday or Sunday with a metro area of 6 million. In breaking news, Uggla is 0 for 4.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
4:21 pm
TampaGator do you know how stupid that would make Chipper look after all of the gifts he is getting from other teams as he has played his last game at their ballpark? Chipper needs to focus on his new divorce.
Mike
August 5th, 2012
4:23 pm
Jeff or anyone that knows…
Who is that woman that yells “LET’S GO (insert name here)” the ENTIRE game? You can pick her up on TV and radio like she’s sitting in the booth. Drives me crazy.
COOPER
August 5th, 2012
4:23 pm
Medlen is a better pitcher than Minor or Delgado. He is as good as Frenchy .Because of his arm injury last year Gonzalez is bring him in slowly. Next start they need to let him go at least 90 pitches . Medlen has fantastic control and I think could be another Maddox if given the chance.
Steve
August 5th, 2012
4:24 pm
Mike, agreed! That kid is ALWAYS there as well. Doesn’t miss a game.
katherine
August 5th, 2012
4:25 pm
Um tampa gator I have been a baseball fan all of my life. Just because we dont paint our faces or scream or yell at the games or make jackasses of ourselves doesnt mean we arent “real” fans. People who say that make me mad. Who are you to judge how others behave or who is a “real” fan?
katherine
August 5th, 2012
4:27 pm
And the fans of those teams that were mentioned arent drawing fans from all over the south either, most of whom cant ever go to a game..but watch faithfully on tv.
Bronkelliott
August 5th, 2012
4:28 pm
Let’s face it folks. This Dan Uggla. Better or worse he is what he is. I don’t see him coming out of this funk. He has developed bad habits at the plate that will not be changed this year. He will have his moments but will not be what the Braves thought he will be. Can’t wait to see Simmons back and move Uggla to the eight spot.
Rick
August 5th, 2012
4:29 pm
Ummm Tampa….not a good post 20 mill? Really? Glad you not the GM! It is time for Chipper to go although he is having an awesome season! And he is indeed one of the Braves great! So glad to have him for this LAST year! Go Chipper and go Braves!
Big Crimson 75
August 5th, 2012
4:31 pm
Good Game today by David Ross.
We are fortunate to have him as a back-up Catcher. Someone on the team has to produce at that position.
Another dud from Uggla.
Nice relief today by Venters.
Big Crimson 75
August 5th, 2012
4:34 pm
55 & 0 when leading after 8 Innings.
katherine
August 5th, 2012
4:39 pm
braves win! This “real” fan is happy
Paul
August 5th, 2012
5:08 pm
The “Let’s go” lady is an usher that works in the sections behind home plate. At least she shows some enthusiasm!
Nerdville
August 5th, 2012
5:11 pm
Well, I thought they should have gone 10-0 or no worse than 9-1 against that batch of bad teams. But I’ll give the Braves a B for 8-2. It was a real struggle for over 5 innings until the 40 year old gimpy Chipper Jones finally woke the offense up. You hate to see your offense struggle to score against such a lousy team. So disappointing that no ground was gained against the Nats. The offense is now the main concern for the postseason. Another no hit day from Uggla (anyone surprised?). He needs to wake up or be replaced for this offense to really get going.
archie
August 5th, 2012
5:14 pm
Going back to the 2009 season, that was the year that sent a clear signal that Cox’s time was up. Braves finished out of the pennant/wild card race again, thanks to some incredibly inept personnel decisions. It was the year of Kotchman, Kelly Johnson, Garret Anderson, Jeff Franceour, Greg Norton and reliever Jeff Bennett.
Kotchman was, and is the slowest white man and least powerful 1st baseman in baseball. To this day, he’s failing with the Indians.
Kelly Johnson is a low-average, no impact infielder who approached the ball at 2nd base as if he was playing with a bucket instead of a glove. To this day, he’s failing with the Blue Jays.
Jeff Francoeur had no plate discipline. To this day, he’s failing with the Royals.
Garret Anderson apparently had an endorsement deal with La-Z-Boy. To this day, he’s watching the game from his recliner, as he did with the Braves in left field.
Greg Norton is forever in Braves lore as Cox’s all-time favorite pinch-hitter. Well, let’s say pinch-batter, because he sure as hell didn’t hit.
Jeff Bennett had to punch a door and injure his hand to keep Cox from using him in pressure situations, where he routinely failed.
Throughout the season, Martin Prado and Omar Infante, who could out-field and out-hit all of the position players above, were on the bench…until some of these knuckleheads finally injured themselves or got traded.
By that time it was too late. Any other manager would have been let go for ineptitude, but instead Cox rode out the season, and got his farewell year.
corkymillerlovesbeer
August 5th, 2012
5:26 pm
archie…that was a very funny post
Fansince66
August 5th, 2012
5:32 pm
Both pitchers had good command of the fastball outside at the knees. I think Medlen should have been given the chance to pitch out of the inning. He kinda reminds me of Maddux in the mid ninetys, such great movement of his fastball.
Olympic Viewing: Era ending for Gaines, too – Atlanta Journal Constitution » Black Conservative Thought
August 5th, 2012
5:38 pm
[...] Jeff Schultz: LIVE: Can Medlen stake his claim in Braves’ rotation? [...]
Realtycheck
August 5th, 2012
6:31 pm
The way the talkingheads keep talking up Betancourt and Gaddis, I begin to get the feeling that the Braves aren’t going to try too hard resign McCann. Don’t give up on Francisco too quick. Give him a chance to play every day.
Wrecker
August 5th, 2012
6:37 pm
TampaGator, Wow, what idiocy! Have you ever sat with the bleacher people out in Wrigley? I have. They are there more to socialize than to watch the game. Philly had serious attendance problems until they started to win. Also, I think you overestimate the fervor for football in the Midwest compared to in the Southeast.
donsutten
August 6th, 2012
10:59 am
Ah, the problems of having a bunch of good pitchers. We’ll need them all now with the dog days facing us and our memory of last September is still fresh. Looks like everyone is agreeing on Medlen being a better deal out of the pen since he is charged coming out of there. On Prado…hope he is not hurting now and 3rd is where he should be heading.
He is a player and with his drive he helps the entire team. We’re coming together at the right time so everyone please watch Chipper on batting…. you don’t have to kill everything to get a hit…put it where they ain’t!