Medlen should give Braves reason to consider 6-man staff
Kris Medlen has been too good in two starts to put back into the bullpen. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
There is this problem with Kris Medlen. He is too good at everything he does.
He can pitch middle relief. He can start. He can come in at any time and rescue a teammate in full mound meltdown mode, or step in as the understudy for one who has been put on the shelf. He is equally adept at both.
It’s sort of like Kenshin Kawakami’s alternate universe.
Here’s the problem (sort of): After pitching his second solid start in a row (one run, five hits, 5 1/3 innings) to lead the Braves to a 6-1 win over Houston, Medlen is setting up a difficult decision for the Braves. What are they going to do with him when Tommy Hanson if eligible to come off the disabled list in a little over a week?
“I’ll walk in there and give my two cents if they ask,” catcher David Ross. “He’s a fun pitcher to catch. He’s so important to our team. He’s throws strikes. He’s not afraid to throw anything I [signal]. You expect him to make every pitch that you call. You expect him to have a game plan that works.”
Not to short change the importance of a strong middle reliever, but that’s a guy I would want starting.
There is one option the Braves should consider, at least in the short term: a six-man rotation.
It’s a little out there, and not something a team would do in the season’s final pennant-chasing weeks (when you want your best pitchers to get as many starts as possible). But it makes sense now, both because of the circumstances of those in the Braves’ rotation and because there is an upcoming stretch of 20 straight games without an off day (beginning Friday in New York).
Now, there are those ruled by “numbers” in baseball who might think this idea is ridiculous.
“Six-man rotation? You sir are a moron. According to Chapter 17, subsection 12, paragraph 2 of the Sabermetrics Guide To Pitching Rotations …”
But consider:
• No. 1 starter Tim Hudson has bone spurs in his ankle. He already has received two cortisone injections. The rest would help.
• Perceived No. 2 starter Ben Sheets has started four games after not pitching in two years. Wear and fatigue could be issues.
• No. 3 Paul Maholm would be taken out of his every-fifth-day rhythm. If you consider that potentially catastrophic, raise your hand. (Anybody?)
• No. 4 Mike Minor has long surpassed his career single-season high with 116 2/3 innings (he threw 82.2 last year). Another off day should be welcomed.
• No. 5a Medlen isn’t going to complain.
• No. 5b Hanson is in no position to complain.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he hadn’t thought of a six-man rotation until it was brought it up.
Then he said, “Yeah, I could see that. Those guys have pitched well enough and they could use a breather. Minor has some issues. Hanson has issues. There’s Huddy’s [ankle]. Sheets — who knows? We could do it. The only downside is we have to go at least one short in the bullpen or with a position player.”
Medlen is enjoying this. He has allowed only two runs in two starts (10 1/3 innings). He was on the bench for Houston’s only run in the sixth (reliever Cory Gearrin allowing the RBI double after Medlen gave up a pair of 0ne-out singles).
The guy has endured being on a yo-yo. The Braves told him before spring training that they wanted to “stretch out” his arm for the potential of starting, but they kept pulling him. Amid rotation problems, the team sent him to Gwinnett in late May, again to strengthen his arm. But by the time Medlen returned, the situation had stabilized.
“It’s not fun to build up your pitch count in the middle of the year,” he said. “But just getting this opportunity is a lot of fun. Obviously we wish Tommy didn’t go on the DL, but by now I think they know who I am and how I pitch and my mentality. I just want to give them someone dependable to give the ball to.”
He has accomplished that. He ranks in the top five on the team in appearances (40), ERA (2.37) and opponents’ batting average (.235). Seems like a tough guy to send back to the bullpen.
By Jeff Schultz
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162 comments Add your comment
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
8:00 pm
Nice….decent…..posting conversation, Birdhair….wish more people were interested in doing that on here. Very enjoyable. Got to go now. Have a nice evening down by the stadium way.
Bob the Blogger
August 5th, 2012
8:05 pm
Whether the Braves use a five or six man rotation, Medlen needs to be starting – period.
Birdhair
August 5th, 2012
8:06 pm
I dont want to get on the Wren topic too much because it’s such an upsetting topic that I am very convinced on…I am almost afraid of him having more money…Lowe, terrible contract, uggla contract not good, KK contract awful, and McOut was not scouted well and was overpaid for his production. It’s obvious that Wren does not spend wisely, and does not properly value OBP.
I listened to Wren on 680 the fan on Friday. When questioned about the payroll constraints he said that he and braves management set the payroll based on revenue generated and Liberty does not hand them a number and are not meddling in their business. Wren said that increased attendance would lead to more payroll. Well, Atl has never been a big attendance city, but might turn out a little more if we put a consistent winner on the field again.
Go take a look at the hitters that wren has brought in and almost all of them have unacceptable OBP’s. We are winning because of the players from the JS era.
Bourn should not be resigned. He will not be worth his OBP production. Can’t steal first base.
Dawgdad (The Original)
August 5th, 2012
8:09 pm
There are many better reasons to demote Hanson, but if it happens I will be dancing. I am so tired of watching the games he pitches take 3.5 or 4 hours. He has no pace. I thought he was the absolute worst until I saw that Galaraga guy the stros threw out there in the first game. Talk about moving at a glacial pace. I’m glad they are moving to the American League, I absolutely would not watch a Galaraga/Hanson match up, it might take 5 hours to play 9 innings.
Love Medlen, Sheets, Hudson and Maholm as they get the ball and throw it, like Maddux used to and games last 2.5 to 3 hours.
Brent
August 5th, 2012
8:20 pm
Minor threw 183.1 innings last year between AAA and MLB, so fatigue shouldn’t be an issue. I think I’d be more interested in giving Hudson a breather for two weeks when Hanson comes back. Not sure the 6 man rotation makes sense just because it straps us in the pen with one less guy.
Zing
August 5th, 2012
8:22 pm
You’ve got me convinced. When 4 out of 5 of your starting pitchers seem to be wearing down or clearly wouldn’t be hurt by an extra day, it seems the smart thing to do over those 20 games. It does mean that the bullpen or bench is short one guy, but maybe with a six-man rotation and the extra rest, those starters average more innings per start? Who knows?
Falcons4life
August 5th, 2012
8:24 pm
I don’t care what they do just keep Medlen in the rotation.
Jaded
August 5th, 2012
8:25 pm
Astute observers knew Medlen should have been in the rotation all along. He pitched so well in 2010 that it was, frankly, absurd that guys like Minor, Delgado and Teheran had the inside track on him for rotation spots this spring. Those guys hadn’t proved anything. Medlen had.
It makes you wonder where we’d be if Medlen had been in the rotation from day one instead of us fooling around with Minor (who luckily seems to be finally figuring it out) and Delgado for so long and then going back to Jurrjens after it was obvious he was done. I would venture to say the Braves would be in first place.
Don’t compound past mistakes with another. Keep Medlen in the rotation.
Birdhair
August 5th, 2012
8:25 pm
An extra day or two of rest for starters down the stretch might pay big dividends in that 1 game playoff matchup
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
8:28 pm
If baseball goes to a 6 man rotation before long you will see 8 and 10 game winners winning CY Young awards.
The 5 man rotation is bad enough, missed the days of 4 man rotations and good old fashoned complete games.
UPGRAYEDD
August 5th, 2012
8:35 pm
Not that I disagree in the least with everyone’s assessment of Tommy Hanson, including David Ross’, but his offering up to the newspaper that he would support Medlen over Hanson if asked can’t help in the clubhouse, particularly coming from a battery mate. Questionable call, Mr. Ross.
Jackson 101
August 5th, 2012
8:49 pm
It was not mentioned (I don’t believe) that Hanson’s habit/ challenge of getting thru the 1st 2 innings before he is at max warmup effectiveness…could be a major red flag in his being a middle reliever.
Teddy B
August 5th, 2012
8:53 pm
Sounds risky. Sometimes we’d have a starter not getting a start all week and I think that would be bad, having too much rest. Pitchers train formatted to the 5 man rotation. Would be bad to switch them from that. If Hanson doesn’t pitch better, leave him out of the rotation.
Sonny Clusters
August 5th, 2012
9:11 pm
What else has Fredi not thought about? We suspect a lot. When Coach was coaching us he was always thinking about how to get an edge. Not once did he say, the only thing he could figure to do differently was come to the ballpark earlier. We suspect Fredi might have a hard time with a 6 man rotation because of the 5 finger limitation on each hand. Not since Antonio Alfonseca was here have the Braves had anyone with 6 fingers on one hand. If Fredi could add Alfonseca to his staff perhaps the 6 man rotation could work. That’s a limitation and we are sorry Fredi has it.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
9:25 pm
Chief Knock A Homa — Hanson to ‘pen possible but unlikely, IMO.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
9:27 pm
Bruce — “Jeff, What does Medlen mean when he says, “It’s not fun to build up your pitch count in the middle of the year,”
I thought starting is what he wants to do, so this is a confusing comment. Thanks.”
<< I think what he means is he’s still building up strength in his arm and would rather be at the point already where he could go 6 to 8 innings. But he’s not at that point physically yet.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
9:27 pm
TampaGator — correct.
Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
9:29 pm
Upgrayedd — I could see where Ross’s comment would be taken as throwing Hanson under the bus, but I’m sure that wasn’t his intent. He was merely endorsing Medlen as being worthy of starting, based on what he saw.
Skeezix
August 5th, 2012
9:40 pm
As they are trying to fix Uggla uppercut swing, it seems to be getting worse. He looked like he was swinging at about a 30 degree angle today. Hard to make solid contact like that.
Not crazy about a six man rotation–but in favor of keeping all the starters well rested. So maybe Tommy can be used that way…i.e. to give Huddy (or any starter) an extra day of rest if he feels he needs it. I think Hanson pitches better in cooler weather.
mountain_jim
August 5th, 2012
9:43 pm
Another vote for either Hanson to pen, or if he’s not good with/for that, then to the minors or released.
He’s broken and I am tired of sitting thru his failing junkballitus eforts.
William
August 5th, 2012
9:48 pm
TampaGator: Please read responses more carefully before you respond. You misinterpreted a lot of what I wrote in my response to your comment. I regret that you didn’t get what I wrote. All I can say is….what is it you said….. Jeeeezzzzzzzz? That seems to indicate a bit of sensitivity on your part. Anyway, have a great evening.
Skeezix
August 5th, 2012
9:53 pm
The prime time NBC Olympics coverage has been frustrating. Instead of showing us all the action for the day (that was completed hours ago), they have treated the Olympics like its the Bob Costas Ego Hour and placed it in a Oprah format. Per hour you get about 25-30 minutes of action (that may be overstating it) and the rest is B.S. and ads. I see why so many folks are moving off cable and going to the internet to feed their TV. I have been switching to the Cards game when NBC/Costas is doing some latest human interest story.
Skeezix
August 5th, 2012
9:54 pm
Keep Medlen in the rotation. He should have been in it a month ago.
Kevin
August 5th, 2012
9:56 pm
Jeff, I agree with you so much that I told my wife the same thing the other day. Of course, my wife doesn’t care.
You’re right – for all the reasons you mentioned with the pitchers’ various problems. Who knows what the shelf life is for Sheets? Might as well stretch it out. And as the division/wild card races play out, the rotation can be played out, too, and then reset for the playoff(s).
If Fredi is worried about going a man short in the pen, forget it. Worst case, use ONE OF YOUR SIX GUYS in a pinch and you’re right back to a 5-man rotation for ONE TURN. Reset and repeat.
I think it makes too much sense so it won’t be done.
Of course, Hanson may stink so bad trying to “recover” from whatever’s wrong with him that this is a moot point.
Drew
August 5th, 2012
9:58 pm
With Hanson, I’ll be happy if he could even pitch. I have a weird feeling that this DL is going to last longer and/or he’ll be back on the DL again.
Fladawg
August 5th, 2012
10:12 pm
Medlen is gonna have to go deeper in the game and a six man rotation ain’t gonna happen.
Georgia Born and raised
August 5th, 2012
10:20 pm
UPGRAYEDD,
Hanson sucks and what’s wrong with free speech. We are dealing with mature adults I think. Were you out there protesting Chick-Filet? Stop being judgemental dude.
bulldogbubba
August 5th, 2012
10:23 pm
A great idea! Why not think outside the box.Try it for two rotations and see how it works.I f you can rest Chipper and McCann why not the pitchers? I bet if it worked Mr. Clusters might buy Fredi a dilly bar.
Medlen Mania
August 5th, 2012
10:28 pm
Medlen is the new Maddux. I am glad the team is starting to catch on. I watched his first start a few years ago and loved his approach. Wasn’t it against the Dodgers at Los Angeles? Came on at 11 pm eastern time and he was throwing darts. He throws first pitch strikes, fields his position, works quickly, just like Mad Dog. Wren should sign him now for a long term deal.
Medlen Mania
August 5th, 2012
10:34 pm
Jeff, please find out if Medlen is represented by Scott Boras.
Boozer
August 5th, 2012
10:40 pm
JS, u had me LOL with the “sort of like Kenshin Kawakami’s alternate universe” line. Nice one.
Then the comment from Mr. Clusters about FG needing a player with 6 fingers to make it all work was just f-ing hilarious.
Good column as usual followed by solid blogger contributions made for nice Sunday night reading…
Space Monkey
August 5th, 2012
10:44 pm
Tommy Hanson should be sat down until he can average 93 mph again. The guy is obviously hurt, needs surgery, and can’t do anything but hurt us right now. It’s sad to watch him pitch with less power than Glavine in his retirement years.
Mike
August 5th, 2012
10:52 pm
While we’re at it, can we let Prado or Pastornicky play 2B the rest of the season? If we have any inter-league games left, can we DH for Uggla instead of the pitcher?
Delbert D.
August 5th, 2012
11:11 pm
Steve Carlton complained about Danny Ozark’s 5-man rotation. He wanted a 4-man.
Keith
August 5th, 2012
11:17 pm
Jeff,
Could you give us some history on modern teams that have tried a 6-man rotation?
Maybe a Part II to your blog.
Go braves.
Keith
August 5th, 2012
11:30 pm
Yes, Jeff, that’s my vote for your next blog!!
“Part II to 6″
or
“Part II to 6-man rotation: teams that did it”
something like that. haha!
The Braves Blog » Blog Archive » Medlen should give Braves reason to consider 6-man staff | Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
11:52 pm
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The Braves Blog » Blog Archive » Medlen should give Braves reason to consider 6-man staff | Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
11:52 pm
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BravesFanInNashville
August 5th, 2012
11:53 pm
I’d rather leave Medlen in the rotation. The way he’s pitching he’s really our second or third best starter anyway. These games all count and I think he gives us a better chance to win than anyone besides Huddy and maybe Sheets if he proves to be durable. In a 5 game playoff series I’d really want Medlen starting 2 games if possible. Why not put one pitcher on the DL that really needs the rest and give him 2 weeks to really get well and rotate them like that. We have Delgado, Hanson, Medlen and Teheran to choose from for spot starts. Might do Huddy some good to go on the DL for 2 weeks and be able to finish strong for us.
BravesFanInNashville
August 5th, 2012
11:55 pm
I agree Tommy Hanson looks hurt. The radar gun doesn’t lie. I’m afraid they’ll let him loose a couple of important games for us that Medlen could have won. Doesn’t make sense.
Robards
August 6th, 2012
12:06 am
Jeff, Fredi doesn’t do anything that goes against the “book.” So there’s no use talking about it.
John Leonard
August 6th, 2012
12:23 am
The problem with a six man rotation,is some pitchers can lose there feel for the breaking ball and sinker guys get to strong.What we need is for the Braves to pitch the best five,and if one of them begins to slip,then replace him.Another way to say this, is for management to grow a pair.
Shonuff
August 6th, 2012
1:04 am
Tommy Hanson should go to middle relief if he returns from the DL. His performances remind me of Derek Lowe. If he’s on, he’ll give us 5 innings of 1 to 3 run ball. If he’s off, he’ll give us 2 to 3 innings of 4+ run ball. It’s not that difficult of a decision.
Jj
August 6th, 2012
1:29 am
The Braves postseason failures have rarely been due to a lack of pitching.
Homer the Brave
August 6th, 2012
5:44 am
Schultz, do you even proof read your work? Why give the economy more reason to render you obsolete? Why is tommy Hanson in no position to complain? He is a top three starter for us, who is only on a 15 day disablement.
BBQ MAN
August 6th, 2012
6:02 am
bullpen doesn’t need to be as deep if starters are well rested common sense
Jim
August 6th, 2012
6:56 am
I thought you wanted Dempster or Greinke?
What happened?
Ted Striker
August 6th, 2012
7:07 am
I’m okay with it.
Kwajbraves
August 6th, 2012
7:33 am
I don’t know about a six man rotation but Medlen is making the decision to left Hanson go next year easier.
NCBravesFan
August 6th, 2012
7:35 am
Jeff – this is an interesting idea. I just checked the schedule, and the Braves only have two days off between now and September 12, and this includes a 20 games in 20 days stretch later this month. With the various “issues” some of he starters are dealing with, odds are an extra pitcher is going to be needed at some point.
So I guess the question for the Braves is do you go with a 6 man rotation and call up a bullpen arm I’f needed, or slot Medlen back to the pen and call up Delgado for spot starts if needed?