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
Gulf Coast
August 5th, 2012
6:38 pm
1st
Gulf Coast
August 5th, 2012
6:38 pm
keep med in the rotation
Birdhair
August 5th, 2012
6:40 pm
Birdhair agrees w/Jeff
Gulf Coast
August 5th, 2012
6:41 pm
Mr. Schultz, you may be on to something here
Mike
August 5th, 2012
6:41 pm
1st?
Weaseal
August 5th, 2012
6:41 pm
Six-man rotation? You sir are a moron. According to Chapter 17, subsection 12, paragraph 2 of the Sabermetrics Guide To Pitching Rotations …” still Laughing !!!
Mike
August 5th, 2012
6:41 pm
Phooey
archie
August 5th, 2012
6:42 pm
Factor in off days, rainouts, etc., and this is a recipe for disaster. Make Hanson earn his way back into the rotation. And before anyone cites his won-loss record, that’s the most misleading, useless “stat” in baseball. He consistently pitches poorly enough to lose, and has been bailed out by the offense repeatedly….an offense in which he makes no contribution by the way.
Ken Stallings
August 5th, 2012
6:43 pm
Don’t know about the six man rotation idea. You have to factor in the effect of the extra day’s rest on the other pitchers in the rotation. Frankly, Hanson has earned a trip to the bullpen and Medlen has earned his place in the rotation. This isn’t charity time! Alternatively, send Hanson to the minors to work on his mechanics, which was supposed to be a prime objective in the off-season. The man’s lack of control (with pitches constantly breaking down the middle of the plate) combined with his horribly slow delivery make him a liability.
There is no way you can rationalize putting Medlen back in the bullpen. It isn’t even a difficult choice, especially considering the wealth of effective bullpen arms already there and with Moylan’s pending return. It is clear Medlen stays in the rotation and then the only question is what to do with Hanson. Hanson’s poor performance is the true source of the “difficult decision.” Hanson’s win-loss record is attributed to getting excellent run support. Frankly, his poor performance and injury history, combined with the suspect mechanics, and his pending free agency, make any trade value questionable. Hanson might just well need to stay in the minors and get set for his outright release at the end of the season.
I love David Ross’s comments. They are perfect. Medlen is successful because he isn’t afraid to throw strikes and let his defense work behind him. Medlen’s control is exceptional and he changes speeds well. The young man is a gifted pitcher and deserves to remain in the starting rotation.
obxdawg
August 5th, 2012
6:48 pm
No brainer—Medlen stays!!!
stevie zero
August 5th, 2012
6:48 pm
ive been SCREAMING it all year, mr shultz. start medlin, for the love of rick mahler
ezekile
August 5th, 2012
6:48 pm
Schultzie, what you are basically saying is there is no logical reason to not have Medlen start. Except that in baseball managers sometimes don’t like to hurt the feelings of the big ego guys. For instance.. why was Uggla hitting 6th today and Ross 7th? Ross is having twice the year of Uggla at the plate so why is Danny boy and his 5-year $62 million hitting ahead of Ross? Fredi afraid to bruise Danny Boy’s ego??
archie
August 5th, 2012
6:52 pm
Dan Uggla wouldn’t bat 6th on my wife’s Sunday slowpitch team.
The Grinch
August 5th, 2012
6:57 pm
Agree with Ken Stallings. Hanson is the weak link.
Chief Knock A Homa
August 5th, 2012
7:01 pm
ezekile – Ross was probably batting behind Uggla because he IS having a better year as you point out… This would be in the hopes of Uggla getting better pitches to look at is best theory…
Birdhair
August 5th, 2012
7:02 pm
Here’s an idea, let Ross catch Hanson? Ross might make Hanson more disciplined, and he will throw out runners
Chief Knock A Homa
August 5th, 2012
7:04 pm
Jeff – I like the idea of the six man rotation… How about this idea though – Put Hanson as a reliever… It would add to the strength of the bullpen for sure… Get six innings out of the starter and then you have Hanson/Venters/O’Flaherty as the go to guys to rotate and then close with Kimbrel of course…
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:07 pm
Sad when the manager gets a potentially great strategy for the stretch run from a reporter….and says he never thought of it before. Are you kidding me? I think the idea crossed the mind of every sensible blogger on the AJC website. But….of course….this is the same guy who could not sleep the night before the Braves faced Doc Holiday….because he thought Chipper was going to see a doctor the next day. Wow.
urban redneck
August 5th, 2012
7:09 pm
mike, you made me chuckle. first is dumb. failing at it is just embarassing.
the six man rotation isn’t as terrible an idea as i originally thought….MB made some valid points above. i would only diagree with 5a-medlen. he wants the ball everyday, not every sixth day. what a winner that boy is. however, i think we should stick with the five man rotation. move big red to the bullpen. go bravos.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:09 pm
Birdhair….
Pudge Rodriguez in his prime could not through out base stealers if Hanson was pitching. He might have the slowest delivery in the history of the game. But I guess Ross catching him would not hurt.
George Stein
August 5th, 2012
7:11 pm
This isn’t serious, is it?
jharber
August 5th, 2012
7:11 pm
TampaGator, I think you just discovered what i have been saying since Freddi was hired.
Jamaaliver
August 5th, 2012
7:11 pm
Methinks this is a good problem to have this time of year…
abby normal
August 5th, 2012
7:18 pm
What the hell…..why not go six man?? What’s to lose really?
eastbound and down
August 5th, 2012
7:19 pm
god, i am glad u are just a hack for the AJC and not a GM and/or manager. isn’t it time for your vacation, yet?
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:21 pm
What if you go with a 5 man rotation with Hudson, Sheets, Minor, Maholm, Medlen…..and Hanson pitches every 7th day as the 6th man drop in to give rest to each pitcher during the stretch run. You would use the above 5 starters and then drop Hanson in every 7th day……he gets plenty of rest between starts. The other 5 get regular turns….with a one day break every time Hanson pitches on the 7th day. Worth a try…..and you can just put Hanson in the bullpen in between his starts to work an inning or two if needed.
William
August 5th, 2012
7:23 pm
Brilliant idea, Mr. Schultz. I’m glad some of the “hack” bloggers don’t work for the newspaper or the baseball club.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:24 pm
eastbound….
What was the purpose of your post……certainly not to add anything of sensible value to the discussion.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:26 pm
William…
Not a novel idea…just to let you know…..managers have used 6 man rotations some in the past to give rest to their starters. I don’t have the stats to evaluate the results. The main reason you don’t do it is because he hurts the depth of your bullpen……
William
August 5th, 2012
7:28 pm
TampaGator: My understanding of the word novel is something NEW. I didn’t say novel. And duh….I know managers have used this in the past. You don’t have to convince me, Gator. I’m not the manager. I like Schultz’s idea…that’s my OPINION….can’t you just leave it at that?
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:30 pm
jharber…..
But you do not need to be brilliant to be a good regualr season manager…..see…one….Bobby Cox. Not a man who was good at strategy….expecially in the playoffs and WS. He probably personally cost the Braves at least two more world titles because of his lack of strategic thinking skills. But the Braves won a lot of division titles….if only one world championship….under his guidance. Gonzalez seems to be a mold creation of Bobby Cox….and I guess the reason they hired him. Hopefully, Gonzalez will go against the mold and strategically manage during the playoffs if the Braves get there….big if at this point.
Birdhair
August 5th, 2012
7:36 pm
Tampa, point made, but just having ross back there is cause for pause for runners. Maybe I am way off base but just from outside perspective I just think Ross might help Hanson stay more mentally focused. McCann and Medlen could probably mesh very well. Let Ross continue to catch Huddy. Just throwing an idea out there no pun intended.
Lastly, I really do think FG has done a commendable job this season. Although he isn’t well spoken, is easy fooled by twitter messages, and has a frequent eater pass at golden corral, he’s done well. Only big issues are playing francisco at any point, even ph, and staying with struggla too long. I think fredi learned a lot from last season’s collapse. Well, I guess we will find out for 100% sure in Sept
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:37 pm
William…..
Wow….a little sensitive are you? Jeezzz…….
1. I didn’t say you said…novel…..I said it.
2. I didn’t say you didn’t know managers have used it in the past. I just made the statement that they have.
3. I was not trying to convince you of anything. I was just posting my thoughts.
4. I didn’t say you were the manager.
5. I didn’t day you didn’t like Schultz….my post had nothing to do with you and him.
…….it is getting harder and harder on these sites just to have a normal posting conversation with people. Jeeeezzzzzzzz….ma………
BravesWin
August 5th, 2012
7:40 pm
Couldn’t agree more, JS…nothing wrong with a 6-man, and it gives the option of throwing one, or even two, of the six into a spot relief situation.
Birdhair
August 5th, 2012
7:40 pm
Tampa, I 100% agree with you on your assessment of cox and hopefulness of FG in the postseason, IF we make it that far. Remember cox’s sunday lineups? It was almost like he was conceding the game. At least FG doesnt play Jack Wilson and Juan Francisco in the same lineup or some BS. At least he doesnt intentionally do that unless he has no other options.
Cox cost us at least 2 additional world series titles, and arguably more. How do you choke so many times in the postseason? That’s another long article, but wanted to acknowledge Tampa’s solid post.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:43 pm
Birdhair……
Uggla has his best month in August last year….I believe. I think Freddy is just wishing he repeats and continues in September. We all do. One thing thought….I think Uggla brings more to the table than just his bat. His effort and attitude is big for this club….and he has helped Janish make the transition well. Speaking of Janish….was a great trade….and his BA is nearly the same as Uggla’s BA now. But I can hardly wait for Simmons to get back. The Braves really miss him. He was a real spark….and his bat would ease the pain of Uggla’s stuggles a bit.
bruce
August 5th, 2012
7:46 pm
J
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:47 pm
Birdhair…..
Are you old enough to remember Cox bringing in Charlie Liebrandt to pitch to Kirby Puckett in the WS…..Braves could have won the entire thing in that game seven….but Cox brings in a junk throwing left hander (who had not pitched out of the pen all year) to pitch to one of the best righthanded hitters in the game at the time……I remember yelling the TV when Cox signaled that move….and screamed in disgust a few moments late when Puckett clobbered that game winning HR. That move has to go down in WS history as one of the worst managerial decsions….I will never forget or forgive Cox for that move….and there were plenty of others.
Birdhair
August 5th, 2012
7:47 pm
Agreed again. But you’ve got to get someone else in there for struggla and gradually get him back in there if he produces in the chances that he is given. FG has done the right thing by moving him with OBP dwindling.
Totally agree on simmons. I love this kid. I think he will be a baller for years to come. It appears that he is going to be a decent OBP producer and provide spectacular D. Janish could take Jack Wilson’s spot on the bench!
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:47 pm
I meant to type…..game six. Smotlz pitched in game 7…….
bruce
August 5th, 2012
7:48 pm
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.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:49 pm
Janish better take Wilson’s spot on the bench….although Wilson can play several spots and Janish only SS….I believe. That hurts Janish….and he may be sent to AAA when Simmons returns and Wilson will take his place on the roster.
gcs
August 5th, 2012
7:49 pm
I have no problem with a six man rotation seeing how none of these guys can seem to last more than 5-6 innings.
Speaking of short starts, since when is pitching 5 1/3 innings considered a “solid start”?
bruce
August 5th, 2012
7:49 pm
Medlen = FIERCE Competitor
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:50 pm
Bruce…not Jeff…..but I think he means…….he would prefer to build up his starting strength in spring training.
man and dog
August 5th, 2012
7:51 pm
Stay with who’s hot. And Hanson is not.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:52 pm
gcs….
When you just came out of the pen and you have a limited pitch count….like probably 80 today…and Medlen had 79….pitched 5 plus innings…allowing only one run. Very solid start for that situation.
Birdhair
August 5th, 2012
7:53 pm
Tampa, yes 28 yrs old and I vividly remember that moment as a young kid lol. I watched every single game and still try to catch most of all them. I grew up near Fulton county stadium and have now purchased my own home nearby. Huge fan.
I’ve also grown to appreciate Schuerholz despite the Tex and Wainwright deals. Sometimes you have to take a chance on a young pitcher and just hope that he doesnt turn into the next adam wainwright type! JD Drew OBP that season was incredible and it certainly helped us reach the playoffs, but Drew was a major question mark and was not under control beyond that 1 season.
I think you are a Wren supporter, correct? I think he’s a bottom tier GM and needs to go. No question. I wish JS hadn’t let this guy take over for him. So I guess now I have soured on JS some for allowing this guy to ruin teams.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:53 pm
Wish the Braves had taken all three from the Astros at home this weekend…..should have. It might come back on them later on….not doing that. That 3-2 loss last night was tough to swallow as a Braves fan.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2012
7:58 pm
Birdhair….
Being a GM is one of the toughest job in baseball…..off the field. Tougher than being a manager, I think, and one of the reasons Bobby Cox got out of the press box and back in the dugout. Wren….I think his hands are tied a lot by Liberty…..and JS….not so much when he was GM. I think Wren did OK after the Cubs mess up….with Maholm and Johnson……and getting Janish was brilliant I think. But they need to sign Bourn to a deal….if they want to keep winning in the future. Let’s see if Liberty steps up and unties the hands of Wren on that one.
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
[...] the rest: http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2012/08/05/medlen-should-give-braves-reason-to-consider-6-man…. [Comments [...]
The Braves Blog » Blog Archive » Medlen should give Braves reason to consider 6-man staff | Jeff Schultz
August 5th, 2012
11:52 pm
[...] the rest: http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2012/08/05/medlen-should-give-braves-reason-to-consider-6-man…. [Comments [...]
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?
DetroitBraves
August 6th, 2012
7:36 am
While I don’t have an issue with Medlen in the rotation, particularly when so many of the Braves starting pitchers are so similarly skilled, using a roster spot on a 6th starting pitcher when a lot of people would like to see the return of the 4-man rotation, so that bullpens aren’t overflowing and benches so thin, doesn’t return good value. Maybe the Braves should do something really novel like have a 4-man and then a hybrid 5th man such that every 5th day Medlen starts with the idea being that after 4 or 5 Delgado pitches as a long-man for 3 or 4. Then they wouldn’t have to worry about stretching Medlen out much in-season, and Delgado would still get innings while presumably being avaiable in relief at least one other day through the rotation.
Or maybe I’m just talking crazy.
son's who?
August 6th, 2012
7:52 am
On every MLB team blog I visit, the respective manager is described as the biggest idiot in baseball. How do all these dunderheads keep getting hired, and why will no intelligent GM hire one of the local experts? Amazing.
Old School
August 6th, 2012
7:59 am
When a respected writer as Mr. Schultz characterizes 5 1/3 innings as a “solid” start you know expectations have been lowered in baseball.
BobDawg
August 6th, 2012
8:23 am
I think the 30HR a year club Uggla has been in is wearing on him…. He seems like he is swinging for the fences on every pitch… I wish he would just meet the ball….. “Be the Ball, Danny”!!!!
DetroitBraves
August 6th, 2012
8:31 am
@son’s who?, along those lines hasn’t it been said that the most popular player in football is the backup QB? As for the manager thing, I think you end up with some recycling of bad managers because too much emphasis is placed on experience, no matter that it was a bad experience, and making what’s thought to be a safe choice. There’s probably some good ol’ boyness thrown in. And I’ve also wondered how much of it is either meddling by owners that should stay out of baseball operations or GM’s who are more businessmen (which is important too) than baseball men. I understand your question, and it’s a good one, but incompetency doesn’t seem to preclude guys from getting multiple coaching positions in sports. Why that happens is a good question too. If only every GM had the collective wisdom of his team’s fans………
Larry
August 6th, 2012
8:34 am
While I agree that Medlen is clearly superior to Hanson, I haven’t seen enough yet to declare Maholm superior him also.
Maholm’s fastball was topping out at 86-87 MPH…that’s a good highschool prospect fastball and is even slower than that of Jurrjens and Hanson’s given their both startling loss in velocity.
Would you want a guy pitching this slow who can’t get by the Astros to pitch in the postseason against the Reds, Nats, Dodgers, Giants or the Yankees lineups?
Lobosolo
August 6th, 2012
8:44 am
No, Linkydink… “We” would like the Legend That Is You to pitch and manage for “us”…. anyone who was pretty good for nine whole years would be welcome! You could spend time not pitching to take each player into the locker room and tell them how to do their jobs, too…. Jeff, while you’re busy learning how to write, could you go up to the front office and set this up…. You’ll probaly be handsomely rewarded for bringing such a force that is Lah-reeee (finally) into the majors….
Lobosolo
August 6th, 2012
8:44 am
We love your DECLARATIONS, Linkydink…
Lobosolo
August 6th, 2012
8:46 am
Too bad school is about to start… gonna miss Linkydink’s expertise, exhortations, and most of all, his brilliant declarations… He’s so FAB….
Tommy John Staff
August 6th, 2012
8:49 am
Let’s see next year’s rotation…….Hudson,Beachy,Sheets,Medlen…………first 4 starters had Tommy John Surgery………..seems that pitchers who try hard come back from the surgery as good as ever…….hate to say it but Hanson won’t be as good as he once was due to Shoulder and Back problems…..he would have been better off getting an elbow ligament replacement because he will only ever be a 1/2 season pitcher while he has Shoulder and Back problems…………and oh yeah I forgot to add Maholm to the rotation because I am not sure how long his contract is…………….and Jurrjens should be released because he will never be good enough to start again………while they are at it Release Jack Wilson too……….Janish has proven he is good enough to back up Simmons at short!
Wren-a-player
August 6th, 2012
8:58 am
Looks like Wren made a decent trade with the Cubs………Maholm looked good with the exception of a few bad pitches……still better than Jurrjens and Delgado(at this point in his career anyway)……Reed “BIG” Johnson looks like a decent hitter who could provide key hits against Lefthanders………and Wren also did good by trading with the Reds getting Francisco early this year and then Janish…………..and the trade he didn’t make was one of the best by not trading Prado in the offseason!
1eyedJack
August 6th, 2012
9:18 am
Scott Boras clients are allergic to Atlanta. They have a peculiar reaction that causes them to suck money away while contributing very little and disappearing at inopportune times of the season. Let’s get rid of them.
Heisenberg
August 6th, 2012
9:29 am
In addition to the 6 man rotation, maybe Braves should consider the 4 man outfield and put Reed Johnson in as the rover or short fielder. Nothing like an extra defender to help out the pitchers.
FL dawg
August 6th, 2012
9:49 am
Go with Medlen now and see how it goes. Whoever’s not pulling their weightshould sit, including Hanson.
Hillbilly D
August 6th, 2012
9:53 am
On every MLB team blog I visit, the respective manager is described as the biggest idiot in baseball.
And it’ll be that way as long as they play baseball. The only manager who isn’t considered an idiot, according to the fans, is the one who won the last World Series.
I don’t like the idea of a 6 man rotation. Seems guys would have trouble keeping their command sharp on extra rest. As mentioned above, most teams are already carrying 12 pitchers, which only leaves 13 position players. Of those 13, 8 start, one is a backup catcher who likely has to be held in reserve in case the starter gets injured during the game, so that just leaves you with 4 players for pinch hitting, pinch running, double switching, and defensive replacements.
wreckbuzz
August 6th, 2012
10:05 am
At the very least, when Hanson returns, they should skip Hudson/Sheets/Minor once each to give them all a break to freshen up before the stretch run.
FL dawg
August 6th, 2012
10:06 am
The more I read,I have to agree with the notion that Hanson will lose more games than Medlen would, if allowed to.
what of it?
August 6th, 2012
10:10 am
I’d love to hear the argument against it since that is pretty much the model the japanese league works off of. It also wasn’t so long ago we had 4 and 3 man rotations. I imagine owners and/or the players union might not like it.
Mike Geigerman
August 6th, 2012
10:18 am
Cut Tommy Hanson … Sign Maholm or ay non Boras guy
bvilebaron
August 6th, 2012
10:20 am
Another column, another stupid idea or opinion from you Jeff.
Heisenberg
August 6th, 2012
10:20 am
Why stop at 6? Call up Delgado & insert Martinez & JJJ for a 9 man rotation. Only have EOF & Kimbrell for relief if needed when leading late. If starter is losing, then he has to stay in no matter what.
joshua
August 6th, 2012
11:02 am
Keep Medlen in the rotation? Absolutely – with Venters returning to form and Durbin pitching quality innings under stress, we are deep enough in the pen.
Have a six man rotation? No – that is just stupid. Sabermetrics has nothing to do with it. If someone needs rest, you DL them and plug in a spot starter. You don’t take the ball out of the hands of your better pitchers, and that’s what a 6 man rotation does.
And everyone dogging Tommy Hanson is going to regret it – I guarantee you that much.
Braves rooter
August 6th, 2012
11:11 am
Been yelling all year. They play with these rookies and JJ but there is Medlen, a proven starter who sits in that pen day in and day out. They send him to stretch him out then hand the ball back to the rookies and sent Medlen back to the pen. Its almost like Gonzo doesn’t care or know that he has a proven starter wasting away in that pen. Lets get a real manager next season shall we. I am really sick of the favorite players game.
JoeFan
August 6th, 2012
11:20 am
Simple answer is just to keep Hanson on the DL but worst case, go with a six man rotation.
Why?
August 6th, 2012
11:23 am
@joshua …….Please tell us what Hanson has shown expect for first half last year? I have said since he was called up he would be a bust. To this day I don’t see what the Braves saw in him. We can only hope he will be traded this winter.
What We’re Reading (8/6) | Smokies Radio Network
August 6th, 2012
11:58 am
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DaculaJones
August 6th, 2012
12:28 pm
I haven’t read through all of this to see if this idea has already been suggested.
Use Medlin as the bump starter just like he’s doing for Hanson now. Instead of giving the starters just one extra day off with the 6 man rotation, have Medlin sub for 1 starter each time though the rotation. This way each starter misses a start once between now and the end of the season to get an extra 5 days rest.
Bruce
August 6th, 2012
12:35 pm
Tampa, I well remember the Leibrandt disaster. It was just as you recall with Leibrandt being a soft thrower and a starter with pin point control absolutely necessary for his success. I don’t think he had pitched at all in more than a week and had difficulty with his location as I recall, resulting in the loss. Like you, I still hold Bobby totally responsible and still hold great sympathy for Leibrandt having been placed in a position to fail.
As for the six man rotation, that would kill the bullpen if continuing to allow starters to pitch just six innings. I think overuse of the bullpen has been the greatest downfall of both Bobby and Fredi with an example being Cory Gearrin having pitched on five of the last six days after having rarely pitched in back to back games at Gwinnett. I think pitchers on teams expecting to make the playoffs should be held to not much more than sixty games in regular season with as many as nineteen post season games required to win the World Series. You could do that by letting pitchers pitch two innings at a time with fewer appearances instead of using three each game and letting the number of games and especially the wear and tear of warming up so much. The self imposed requirement of using Kimbrell or whomever to close out a win is insanity if the guy who pitched the eighth threw just a few pitches. Let him finish and Kimbrell pitch two innings the next day if necessary.
P Rose
August 6th, 2012
12:40 pm
“Ya gotta keep running Tommy out there.” Why? So you don’t destroy the man — and his trade value. Hanson and Jurrjens were the Braves’ future a year and a half ago. Jair is done — finished. You can’t ruin Hanson’s career, too, by putting him out to pasture this early in his career. I like the 6-man rotation idea. It gives Huddy, Sheets and Minor some much-needed rest, and gives Tommy fewer opportunities to allow games to get away early.
I also like Fredi’s apparent vulnerability to suggestion (”6-man rotation? Gee, I hadn’t thought of that — say, that’s a good idea”). Sort of like the Jedi mind trick (”these aren’t the droids you’re looking for”). Hey, Fredi, here are a couple of suggestions: bat Uggla ninth (last time I looked, Hudson had a higher batting average than he did); and how about running out there and defending your players from the umpires’ bad calls a little more often.
ppaaddy123
August 6th, 2012
12:42 pm
I am amazed how often all the experts on here are quick to bash our Braves. We’re playing solid ball right now. So what we just played sub 500 teams. Good teams are supposed to to win those games. I like the idea of adding a 6th man right now. We’re in the grind part of the season. It makes perfect sense. Tommy Hanson was allowed to make the majors with his flawed delivery because he dominated in the minors. He has an unusual throwing motion and, yes, the slowest delivery in the world. The question is, how, in the real world, do you correct it now? Sending him back down to the minors now is not an option. He would have a grievance through the Major League Players Association. Let’s face it; he hasn’t been terrible…………he just doesn’t dominate like we were all told he would.
ppaaddy123
August 6th, 2012
12:48 pm
Oh, and as far as burning up the bullpen, Fredie has done a much better job this year of spreading the work load. September call ups are not far off. The pen can handle the extra work load right now.
Scoots
August 6th, 2012
1:05 pm
joshua – if they can’t dog Hanson, and they can’t go 6-man, and Medlin stays, then what do you suggest they do? who is the odd man out if they don’t drop Hason or Medlin?
Bruce
August 6th, 2012
1:08 pm
I agree to some extent with ppaddy123 that Fredi has done somewhat better this year in preserving the bullpen but what about Venters who pitched in his 40th game on July 4, on pace to appear in nearly 80 games after 81 (2 at Gwinnett) and 85 the previous two years with 29 being the most appearances in a season prior as a starter. Further, the July 4 game was his fifth in eight days in spite of struggling mightily for most of the season to that point. No wonder he became ineffective and disabled with such an unreasonable workload for two and a half years. Surely he has a bionic arm to have survived as long as he did. Also, Durdin is in line to pitch in 81 games this year at the same rate as ton now and what chance does Gearrin have if used at such an irresponsible pace as five appearances in the last six days?
JoeBravesFan
August 6th, 2012
1:09 pm
Trade Hanson and keep Medlen. Hanson has to be one of the most overrated pitchers in baseball…certainly on the Braves staff. His delivery to the plate is so slow, teams are stealing on him all the time. If FW is concerned the trade would come back to bite him (like if Tommy came back to Atlanta and shut us down), I’m sure some AL team could use him…perhaps the Yankees. While we’re at it, trade Brian McCann. I know he’s a local guy and he’s done great things for this team, but the only thing going for him is his bat (and even THAT has been sporadic this year). His defense is lacking…it’s rare that he actually throws out a baserunner. It’s no surprise he wasn’t on the All-Star team this year. The Braves could get a LOT in return for McCann, whose contract is up after next season. He MAY give us a hometown discount, but he’s probably going to be asking for more than he’s actually currently worth. Trade for some great prospects and use the money we’d save to retain Michael Bourn. David Ross has proven that he’s starting catcher material and we have Christian Bethancourt being groomed in the minors. Just MY 2 cents!
Jay
August 6th, 2012
1:12 pm
Move Sheets to the pen. He doesn’t have a long-term future here. All the other pitchers you named DO have a future here.
kral
August 6th, 2012
1:19 pm
let’s see great strategist …oh yeah people on a blog because they have the gift of hindsight..no you say I know what he should have done..I was yelling it from my lazy boy..he just would not listen..oh I have proof I was right..oh no I don’t..dang we do not know if what I thought would have worked, but we sure can prove that BC and FG wrong now that proves we were right and still are.
barrock odrama
August 6th, 2012
1:19 pm
when boris asks frank for a hundred million over 10 for bourn loser i hope frank has a map of the philadephia washington new york area at hand to hand boris
dean
August 6th, 2012
1:32 pm
As far as Medlen retaining a starting spot, some things are obvious to the most casual observer. Some things are not so obvious. For that, we rely on the paid experts. All I ask is that the best players available be on the field.
kral
August 6th, 2012
1:38 pm
that was a joke right jay..just read it..laughed ..it was a joke ..wasn’t it
Time
August 6th, 2012
1:49 pm
Wow, every day I check this rag and I see dumb colums, filled with lots of dumb bloggers. This might be the dubmest. Hanson is 5b with no room to complain? Really? Tommy Hanson is the #1 starter on this team. Is he dinged up and struggling now? Sure, but that happens to all pitchers. Pretty sure the Phillies aren’t dumping Halladay onto the trash heap and he’s 10 years older. Medlen should have a spot, that much I agree with. Which is why the trade last week was incredibly dumb and to no surprise got the approval of the AJC goofs and their sheep. We already had the guy we needed to insert into the rotation in Medlen. So you gave away a top prospect and a week later are trying to justify a 6 man rotation because of it. That’s just incredibly dumb.
steve
August 6th, 2012
3:03 pm
I love Medlin in the rotation, but he is also our best middle reliever. It is different coming out of the pen, and none of those other guys do not have that background. This is time to make a push and try to win the division. As much as I hate it for Medlin personally, I’d put him back in the pen. He is too valuable down there. You have to do what is best for the team.
DCBravesfan
August 6th, 2012
3:56 pm
I agree, except that I think it may make more sense down the stretch than not, namely because the team will have more relief options after September call-ups. The one downside to a 6 man rotation is losing a reliever, and that would be especially difficult for this Braves team since they seem to often run into stretches where their pen gets overused. Add in the logistical challenges – the fact that Hanson won’t be back for at least a week, or just 15 days or so from September – and waiting until roster expansion may be the only way to make it work.
Ralph
August 6th, 2012
4:15 pm
JEFF – Your suggestion makes prefectly good sense so for that reason don’t expect it to happen.
PEPr
August 6th, 2012
4:21 pm
As many of you have noted, Hanson is very slow to the plate; however, he is nowhere near the Len Barker category. Some of you may remember, he was one of Ted Turners “Great Deals” at the deadline, 5 prospects for 1 “pitcher”. Can’t blame that one on Bobby Cox.
DawgDad
August 6th, 2012
4:36 pm
I realize I’m late to the conversation, but a six man rotation is a terrible idea, certainly prior to September 1. The ONLY way it would make sense in August is if the starters are working out of the bullpen between starts.
Having six qualified starters didn’t stop them from sending Delgado out. So send Hanson out (keep him at AAA after he re-habs), since he seems to be the least productive starter of late.
I like Tommy Hanson in general, but he’s a Boras client and he’s been less than fully effective of late. Medlen has a future here.
ppaaddy123
August 6th, 2012
4:50 pm
I think Tommy Hanson will eventually break down to the point he will have to change his delivery. He uses very little of his lower body (which is why I think he’s having back problems) plus, the almost completely upright delivery does not seem to be sustainable in the long run. It’s probably going to take total failure on his part to the point he has to start over………be someone else’s “special project” with upside before it will happen.
DawgDad
August 6th, 2012
4:50 pm
“Sending him back down to the minors now is not an option. He would have a grievance through the Major League Players Association.”
Really? Performance doesn’t matter anymore? If Hanson is out of options I believe the Braves either have to keep him, trade him, or designate him for assignment. Little doubt they would keep him on the roster under those conditions. Does he have to start? No. He needs to pitch his way back into the rotation.
We may be reading more into Medlen than he’s able to deliver. Or Sheets, Minor, Hudson, or Maholm, for that matter. There should be a REAL competition at hand for playoff starting spots, and those should not be handed out to appease the Player’s Association or somebody with seniority.
MrDan
August 6th, 2012
4:53 pm
Boy, whatever happend to the days of Denny McClain, Bob Gibson, Nolan Ryan? How things have changed. I definitely think Medlin needs to be in a 5 man rotation. Hanson’s been good, but he’s also had times of not fooling anyone. Just finished “The Summer of ‘68″ about those boys above and the World Series between the Tigers and the Cards. That was baseball.
kral
August 6th, 2012
5:09 pm
if you haven’t read Halberstan’s “SUMMER OF 49″ AND ‘62..you will love them also
Joseph
August 6th, 2012
7:30 pm
Let’s give thanks to God that we have an abundance of pitching riches, good infielders, good outfielders, good catchers and good relievers. They just need to keep doing their best to play good ball. The winning will take care of itself. They can’t win them all but at least if they’re going to lose, lose the right way by getting beat instead of committing mental errors and giving games away. They didn’t do this last year but I feel like this team is a whole lot better this year. After all they’ve experienced injuries with Hudson, Freeman, Jones, McCann, Simmons and Hanson but they’ve still managed to win.
Hillbilly D
August 6th, 2012
8:07 pm
Boy, whatever happend to the days of Denny McClain, Bob Gibson, Nolan Ryan?
They lowered the mound. Things haven’t been the same since.
Ken Stallings
August 6th, 2012
10:00 pm
Fredi is thinking about using a six-man rotation, but only for the 20 game stretch where we have no scheduled off days. That might be a wise move since it would be a temporary option only. Of course, that is predicated on Hanson getting back in shape to pitch. Apparently tomorrow he throws in the bullpen to see how his back feels.
steveinaustin
August 6th, 2012
10:27 pm
Freddie was joking . Playing along. Use a position player as backup pen option? Right. Only worse move I could think of would be Liebrandt in relief to face Puckett…
Turtsnap
August 7th, 2012
7:47 am
Again I’ll say…… Medlen was a starter, and a damn good one, in 2010 when he got injured. Then when he comes back and he is deemed a bullpen guy . So it really isn’t fair that he “lost” his starting spot due to injury. Just because he wasn’t an established starter in 2010 really shouldn’t make a difference. He was good as a starter in 2010, he is good as a starter in 2012.
ppaaddy123
August 7th, 2012
12:44 pm
DawgDad
August 6th, 2012
4:50 pm
“Sending him back down to the minors now is not an option. He would have a grievance through the Major League Players Association.”
Really? Performance doesn’t matter anymore? If Hanson is out of options I believe the Braves either have to keep him, trade him, or designate him for assignment. Little doubt they would keep him on the roster under those conditions. Does he have to start? No. He needs to pitch his way back into the rotation.
We may be reading more into Medlen than he’s able to deliver. Or Sheets, Minor, Hudson, or Maholm, for that matter. There should be a REAL competition at hand for playoff starting spots, and those should not be handed out to appease the Player’s Association or somebody with seniority.
Just some reality to share with you……Tommy Hanson is a Scott Boros client. Most teams don’t lock horns with him. Your suggestion the Braves send down a pitcher that is tied for 6th in the NL with 12 wins would prompt Boros to go to the players association because it would “appear” the Braves were trying to influence Hanson’s future earnings potential. Boros is Hanson’s agent, so the Braves would be effecting his earnings as well. Simply put, that just ain’t gonna’ happen….
LivinINAL
August 7th, 2012
5:12 pm
If Medlen had been named the 5th starter at the beginning of the year, ( as many wished), I think we would in 1st place and Washington a game or 2 back.
aaron
August 7th, 2012
7:58 pm
8/7/12 Ithink minor should go back to the miners he isnt that good he already lost the game tonight before we started it giving up 3 runs in the first and i dont know ahit about this guy from the cubs? Just because he pitched a few good games of late means he is our starter if tommy can get healthy an pitch like he can then it should be hudson sheets hanson medlen an cubbie or minor whoever looses by the least amount of runs. Cause neither of them can win
Damage done to the Dawg Nation
August 7th, 2012
10:41 pm
Atlanta braves bat .257 as a TEAM and two-thirds of the season is GONE. We have 107 home runs on the entire season, not one home run threat on the entire team. The most home runs are 18 by any hitter.
Dan UGGLA has 124 strike-outs and only 134 total bases, batting .212 on the season, again, AND YOU SAY GET OFF HIS BACK ? Huh ?
There is not one man on the team who even will make it to 100 RBI.
Chipper Jones cannot run the bases; and, he NEVER could his entire career. He runs sideways around the bases. What’s up with that ?
Brian McCann is batting .241
That’s less than the TEAM AVERAGE.
There is not one single hitter on the entire stinking line-up who will have scored even 100 runs.
There is no one on the team who will get 200 hits.
This team cannot beat their way out of a wet-paper bag.
Every year in the standings, you look up and the braves are NEVER in 1st place in their own division, and the division sucks again 2012.
Dan UGGLA is the worst fielding player on the braves’ team.
Martin Prado is right behind him, unable to make routine plays BOTH of them all season long, leading the team in errors both with horrible fielding percentages.
Tim Hudson is the only pitcher on the team, and he has an ERA of 3.45.
Tim Hudson has only 11 wins and again this is August for heaven’s sake and might end the season with what ? 14 wins ? 15 ?
Craig Kimbrel has had a good season, but out of 1,000 innings this season, he has pitched only 42.
Our “pitching rotation” is only 3 guys. One with 3.45 ERA. one at 4.29 ERA and one at 4.95.
Good heavens.
A good baseball team is strong up the middle. We aren’t.
We are 32-26 at Turner Field. That’s not a home field advantage.
After the all-star break, we are hitting .247
Our # 3 hitter in the line-up all season long is batting .227 from 3rd in the line-up.
.227
Our opponents are batting .282 from 3rd in their line-ups
That’s what the production has been all season long from 3rd in our line-up.
Our catchers are batting .258
Our 1st basemen are batting .260
Our 2nd sackers are hitting .213
Our shortstops are batting .242
Our pinch-hitters are batting .177
That is not a baseball team.
There is NO DIFFERENCE between the Atlanta braves and The Georgia Bullsogs in Football. The Atlanta braves are and have been the Georgia Bulldogs of professional baseball.
We lack a single big hitter; we have a way weak pitching staff; we are weak up the middle; and we have zero depth as per always after Ted Turner.
Six-Man Rotation « Brave Decisions
August 10th, 2012
9:02 am
[...] Shultz, of the AJC, wrote a great article which introduced the discussion of a short-term six-man rotation. Gonzalez later revealed he is [...]
mocam
August 10th, 2012
11:31 am
we need to know who will stay in the rotation , by having 6 man rotation rest will be assured and we will choose among the six who will pitch during playoff time.
Hanson SUCKS
August 11th, 2012
6:37 pm
Must be a whinny pansy a$$ virus going around our starting rotation pitchers…..first it was Jurrjens “They don’t like Me” whine and now it is Hanson not liking having to do a rehab start…..pure plain and simple – HE SUCKS!!!! Leave Medlen in the rotation and send Hanson down….teach the cry baby a lesson and maybe some respect……what a freaking loser!
Get rid of Jurrjens and Hanson in the off season
August 11th, 2012
6:39 pm
Hope that Jurrjens and Hanson have both seen the last of the Braves starting rotation – neither one of them is worth spit.