Braves can’t sit Medlen, need to go with six-man rotation (UPDATED)
Kris Medlen gave up one run on five hits in 6 1/3 innings at New York on Saturday. (AP photo)
(UPDATE: The Braves have made the move: Manager Fredi Gonzalez announced Monday night that the team will use a six-man rotation until the next off day on Aug. 30. Obviously, I agree. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have written the following earlier . . .)
(Also, here’s a link to a video blog on the subject)
Tommy Hanson wasn’t happy when the Braves told him the other day to go to Gwinnett for a rehab start, and it’s easy to understand why. As much as the Braves may have legitimate concerns about his back and general health and want to be cautious before activating him off the disabled list, there are two underlying issues here:
– Kris Medlen has just been too good since being elevated to a starter to send him back to the bullpen (2-0 with a 1.62 ERA in three starts).
– Manager Fredi Gonzalez and pitching coach Roger McDowell logically want to stall a little before making a decision on whether to go with a six-man rotation, at least during this stretch of 19 straight games without an off day (Monday night’s game against San Diego will be Game 4 in the stretch).
Loading ...I’ll reiterate now what I wrote and spoke to Gonzalez about last week: When Hanson comes back — and he’s eligible to be activated Wednesday — the Braves should go with a six-man rotation for a couple of weeks.
Gonzalez’s concern is understandable: Carrying an extra starter means going one short on the bench and in the bullpen. But the reason the Braves have won 14 of their last 18 and are 24-9 since July 5 largely is because their starting pitching has stabilized. It’s not something to be messed with now, especially since the Washington Nationals have shown no signs of fading yet in the National League East.
Chances are that over the next two weeks the five best starters will emerge. If Hanson continues to struggle or Medlen takes a step back, the decision is easy. It’s also worth watching Ben Sheets, who could start to wear down after so many consecutive starts following two years off. Sheets is coming off his worst of six starts Sunday in New York: 5 runs (4 earned), 8 hits and a home run in six innings.
The Braves are 3-0 in Medlen’s starts. In fact, they’re 16-1 in his starts since 2010 (Medlen is 7-0 when he got the decision). That’s not something the Braves should be messing with right now.
Agree or disagree? The cyber-venting lines are open.
By Jeff Schultz
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126 comments Add your comment
P-Man
August 13th, 2012
10:13 am
First!
P-Man
August 13th, 2012
10:15 am
No way you can sit Medlen now, or send him to the bullpen. Hanson looks ready… Tough decision…
Sonny Jackson
August 13th, 2012
10:16 am
Don’t try to fix something that’s not broken… or broken yet anyway…
Richard
August 13th, 2012
10:17 am
Agreed. I think a six man rotation is acceptable for a couple of weeks. Then you can make your pick between Hanson, Medlen, Minor, and Sheets to move to the bullpen.
bruce
August 13th, 2012
10:22 am
Kris Medlen = FIERCE COMPETITOR
CG
August 13th, 2012
10:23 am
I think the 6 man rotation is the best short term answer during this stretch of Games. Medlen certainly has a lot of moxy, one of my favorites to watch. However I hope Hanson is back to form, b/c there is nothing more dominant in post season baseball than a power pitcher pounding the zone.
Clemson Brad
August 13th, 2012
10:24 am
Completely agree…
either 5 man rotation with Medlen or 6 man rotation.
No way can you take Medlen out of rotation with his numbers.
CSP
August 13th, 2012
10:25 am
7th!!
bruce
August 13th, 2012
10:25 am
Keeping Medlen in the rotation give Freddi the option of skipping a start which he might do with Sheets if his next start is not strong, does’t Ben need to go through the “dead arm” phase of spring training?
Abnerish
August 13th, 2012
10:27 am
Depends on how the extra day off may negatively impact all of the pitchers. Baseball players (and athletes in general) are creatures of habit. If the pitchers are on board with it, I’d say yes. But if they are worried about messing up their rhythm, you could actually cause more harm than good by affecting ALL of the starting pitchers in order to allow 1 pitcher to start. Tough call. I can see both sides of the argument.
Brownie
August 13th, 2012
10:34 am
Abnerish, great point, and conventional wisdom tells you keeping starters on their normal 5 day schedule is the right thing to do. However, this situation may call for a little creativity/pitching outside of the box.
It’s been a long, very hot, summer, and other than Medlin none of the starters are pitching their best. One extra day off to recuperate may just help all of them over the rest of this month. Then you’ve got the September call-ups, and the flexibility that gives you.
In this case, I vote they go with the 6 man rotation. If it causes problems, you change back – this is not a permanent move.
JoshTown
August 13th, 2012
10:34 am
Medlen is the man. Whoever helps us the most in the rotation deserves to be there. We’ve still got some long guys in the pen.
Jon
August 13th, 2012
10:35 am
So do you not proofread your editorial before posting it? So many errors…unacceptable.
“the Braves should with a six-man rotation for a couple of weeks.”
“5 runs (4 earned), 8 eights and a home run in six innings.”
Heisenberg
August 13th, 2012
10:38 am
The 6 man rotation makes a whole lot of sense with 1 less bullpen arm. Worse case scenario would be using a starter for an inning or 2 on his sideline throwing day. And do not forget rosters expand in 19 days. Then there will be lots of bullpen and/or bench help.
@Jon
August 13th, 2012
10:39 am
Jeff will refund all your money for your dissatisfaction….
VinnyD
August 13th, 2012
10:48 am
How many starting pitchers would you consider a “hoss” right now? Someone you can rely on to give you 200+ innings for years. Hudson is battling issues, Sheets could lose his arm any day now. Minor has never pitched a lot of innings. Hanson looks bad with less velocity and a slower delivery. Maholm may be the most guaranteed thing we have and he has a very high career era. Medlen is one of my favorite to watch pitch. Works pretty fast and goes after hitters. Keep it 6 gives you the option to skip a start with a few banged up and tired arms.
Ryder
August 13th, 2012
10:50 am
Heisenberg nailed it with that comment. Since we are in August the Braves can use this opportunity to decide which pitcher needs to go to the bullpen during the stretch run in September. Also, it helps prevent wearing down Sheets since he is still getting into the groove of things. Slowly bring back Hanson only makes him stronger the closer we get to the end of the year.
LawDawg
August 13th, 2012
10:51 am
Ummm…I’d recommend a quick proofread on this article.
“the Braves should with a”
“8 eights”
Ted Striker
August 13th, 2012
10:51 am
Jeff — I firmly believe that YOU created the genesis of this idea with Fredi.
On the idea itself…if a six man rotation is effective, you don’t need as much middle. The loss of a middle guy is overblown if the 6 works better than the 5.
Will the 6 rotation be awesome? I dunno. But try it. Make a change if needed. But if it works, rock on baby.
p.s. The temptation in baseball (versus football) is to say what you’re going to do before you do it.
You ever hear Bilichick say “Nope. Brady definitely ain’t starting this week because that achilles injury just isn’t healed up enough yet.”
Ryan
August 13th, 2012
10:52 am
If Medlen, continues his current performance and Gonzales chooses to sit him, Frank Wren should fire Gonzales immediately.
Bravothusiast
August 13th, 2012
10:53 am
I want Medlen, Huddy and Maholm pitching as often as possible right now… We need whoever is going to give us the best chance to win! Tommy needs to be the longman until he can regain his velocity.
mocam
August 13th, 2012
10:53 am
put minor in the bullpen, those who are least among the six shall be given days off through assigning him as a relief pitcher
Bravothusiast
August 13th, 2012
11:00 am
Jurrjens’ average FB velocity decline:
2007 – 92.6
2008 – 91.9
2009 – 91.2
2010 – 91.1
2011 – 89.1
2012 – 88.6
Hanson’s average FB velocity decline:
2010 – 92.7
2011 – 91.2
2012 – 89.8
Just sayin…
DaddyK
August 13th, 2012
11:01 am
Hanson bad attitude makes him prime for trading. Man up Tommy and play your role or another team will be your future. Go with 6 man rotation.
Ted Striker
August 13th, 2012
11:01 am
btw, you fockers criticizing J. Shultz’s articles/viewpoints/punctuation/lack of hairline —
Leave that to me, por favor.
Striker reserves sole and exclusive rights to criticize Jeffrey’s craft, as well as his rather lacking personality. None of thee are permitted to usurp my authority. I will challenge you to a duel if you keep it up.
bulldogbubba
August 13th, 2012
11:05 am
Medlen stays no doubt about it. If you need a pinch hitter use Medlen, Hudson , or Hanson all pretty good hitters. The problem wit most managers they don’t want to think outside the box.Tony LaRussa was different he didn’t mind changing his lineup and he was successful as a manager.
bulldogbubba
August 13th, 2012
11:06 am
What would Clusters do?
DawgDad
August 13th, 2012
11:08 am
I find it hard to believe the Brave management (1) is even considering a six-man rotation, and (2) discussing this in public, which has been evidenced at the GM and Manager level.
There is a roster price to pay for carrying six starters in terms of a shortened bench or bullpen. They don’t appear inclined to pitch any of these guys out of the pen between starts. Think, they could be carrying three catchers enabling Ross or McCann to pinch-hit when they don’t start.
The number of pitchers on the roster and appearing in a game has already expanded to the point of being ridiculous, and its tedious to watch.
Homer the Brave
August 13th, 2012
11:13 am
Sheets’ velocity is slowly creeping down with every start. I don’t think the 2 starts in AAA were enough to stretch him out and prepare him for starting every 5th day. I would send him back down to AAA once Hanson is activated and let gets some more work in. Hudson’s recent struggles are also a concern. Delgado has pitched well since being sent down to AAA. Assuming that Tommy is healthy, a 6-man rotation could consist of Hudson, Hanson, Minor, Medlan, Maholm, and Delgado.
Abnerish
August 13th, 2012
11:28 am
Just saying there are pros and cons to the 6-man rotation. It’s no slam dunk decision. Again, to me, it goes back to the veteran SPs. If they feel they can successfully adjust to an every 6th day schedule, then Fredi should really give it serious consideration. Given that the Braves have all these games without a day off, I think it is more than likely that they will keep 6 in the rotation. And, I guess, if the bullpen gets overly taxed because of a poor start or extra inning game, they can always move Medlen (notice the spelling everyone!!) back to the bullpen.
I.P. Freely
August 13th, 2012
11:34 am
Medlen – He’s a bulldog! He has a competitive nature about him and will not give up on his game plan. To take him out of the rotation would be a mistake. He IS a starting pitcher.
Sheets – Last outing didn’t look so good. Not enough prep time after sitting out for two years? Starting to wear down?
Hanson – Overrated and under performing. Get it together or get a new employer.
Minor – Pitching good as of late. Would be better with some offensive support.
Hudson – Early innings suck!
ga gator
August 13th, 2012
11:38 am
Let it play out. Medlin reminds me of a young Hudson; he is a fighter while Hanson is too inconsistant. If the decision had to be made today I would try to shop Hanson for another bat.
shawn
August 13th, 2012
11:38 am
Hanson should worry about his ERA than being upset going to a rehab assignment. Hanson has not been good in the second half for the last two years. Medlen should be in the rotation, no question asked…
chc4
August 13th, 2012
11:40 am
Hanson doesn’t deserve to be in the rotation. Problem is I can’t see him being an effective reliever. But I would NOT go to a 6 man rotation. Our guys need more than 1 start per week to stay sharp.
RBI
August 13th, 2012
11:41 am
Having Medlen start does not seem to have hurt the bullpen. Hanson is the main guy I am worried about. And, I am starting to worry about Sheets.
Geez Braves.
August 13th, 2012
11:47 am
Go with a 6-man rotation, but if possible set it up so Medlen spells Sheets for a start and some others as well, rather than moving everyone back a day. By the end of the month the 5-starters for September should be apparent. As well as he has done in the rotation, it would be hard to lose Medlen’s role as a stopper in the bullpen for the postseason.
Ted M
August 13th, 2012
11:48 am
I agree Medlen should stay in the rotation. I’m scared this decision is going to be made by Fredi Gonzalez.
msd
August 13th, 2012
11:49 am
Jeff, good thing you are being paid to make the decisions, since you keep telling the team what to do.
Ricky
August 13th, 2012
11:50 am
ITS HANSON WHO SHOULD SIT! He Stinks!
collegedude
August 13th, 2012
11:53 am
Are the editors at AJC on strike or just on vacation? Columnist definitely need someone to proofread for them because they are obviously too good to do it themselves.
GTanner
August 13th, 2012
11:59 am
agree
Phillisux
August 13th, 2012
12:01 pm
Ricky August 13th, 2012 11:50 am ITS HANSON WHO SHOULD SIT! He Stinks!
Hanson is 12-5 – you stink!
P B Orr
August 13th, 2012
12:06 pm
Five man with Minor out. That’s the no-brainer here.
Bravothusiast
August 13th, 2012
12:09 pm
Phillisux – Cliff Lee is 2-7. He must stink, right? You can’t tell a damn thing from a pitcher’s win-loss record. Hanson stinks right now, I don’t care how many games the Braves’ offense has won for him…
urban redneck
August 13th, 2012
12:10 pm
five man with big red in the pen for now. we don’t know what’s going on with holy sheets, so hanson may take his place soon………..after a stint in the pen. go bravos.
billh
August 13th, 2012
12:14 pm
>So do you not proofread your editorial before posting it? So many errors…unacceptable.
“the Braves should with a six-man rotation for a couple of weeks.”
“5 runs (4 earned), 8 eights and a home run in six innings.”<I
I don't think that people – like the person who made that comment – realize how easy it is for even an experienced professional writer to make typos. Unlike in the print newspaper this stuff goes directly online – no editing. No matter how competent a person is mistakes still creep in – that's why, long ago when newspapers were fat and happy, there were so many different sets of eyes on the copy. With your own stuff, a person tends to read right past mistakes. The real miracle to me is – given how the online world works – how few mistakes get through.
Sweet Old Buck
August 13th, 2012
12:19 pm
Six man rotation works, because at the moment we have the pitchers. As well as Sheets has pitched to date, he is not a sure thing. Hanson has been somewhat injury prone. Let’s keep everyone pitching.
ChipperisGod
August 13th, 2012
12:19 pm
Either go six (I agree, Sheets may need an extra day or rest) or five man rotation with Medlen. Send Gearrin or Avilan down, and unfortunately I guess the Pastor would have to be sent down. Or (and I don’t want to do this out of sentimentality), but Hinske may need to be designated.
I think six man may be the best option, but I Hanson better get his stuff back. He’s easily the worst starter right now, and has been battered around by quality opponents, and scrapes by the Marlins.
Let’s take 3 of 4 from San Diego before the toughest stretch of the year comes up.
sidslid
August 13th, 2012
12:21 pm
Hanson will be traded before next year. I think he will be arbitration-eligible, and not worth it.
Disbott3000
August 13th, 2012
12:26 pm
These are good problems to have.
I agree with the 6 man approach for the time being. When the stretch is over, take the one who’s performance is the weakest and move them to the bullpen. Nobody’s guaranteed a starting job, as far as I know, and the best pitchers, no matter who they are, should be taking the ball.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 13th, 2012
12:27 pm
Why would Minor be the odd guy out? He’s been solid since mid-June, esp. July… 1.98 ERA in July, 3.15 ERA since June 7, and a 3.23 ERA from July to now. Very good peripherals (Opponents batting avg./obp/slg) and has been throwing strikes. He’s changed from the first half. He needs to stay in the rotation.
Jeff Schultz
August 13th, 2012
12:28 pm
Collegedude — “Are the editors at AJC on strike or just on vacation? Columnist definitely need someone to proofread for them because they are obviously too good to do it themselves.”
That should be, “Columnist definitely NEEDS someone …”
BrandonLee49
August 13th, 2012
12:33 pm
Well, it was seemingly “stabilized” until Sheets Slacked off yesterday…
These Guys are Not Concentrating/Focusing until the second or Third Inning… They Have GOT to be SHARP from the very First Pitch… What is Mc Dowell telling them just go out and Throw Batting Practice for Two innings, until they get WArmed up???
Jimmy Jack
August 13th, 2012
12:36 pm
@Abernish – Your point is a good one, but despite the fact that starting pitchers are creatures of habit, they often go more than five days between starts when there is an off day.I agree that it’s worth asking the starters what they think, but I would guess they alternate between pitching every five and every six days all the time based upon the off days. Considering that the Braves have no days off until August 30th and only one day off between now and September 13th, this would seem to be an ideal time to go with a six-man rotation to rest the starters a little more and guage the rest of the season from there.
While I know it’s not an option, I would be tempted to go with a rotation of Hudson, Hanson, Maholm, Medlen, and Sheets if you only go with five starting pitchers.
Jay
August 13th, 2012
12:39 pm
Trade Hanson. He’s injury-prone, his delivery suggests that a major injury is inevitable. And he isn’t going to be worth what he’s going to want in money…he’s already overrated. He hasn’t been the flamethrower, future cy young winner that we all thought we were getting.
Dont make the same mistake with Hanson that we did with Jurrjens. Trade while his value is relatively high.
Zing
August 13th, 2012
12:42 pm
Agree. To those guys who are worried about getting the pitchers off their rhythm, pretty much everyone has a viable reason for needing some time off. Hudson, because of his ankle injury and repaired back; Hanson, because of his back and prior shoulder problems; Medlen, because he’s been used in ping-pong fashion this year; Sheets, because he hasn’t pitched in 2 years; and Minor, because he hasn’t ever pitched this much. Seems like a really good way to give all of these guys 2 or 3 days of extra rest over a 3 week period, then ramp them back up to normal speed for the remainder of the season. Maholm is the only guy who you might be worried about screwing up, and you’ve got to figure that he could use 2 days of rest late in the season.
I’d also point out in regards to the “down one man” fear, that if you have your SPs getting extra rest, it’s likely that you can ride them for more innings… so losing a reliever shouldn’t be as big a deal.
Zing
August 13th, 2012
12:46 pm
I’m also tired of hearing about how Medlen has bullpen experience, as though that’s determinative in deciding who stays in the rotation and who goes. The main thing to consider here should be the fact that Medlen has demonstrated that he’s GOOD. Good pitching shouldn’t be squandered in long-relief blowouts. Whatever happens, that dude needs to stay in the rotation. If that means booting Minor or Hanson to the bullpen, so be it.
GaryinBham
August 13th, 2012
12:48 pm
Enter your comments here
LaBrenda Chenile Watson
August 13th, 2012
12:49 pm
When I was playing girls softball on one of the premier softball teams in Southwest Atlanta, I learned to pitch with my left arm as well as my right. That way, I could pitch on consecutive days and not risk injuring either arm. If the Braves players could do this I think it would solve some problems. I especially think this would be helpful for Medlen because he wears a cap with a flat bill and everybody knows that is not proper in baseball. Pitching with both arms could prolong his career despite the way he wears his cap.
slate83
August 13th, 2012
12:49 pm
Medlen needs to start. Hanson needs to go to the bullpen. You have to go with your hot hand and the Braves have definitely stablized their starting rotation over the past month. Hanson has lost his mojo since his rookie season. If he doesn’t like it, ship him off over the winter for a right handed bat or pay Bourn more $$$ to stay. For now, Medlen, Sheets, Hudson, Minor, and Maholm are your starting rotation for the rest of the year and possibly next year.
JC Boscan III
August 13th, 2012
12:52 pm
A 6-man rotation for the remainder of August is a good idea. Besides keeping the starters more fresh, it will provide an opportunity to see if Sheets pitches well or slides back. Then, the worst of the 6 should be dropped out of the rotation during September, because we can’t afford to give away games due to crappy starts.
While I’d like to see Hanson pitch like the old Hanson, it seems like each of his starts plods along, as Tommy wanders around for a minute between pitches. Then, he slogs through 5 or 6 innings and is done, like a heavyweight fighter who’s in a 15 round match but is out of gas in the 5th round.
Contrast it with Medlen or Maholm — they get the ball, and throw it.
Jeff Schultz
August 13th, 2012
12:55 pm
Thanks Bill. Like I’ve written before in comments, I’ll never make an excuse for a typo. But you are correct in assuming that most really don’t understand the situation.
Jeff Schultz
August 13th, 2012
12:56 pm
Sidslid — Hanson future will be very interesting. I don’t know that the Braves are in the “trade him” mode yet but they have to be concerned about injuries.
Jeff Schultz
August 13th, 2012
12:57 pm
Zing — “The main thing to consider here should be the fact that Medlen has demonstrated that he’s GOOD. Good pitching shouldn’t be squandered in long-relief blowouts.” << Well put.
JC Boscan III
August 13th, 2012
1:00 pm
The Medlen issue seems so much more simple than Fredi’s made it this year. If Medlen starts 32 games and pitches 200 innings, he’s worth much more to the team than pitching only 80 innings coming out of the bullpen. 200 is greater than 80, last time I checked. 200 innings out of Medlen would reduce the burden on the bullpen, in contrast with our 5-inning starters. Translation — 5 Medlens in the rotation would lessen the need for any Medlens in the bullpen.
Phillisux
August 13th, 2012
1:01 pm
Bravothusiast: Cliff Lee does indeed stink, and I can give you about 25 million reasons why.
Mark (another one)
August 13th, 2012
1:02 pm
Medlen, Minor, and Maholm all seem strong and effective. Sheets will always be a questionmark, Hudson has had his some tenderness, and Hanson is coming back from the DL. I’d consider skipping Hudson and/or Sheets to get Hanson back in and give Hudson and Sheets some rest. Otherwise, I’d go six man and cut the pen by one.
At this time of year, when your in contention, you focus on recent performance and go for the playoffs. The season is in its last third and if I remember right, Fredi put Constanza over Freeman last year because or production. It was the right move. Same thing right now with the pitchers, go with performance.
BrandonLee49
August 13th, 2012
1:08 pm
Kris Medlin has Proven his Spot in the Rotation, Rest Hanson, or put him in the back-end of the Rotation, don’t try to fit him back in his old spot… This stretch of 14 games without a break could use Hanson to give the other Five their needed rest.
Let's Go
August 13th, 2012
1:08 pm
There’s a reason teams don’t use a 6 man rotation…….They don’t work. Yeah it sounds good but there are only so many spots on the roster and all it would take is one 12 or 13 inning game to screw up the whole team. If you go one short on the bench who get’s dropped? At this point of the season can you really afford to go short in the bullpen? Hanson comes back then Sheets or Hudson should go on the DL for a little rest or Minor goes to the bullpen. The last couple of starts Sheets has had very little movement on his pitches and like the guys on TV said last night he might have “dead arm” since he hasn’t pitched in 2 years and didn’t get the benefit of spring training.
If 6 man rotations were such a good idea more teams would be using them, especially in the American League.
Zing
August 13th, 2012
1:10 pm
Thanks, Jeff. I’ve been a frustrated Medlen supporter all year.
Incidentally, if I were you, I wouldn’t respond to comments criticizing typos or the AJC’s editorial bona fides, as the commentators just want you to respond in some way to acknowledge their sad existence. And anyway–editors reviewing and revising blogs?? Hahahaha.
Kevin
August 13th, 2012
1:16 pm
Stick with a 5 man rotation with skipping Hudson and Sheets 1 turn around so they get an extra 5 days rest since Hudson’s ankle would get even better if he had a few extra days off plus Sheets is going to wear down faster not being in the league for a few years.
Either way there’s no way you can take Medlen out of the rotation. The guy is a gamer and just like Prado he doesn’t care where you put him as long as he gets in the game.
Larry
August 13th, 2012
1:19 pm
I already am of the opinion that Fredi Gonzalez has the lowest aptitude amoung all MLB managers.
If he replaces Medlen with Hanson this will remove all doubt.
BrandonLee49
August 13th, 2012
1:20 pm
Hey, Proof reader, Don’t feel Bad, There are so many people who can’t Type on here, it’s an anomaly to read one without any need of Correction, and That goes for Shultz and DOB… Nobody’s perfect… I mean C;mon These Guys actually get Paid to Rile us Up… What do they Want after my BP is through-the-roof!!!
jay
August 13th, 2012
1:21 pm
Maybe this will finally lot the fire under Hansen’s arse. Dude’s stuff is too good, to not even have come close to a 20 game winning season yet.
WWLD?
August 13th, 2012
1:21 pm
What Would Leo Do? I listen to 680 every morning and this is Leo’s take on this question: He thinks it is laughable to even consider. Look at Colorado and their gimmick pitching staff that has a 75 pitch limit in a 4 man rotation…how’s that working for you? Worst staff in MLB! 5 man rotations keep the starters sharp. 6 man rotations has too much down time. Keep a 5 man and maybe skip starts for Hudson and Hanson.
JC Boscan III
August 13th, 2012
1:26 pm
As well as Medlen has pitched, and after being with the Braves for several years, can’t we all agree to spell his 6-letter name correctly!?!?!?!?!?!?!? MedlEn, not Medlin…….. Every AJC blog that mentions his name has several people butchering it in their comments….. It’s Medlen!!! If this can’t be done, let’s be fair and treat all of our starters the same — Hudsun, Minur, Sheitz, Hansen, Maholem, and don’t forget about Beechy and Delgodo.
Medlen = Ace
August 13th, 2012
1:27 pm
As frustrated as I’ve been waiting for the Braves to catch the Nats, nothing has topped my frustration from Spring Training when it was announced by Wren and CFG that Medlen wouldn’t be an option in the rotation. I vented on AJC then…and then again when Medlen was sent to AAA only to be called back to the pen. Why can’t these guys keep it simple? If a guy has proven to be one of the top two options for starting, then you start him. Now, I’m having to vent AGAIN because I’m already nervous about a letdown from Braves’ management.
In a best-of-3 playoff series, I’m going Hudson, Medlen, and (if necessary) Maholm.
DawgInaTruck
August 13th, 2012
1:28 pm
Six man rotations don’t work over the course of a full season-you’re obvioulsy playing short somewhere else-but its not a bad idea when you have 19 games in 19 days. In addition to providing Gonzalez and McDowell the opportunity to pick the best five for the stretch run, it reduces the chances of tired arms at season’s end. It is a great (temporary) solution.
Jfreak13713
August 13th, 2012
1:29 pm
Even talking about a 6 man rotation really exposes the Braves issues. Their starting pitching isn’t very good. They have some good starters who can on most nights pitch well enough to win and some night be great. But this staff is not a playoff staff. As well as they have played they are still 4.5 games behind the Nationals and add to that Sheets looks like he has hit a wall I think the Braves have peaked. Especially if we are considering Hanson as the savior. They’ll be a good team the rest of the way and may get wild card but pitching will prevent playoff run.
coach13
August 13th, 2012
1:38 pm
6 man rotation until the decision needs to be made to move someone to the pen. Maybe that’s 2 starts a piec, maybe it’s 3, who knows. What I do know is Hanson has not earned the right to complain about anything. He has not earned the right to expect preferrential treatment. He was supposed to be the next ace in the making and right now he’s more of a #3 starter at best. His delivery/mechanics had me concerned from day 1 that we either be oft injured and/or be a back end of the rotation guy because of it. He was a mid 90s guys and is now low 90s guy, something is up.
Stinger2
August 13th, 2012
1:41 pm
Larry: You don`t seem to like Fredi. If he is so bad, why does his team have the third best record in the NL? Should he not get at least some credit for
this?
coach13
August 13th, 2012
1:41 pm
How is it that guys like Hudson and Chipper do their rehab assignments without question but Frenchy and Hanson pi$$ and moan like they are above being sent down or to follow protocol of said rehab assignment??
Jaded
August 13th, 2012
1:45 pm
I’m a little more open to the idea of the six-man rotation than I was a couple of days ago, but only if it’s going to be used solely during this upcoming stretch of games without an off day. People have said that starters often pitch on five days rest when there’s a day off. That’s a good and true point. But with a six-man rotation, you’re now pitching them on SIX days rest when there’s an off day, which is really messing with starters’ patterns.
So if you’re going to use the six-man rotation, it has to be a short-term solution. Let those six guys fight for five spots, then go with those five in the final month.
Wolvie
August 13th, 2012
1:48 pm
Hanson did not want to do a rehab start in Gwinnett, because he wants to pitch in the big leagues and help his team win. He felt as though he was ready to go, but management thought otherwise. It is called being a gamer, not a complainer.
SG10
August 13th, 2012
1:48 pm
I think majority of the times, these decisions are made with young players based on their projection whether they will be top of the line starter or middle, low in the rotation. Obviously, Hanson being highly regarded, with future 1-2 guy in the rotation gives him longer rope. Someone like Medlen has to earn it harder way, the results not withstanding…Freddi is less of a guy than Bobby when it comes to using this projection theory. He is more likely to go with current results than future projection so it may play out differently. Having said that, I agree with other folks here that Sheets could use a short break, skip a start may be. It is different playing catch with your son and pitching at major leagues and I can’t believe 2 starts can stretch him out. He has pitched great and we need to preserve him for the remaining schedule so skipping his start might help him out. I have a feeling, that’s how we will go after yesterday’s game…
bulldogbubba
August 13th, 2012
1:50 pm
@ jcboscanlll- you are right on with spelling of names. makes you wonder if most people on this blog can read and “rite”. as mention by some on this blog medlen pitches with a “bulldog” mentality and the results prove his ability.i like hanson but he needs to show some emotion with his deliveries. Godspeed to all!!!
too tough
August 13th, 2012
1:54 pm
Big Ben Sheets should always if possible be skipped and pitch every other start! just sayin!
WTF
August 13th, 2012
2:05 pm
The AJC sportswriters have spoken! The will of the sports department is the one truth. So it is written: so let it be done.
HOGWASH!
‘Journalists’ saying ‘this can’t be’ or ‘this is what must be’ – total hogwash. The bet here is Furman Bisher or Frank Hyland (bless his heart) or any of the ‘old guard’ at the AJC wouldn’t be touting their opinions like this. But then, opinions are like…bellybuttons (yeah, that’ll get past the filters) – you have one, I have one. But damned if I want to see yours. The AJC – something to wipe your ‘belly button’ on – if you’re desperate.
UPGRAYEDD
August 13th, 2012
2:12 pm
I find it concerning that Hanson was upset that he had to do a rehab start at Gwinnett. I know he’s a competitor, but we can’t afford to lose a single game with the way Washington is playing right now. No time for Tommy to experiment with his readiness, at the home team’s expense.
kreedham
August 13th, 2012
2:13 pm
News Flash….didn’t realize that Cleveland had released Derek Lowe but Yankees just signed him for the bullpen.
Richie
August 13th, 2012
2:18 pm
The 6 man rotation does make sense. In the dog days of August, and the Braves in a brutal stretch of ball games, where there aren’t any official off days, it would be welcomed by the staff to get an extra day to keep them fresh going into September. This could go a long way in the overall health of the starting rotation, because in September when the Braves need their big guys to pitch in big games they will be available.
BillS
August 13th, 2012
2:18 pm
WTF, if that’s your view of the AJC and its columnists, then consider just how low your scummy opinion blogs have become. Much prefer their “named” writers to your unnamed, uninformed, misinformed guesses.
joe
August 13th, 2012
2:20 pm
Hanson’s pitching performance this year means he doesn’t have anything to say about how(or when) he is used. a batting practice fastball (that you can’t control) and an ERA of almost 5 means shut up and do what you are told. Maybe he should take some time to get in some kind of better shape and to learn how to get a bunt down….
ATLSWAG
August 13th, 2012
2:21 pm
KEEP MEDLEN HE IS A BEAST BEFORE HE GOT HURT AND LOOK AT HIM NOW, STILL BEASTING! SEND SHEETS TO THE BULLPEN IF HE DOESNT HOLD UP AFTER HIS NEXT GAME, WE CAN’T MAKE ANY MISTAKES RIGHT NOW
kreedham
August 13th, 2012
2:23 pm
How about in the 6th game let Hanson or Sheets start…pitch 5, come out regardless of the score and let the other 1 finish. Alternate starts…that way not too much on the arms and rests the bullpen for a day!
Mark (another one)
August 13th, 2012
2:25 pm
Medlin, Medlen, it don’t matter. Just pitch him every fifth day. He showed his potential two years ago and he is delivering on it again. Play the hot hands and win. That’s what the end of the season is all about.
And forget egos. Every major league player has one. Whomever doesn’t get to start will just have to deal with it. Heyward sat last year when he was struggling and watched Constanza start in right. Why? Because Constanza was making things happen with his feet, and Heyward was slumping.
All is forgotten when a team goes to a World Series. It’s all about winning.
ByteMe
August 13th, 2012
2:30 pm
5-Man rotation… PUT SHEETS ON DL for 2 weeks until Sept 1 call-ups. He could use some rest.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol Fandango)
August 13th, 2012
2:49 pm
Four man rotation, five man rotation, six man rotation…….well hell, why not a ten man man rotation?
No really, this article was written by somebody who has clearly never played the game. Much less with an understanding of how watered down any pitching staff becomes, given more opportunity to screw to up by using less talented pitchers.
Dumb, just stupid, ignorant and totally out to lunch when it comes to the subject of professional baseball.
Richie
August 13th, 2012
2:53 pm
I believe it is better to push starters back a day than to skip a start for any of the guys in the rotation. You run the risk of having them come out tight having not pitched in 9/10 days. Because this means any of them would have to have a side session to simulate a start to keep them fresh and simulated starts are nothing like a live game
James Martin
August 13th, 2012
2:57 pm
Hope Freddi doesn’t screw things up again this year. Go with the 6-man rotation. It would help Hudson and Sheets the most and we’re going to need those guys in September, healthy and rested.
Wolf in Pennsylvania
August 13th, 2012
2:58 pm
I agree with ‘Coach’. However he leaves me wondering who he would drop fom the rotation. I think everyone but Huddy and Medlen should be considered for bullpen work. In additon to those two, I would keep Minor, Maholm, and until he breaks down, Sheets. Then replace Sheets with Hanson. If not Hanson goes into the pen the rest of the year.
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol Fandango)
August 13th, 2012
3:08 pm
If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.
LostCause
August 13th, 2012
3:10 pm
Medlen and Prado … I’m just saying … the solid future for a few years!
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol Fandango)
August 13th, 2012
3:13 pm
Speaking of dumb, stupid and ignorant…….
Leaving Medlen in the bullpen right out of spring training, while going with Jurrjens in the rotation was one horrific mistake on the part of both Fredi G. and Frank Wren. It’s one of the reasons we are chasing the Nationals, instead of them chasing us.
bill arp
August 13th, 2012
3:20 pm
First, I said at the beginning of the season that Medlen was one of our best starting pitchers. I got laughed at. Next, this is what will happen, they’ll go with the 6 man thing for the next 2 1/2 weeks. Then, they’ll say Sheets needs a rest, so they’ll sit him for a start or two. By then, we’ll be into mid-Sept and it’ll be time for Huddy to take a rest ‘for the stretch run and playoffs and get his foot well’.
Then, the playoffs, they’ll go with Huddy(1), Sheets(2), Maholm(3), and maybe even Medlen (4).. Tommy will still be ‘feeling the effects of a bad back’….
It’s really that simple..
paul in richmond
August 13th, 2012
3:32 pm
I disagree.
The recent win streak was about offense – not pitching. When we score 4-5 runs most all of our starters are fine. Adding a sixth starter is a bad idea if it means we lose a bat off the bench. And lets not forget the A Braves are known for oft injured starters and for “resting” their players. Don’t short the offense.
Alaska Braves Fan
August 13th, 2012
3:35 pm
A part of the problem with starting pitching is that, although we have six who COULD be first-line starters, none of them consistently pitches at “ace” level. We are making comparisons among men whose pitching quality is not dramatically different. Somewhat different from time to time, but not hugely different. If a couple of them stood out in a big way, a part of the problem would be solved, but each has his issues. As of today, Maholm may be our best starter, but he doesn’t have a track record that inspires confidence that he will continue to pitch at a really high level. Medlen has looked very good, but one almost always feels he is a couple of pitches away from a bad inning because he has no one pitch that just puts batters away. Hudson has a great history, but he also has some innings, often the first, that are terrible.
As a group, over time, these pitchers will win quite a lot of games. They may even get us to the Series. Still, they are anything but over-powering. So, making the best of this crew is more an art than a science, and judgments will all be subjective.
ABF
SA
August 13th, 2012
3:53 pm
Put Hanson in the pen.. It’s not like he is going to resign when eligible anyway (agent = boras). So who cars if he gets mad about not starting.
Medlen is the man!
Ebenezer Snerdberg
August 13th, 2012
4:07 pm
JEFF,
WHATEVER YOU’RE SMOKIN’, MASS PRODUCE IT AN’ PASS ‘UM ‘ROUND!
admiral
August 13th, 2012
4:14 pm
Sheets seems like he is starting to come down to earth a little bit. It’s incredible what he’s given us, but he’s by far the biggest question mark. Not sure he’s got the stamina.
Go with 6 for a couple weeks, keep everyone a little more rested. Let the odd man out identify himself through performance and make the move to the pen accordingly.
We WILL catch those Nats, by the way.
RunninWithTheDawgs
August 13th, 2012
4:46 pm
They have a great opportunity to rest Hudson and Sheets for a couple of games and let these other guys pick it up for them. All Fredi’s got to do is pull the starter and plug in Medlen or Delgato for that matter. Use ‘em while you got ‘em. “GO BRAVES”
Denis Menke's Uncle Bob
August 13th, 2012
4:48 pm
Five man or six man rotation, doesn’t matter. None of these pitchers will get the Braves past the first round of the playoffs. Most and that is a majority of playoff teams that win consistently use power pitchers who throw hard like the closer on the Braves. The Braves only have Hansen and he is way too inconsistent to be considered a #1 pitcher. The Braves rely on pitchers who rarely hit above 90 or 91 MPH. Starters throwing this speed will not carry them far. Most teams that win, win on power arms. The Braves cannot win with these guys. They are relying on washed up starter who is 4-2 against non strong teams. These guys ain’t gonna git it done. Sorry. Facts are facts.
GaryinBham
August 13th, 2012
4:52 pm
I like keeping Medlin there. Ben Sheets has been a great story. I hope he can take the wear. What about the idea of rotating some skipped starts somehow? Maybe give everyone one turn off between now and the end? Probably wouldn’t work out easily. But instead of six man rotation, just drop someone off one time around, someone else next time. A couple of our horses have been going pretty hard all year and a long stretch ahead.
Sundrop Kid
August 13th, 2012
5:03 pm
ADMIRAL @4:14pm SAYS, “we will catch those Nats by the way”. Hate to burst your bubble but the numbers say it’s practically an impossibility. The wildcard looks like the only viable option left now.
Case in point: Just rounded off slightly to make it easier the Nats are playing at a .615 clip and ATL is at .580 right now with WA having played 115 games and the Braves 114. Therefore ATL has 48 games left and the Nats 47. At the current pace WA will finish at 100-62 and ATL at 94-68. That’s a 6 game difference. The Braves are playing good now but the Nats are slightly better, and they will need a 6-7 game losing streak, with the Braves not having one to make it even remotely possible.lt ain’t gonna happen.
Even more depressing “food for thought”. If ATL continues at their current pace(.580) and finishes at 94-68, the Nats would have to go 23-24 the remainder of the year for even a tie to happen. Don’t see that happening.
Let’s just say, for fun’s sake, the Braves get hot and go 31-17(.645) the rest of the year, which is feasible, but no likely. Then, WA would have to cool off to 26-21(.553) for the two teams to end up with identical records of 97-65(.600).
So, even though it’s nice to dream, reality take center stage, when you do the numbers.
jeffrey
August 13th, 2012
5:20 pm
Jeff when you wrote about this in print you echoed my post. I still agree. I don’t mind helping out another Jeff bit how bout a shout out for me putting it in words first.
NickGranite
August 13th, 2012
5:21 pm
Hanson needs to wake up and smell the coffee. This is the major leagues. Either learn how to sacrifice or at least not look like an unathletic girl at the plate and…. hold runners to some modicum of decency…or go where sent.
Norman Cochran
August 13th, 2012
5:29 pm
A standard rotation of Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, Maholm, and Medlin and Minor sharing the 5th spot depending on who they are playing. Braves did that in the early part of the record 14 League championships. It worked then, it can work now. It is calling it putting the pitcher in the situation that can build confidence and experience.
jp
August 13th, 2012
5:33 pm
Give Sheets a rest and possible bullpen work….
Thought for food
August 13th, 2012
5:34 pm
Maholm, Minor and Medlen are the top three starters at the moment. Things could certainly change, but you have to keep going with who’s hot now.
Braves should put Hudson on the 15 day DL – he is easily the weakest starting pitcher of late. This way you can keep a 5 man rotation with the extra bullpen arm. After 15 days, we’ll likely have a better idea of 1) is Sheets’ able to regain what he did in his first 3-4 appearances?, 2) Is Minor’s recent good performance able to stay consistent?, 3) Is Hanson worth keeping in the rotation?
Best guess says at least one of these three questions gets answered ‘No’ after another couple weeks, right when Hudson would be scheduled to come off the DL.
LivinInAL
August 13th, 2012
5:34 pm
I think, as many do, Medlen should have been starting from day on of the season. We would not be trailing the Nationals by 4 games had he been the 5th starter.
Blaze
August 13th, 2012
5:57 pm
Listen up everybody. You don’t have to go to a true 6 man rotation. During the early months of the year I stated that we need to plug in Medlen and let him give every starter a start off. Let’s do that with Hanson. Let hanson take the spot of each starter ONE time each. That will give him 5 starts and will also give each regular starter a break to rest. Then you do your evaluation and set the rotation for the playoffs (hopefully). Anybody’s thoughts?
Mldtown
August 13th, 2012
6:00 pm
Understandable in terms of keeping a hot hand (Medlen) on deck, but I doubt this will prove to be the definitive solution.
It is not the best of ideas to disturb starting pitchers’ routine, and I’ve heard it before that being a little too strong because of an extra day’s rest can actually hurt a sinkerballer. The ball tends to stay up in the zone. I suppose right now some guys can really use some more rest just to be strong enough.
Hanson has not gone past 5 innings in the last four starts. Sure hope he has made some adjustments.
NCDawg
August 13th, 2012
6:01 pm
Who would the jettison from the bench if the Braves go with a 6 man rotation and keep their current bullpen?
VinceVanGo
August 13th, 2012
6:33 pm
I made this recommendation last night on another site but I’ll throw it out again. The Braves should not mess with the bullpen or bench but do this. Go with a 5 man rotation and use the D.L. to rest some weary warriors. Bring Hanson back but make him prove that he belongs within two starts. Put Sheets on the 10 day D.L. to rest and build back arm strength. Then brings Sheets back for a couple of starts and put Hudson on the 10 day D.L. to rest his ankle and get ready for the stretch run. Keep Medlen, Maholm, and Minor in the starting 5. By the time these D.L. stints are over there will be 2-3 weeks left in the season and the Braves should know which 5 they want to keep in the rotation for the end of the season and hopefully the playoffs. Yes Fredi, I can come sit on the bench if you want me to and give you some more tips.
Wink
August 13th, 2012
7:41 pm
Braves are headed for the one game playoff, better to let them all pitch, 6 man rotation, so we can have an opportunity to observe all would be playoff starters and select the best one for the job….right now that would be Medlin or Maholm.
VIDEO: Why Braves need to keep Kris Medlen in rotation | Another Video.com
August 13th, 2012
11:41 pm
[...] Here’s a link to that blog. [...]