Tommy Hanson: Blood, guts and a mighty big arm
On the first pitch of his first spring session throwing to live batters last week, Tommy Hanson tore the nail on his index finger. He looked down and saw blood, which would have served as a signal to most pitchers to stop throwing. Hanson kept throwing.
He felt sheepish – soon the bleeding was apparent to those standing around, Bobby Cox and some of his coaches among them – but he also felt he needed to impress these people. So he kept going. “One of our coaches finally cut it short,” Cox would say afterward. “But [Hanson] almost made his full five minutes.”
This tells us something about the 22-year-old considered the finest Braves pitching prospect since … dare we say Steve Avery? It tells us Hanson, who’s possessed of the requisite big arm, doesn’t mind shedding a little blood for the cause. It tells us he’s a young man in a hurry.
Indeed, the next day Hanson pulled the white bandage from his finger. He wasn’t supposed to throw that morning, but he said, smiling, “I snuck in a few.”
Hanson’s aim this spring is to make it difficult for the decision-makers to ignore what has become increasingly apparent: That he’s as close to being ready for the big leagues as a pitcher could possibly be. Asked for an ETA regarding Hanson’s major-league debut, Cox said three words: “Won’t be long.”
As much as the Braves don’t want to rush Hanson, they’re less hesitant about him than about Charlie Morton, who was promoted to the majors last summer. Morton always seems surprised when he succeeds. Hanson would be surprised only if he failed, which he hasn’t lately. In three minor-league seasons he has risen from 22nd-round pick to the guy who throws the slider Cox likens to John Smoltz’s.
Technically Hanson is a non-roster invitee to camp, which means he dresses on the minor-league side of the clubhouse and is staying at a Fairfield Inn in Lake Buena Vista, as opposed to the palatial Marriott World, which is the official Braves hotel. “I’m not happy where I’m at,” Hanson said, referring not to the Fairfield but to anywhere but the major leagues. But then:
“I want to make the [big-league] team. I won’t be disappointed if I don’t [this spring] – I’ll just try to go through the process and get better.”
He might dress on the wrong side of the room and wear an unsightly high number (73), but everyone in camp recognizes Hanson. He’s 6-foot-6 with blondish/reddish hair and an open Midwestern face – he’s from Tulsa – and he acts as if he’s on a mission, which he is. He knows the Braves ended trade talks for Jake Peavy because the Padres insisted on Hanson in return. He knows he’s already the bloggers’ newest crush on AJC.com
“You hear it, messing around on the Internet,” Hanson said. “It’s cool to hear your name being thrown around.”
The late addition of Tommy G. (as in Glavine) means Tommy H. probably won’t be on the Opening Day roster. Better to have him begin at Class AAA Gwinnett and pitch every fifth day than to work long relief in the bigs. But Gwinnett County isn’t far from 755 Hank Aaron Drive, and surely Hanson will make the commute before the summer’s done.
“I wouldn’t say I’d be disappointed [if he starts this season in the minors],” Hanson said. “Since I signed, my whole mindset has been working on what I need to do to get to Atlanta … I want to get there soon, but I also know I’m in this for the long haul.”
It should be noted that Tommy Hanson doesn’t consider Gwinnett, which we Atlantans see as part of our fair city, as Atlanta. To him, there’s only one true destination. And it won’t be long now.
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101 comments Add your comment
stew
February 24th, 2009
10:02 pm
Why is everyone so afraid to rush a player? If Schafer is a stud, I like to see him make his rookie mistakes this year. Likewise for Hanson, his time is now. JoJo and Morton had their chance last year and couldn’t cut it.Wouldn’t anyone rather see Heyward in left than a 36 year old Anderson? Let’s play the kids in 2009 so that in 2010 we might be playing for a championship.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 24th, 2009
10:06 pm
Yo Bradley, any word on who got the boot?
The 40 man now list’s 42 players since the addition of Garrett Anderson. We know that Tim Hudson is on the 60 day DL which doesn’t count against the roster. there are one too many bodies on the 40 man. Any explanation?
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
10:20 pm
I don’t know the answer to that one, Coach. But I’ll ask.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 24th, 2009
10:37 pm
Thanks Mark. I’ll save you the trouble.
According to David O’Brien, Tom Glavine doesn’t as of yet count against the roster because he won’t report for at least other week. When he does, then the Braves will be forced to make a roster move. Somebody gets cut, DL’ed or maybe beamed up
TennesseePaul
February 24th, 2009
10:55 pm
The 40 man is as this: Hudson moved to the 60 day to make room for Garret. Glavin not officially on any roster yet so no move is needed.
jc_dawgs
February 24th, 2009
11:24 pm
I like our pitching. Lowe…Jurggens…and Glavine are prooven. Kawkami and Hanson have great potential. Vasquez seems adequate. And we get Hudson back in August….another prooven arm.
Bullpen does not look too bad either with Soriano and especially Gonzo.
Its not just the outfield that worries me. The offense as a whole looks troublesome to me because we appear to be a station to station type of offense that has below average power. Not a good combination. Francour will be the wild card. 25 homers…90+ rbis from him and the Braves will make a run at 90 or so wins. OTW…it will be 3rd or 4th place again.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2009
11:26 pm
Thanks. You enterprising folks just kept me from e-mailing Brad Hainje tomorrow.
C.JACK
February 25th, 2009
12:52 am
THE BRAVES AS MUCH AS I LIKE THEM WILL NOT BE CONTENDER AND IF LUCKY ENOUGH TO MAY THE PLAY OFF COX WILL SCREW IT UP UNLESS HE GET THROWN OUT LIKE HE WANT TO.BRAVES NEED TO GET RID OF COX AND GET TWO OUTFIELDERS THAT CAN PLAY.PITCHING GREAT BUT TO KEEP GLAVINE WHO WASHED UP YOU LIVING IN THE PASS.
tlj
February 25th, 2009
1:53 am
Hey coach, I thought Smoltz was tied for the most playoff wins at 15. When did Avery win the 18 games?
Regarding the Avery and Millwood comparison, Avery’s upside was as a # one pitcher, unfortunately he was injured and never realized the upside. Millwood’s up side was as a # 3 pitcher and he has had an a good career in that role. You cannot compare the two as far as talent. Avery was the most talented of the two.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 25th, 2009
2:41 am
tlj, I should have said that Steve Avery has made 18 starts in the post season. He is actually 5-3 in the post season. My error. Avery was clutch in the 1995 NLCS and World Series. His stats were two starts, two wins, twelve innings, one earned run and an ERA of 0.75
As for Smoltz. He has made 40 starts in the post season with a record of 15-4.
WILLSTER
February 25th, 2009
2:56 am
I AM A PROFESSIONAL GAMBLER, AND GARRET ANDERSON IN ATLANTA,MAKES THIS TEAM A PLAYOFF CONTENDER,AGAIN ON A LONG RUN LIKE THE 14 DIVISION TITLES,YOU PEOPLE SEE THE METS GETTING THE CLOSER,ANDERSON ON SAME TEAM,IT HELPS THE BRAVES HITTERS,AS THEY WILL PICK HIS BRAIN,THIS BRAVES TEAM ALSO DOES NOT HAVE 5PITCHERS OVER 40 LIKE LAST YEAR,IF HUDSON MAKES IT BACK THIS YEAR THE BRAVES WIN THE DIVISION,HEAR THAT MET AND PHILLIES FANS,IHAVE ALREADY BET ON IT,3YEARS IS LONG ENOUGH TO BE OUT OF PLAYOFFS,AND FINALLY IFEEL IF CHIPPER PLAYS 150 GAMES PLUS PLAYOFFS,THE BRAVES WILL WIN IT ALL BECAUSE OF YOUNG PITCHING,i told you all last year that that team would not be any good,iwas right,I SEE COMPLETE HOPE FOR THE BRAVES IF THEY SELL THIS TEAM TO ARTHUR BLANK,HE WILL PAY TO KEEP THESE YOUNG GUNS IN ATLANTA.SEE YOU ALL AT THE PARK.
Oliver
February 25th, 2009
3:11 am
hey mark, is it depressing that the state of journalism today requires you to carry on a dialogue with these morons? you must pine for the old days when you could just write a column and be done with it.
WILLSTER
February 25th, 2009
3:13 am
ITS ONLY FEBRUARY,BUT MY WS PREDICTION IS,YANKESS VS BRAVES,WONT OCTOBER BE GREAT,OH YEA FOR ALL YOU BRACKET PLAYERS IN 2 WEEKS,i will give you a hint,since im playing 2 brackets,im taking PITTSBURG,AND NORTH CAROLINA TO WIN IT ALL,just as long as florida doesnt win, although the gators have made me alot of money,the past 4years on football,and basketball,and you bloggers on AJC,the falcons will not make the playoffs,this year they will on win 7 or8 the schedule is much harder this year,so as we know it,the falcons,hawks,thrashers,bulldogs and gt is not winning anything this year so we can only hope the BRAVES can pull us out of major depression,as i sit here at 3 am and listen to my SIRRUS radio,STARK BUCK, MOONLIGHT FEELS RIGHT, THIS BRAVES TEAM FEELS RIGHT ,GREAT ARTICLE MARK KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK,MAYBE WITH THE ECONOMY SO BAD AJC,WONT LAY YOU OFF.
WILLSTER
February 25th, 2009
3:18 am
oliver go and get hit by a bus or something.
CWE
February 25th, 2009
7:04 am
It seems that the stars are aligning in order for the Braves to go on a string of playoff appearances(just like “92″)young pitching and strong defense in the middle,with timely hitting will win most games.The Dodgers did it in the 60’s and the Brave’s in the nineties,just be patient Braves fans,it’s coming.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
8:33 am
Actually, no, Oliver. I like hearing from y’all. Really. Truly.
In the olden days you’d write something and wonder if anyone was reading. Now you know immediately.
Poorbrave
February 25th, 2009
8:54 am
Nice job Mark Andrew Bradley.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
8:57 am
Why, thanks, Poorbrave. And just for that, you can call me Mark.
Fischerking04
February 25th, 2009
9:12 am
Good article Mark. It’s nice to know that we have a solid rotation and a AAA team that could bring any of it’s starters up at any time. Nice change from last year. I’m excited to see the new guys come up.
BTW do you see the possibility that if Hanson is eating it up in the minors and really needs to come up that we trade Vasquez? He is taking up a chuck of payroll for what appears to be the roll of innings eater, mid rotation guy.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
9:32 am
Thanks, FischerKing. And you’ve raised a salient point: Vazquez could well be traded — at season’s end, but probably not before — if Hanson develops as envisioned.
Poorbrave
February 25th, 2009
9:45 am
Mark,good story on Hanson and ” blogs like crazy.” Thats what! Your cool, I never use my middle name with good reason. Blog on friend got to go.
Homer Simpson
February 25th, 2009
10:04 am
If Dwight Gooden could win as a 20 year old, this kid can also. He has the same type of big arm. I don’t see the current Big Five staying healthy all year. Glavine now is a history of arm troubles at an old age. Vaz is okay. Lowe has no real health issues history. Who knows about the new guy from Japan. I have heard nothing about his past health issues. Jari is young and healthy. If one of them breaks, then Hanson can move in quickly. Heck, if the kid goes 12-10 with a 4.50 ERA, he has done better than the $16 million broke down Hampton has done the past few years.
Brad Komminsk's Wasted Youth
February 25th, 2009
10:06 am
Good stuff MAB.
Quick question: UK and Meeks? Contender? Sweet Sixteen? Or, Pretender?
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
10:09 am
I’d say UK’s prognosis depends on Patrick Patterson. If he’s healthy, maybe the Sweet 16. If not, probably not.
Great screen name — Brad Komminsk’s Wasted Youth. Wish I were that creative.
Jerry
February 25th, 2009
10:10 am
Mark,
You have come up with the new nickname for Hansen.
You said he had True Grit so let’s name him Rooster
Smoltz doesn’t make the playoffs either.
We do though.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
10:14 am
I’m terrible on nicknames. (Not as bad as Bobby Cox, but still terrible.) I’d probably come up with something like Towering Tommy or Han Solo or THK. (His initials plus the K sign — pretty lame, I know.)
Y’all feel free to contribute here. Please.
Jerry
February 25th, 2009
10:19 am
Rooster! yes
There’s a drive, way back, waaaay back, caught by the shortstop.
I will miss Skip
Fischerking04
February 25th, 2009
10:21 am
“Tommy Gun”
BTW I guess Bobby would call me “Fishy”. I guess I could deal with that.
Brad Komminsk's Wasted Youth
February 25th, 2009
10:27 am
Ha. Hardly creative. Just snarky enough to be a blog handle. But I will not fall for your Socratic Humility Bradley. You are plenty creative. Creative enough to be writing good articles for a few decades now. I like the new blogging format. As a boy, I used to write you letters accusing of being biased against Bobby Knight and IU because of your UK roots. I passionately penned that IU and Knight would be back on top of the Big Ten and National Polls.
The year was 1994.
IU was expecting a big recruiting class. Things were looking up for the Hoosiers….
/fail.
Brad Komminsk's Wasted Youth
February 25th, 2009
10:27 am
And I agree on Patterson and UK.
His dunk on the baseline against UT late Saturday showed that the ankle is doing aok.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
10:30 am
Socratic humility? Holy smokes.
Who was in that IU recruiting class? Brian Evans?
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
10:32 am
You should know that Bobby Cox calls me — wait for it — “Brad.” Has for 23 years.
Brad Komminsk's Wasted Youth
February 25th, 2009
11:05 am
Nice recall, but Evans was already in the fold.
Charlie Miller, swingman from Florida.
Andre Patterson, Texas.
Michael Hermon, guard from Chicago.
And of course, Neil Reid.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
11:37 am
Andre Patterson was, if I’m not mistaken, considered IU’s most talented recruit since Alan Henderson. Never quite panned out, as I recall.
adam
February 25th, 2009
1:28 pm
I am trying not to get too excited about him but i can barely contain myself. I do have to mention that nobody in Atlanta thinks of Gwinnett as part of Atlanta. No Marta, No Atlanta. Gwinnett sucks!!!
frank
February 25th, 2009
1:57 pm
What about Kentucky basketball? I need my fix mark
ease19
February 25th, 2009
1:58 pm
Arg! Nice…Article…”Brad”…!
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
Nothing much to say about the Cats just now, Frank. Big game for them tonight in Columbia.
And thanks, Ease19. Do you mind if I call you “Ease”?
Bookie
February 25th, 2009
2:21 pm
Sorry to change the subject but what happened to Ohman-I don’t see him on the roster.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2009
2:27 pm
Will Ohman is a free agent. The Braves wanted to keep him, but the Phillies apparently offered more. He still hasn’t signed yet, though.
Terrible Truth
February 25th, 2009
3:34 pm
Brad Komminsk wasted his youth, (and a lot of other people’s money) trying to hit a breaking ball. He couldn’t hit one with an oar! When the opposition found out, he never saw a fast ball again!
Bobby Sox
February 25th, 2009
6:30 pm
The Brave’s World Series Win against Cleveland in 1995 was anticlimactic. True Braves fans were too blue to enjoy 1995. I’m glad we won. Hoorah. Good job. It was the 91 series against the Twins what killed the baseball beast inside of true Braves fans. The runner got deked. Oh, that’s different. Why didnt’ you tell us that the runner got deked, Bobby Cox?
If Bobby Cox gets in the Hall of Fame for any reason, I’m joining the jihad.
That’s for sure. That’s 4dang sure.
ScottBravesFan
February 25th, 2009
7:33 pm
Mac,
You are an idiot if you think that Millwood had the stuff or hype that Steve Avery had. Avery was a blue chip prospect. Millwood has been a decent mid rotation guy. Steve Avery’s career went downhill because he could not stay healthy. There was a big difference between Avery and Millwood when they were both coming up and then what Steve Avery did in his first couple of years in Atlanta. It’s not his fault his arm imploded.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 26th, 2009
1:03 am
Bobby Cox is a slam dunk first ballot Hall of Fame candidate. I’ll call uncle sam and tell them about your jihad promise, Bobby Sox.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
February 27th, 2009
2:14 am
All right, this off the beaten path but I think Frank Wren would be wise to listen.
We know the Braves have to open up a roster spot for Tom Glavine. I think the Braves can kill two birds with one stone. Four of the six of the outfielders on the Braves depth chart hit lefty. Francoeur and Diaz are the only two full time OF’s who are right handed.
The St.Louis Cardinals are already experiencing health problems with their pitchers. We seemingly have depth in this regard (knock on wood).
Brian Barton is an outstanding athlete, plays all three outfield spots, hits righty and is the perfect fourth OF’er. He has options, the Braves could stash him in AAA Gwinnett.
Does a trade of say Jorge Campillo/ Brandon Jones for Brian Barton and a minor leaguer sound about right? It gives the Cardinals a veteran arm in their rotation and the Braves better depth and balance in the outfield. It also opens up the needed roster space for Tom Glavine
Mark Bradley
February 27th, 2009
11:46 am
Frank Wren needs to hire you as a special assistant, Coach. I’m being serious.
nick manning
March 8th, 2009
3:43 am
It’s hard to fathom what Avery could have achieved if he didn’t get hurt. I remember Greg Olson telling my dad back in 92 that Avery had the best stuff of anyone he caught…
BA
March 10th, 2009
1:49 am
Nice Braves site:
http://minorsandmajors.com
Hip Hopcracy
March 13th, 2009
1:32 pm
Tommy “Razorbeam” Hanson.
marseilles mutt
March 13th, 2009
5:58 pm
Great column and some outstanding comments. It is nice to write a column and know immediately you have an audience isn’t it? Wonder what Mr. Ed, Jesse, Jim, Coach Mehere and Lewis would think of the blog forum. Better yet, I would love to hear Furman’s comments.
Please tell me, how do you pronounce THK?