No Hanson or Medlen?

by Dlass008 on May 13, 2009 5:34 PM EDT Comment 37 comments

Well people I have almost but concluded that the Braves may not even think about bringing either of these two youngsters up before the expansion of rosters. A few things lead me to think this, and I'll see what yall think. The Braves have Glavine coming back from injury and is looking pretty solid to at least make ONE more start in the bigs before he calls it quits. This coupled with the signing of Tony Armas Jr. and then quickly promoting him to AAA for Jerome Gamble who had a 2.25 ERA? Not sure about that but I'll give Tony the benefit of the doubt right now because he hasn't given up a run in either games he pitched in ( one for Mississippi and one for Gwinnett). So these two reasons make me believe that Tony is the insurance if Glavine goes down . . . again. This is unfortunate but maybe the Braves are looking ahead. Down the road this season, and I stress this season, the rotation is gonna look like this . . . Lowe, Hudson, Jurrjens, Vasquez, Kawakami. The Braves may not want to bring Medlen or Hanson up and when Hudson gets back have to send them back down wasting an option in the process not to mention having them lose confidence. I do not see them sending Kawakami anywhere right now especially to AAA and who sends a guy making 8 million to be your long reliever? Just a few things that I wanted everyone to think about. Let me know what you think.

Thanks

Go Braves

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Morton should get the first cal, since he’s had the ML experience and needs the seasoning the least of the bunch

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?"
President, CEO, and chairman of the Brandon Jones fan club. PLEASE COME BACK! PLEASE COME BACK! PLEASE COME BACK!

by bigjoe on May 13, 2009 5:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Morton could be trade bait in that situation, but I Bobby has already said he likes Tony and you know how he is with loyalty . . .

by Dlass008 on May 13, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tony?

by MatM on May 13, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

tony?

means tony armas jr.

by angrysmurf on May 13, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everything above me is berry hard to understand.

by Euruproktos on May 14, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For the est of the year, bubby. eldu on.

yeah the other 96 is that I am too good for everyone else.

by Lizziebeth on May 15, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

He’s already on the 40-man. Plus, I really want to see how he does. He has great stuff, just needs another opportunity to show what he can do when he’s healthy.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on May 13, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think the Braves are reluctant to call up Hanson or Medlen for the simple fact they dont want a log jam. the braves have always been about long term rather than a quick fix. pitching Hanson for 2 months until Huddy and/or Glavine (maybe) come back would be a big mistake.

WE WANT TOMMY HANSON!

by mvhsbball on May 13, 2009 5:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I know for most of you the name “Hanson” or “Medlen” makes you squeal with delight. However, we just capped a 6 win road trip. Teams playing alright without them.

When they get to the bigs, and they will, I’ll be a huge fan. But for right now can we just quit speculating about their callups and just enjoy the team we have on the field right now?

by kalesi on May 13, 2009 6:03 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs

this.

Penis

by justincredubil02 on May 13, 2009 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

roight.

It happens when it happens. And, I say again, this series should have been a sweep. But the Devil nut-checked God yesterday, and an ump (with possible alterior motives) gave the Devil head. And all was evil. And the voices in my head told me to make a sacrifice. And so, I put a hit on Jose Reyes.

…totally just fucking around.

~what kalesi said.

"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi

by Chief Noc-A-Homa on May 13, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

holy shit, that’s intense!

"When life gives you lemons, just say 'F*ck the lemons,' and bail."

by Bravely going forward on May 13, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the Braves affect my mood. lol. Plus I'm already nuts, so....

"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi

by Chief Noc-A-Homa on May 13, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what he said

by Zeus12888 on May 13, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

green

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on May 14, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thank you.

yeah the other 96 is that I am too good for everyone else.

by Lizziebeth on May 15, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I highly doubt Medlen or Hanson will be up as well. We have 3 other pitchers in Campillo, Morton, and Tony Armas, who could step in and fill the 5th starter role till Glavine is ready. If Glavine goes down in the middle of the season for some reason one of these 3 will be more likely to get the call than Hanson or Medlen.

I personally think it will be good for both of them and will give the Braves a lot of options in next years Spring Training when those two are dealing. It gives us the option to trade someone for a hole. The hole will most likely be LF because i doubt they re-sign Garrett Anderson and Heyward wont be ready either so i wouldnt be surprised for us to sign a LF Bat.

Something else i think will be interesting next year is Gorkys Hernandez. I say that because if Schafer continues to slump throughout the whole year it makes you wonder what will happen if Gorkys comes in to ST Raking. I doubt he would get the immediate assignment as the main CF and instead get called up the moment Schafer starts slumping next year

by drumzalicious on May 14, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Whither Gorkys?

I think you answered your question: Left Field. Or CF and move Schafer to LF. That’s IF he impresses enough to win a job out of ST (which I think/hope will happen…it’s always better to fill the gaps with cheap, home-grownish talent). Either way, Schafer is not going to get pushed out if he slumps to start next season.

"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09

by buzzdeadwax on May 14, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

whew

That would be a fun outfield to watch on defense, especially after we get used to a year of Garrett Anderson’s lack of range.

by was385 on May 14, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I said Gorkys or Schafer in CF because we will still be lacking in an established bat to go behind Chipper and a power threat.

Granted the way Kotchman has been hitting he could go in the 5 hole with Mac in the 4 hole

by drumzalicious on May 14, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jerome Gamble is a 28 year old with 11 games of AAA expereince, Tony Armas has pitched 185 games in the big leagues. Sure, you could definitely make an argument that Jerome has been pitching great this year, but Armas probably fits into the team’s plans better, as a veteran pitcher who could step in should some of the young arms falter.

All that being said, I’d love to see Jerome get a shot in the Bigs, he’s a freaking great dude.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on May 14, 2009 1:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jerome's ERA is an illusion though...

Look at all the unearned runs he’s given up. He’s struck out a nice number of batters and had one or two good outings, but the numbers beyond the ERA are borderline dreadful. If you have a 1.75 ERA against AAA hitters as a starter. You’re going to make Oliver Perez look like Johan in the majors.

Gamble’s only bet to make it to the show would be out of the pen.

Tommy Hanson 4 ROY

by timmy3 on May 14, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d never in a million years think he could be a Major League starter. He’d be lucky to get some mop up innings at the end of a blowout here and there. I’m just saying, I’d love to see it happen for him.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on May 14, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was mostly replying to the original poster actually.

Since he made mention of Gamble’s low ERA. I guess I put it here since you were discussing Gamble, but in hindsight, probably shouldn’t have used the reply button there. I’m still a bit unaccustomed to this format.

Tommy Hanson 4 ROY

by timmy3 on May 14, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, it’s cool man. It’s always worth talking about stuff.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on May 14, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only way we see Hanson or Medlen this year is if both Glav and Huddy cant go and we are in the thick of it.

by TomGarrett on May 14, 2009 2:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have been assuming all season that Hansen would be called up this year. But after reading this thread and I more convinced he may stay down until September. I cant help but think of Joey Devine and his rise to the bigs. IMO, Cox still thinks about how soon they rushed him through the ranks. If you can afford to keep big names in the minors, do it. Its a great position to be in.

by parrt on May 14, 2009 4:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hanson's no Joey Devine.

He has a lot of experience getting quality professional hitters out. He had very little to prove coming into the year AAA as it was, and has only proved that they can’t put the ball in play against him with any more regularity than the Carolina League, Southern League or AFL could.

Unless Kawakami gets his act together in a big way, there’s no feasible way this franchise can pretend it’s interested in making a playoff run this year if they hold Hanson back. Once the arb clock thing after June 1st the organization isn’t going to have many more excuses. Especially not if Kawakami continues to be the disaster he’s been so far.

After June, the excuses have to end and it will be time to remove one rookie who’s proven to suck so far for another much more talented arm.

Tommy Hanson 4 ROY

by timmy3 on May 14, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did you watch Kawachon's last start????

He made a big step in the right direction. He may not have got the win but he pitched like the Number 3 (4) starter should…6+ innings and 3 or less runs…..Jo Jo did not make it through the third the other night! I think we will see at least one of the “Young stud” pitchers by Mid July…..Probably a spot start against a struggling lower tier team…Washington, SF (woops they are not a basement team this year…canx that!) etc….
and finishing…CHIEF said it right time to put hex’s on hitter’s when they face us…anybody got a chicken’s foot?…If you read Chipper’s take on it …he was surprised that Beltran was not out when he ran into his glove (ball inclosed) with his foot trying to get to the bag! YOu know there has got to be some bad voo doo chilli working about there!
later, from Iraq
Tat

by bravestatoo on May 14, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Should have sent a poet

by Euruproktos on May 14, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Come on… Look at KK’s outings so far… minus one particularly bad start, giving up 8 runs in 4.2 innings, he’s been decent. He would have an era around 4.20 without it. I think once he settles in, gets more comfortable with the league and throwing a slightly bigger ball, and finding the strike zone, I think he’ll be fine. If we can get a 3.80 ERA out of him in the #4 slot, that’s okay with me.

-----
Braves Fan Since 1982. Go Braves!
"All opinions welcome..."

by proeye on May 15, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He has a 5.15 FIP. That strips out luck and focuses on his peripherals. They’ve been those of a #5 starter. The chances that he posts a 3.80 ERA on his merits are small enough to not worth being discussed.

by 17843 on May 15, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

I just struggle to have faith in anyone who is only getting a first pitch strike 50% of the time, and leaves his shit up.

Tommy Hanson 4 ROY

by timmy3 on May 15, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know, stats are a reflection of what was, not necessarily what will be. When a pitcher is throwing poorly, naturally he is not hitting his spots. So to say that he is leaving his pitches up or not throwing strikes is silly. I would say, “Well, of course, that’s because he hasn’t been pitching well!!!”

I’m not saying he is going to be a great pitcher any more than I think he is going to make in the major leagues. I just think we need to give him a chance because he has the potential to be a solid #3 or #4 pitcher. I don’t think the Braves would have signed this guy for 3 years at $8 million if they didn’t think he could pitch.

-----
Braves Fan Since 1982. Go Braves!
"All opinions welcome..."

by proeye on May 16, 2009 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

By that interpretation you’re basically saying he doesn’t have to be held responsible for any bad performance he has. I mean we could go through his whole career selling ourselves the lie that he just hasn’t been pitching well, and that he’ll better next time out— but why would we want to? I mean we already have one too many Jeff Francoeur’s on the roster, why keep another negative value player to make excuses for around.

The guy has big league stuff, no doubt, but he doesn’t pitch like a big league pitcher. And there’s plenty of arms with better stuff than he has that can have the same said for them. Unfortunately at 34, it’s hard for you to sell me on his upside.

Hopefully, he does get going, but if he’s still pitching like crap a month from now, and we’re still playing good baseball otherwise, than he has to go. Because right now he’s a limiting factor.

Tommy Hanson 4 ROY

by timmy3 on May 16, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully they’ll be called up soon; they’re both showing that they’re more than ready to pitch in the major leagues and they’re both certainly on the list of the 12 best pitchers we can put on our roster. Makes perfect sense to have them in the big leagues as soon as their service time issues are solved (ie, if they’re not up by June 1st someone is doing their job wrong).

by 17843 on May 14, 2009 10:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey as we’ve seen with Schafer no reason to bring them up if we don’t need to. But when Bobby loses faith in Jo Jo and it shoudl be soon Tommy should get the first phone call

by rocket8188 on May 15, 2009 8:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs