The Yakker

Medlen Not to Be Overshadowed

It’s a misprint right? They meant to call up uber prospect Tommy Hanson to fill Jo-Jo Reyes’ vacated rotation spot. There isn’t a spell checker out there that will auto correct Hanson with Medlen…as in lefty Kris Medlen.

Medlen edged out Hanson narrowly when the Braves needed to make a decision, with a 5-0 record, 0.96 ERA, 10.6 K/9IP, 4.4 K:BB ratio, and .152 BAA in 37.3 innings pitched at Triple-A Gwinnett. To be fair, Hanson was 1-3 with a 1.99 ERA, 12.6 K/9IP, 4.4 K:BB ratio, and a 1.86 BAA in 40.2 IP. At the time of the promotion, Medlen led the International League in ERA and wins (tied) and was sporting a 21-inning scoreless streak.

“This guy has been absolutely dominant,” Braves general manager Frank Wren told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Also we’re looking at a time window; that’s the other consideration. I think if we were looking at the long haul, and there was a situation for a starter to come up and be a starter for the rest of the season, it would probably be Tommy [Hanson].”

I understand the argument, but it’s at least somewhat flawed.

While Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, and Javier Vazquez have an ERA under 4.00 and WHIP better than 1.35 the lone remaining rotation member (Kenshin Kawakami) has been quite pedestrian to the tune of a 2-4 record, 5.79 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and very modest 1.7 K:BB ratio. If that’s not enough, Braves brass claims the Medlen call-up is merely to bridge the gap until 90-year old Tom Glavine can return from shoulder discomfort. The problem with that is Glavine has no timetable for his return and has conceded that if his shoulder issues don’t subside he won’t hesitate to retire. To me this means that Medlen has an opportunity to stick in the rotation if the results justify it.

“We’re bringing the guy that was throwing the best in AAA,” Wren said. Despite being just 5-10 (small for a starting pitcher) he has a polished, effortless delivery and his durability has never been in question. His success at Triple-A this season shows that his command is starting to improve to the level of his control and his aggressive approach on the mound only serves to make his 94-mph fastball, great curveball, and solid changeup and slider that much more effective. Fantasy owners in deeper mixed leagues with a roster spot wasting away should have Medlen on their radar as he prepares to face the Rockies on Tuesday. One solid start is enough to justify gambling on him.

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