** The Starting Rotation **

[Middle Man]

We touched on this briefly in a different thread. I'm interested to see what happens with the starting rotation. Assuming everyone stays healthy, should Hanson play the traditional role of the #5 guy? Should KK be "demoted" to that role? Should we try something different? What do you think?

[Disclaimer: Yes, I realize that Hanson hasn't actually won a game yet, but I don't think I'm being overly-optimistic to assume that he'll prove himself to be rotation-worthy]

Although I was one of those calling loudest for Hanson's call-up, now that he's up, I think it's wise to limit his innings. In that respect, I'm fine with him being a traditional #5 guy this season. However, I'm also concerned about duribility issues with the other 4 - especially KK and JJ.

What I'd like to see, I think, is a staight 5 man rotation with each of the 5 getting that occasional extra day off. Is it really that big of a deal, preparation-wise, for a pitcher to not stick to a strict schedule? I wouldn't think so, especially when you're adding an extra day as opposed to pitching on short rest.

With most teams, there's such a big difference in pitching quality between the #1 guy and the #5 guy, that it makes good sense to go with the traditional 4-man rotation and have the #5 guy fill in only when needed. There's no way, for example, that the Mets are going to give away a few of Santana's starts to whoever they've scraped up to pitch in the #5 spot.

I'm not sure that this is the case with the Braves, though. The Braves' strength is the depth of the rotation, in my opinion. There's just not that much difference in numbers 1 through 5. By pitching all five regularly, I think you improve the chances that you'll end up with 5 effective pitchers in September and probably also reduce the chances of overworking the bullpen.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Since KK's used to the 6 man staff it would proball be better to skip him more then Hanson, also if Bobby wanted his rotation at tip top shape he could use the off days to which ever started need the extra day the chance to get it...If Lowe's up and says he needs another day if possible and JJ's got his 4 days off then go with JJ and Pitch Lowe the next day...But I don't see Bobby thinking like that so, between the 2 you gotta skip KK and give the guy with ace potential his turn every 5 days...

[slowride]

Our starting pitching is very strong 1-5. I think if you want to give any of them a day off I wouldn't mind seeing Medlen throw. I still don't know what exactly Cox is planning on doing with him.

[bravestud]

What I'd like to see, I think, is a staight 5 man rotation with each of the 5 getting that occasional extra day off. Is it really that big of a deal, preparation-wise, for a pitcher to not stick to a strict schedule? I wouldn't think so, especially when you're adding an extra day as opposed to pitching on short rest.

I like this idea.

Personally, I'm becoming a big Kawakami fan. He'll never be an ace in the major leagues, but he's just solid as rock. Aside from a rough three-start stretch from April 16th to April 26th, he hasn't given up more than 3 ER's in a start all year. He's really started to come around since he started getting more aggressive with hitters, and I think it'd be a shame for him to get stuck in the 5 hole with the way he's pitching.

[KB 34]

My guess is the Braves will use a traditional 5 man starting rotation with Hanson being skipped. As good of a prospect as he is his salary is much lower than KK and he's a rookie, which means he's going to get the short end of the deal. I've been a fan of a straight 5 man rotation when possible, like now, for a while. If the pitchers can't handle it then why give them the big money? To me it's a way to ease up on the wear and tear slightly and hopefully keep people healthy.

[BraveFan]

I think unless he is horrible Hanson will be in the rotation for the rest of the season. If Medlen continues to pitch well out of the pen I could see the Braves trading Vazquez for a bat if the offense needs a big offensive upgrade. I think Medlen could do good for a month or so until Hudson is ready.

[hoosjon]

Is it just me or is Jair Jurrjens getting screwed with the run support more than the other guys? Maybe we should have HIM skip, to wake the bats up?

I love our pitching this year. The fact that I can have the luxury to not really like Kamikaze is something that I couldn't APPROACH last year. Vasquez is doing so well, that I worry we should trade him for a power-hitting right-handed OF right this second, because he's doing so well I can barely believe it. Other than Sunday, Lowe has been solid. JJ is amazin, and I truly believe that Hanson and Medlen will settle right in. We have two closers and a pretty solid side-arm specialist ... we're only missing lefties (I refuse count OH-NO flaherty).

What a great problem to have ... to worry about who to stick in the 5 spot. Last year, it was who will we stick in the 3, 4, AND 5 spot, y'know?

[Dreamscape]

It's not just Jurrjens that has been screwed. Vazquez has received four or less runs of support in nine of his 13 starts. His run support "looks" good at 4.67, but is heavily skewed by a few outbursts. Jurrjens has received four or less runs in nine of 12 starts. You just can't win like that.

[Middle Man]

Hmmm. If Hanson is being penciled in for this Thursday, and KK is penciled in for Friday, it looks like the Braves are going with the 5 man rotation that I suggested above - at least for the moment. I like it. It will be interesting to see if this holds.