Future: Kris Medlen in the Rotation?

[jlcct]

I used to think Medlen would end up getting his shot at the rotation and as time passed (along with his opportunities in the rotation) I slowly forgot how promising an option he was. This article reminded me of his ability. I hope he gets his chance.

http://capitolavenueclub.com/?p=2384


Edited title slightly to not imply he's in our current rotation - BFH

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

I'd agree with your assessment BFH...Plus if we need something at the deadline or the off season he's not being counted on to play a major roll there's another route to go with him..

[Andy G.]

I agree as well BFH, though I probably think of him having more potential as a starter than you do. I think he has the potential to be a better starter than Jurrjens, because Medlen gets so many strikeouts. He has that third pitch, his curveball, which is much better than Jurrjens' slider (basing that off of what I see, not those advanced stats that show that sort of thing...the stats which I have yet to take the time to understand).

What I like most about your post is that I agree completely with how you want the Braves to use him. Put him in the bullpen for now. Allow him to be a set up man. You mentioned Hanson, Jurrjens and Hudson, but we also have Mike Minor who will be a middle of the rotation pitcher, and a good one. He'll be ready for the majors pretty soon. Medlen can be transitioned to the rotation in a few years if he needs to be. I'm pretty sure the Twins did that with Johan Santana. Like you said, it's been done.

I'm just glad we have him. I love his stuff, his makeup, and the fact that he strikes out A TON of batters. What's not to love?

[jamminHANES]

I wrote an article about Medlen as well today (http://www.hotstove.com/2010/03/braves-kris-medlen-most-under-rated-player-on-most-under-rated-team/)

He can be a productive starter, but for now he will be in the bullpen. From that point on it depends on how the Braves want to use him. He absolutely has the ability to be very good at both, and if we want to move him to the rotation next year and rid ourselves of Kawakami/Lowe then we will be capable.

However, with Teheran, Minor, and Vizcaino coming up with only Kimbrel as a reliable bullpen arm, we may be better off keeping him in the 'pen and developing into a great reliever.

[KB 34]

To me Medlen's clearly the 6th best starting pitcher on the team and will get a chance to start for the Braves this season. Who else would the Braves have to start games besides Reyes? I anticipate Medlen having a role this season that resembles Jason Marquis years ago. If the rotation is completely healthy Medlen pitches out of the bullpen, but for DL situations he moves to the starting rotation. Since starting pitching is more valuable than relievers I hope he impresses in his chances to start this season and becomes a legitimate middle of the rotation starting pitcher. If things go i deally that would leave the Braves with too many starting pitchers going into next season, a nice problem to deal with.