Kris Medlen Roughed Up In Debut
May 21, 2009
Medlen suffered fits of wildness and rookie jitters to surrender 5 earned runs on 3 hits to go with an intriguing 3 K’s in 3 innings of work in Thursday evening’s game against Colorado at Turner Field. Prior to his call, Kris Medlen had tossed a neat 37 Innings of stellar ball while notching a jaw-dropping 1.19 ERA, 44 K’s, and an anemic .157 BAA. Medlen was widely considered “Atlanta’s fifth best prospect” by critics, but his stalwart performance in the minors during the 2008 season suggests a player with plenty more upside than that label indicates. After being drafted by Atlanta in the 10th round of the 2006 amateur entry draft, then a reliever, Medlen whizzed past batters in Rookie ball right into double A during 2007. His 14.4 and 10.5 K:BB ratios during those combined relief stints certainly argue in favor of watching the young, diminutive righty on his quest for a rebound performance should Atlanta brass decide to parade Medlen out for another shot in 5 games.
So what to make of Medlen’s statistically abusive thrashing on Thursday? Well, he cruised for the first two innings of the game, but then the wheels started coming off after two wild pitches in the fourth inning, including one that hit opposing pitcher Aaron Cook to force in a run. Rookies will be forgiven a poor start in their first major league start, so I wouldn’t cast lasting judgement based on that single game. That said, Medlen will have to work on his mental approach, control, and improving his pitch location. I would rather say that the sample of 5-7 games represents a better sample size, and until the jury is in on Medlen, he should be riding your BENCH. Occasionally big risk reaps bigger reward..so it is your choice whether to gamble on Kris Medlen.
Jake Peavy to the White Sox? (Update)
May 21, 2009
According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox have agreed to a deal that would send Jake Peavy to Chicago for four prospects. However, Peavy has a full no-trade clause that prevents him from being traded without his approval.
The deal is hinged on this clause and there is no word that Peavy has approved or will approve the move to Chicago. It has been made known by Peavy himself that he would prefer to stay in the National League. Stay tuned for more details and what this means for you Peavy owner’s.
NEW NEW NEW
It has been reported that Peavy has rejected the move to the American League and Chicago. This was not surprising, but it will be interesting to see how Peavy reacts to being traded to a team that the Padres knew he did not want to go to.
-Bobby Holt
Did You Know…?
Todd Helton had the second highest batting average (.325) and third highest on base percentage (.416) of first basemen?
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