5/29 News, Links, Discussion: Braves-Cardinals, The Losing Streak, Minor’s Next Start
May 29, 2012 at 11:50 am by David Lee under Atlanta Braves
Update (4:45p): Medlen Demoted to Start
Kris Medlen has been sent down to Triple-A Gwinnett in order to stretch his arm for two to three starts before returning to the Atlanta rotation. It will mean the eventual demotion of either Mike Minor or Randall Delgado, with my money being on Minor. Jose Constanza was recalled in order to spell the bench for now. You can find my full thoughts at the link above.
Eight in a Row
The Braves dropped the series opener with the Cardinals 8-2 as Tommy Hanson allowed six runs in 3.1 innings and Lance Lynn allowed just two runs with eight strikeouts in seven. The loss extended the losing streak to eight games with two games remaining before the Braves’ next off day. Randall Delagdo faces Jake Westbrook. Game time is 7:10. Atlanta: SportSouth. St. Louis: Fox Sports Midwest.
The Braves have a .270 wOBA and 68 wRC+ over the past seven days. That includes a .216 BABIP and 16.2 LD%. The pitching staff has a 5.37 FIP and 4.13 xFIP. What’s curious is the staff’s strikeout rate has actually increased over the losing streak. The big jump in home runs allowed (Cincinnati probably has something to do with that) means xFIP expects plenty of regression.
Minor’s Next Start
Worth noting is Mike Minor’s next scheduled start is Friday following an off day on Thursday. This means he could get skipped in the rotation and Brandon Beachy could start on regular rest in order to avoid the struggling Minor this time through. It could also provide the Braves extra time in case they want to monitor Julio Teheran right now, because he started on Monday and would be able to make one more start at Gwinnett if Minor is skipped. Teheran allowed six runs in three innings last night.
However, it could also mean extra time for Kris Medlen, as Mark Bowman has written that Medlen could see a more significant role soon. With Minor’s turn able to be skipped, it could allow time for Medlen to stretch his arm out in Triple-A. We will soon see. Stay tuned for a separate post on this today.
Game Notes
Braves lineup: Michael Bourn (CF), Martin Prado (3B), Brian McCann (C), Dan Uggla (2B), Eric Hinske (1B), Jason Heyward (RF), Tyler Pastornicky (SS), Randall Delgado (P), Jose Constanza (LF).
Cardinals lineup: Rafael Furcal (S, SS), Skip Schumaker (L, CF), Matt Holliday (R, LF), Carlos Beltran (S, RF), Yadier Molina (R, C), Matt Adams (L, 1B), Tyler Greene (R, 2B), Daniel Descalso (L, 3B), Jake Westbrook (R, P).
Update (5:30p): I have seen conflicting reports on when Freeman will receive his glasses, with one saying Wednesday and another saying he will miss the next two games for sure. In this case, I will say there is a good chance Freddie will return by Christmas.
Update (4:50p): Freeman remains out as he waits for his glasses. Constanza has been immediately plugged into the lineup batting ninth as Delgado hits eighth. Freese remains out for the Cardinals.
Brian McCann is expected to start a second straight game tonight after returning from the flu on Monday. He went 0-4 and was crossed up on more than one occasion while catching Hanson.
Freddie Freeman is hoping to get his goggles in time to play tonight, although he might require a BP session or two to get used to them.
David Freese was kept out of the lineup on Monday with right wrist soreness and remains day-to-day, but he could return tonight.
More Links
Update (2:00p): Marc Hulet of FanGraphs mentions Zeke Spruill in his latest prospect stock watch.
In the Bowman link posted above in the Minor blurb, Andrelton Simmons could also see a more significant role. Simmons could get a call up soon, pushing Tyler Pastornicky out. We will have more on this in a separate post today.
Ben Lindbergh of Baseball Prospectus examines Jonny Venters’ struggles and BABIP, using a gajillion GIFs (sub. required).
Grant Brisbee of SB Nation writes on the Braves’ losing streak and whether the plan to stand pat this past offseason should remain the plan today, as well as what exactly can be done to get them out of the funk, which may not be much other than patience.
Bryce Harper didn’t enjoy facing Livan Hernandez, even though he hit a home run in their second matchup. Harper: “It sucks,” Harper said. “I don’t like facing guys like that. I’d rather face a hard lefty or something like that. I don’t like facing slow guys. It’s not very fun.”
Around the NL East
Roy Halladay will have his shoulder examined today.
Update (4:50p): Halladay has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right lat strain. Considering he had shoulder discomfort, this could have been a lot worse for the Phillies. The move is retroactive to May 28.
The Mets lost Justin Turner to a right ankle sprain and were forced to play David Wright at shortstop on Monday. Omar Quintanilla is getting called up and will start at shortstop today for the Mets. A 40-man spot was needed for Quintanilla, and former Braves reliever Manny Acosta appears to be the odd man out.
Michael Morse begins a rehab assignment today at Class A Potomac. Morse could return as soon as Thursday, but he should return by June 8 at the latest.
Juan Carlos Oviedo was given an eight-week suspension for age and identity fraud.
Jon Heyman says a Roy Oswalt deal could happen this week. The Phillies remain linked, while there has been no mention of the Braves because of their current budget constraints.
Update (4:50p): The Rangers have agreed to a deal with Oswalt.
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DL Ross, call up Simmons.
Option Medlen to AAA, skip Minor’s start, recall Medlen and demote Minor next time through rotation.
Fire Fredi.
Just win baby.
Just playing a little devil’s advocate here and this is completely hypothetical as I personally believe that Fredi should be gone too and not just because of this streak.
But, I also believe that manager’s in pro sports have very little to do with games when compared to the players. Case in point is the teams recent OBP. Fredi has nothing to do with that. The players have to perform.
So, my question to you is, what if they did fire Fredi and the struggles continue? Do you fire the new manager too until they start hitting better? You can’t just fire the players, and as such, then what?
Just curious on what yours and others thoughts would be in that situation.
Fire Fredi.
Struggling team and poor manager are different things. Terry Francona was a good manager and that team tanked just as the Braves did. Guys having bad slumps and having mechanical issues are different, although often related. If a guy is just in a slump you can’t really do anything about that. Should there be mechanical issues, the coaching staff needs to address it. The Braves collapse was triggered by a team that was already under performing largely due to injuries, suffering more injuries. I actually don’t blame Fredi for what happened last year as I don’t see a way he could have made Prado or Heyward healthy or prevented Hanson’s shoulder problems any better. I do believe that a good manager would still have made the playoffs as Fredi almost certainly lost a game or two based off his decisions.
Fredi won’t be fired because he seems to be popular and despite September which wasn’t he fault as this recent slide, the team is still good. I do not know how often winning managers are fired.
I’m for bringing up Simmons, and moving Pastornicky to LF. No telling how long Chipper may be out, but when he does return the best move would be to platoon Pastornicky in LF. Not saying that all of this is his fault, but more so because the infield is MUCH weaker defensively this year…giving up WAY too many ground ball hits.
Next, its time to bring Jurrjens back as see for SURE what we’ve got in him. The inconsistency with our pitching is more of an issue than our hitting. Too many young guys being thrust into important games.
Lastly, move Minor to AAA, Delgado to the Bullpen (because he actually starts off fairly well in games) and Medlen to the rotation.
Why the fuck would we move Pastornicky to LF?
I think his post lost all credibility as soon as he said, “it’s time to bring Jurrjens back…”
Not really Braves or NL East related, but since it’s mentioned in the blog and the Braves were at least mentioned to have an interest, looks like the Rangers are signing Oswalt :(
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/05/rangers-to-sign-roy-oswalt.html
Medlen has been optioned to Gwinnett and Constanza has been called up! Constanza! Here we go again.
Hello win column, our name is the Atlanta Braves. I hope to see you tomorrow as well