Tommy Hanson

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Tue May 19, 2009 12:24 am

Although I am one of the bigger Braves fans on these boards, I do not own Tommy Hanson on my Main Event team. That being said, I am just not sure if it was ever in the Braves plans to bring him up this year.

First, they go with Jo-Jo Reyes, now Medlen, who has come out of no-where to pitch very well in AAA this year. Glavine is starting in Gwinnett Saturday night and probably only needs a few starts to get ready. Charlie Morton is pitching well at the AAA level as well and Tim Hudsons rehab is going well. Vazquez, Lowe, and Jurrgeins are pitching well and the Braves have too much invested in up and down Kawakami to give up on him, so there is really only one spot the Braves have open for starters and they have a half-dozen options.

Nothing is etched in stone, but it is increasing looking to me like we may not see Hanson until September.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Tue May 19, 2009 12:48 am

hanson will only get called up (b4 sept) if a couple injuries appears. medlen gets sent down once glavine comes back or if medlen bombs. if glavine gets hurt while in the bigs, they will call up morton or medlen, depending on who is pitching well at that time, options remaining, etc...

hanson is likely a Sept player. sorry to all his owners.

Crazy Like a Fox · Post by **Crazy Like a Fox** » Tue May 19, 2009 7:37 am

I can't see Hanson staying down there much longer the way he's pitching. I understand at the moment there doesn't seem to be much of an opening, but this guy is Crazy good. As soon as there's an inkling of an opening come June 1st or later, he'll get brought up. He's a man amongst boys in AAA right now. No need to rush him the way things are in the Braves rotation, you make a good point, but if you're the Braves, aren't you itching to see if this kid can help the ballclub? He has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in the National League, and soon.

And I don't put a lot of faith in Glavine's return and how long that will last. He needs to retire, wait his 5 or 6 years and enter the Hall. He's had a helluva career. Let the young guns take over.

Dub · Post by **Dub** » Tue May 19, 2009 8:15 am

Originally posted by Crazy Like a Fox:

I can't see Hanson staying down there much longer the way he's pitching. I understand at the moment there doesn't seem to be much of an opening, but this guy is Crazy good. As soon as there's an inkling of an opening come June 1st or later, he'll get brought up. He's a man amongst boys in AAA right now. No need to rush him the way things are in the Braves rotation, you make a good point, but if you're the Braves, aren't you itching to see if this kid can help the ballclub? He has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in the National League, and soon.

And I don't put a lot of faith in Glavine's return and how long that will last. He needs to retire, wait his 5 or 6 years and enter the Hall. He's had a helluva career. Let the young guns take over. sounds like a fantasy owner

[ May 19, 2009, 02:16 PM: Message edited by: Dub ]

Crazy Like a Fox · Post by **Crazy Like a Fox** » Tue May 19, 2009 8:30 am

Originally posted by Dub:

quote:Originally posted by Crazy Like a Fox:

I can't see Hanson staying down there much longer the way he's pitching. I understand at the moment there doesn't seem to be much of an opening, but this guy is Crazy good. As soon as there's an inkling of an opening come June 1st or later, he'll get brought up. He's a man amongst boys in AAA right now. No need to rush him the way things are in the Braves rotation, you make a good point, but if you're the Braves, aren't you itching to see if this kid can help the ballclub? He has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in the National League, and soon.

And I don't put a lot of faith in Glavine's return and how long that will last. He needs to retire, wait his 5 or 6 years and enter the Hall. He's had a helluva career. Let the young guns take over. sounds like a fantasy owner [/QUOTE]I guess I'm a little biased.

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » Tue May 19, 2009 8:32 am

The most likey expectation for Hanson in Atlanta was June.....and I still think he will be up by then.

While Medlen has actually outpitched Hanson at AAA this season, Hanson has the higher ceiling. The ONLY reason Medlen was called up first was that the Braves management does not want to bring Hanson UP until they have a spot in the rotation for him for the rest of the year. They do not want to bring him up and then have to send them down (as may well happen with Medlen).

Crazy Like a Fox · Post by **Crazy Like a Fox** » Tue May 19, 2009 8:55 am

Originally posted by Captain Hook:

The most likey expectation for Hanson in Atlanta was June.....and I still think he will be up by then.

While Medlen has actually outpitched Hanson at AAA this season, Hanson has the higher ceiling. The ONLY reason Medlen was called up first was that the Braves management does not want to bring Hanson UP until they have a spot in the rotation for him for the rest of the year. They do not want to bring him up and then have to send them down (as may well happen with Medlen). That's my thinking as well. They want to get him seasoning, when they bring him up they want it to be for good.

headhunters · Post by **headhunters** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:03 am

small window for hanson: medlin up- pitches well. glavin returns, replaces medlin. glavin pitches well. no hanson. glavin pitches poor- but medlin keeps pitching well= medlin back up= no hanson. as season goes on- hudson gets closer to returning. so window is probably now till july and need both medlin and glavin to pitch poorly- which obviously could happen. also could see chipper hurt (shock) mcann need triple eye surgery, johnson continue to not hit. ditto francour. garrett not hit/get hurt. maybe they just bag it. i would

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:17 am

Originally posted by Captain Hook:

The most likey expectation for Hanson in Atlanta was June.....and I still think he will be up by then.

While Medlen has actually outpitched Hanson at AAA this season, Hanson has the higher ceiling. The ONLY reason Medlen was called up first was that the Braves management does not want to bring Hanson UP until they have a spot in the rotation for him for the rest of the year. They do not want to bring him up and then have to send them down (as may well happen with Medlen). I agree with Perry and wonder why the Braves are treating him with such kid gloves. They are so concerned with his pitch count down at Triple-A, yet he's already proven he can dominate that level. I'd love to see them promote him in June and let him get 100+ innings in the big leagues. He could really bring a spark to this team.

Perry, why would the Braves let him pitch so much in the AFL, yet be so careful with his pitch count this spring? I don't get it. Are they also waiting until after June 1st to promote him because of Super 2 status? Help me figure this one out because if you just look at his Triple-A numbers he should be up and helping the big league club win.

Put me in the camp that says he comes up for good in June. But what the hell do I know.

ToddZ · Post by **ToddZ** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:30 am

They have 4 MLB starters with Vazquez, Lowe, Jurrjens and Kawakami. They are keeping #5 warm for Tom Glavine, with Tim Hudson lurking.

I don't think they want to bounce Hanson around, when he's up, he's up for good. I don't think it has anything to do with innings or arbitration etc.

If the Glavine comeback fails, Hudson could be ready in August. Or maybe it is Tommy-time.

The wild card is Kawakami, who I think will still be okay.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:39 am

Originally posted by ToddZ:

They have 4 MLB starters with Vazquez, Lowe, Jurrjens and Kawakami. They are keeping #5 warm for Tom Glavine, with Tim Hudson lurking.

I don't think they want to bounce Hanson around, when he's up, he's up for good. I don't think it has anything to do with innings or arbitration etc.

If the Glavine comeback fails, Hudson could be ready in August. Or maybe it is Tommy-time.

The wild card is Kawakami, who I think will still be okay. Sorry Todd, but if this really is their logic then they miss Schuerholz badly. Kawakami is 2-5 with a 5.73 ERA and the Braves are 2.5 games out of first place. Hanson is pitching lights out at Triple-A and could possibly have won three extra games for this team, putting them in first place. I look at what Hanson is doing in the minors and can only think this is a business decision, not putting your best players on the field.

This kid has pitched this way for better than a year. If they want to win the NL East, promote Hanson and make Kawakami earn the fifth spot.

No way would I let him waste in the minors now with a division up for grabs.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:41 am

he is only 22. getting him a full year a AAA would probably benefit him the most long-term.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:44 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

Hanson is pitching lights out at Triple-A and could possibly have won three extra games for this team, putting them in first place. correct me if i'm wrong, doesn't hanson only have 2 wins but 3 losses in the minors this year, correct?

it seems he's having trouble winning at AAA, let alone the majors!

The Mighty Men · Post by **The Mighty Men** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:44 am

Hanson cannot be worse than Kawakami, who has been terrible. Hanson could also be WAY better.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:49 am

Originally posted by The Mighty Men:

Hanson cannot be worse than Kawakami, who has been terrible. Hanson could also be WAY better. Braves signed RHP Kenshin Kawakami to a three-year contract.

The deal is said to be worth around $23 million.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:49 am

Innings are innings. Minor league, major league. If they want to cap his innings for the season, yet keep running him out there in the minors...they must be motivated by the June 1st rule IMO.

The Mighty Men · Post by **The Mighty Men** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:50 am

Oliver Perez is getting paid alot, too.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:51 am

Originally posted by The Mighty Men:

Oliver Perez is getting paid alot, too. me think the mets have a lot more money to throw around (and waste)

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:53 am

Originally posted by ToddZ:

They have 4 MLB starters with Vazquez, Lowe, Jurrjens and Kawakami. They are keeping #5 warm for Tom Glavine, with Tim Hudson lurking.

I don't think they want to bounce Hanson around, when he's up, he's up for good. I don't think it has anything to do with innings or arbitration etc.

If the Glavine comeback fails, Hudson could be ready in August. Or maybe it is Tommy-time.

The wild card is Kawakami, who I think will still be okay. as usual, Todd is correct for the most part.

part of me is hoping meldin does good this week so that it buys glavine another week to get back to the majrs. if all 5 braves starters are healthy, hanson is a sept callup IMO.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:55 am

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko II:

[QUOTE]

part of me is hoping meldin does good this week so that it buys glavine another week to get back to the majrs. if all 5 braves starters are healthy, hanson is a sept callup IMO. Was it Quahogs that ripped me for being "some bad word" for rooting for the players of opponents to fail?

Tom Glaving sucked in 2007 and 2008, and is another year older. Can you say 1.80 WHIP and .290 batting average aginst in 2009? (my guess)

Retire with class. There's a new Tom in town!

[ May 19, 2009, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: sportsbettingman ]

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Tue May 19, 2009 9:57 am

Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

Was it Quahogs that ripped me for being "some bad word" for rooting for the players of opponents to fail?

i'm not rooting for anyone to fail. medlin does good. glavine does good. hanson does good (in the minors)

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue May 19, 2009 10:07 am

The Braves have to decide what comes first, business or competing for first place.

If it is business Kawakami gets every last chance to show that he can start in the Bigs and Glavine may get a shot at the 5th spot.

If it's competing, Medlen sticks if he throws well and Kawakami is given a short leash till June, upon which Hanson is called up for good. The Glavine contract can be eaten since it was incentive laden and Atlanta knew they were doing it as a service to Glavine's time in Atlanta.

Kawakami becomes an overpaid long reliever and 6th man.

Hudson becomes something they deal with when he is able to throw again.

Even if Hanson is called up in June, it still has been a business decision. Avoiding arbitration has had the Braves, Rays, and Orioles not put their best team on the field. Hanson, Price, and Weiters could have put up some extra wins for their clubs. It is something that should be addressed in the next contract between the players union and the league. It isn't fair to the player or the fans, only to ballclub's pocketbooks.

I am hoping that Tampa misses the playoffs by one game. Putting Price in the minors throwing four or five innings at a time after he helped them in the playoffs last year is a joke. I'm rooting for that joke to turn around and bite them on the ass.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue May 19, 2009 10:12 am

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko II:

quote:Originally posted by The Mighty Men:

Hanson cannot be worse than Kawakami, who has been terrible. Hanson could also be WAY better. Braves signed RHP Kenshin Kawakami to a three-year contract.

The deal is said to be worth around $23 million. [/QUOTE]Like I said, this decision must be motivated by money. Keep Hanson in the minors long enough to avoid Super 2 and pay the piper for Kawakami. But at the same time, they are 2.5 games out of first with a horrendous No. 4 starter and no guarantee that Glavine can do anything as a No. 5. Hanson should be called up.

You are correct, he is 2-3 in 8 starts, so he obviously doesn't know how to win.

He also has a 1.70 ERA and 64 strikeouts with only 14 walks in 47.2 innings. He's allowed 29 hits. When you're missing bats consistently at Triple-A, it's a good sign.

Last year at Double-A opponents hit .197 off him with 114 strikeouts in 98 innings. At Class A, opponents hit .116 off him. There's something special here and I understand the idea of not rushing him to the majors, but at some point someone has to see that he's better than Kawakami and play to win the pennant THIS YEAR.

But what the hell do I know. I'm just a game operator!!

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Tue May 19, 2009 10:14 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

Like I said, this decision must be motivated by money. aren't most

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue May 19, 2009 10:17 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

The Braves have to decide what comes first, business or competing for first place.

If it is business Kawakami gets every last chance to show that he can start in the Bigs and Glavine may get a shot at the 5th spot.

If it's competing, Medlen sticks if he throws well and Kawakami is given a short leash till June, upon which Hanson is called up for good. The Glavine contract can be eaten since it was incentive laden and Atlanta knew they were doing it as a service to Glavine's time in Atlanta.

Kawakami becomes an overpaid long reliever and 6th man.

Hudson becomes something they deal with when he is able to throw again.

Even if Hanson is called up in June, it still has been a business decision. Avoiding arbitration has had the Braves, Rays, and Orioles not put their best team on the field. Hanson, Price, and Weiters could have put up some extra wins for their clubs. It is something that should be addressed in the next contract between the players union and the league. It isn't fair to the player or the fans, only to ballclub's pocketbooks.

I am hoping that Tampa misses the playoffs by one game. Putting Price in the minors throwing four or five innings at a time after he helped them in the playoffs last year is a joke. I'm rooting for that joke to turn around and bite them on the ass. Perfect post Dan. I feel the same way. For the Orioles to think so little of their fan base that they would send Wieters to Triple-A after he proved in spring training that he was one of their best pitchers is unfair to your loyal fan base who wants to WIN NOW. It would be like NFL teams trading their veterans for next year's draft picks so they could save a little money this year and selling it off to their fans that they will be better for it NEXT YEAR.

It's unreal that Selig doesn't see the scam being played out in front of all of us with this stupid June 1 Super 2 rule. The media should be all over him to change that somehow, someway, RIGHT NOW. It's not good for baseball, it's not good for the players and it proves that even some teams are willing to forego success now if it saves them some money down the road.