Fantasy Stew with Chef TK

A BRAVE NEW WORLD

Hey kids. Every week I am bringing to the kitchen here at Atlanta Braves Nation a hosh posh of fantasy info, advice, and personal tips I hope can help you all reach the promise land in your fantasy leagues. Bascially, let's win you a stimulus package. To kick things off, I start respectively with a new brave.

They say pitching is contagious. Or was it swine flu? Lets hope the first is the case when talking about Kris Medlen. He gets the nod against the Rockies tomorrow night and sports a 5-0 record with a 1.96 ERA with AAA Gwinett. At first glance, Medlen appears more likely to hand Chipper a new bat than someone who should taking the mound but don't let the baby face fool you. He has a 44/10 K:BB ratio and should settle in nicely to the rotation. I believe you should take a chance on Medlen but dont expect a long term fix. Medlen is known to go after batters so alot is up to the defense behind him as well as his ability to shake off the Major League nerves. Also, the 5th spot for the braves seems destined to be a revolving door this season. Still, if Medlen can at least keep the Rockies in the park and have a decent outing, you'll be set up for great upside his next starts.


QUICKIES

David Ortiz has finally hit his first homer. Hurry up and buy low.

I'm not buying Raul Ibanez keeping up this pace. Citizen Bank Park in all its cupcake glory can be quite the mirage. Why do i sense a winter cool off in June?

David Wright has quietly regained form. Sit back and enjoy the homers.

Jimmy Rollins might have cement shoes the entire season when explaining his SBs but i still think he will turn things around...see if a owner has had enough.

In Detroit you should be riding the Rick Porcello train not the D Train.


ANSWER TIME!

Which 3-4 hitter combo do you like better?

* Tex and Arod

* Mauer and Morneau

USA USA USA!

Was tonight merely a repeat of the 1980 Olympics when Team USA made a miraculous comeback to beat the Russians? Well maybe not exactly...but in some sense, indeed it was! Team USA had some help from across the 50 states to make a ninth inning comeback versus Puerto Rico. 

USA trailed 5-3 heading into the bottom of the 9th facing elimination for the second straight game. Shane "The Flyin' Hawaiian" Victorino started things off in the 9th inning with a single. The boy from Down South, Brian Roberts followed up with a single of his own. Mr. Yankee, Derek Jeter had a sac-fly which allowed Victorino to move over to third base. Brian Roberts eventually stole second base and the kid from California, named Jimmy drew a walk which loaded the bases. With ducks on the pond the kid nicknamed Youk from Bean-Town drew a walk making it a one run ball game. 

Mr. Met (sigh...), hit a 2 run-blooper into right field to win the game! Team USA jolted out of the dugout onto the field as if a Starbucks had just opened up in the middle of nowhere...This was the first time I had seen the team get excited about anything since Game 1 of the tourny.

I was questioning manager Davey Johnson's gameplan all game for possibly not inspiring and motivating players enough. Maybe I was wrong...

This is an American sport, heck' it's America's Pastime! Let keep it that way!