Brandon Beachy for 5th Starter

It's been rumored for a few days now but it's now official, Brandon Beachy will be the 5th starter. The Braves will go forward this season with five right handed pitchers in the rotation, which is something I have probably never witnessed before on the Braves. If they are all really good then who cares? I'm not disappointed nor really surprised at the selection, this isn't Rodrigo Lopez who got the job after all. Both Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy pitched very well and I'm sure the decision was difficult.

Mike Minor can get more time in the minors, work on solidifying his pitches and not have to face major league caliber hitters. It also sets his arbitration clock back. Plus, struggles in the Majors can cause a player to lose confidence.

Here is yet another article from TalkingChop discussion the decision.

"Brandon Beachy had a monster breakout season in 2010, and even pitched for the club in September down the stretch. He doesn't really have too much left to prove in the Minor Leagues. Beachy, 24, went 0-2 in his short stint with the Braves last year, but he was a victim of low run support. He posted a strong ERA of 3.00, and his FIP (2.48) and xFIP (3.93) show he could put up pretty similar numbers in 2011. Especially considering that two of his starts were against the Phillies vaunted offense."