The Atlanta Braves have long been an organization that has prided itself on superb starting pitching. The Big Three of future Hall of Famers, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz once made the Braves perennial contenders, and helped bring home a World Series trophy in 1995. Until last year, at least one of those three starting pitchers have anchored the Atlanta starting rotation as the club ace since 1991.

Oh, how things have changed!

Father time inevitably catches up with even the most talented of athletes, and unfortunately the sentimental reunion of John Smoltz and Tom Glavine on the Atlanta starting rotation last year was short-lived, as both starters soon found themselves placed on the DL for the season.

Smoltz abruptly left town for Boston after playing his entire career as an Atlanta Brave, and Glavine has been struggling to return while at the same time pondering retirement.

Recognizing the situation was dire, the Braves first attempted to land San Diego Padres ace, Jake Peavy, via trade, but to no avail.

Back up plans were soon realized by trading for Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Javier Vazquez and signing free agent pitcher Derek Lowe (two key components to Atlanta's starting rotation), who join last year's surprise ace, Jair Jurrjens.

However, perhaps the brightest glimmer of hope for the franchise is retained in rookie phenom fire hurler, Tommy Hanson.

Rated as the 4th best prospect in all of Major League Baseball by Baseball America, Hanson has demonstrated sheer dominance at every level dating back to the Arizona Fall League in 2008.

He was lights out in spring training this year, leading some to think he would make the starting rotation right out of the gates, and has been absolutely filthy at Triple-A Gwinett where he has averaged 13.2 strikeouts per 9 innings and posted a 1.65 ERA through 6 starts!

Yet, the Braves have yet to call him up.

There is an obvious need for him in the starting rotation, as fifth starter Jo-Jo Reyes is winless in his last 16 starts and was quickly tapped for 8 runs in the first five innings against divisional rival and defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Hanson is undoubtedly ready to pitch at the Major League level by what he has demonstrated at every level since last Fall and the only thing that could be holding the Braves organization back at this point from calling him up is a miserly philosophy of wanting to save a year of arbitration eligibility.

The Braves need to ask themselves whether they want to rob fans of a potential playoff season by waiting another month to keep Hanson in the minors for no other reason than pure financial shrewdness?

The time is clearly now for Hanson to make his Major League Debut!