What part of "Medlen is a great story and he's throwing some great games" didn't you get? He's pitching absolutely lights out. No question about it. But if he was on the Detroit Tigers and any human in America was making the pitching decisions... Justin Verlander would get the start.
And since you bring up the Cardinals, if they hold off LA, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Milwaukee, our rotation is set up to let Chris Carpenter get the start. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm completely ok with Carpenter's third start this year being in the one game wild-card playoff.... and I feel that way because Chris Carpenter has proven that he's more than just a ten game stretch of greatness. You pretty much know what you're getting with Carp whenever he takes the mound.
And another point... I don't want to face Medlen. He's been filthy. But I'd rather face Medlen than Verlander any day of the week.