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Could Braves shop Jurrjens?

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6 Comments
by
AxeGrappler
, 04-05-2011 at 01:47 AM (475 Views)
Jair Jurrjens once again finds himself on the DL as we begin the 2011 season.

I am excited to see how LHP Mike Minor will do in his absence. Righty starter Brandon Beachy pitched well today against Milwaukee. Beachy beat out Minor this spring for the 5th spot in the rotation. They both pitched well in late season call ups last year and both put up excellent numbers in the minors. With an all Righty rotation, in my opinion, it would be great to see Minor have success as a Lefty. If he pans out, and with Julio Teheran, a power arm nearly ready for the Bigs, waiting in the wings, perhaps the Braves could consider shopping Jurrjens.

Certainly a pitcher of Jurrjens caliber would bring interest from several pitching starved clubs. And the Braves may have need at CF if Nate McLouth cannot return to his former self.
Also, the Braves could shop for bullpen help if the Venters/Kimbrel closer situation does not work out, and/or add bench depth at other positions.

Jurrjens is a great young pitcher and the Braves rotation is better when he is a member of it, but if last years injury plagued season, and this seasons trip to the DL are precursors of things to come, then perhaps moving him would be in the best interest of the team.

At any rate, having this kind of pitching depth is a GREAT problem to have, and gives Atlanta the ability to possibly make a significant move or moves around trading deadline time. This is a talented team with outstanding potential in spite of the fact that they play in the same division as the Phillies.
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Comments

  1. AxeGrappler's Avatar
    Expanded article on the Jurrjens/Beachy/Minor situation on Yahoo!

    http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...to.html?cat=14
  2. AxeGrappler's Avatar
    Well, Minor and Beachy haven't made me look too good in their subsequent starts, but I still think making moves around these guys would make sense, and I'd hate to see Minor or Beachy go... We will have to see how Jurrjens does coming off the DL, he starts tomorrow vs Mets.
  3. Mr. Baseball's Avatar
    I saw Minor pitch at Miller Park earlier this season and I must admit I was less than impressed with his command. I'm not sure if this is an active concern for Minor, but If my memory serves me, I think he walked three batters in the first inning against the Crew.
  4. AxeGrappler's Avatar
    He did indeed walk 3 in the first and 4 overall in his spot start in Milwaukee. Apparently he was battling "nerves". I am sure he placed a lot of pressure on himself, having lost the battle for the 5th spot in the rotation after pitching well in spring training.

    Historically, however, command has not been an issue for Minor. He posted an impressive 3.9 to 1 strikeouts to walks ratio in 9 big league games last year, and has virtually identical numbers in his minor league career. IMO, Minor just needs to mature and develop strength. He tired in the late months of the season last year, his full season pro debut. Generally, Minor is regarded as having outstanding command of 3 pitches, his fastball, changeup and "slurvy" curveball.
  5. Mr. Baseball's Avatar
    Sounds like he should be fine once he get's settled in, he seemed to calm down as the game progressed.
  6. AxeGrappler's Avatar
    Absolutely. He's only 23, has pitched only one full season as a pro, and is already "the next guy" in order for the Braves rotation. With that kind of hype, and getting a start in the bigs in April, the adrenaline must have been overpowering! I can't imagine. Let's not overlook, however, that the Brewers are playing some pretty good ball so far, impressive considering all of the injuries they are dealing with out of the gate.
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