It's time to put Jair Jurrjens on your Rookie of the Year watch. It's still early, but as the talk begins to swirl, let's not leave this guy behind.
With all the banter surrounding the hot starts of Clayton Kershaw, Jay Bruce, and Max Scherzer, Jurrjens has been lost in the crowd.
Brought over from Detroit in the Edgar Renteria deal, Jurrjens came without much fanfare. But, despite his less-than-spectacular 4.70 ERA last year, he threw four very solid outings at the end of the year.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Earning a spot in the Braves rotation this spring, Jurrjens has won five, lost three and thrown six quality starts. His Memorial Day outing was the only really rough start for him this year, in which he allowed three earned runs over four innings.
He doesn't have the electric stuff of the other two pitchers mentioned earlier, but he gets the job done on the ground. His low-90s fastball and changeup both have sink and his ground ball tendencies are key to his success.
Players without sick home-run or strikeout totals don't get noticed nearly as much. But, the Braves' hot start hasn't come simply because Chipper Jones.
This team has been winning because of its pitching. While Tim Hudson leads the team with seven wins, it can be argued that Jurrjens has been their most consistent starter.
At the end of the year, things may look a lot different than they do right now. But through the first two months of the season, Jurrjens has earned his place among the NL's top rookies.
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5 months ago
I truly agree, Jair is a dominate rookie, If he isnt considered deeply, then something is wrong with the system
-matt
5 months ago
When it's all said and done, he could be an afterthought. His blisters may set him back or an offensive guy, probably Bruce, could overshadow the pitchers. Because we all know chicks, and sports writers, love the long ball.
5 months ago
I agree %100. Jair has been dominate in his rookie year. An ace in waiting. Just makes the Tigers trade for Renteria that much worse. It was a foolish trade then, and it still is now.
5 months ago
He's good, but the ROY will be Geovanny Soto of the Cubs, hands down.
from 5 months ago
True, I didn't mean to slight him, but did.
5 months ago
What a trade that was for the Braves. Trade an aging shortstop for a solid #2 pitcher in Jurrjens and prospect Gorkys Hernandez who is hitting well in High-A Myrtle Beach. Can't wait to see the Tigers continue falling apart with no minor league talent and old major league talent....
Anyway, I agree Jurrjens will be in the running and deservedly so, but in the long run I agree with Bob. Soto has been tremendous and the flash of a player of his talent always win in these things.
from 5 months ago
Yeah, the Braves ripped off the Tigers. According to a Detroit writer, he saw Gorkys in the minors and said he liked him better than Maybin. Now, I'm sure that's overdoing it, but he's at least a very toolsy player.
5 months ago
Plus Soto is a catcher so I think that will put him over the top, providing, of course, he plays well. He is already starting to slump a bit, his average has dipped under .300 for the first time. But as long as he avoids prolonged slumps, a rookie catcher with his throwing ability, on a winning team (don't discount the popularity factor) and 25-30 homers will likely win the award. Fukudome is another good candidate but he's not a true rookie in my mind so I guess some writers will penalize him for his previous experience playing pro ball in Japan.
5 months ago
If Soto puts up the numbers you say, I would have no doubts he'd be the leading candidate.
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