By my count, every game in which Jurrjens has gotten the loss, the Braves have scored three runs or less, two of them being shutouts (Florida and Pittsburgh). The Braves averaged a pathetic 1.5 runs per game (14 runs total) in Jurrjens' nine losses.
There were six games this year where Jurrjens gave Atlanta a quality start (three ER or fewer in at least six innings) that the Braves' rookie got either a loss or a no-decision.
Looking at things subjectively, I'll agree that Soto will probably get the Rookie of the Year in the National League with the All-Star season he's been having. However, he's been hitting with runners on base in front of him most of the season and hasn't been forced to step up the way Jurrjens has.
I think Soto's numbers would look very different if the Cubs' three best hitters (Soriano, Derrek Lee, and Aramis Ramirez) were all absent from the order for weeks or months at a time.
You can't help but feel for Jair Jurrjens, though. He's been the Braves' only durable starter, as a 22-year-old rookie, no less. He's been remarkably consistent, yet hasn't been picked up by his offense or defense on many occasions, when he's pitched well enough for a win.
For his sake, I can only hope that the lack of offensive support and porous defense behind him changes his luck for the better in 2009.
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