Oh CRAP:
Braves pitcher Jair Jurrjens has a sore right shoulder and will travel to Atlanta later this week for an MRI exam, which team officials hope will rule out significant injury to one of the key members of the club's rotation.
Two persons familiar with the situation said Jurrjens had lingering soreness in the shoulder after arriving early at the Braves spring training headquarters in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The young standout arrived in camp a week before pitchers and catchers are due to report Friday.
Hopefully this is just the usual early spring injury scare that's really just a bit of fatigue and "muscle shock" (?). The article also mentions this:
He has had some issue with shoulder weakness in the past, but not since he began an offseason strengthening program. Jurrjens now undergoes specialized shoulder workouts early in the offseason in Tampa before returning home to Curacao.
Let's hope the MRI puts our fears to rest and this injury can be overcome with patience and rehab.
0 recs | 209 comments
Barf.
Hope this isn’t anything to worry about.
KoKo the Monkey (T-Bone) - February 15, 2010
I’m actually physically sick after reading this…Please be nothing, please be nothing, please be nothing.
CaptainRockSxD - February 15, 2010 via mobile
this.
I just got nauseous
Zeus12888 - February 15, 2010
Who’s behind Medlen in the SP depth, is it Jo-Jo or Redmond?
TradeAndruw - February 15, 2010
Uh oh
This is why you don’t trade Vasquez; 6 starters isnt enough
granman29 - February 15, 2010
What other team has more than six starters of our caliber (1-6)?
Serious about the SP depth chart after Medlen though. Am I forgetting anyone, any darkhorse candidates to look for in ST?
TradeAndruw - February 16, 2010
Heyward could probably fill in as our #5 if needed
Scott Coleman - February 16, 2010
Options would be JoJo, Redmond, Johnny Venters, Jose Ortegano, Kyle Cofield, and maybe even Mike Minor.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
I can't see Minor breaking camp...
and you’d only need them for I’m guessing 2 or 3 starts in April, which would give Jurrjens plenty of time between now and then to rest, recover, and get back on a mound by the first week of May.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
I can’t see Minor breaking camp either, but h asked for who’s next on the list and the guy will at least be in camp. You never know, he wouldn’t be the first high level college player to surprise somebody.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
Unless JJ is a severe injury though...
it makes no sense to start Minors clock now. We’ve got Medlen, among several others who can fill in for a month or two. If JJ is expected out all year, and Minor has an amazing camp, then maybe. Otherwise, I can’t see him above Mississippi if not Myrtle. We just have so many others already in the pipes like Ortegano, Redmond, Reyes, etc that it makes no sense to rush him unless we had a full season spot open, and even then it may be too many innings on his young arm to load him up that way.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
I’m not advocating it in any way, I’m just saying it’s one of a lot of possible outcomes. Personally I think he should start out at Myrtle Beach for at least a month or two.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
dont we have abit of a logjam down in Myrtle Beach SP wise…or is that ROme…if it is both I can see Minor starting in Mississippi
Swo12bv - February 16, 2010
He’s gotta earn it though. He’s not gonna go to AA just because there are too many guys at High A. If they think he belongs at High A he’ll be there, and a few other guys will get pushed back.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
I think it's Reyes
but this early they can’t have an idea
REG233710 - February 15, 2010
I’d think Medlen would come back out of the BP before they go to one of those two.
J-Freak - February 15, 2010
it's the ghost...
of Mike Hampton.
mdhenshaw - February 15, 2010
Bite your tongue….
dragonhawk26 - February 16, 2010 via mobile
lol
drumzalicious - February 16, 2010
There goes the first
round matchup in the playoffs vs the Cubs down the drain! :)
vr, Xei
Xeifrank - February 15, 2010
Son of a.
Does anyone have an idea when he’ll the MRI results?
alligatorimpersonator - February 15, 2010
Mother of all fucks
Not only do we REALLY need a healthy JJ, he’s also the de facto ace of my keeper league staff. FUCK ME SIDEWAYS.
J-Freak - February 15, 2010
i hear that…its messed up to have ur fantasy season tank in Feb
Swo12bv - February 16, 2010
Please PRAY!
I’m praying that this is nothing significant. Worst news I’ve heard all day. gondeee said it best, “oh CRAP”!
WNWDOTCOM - February 15, 2010
Medlen is ready…
justincredubil02 - February 15, 2010
I’d secretly like to see Medlen get a good amount of starts this year. Let’s all calm down about this.
TradeAndruw - February 15, 2010
I agree...
Saw Medlin post his first win as a starter in PHX last year and he looked great. Stretch him out during the spring and he would make a decent 4 or 5 if we need him to. Not the end of the world guys. I don’t want to hear about people jumping off of overpasses when the results are not even in yet.
I Saw Buzz Beaned - February 16, 2010
This
royhobbs - February 16, 2010
Crap
its good he came to ST early maybe we catch this in time before it turns into something worse
Erihury - February 15, 2010
All it will take is a rotator-cuff surgery for JJ in April, a blown out elbow in May for Hanson, and a ruptured achilles tendon in June for McCann and we can start the trade deadline firesale.
by homerlanding on Feb 11, 2010 7:09 AM PST
It looks like I predicted this last week.
homerlanding - February 15, 2010
I wouldnt brag about that if I were you
Shoert - February 15, 2010
WOW dude
“You’re Amazing”
SmithnCompany - February 15, 2010
You know, you could insert any team’s top players in there…it wouldn’t make you any less of a jackass for saying it.
justincredubil02 - February 15, 2010
I agree.
fandave - February 16, 2010
It’s not like he cold ever beat you in that category.
FitzFan - February 17, 2010
BURN HIM!
CaptainRockSxD - February 15, 2010 via mobile
Lighten up, Frances. It’s just a game.
homerlanding - February 15, 2010
If you throw enough shit at the wall…
Smoltz's Beard - February 16, 2010
…you end up with puke on the floor.
Yakker - February 16, 2010
Have you seen the poop swatches?...
I’m thinking of a nice Baby Green in the living room, or perhaps the Nut-n-Corn crunch.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
+1
Classic episode.
Smoltz's Beard - February 16, 2010
fuck
fuck fuck fuck.
PLEASE don’t be serious.
Scott Coleman - February 15, 2010 via mobile
Question
I find it tacky to pray about sports, but is praying for someone’s health a loophole? If so this loophole is about to be in the shape of a rosary
foxrobe - February 15, 2010
You may be on to something.
Gage23 - February 15, 2010
I'm praying
that homerlanding is wrong on his predictions and that JJ pitches lights out all season long!
HEYJUDE - February 16, 2010
I included Jair in my daily prayers this morning. It’s not tacky to pray about anyone’s health
eaheckman10 - February 16, 2010
I swear to God
No matter what we have, bring in or have high hopes the Braves always getting fucked every single time regarding injuries. Granted JJ is great young arm I just hope we have someone in the minors ready to step up b/c the last thing we need is another Jo-Jo Reyes apperance. I really hope this is just a precaution and we better not pitch JJ one single time in spring training and let his arm rest which is coming anyway.
The key to this team sucess as we have all agreed on earlier in the offseason is staying healthy. Losing JJ would kill us and it would be hard to recoup well I guess it is going to be a typical Braves start to another season play like crap for the first two or three mths and try to play well above .500 after the all-star break and miss the playoffs again.
damn it all ~ to fucking hell it never fails.
Holty_Panthers_Fan - February 15, 2010
Coming from a Mets fan, you could do alot worse than JoJo Reyes.
Just look at the shit we’ve had to watch for the last three years when a starter gets hurt.
Stephen Schmidt - February 16, 2010
Haha, thanks for the perspective. It’s comforting to know that no matter what, we won’t have to put up with Oliver Perez
Jacob Peterson - February 16, 2010
I'd rather see Perez out there than Brian Lawrence or Pat Misch.
At least there’s a one in a million chance Ollie can be good for a day.
Stephen Schmidt - February 16, 2010
Tat said, I still hate Perez.
It’s just that our “plan B” sucks even worse.
Stephen Schmidt - February 16, 2010
Especially against the Braves
I still dread the feeling of all through 2007 and 2008 when Perez was constantly “effectively wild” and was like 5-2 against the Braves in that stretch or something, despite allowing base-runners and walks, but striking his way out of jams over and over again, before taking those running leaps over the baseline on the way back to the dugout.
royhobbs - February 16, 2010
we should probably all go drink some poison koolaid
since this is obviously the end of the entire world
Skyagusta - February 16, 2010
oh yeah...
I’m with ya. I prefer orange.
sddbaker - February 16, 2010
I hope he’s ok…
Lowe
Hudson
Hanson
Kawakami
Medlen/Reyes,Armas
Just doesn’t look like a playoff rotation to me. Wonder if the Yankees would take Melky, Dunn and Vizcaino back.
bighop - February 15, 2010
Armas is long gone.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
How is Lowe, Hudson, Hanson, Kawakami and Medlen not still one of the top rotations in baseball?
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
top 10 for sure
Maybe top 5, if Hudson is his old self and Lowe returns to form.
The question then is whether the offense can make up for the loss of JJ.
Jacob Peterson - February 16, 2010
eh, it looks pretty average to me.
soup du jour - February 16, 2010
Decent at the top, Great in the middle and Good at the bottom – which is tons better than Great at the top average in the middle and poor at the bottom – which is what most rotations consist of.
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
This is an excellent point. Having something more than filler at the bottom of the rotation more than makes up for not having a true “ACE”
eaheckman10 - February 16, 2010
Maybe we should have Ceranto sacrifice a chicken to the Baseball Gods?
CaptainRockSxD - February 15, 2010 via mobile
Gotta love Jobu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3g2N4oX3VA
Scott Coleman - February 15, 2010
Cerrano*
Swo12bv - February 16, 2010
Worst case scenario
Pedro Martinez or John Smoltz?
bighop - February 15, 2010
I choose
Kris Medlen.
Bronn - February 15, 2010
probablt
the best choice.
bighop - February 15, 2010
I choose
Ben Richards
TradeAndruw - February 16, 2010
In the spirit of CaptainRock SxD ^^
Rick Vaughn!!!
J-Freak - February 16, 2010
Sadly I would prefer Charlie Sheen to Jo-Jo
CaptainRockSxD - February 16, 2010 via mobile
I hear he actually wasn’t half-bad during his collegiate days. Give him six weeks to tune up and throw him in there. He couldn’t possibly be worse than JoJo.
J-Freak - February 16, 2010
I choose
Pikachu!?
mad_dog_maddux - February 16, 2010
+1
Smoltz's Beard - February 16, 2010
I'd be willing to sign either one and bring them along slowly...
both could be solid starters for half a season. For sentimental reasons, I’d like Smoltz.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
I think...
Smoltz o Medlen…
mexicobraves - February 16, 2010
Okay….48 days left until opening day. Even if this is an issue, let’s just say he misses the first week or so of the season while he’s still trying to get his arm into shape. Maybe we don’t even miss a start, he just ends up being used at the 5th man.
A bad outlook that might not end up being bad.
Bronn - February 15, 2010
Hope your right
If it’s really a problem, we’ve got a problem. Medlen was good from the pen, I always hoped he get another chance to start, but not at the expense of JJ.
bighop - February 15, 2010
Relax Guys.
!Vive la Francoeur! - February 16, 2010
you should change your name to !Vive la Omar Minaya!
Scott Coleman - February 16, 2010
This news about Jurrjens has all of those who thought that trading Javy was “the worst trade ever” crawling out of their holes…sigh.
alligatorimpersonator - February 16, 2010
Just wait till morning this place will be Mad House.
CaptainRockSxD - February 16, 2010 via mobile
Too true.
Smoltz's Beard - February 16, 2010
John Smoltz… come on down.
If there is anything to this, we need another starter pronto. We need someone because Hanson will need to have his innings limited and we still don’t know how Kawakami will respond to a full season’s worth of starts.
I’m holding my breath.
jeg - February 16, 2010
Good thing we didn’t blow that 3 to 5 mil on Damon!
scstrato - February 16, 2010
+500
CaptainRockSxD - February 16, 2010 via mobile
jeg - February 16, 2010
We dont need to go out and buy something we already have:
Kris Medlen
JoJo Reyes
Mike Minor
I mean, it isn’t like we are thin or only 6 deep at SP.
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
Why rush Minor?...
he hasn’t even had a full minor league season. We’ve got Ortegano, Redmond, Jojo, Medlen, Venters, Diamond, etc. I can’t see Minor getting a call this year unless homerlanding is Nostradamus.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
Just a name of someone we have internally. I am not advocating that it be him, but it would be a better option than going out and blowing our nest egg on a washed up has-been.
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
If we're just naming internal guys...
why not Julio Teheran or Andy Otero? How about Cole Rohrbough? Minor seems more likely to pitch this year than any of them, but that doesn’t mean he has any chance of making an appearance before the 4th of July, if not after September.
And personally, I’d prefer an incentive laden minor league deal to Smoltz (let him start slow, get a bonus if he makes the roster and bigger bonus if he starts 10+) than Minor this year.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
I was just throwing names out there…sheesh.
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
So was I, sheesh
care to comment on the more debatable point of Smoltz vs. Minor?
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
Is Smoltz a better pitcher than Minor? Of course.
Is Smoltz worth spending millions of dollars on instead of paying Minor the league minimum? Doubtful.
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
Would Smoltz demand "millions of dollars"?
Judging by the current market for his services, this is also doubtful. Hence why I said, an incentive laden minor league deal with bonuses should he make the roster and then another if he reaches 50+ innings. He’s also just one name of several veteran arms that could be had, some cheaper than others and several likely willing to settle for league minimum.
I just see no need to rush Minor before he proves himself, and we have no idea what he’ll “prove” this season.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
Yes
He’s publicly said, or at least his “agent(s)”, that he’s looking for a $4 to $5 mil major league offer.
Also, IIRC, that kind of offer is what prompted Smoltz to join the Red Sox last year so why would he accept it this year?
scstrato - February 16, 2010
Fair enough...
then go to another free agent. It doesn’t have to be Smoltz.
Although if he’s demanding that much, I’m doubting anyone will give it to him; kind of like Johnny Damon’s “demand” of $13 or so.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
He just got a $14M offer…
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
Not for a single season...
which was the original desire.
Mr. Sanchez - February 17, 2010
Gotcha.
justincredubil02 - February 17, 2010
That’s not really fair. Of course we don’t want to have to rush Minor but as an advanced college pitcher, he should be in AA pretty quick. Assuming he does well there he would be in line after some of the other guys mentioned.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
Assuming a lot aren't we?...
A) that he either starts in AA or is moved there quickly
B) he excels in AA
C) we suffer a severe run of injuries to starters
D) Minor has excelled above several others with more time in the system and who have experience in the AA or AAA levels (if not both) to the point where we call him up before them
As I say multiple times, with his lack of experience, I don’t see Minor that high up on the list at this point. Yes, he is an ’advanced college pitcher", but that fails to account for guys like Ortegano, Reyes, Medlen, Cofield, Diamond, Redmond, Venters, and numerous others who would likely be ahead of him on the pecking order TODAY (meaning what each individual P does this year is undetermined so saying Minor excels and advances swiftly is similar to saying the same about Ortegano or Cofield or Reynoso, among others).
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
A college pitcher going to AA in their second season is not a great assumption. It’s pretty normal. As for the rest of it, yes, a lot of things would have to happen which is what this discussion is about. Who would be in line should such a rash of injuries occur. My list would go something like Medlen, Reyes, Redmond, Venters, then either Ortegano or Minor. I’m not a Diamond believer so I don’t think he’ll be pitching well enough to warrant consideration. Coefield had more walks than strikeouts last year so let’s nix that one right there.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
The assumption wasn't so much him making AA...
as it was him excelling there to the point he surpasses others.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
Which others are you talking about? I still put him behind Reyes, Redmond, and Venters. You could maybe make a case for Reynoso but at this point there aren’t any others I see that he would be behind.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
Ortegano, Diamond for me although you disagree...
and at this point, I’d put him behind a lot of others, especially if we’re talking about opening day should Jurrjens need time to rest and recover, or for fewer than 5 starts at most over a month or two at any point this season (xcept maybe in September after rosters expand).
Again, AT THIS POINT, meaning how each individual pitches in the minors this year will impact that decision if and when the time comes.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
Yeah, this is really a pointless discussion because it would hopefully take several months to go through 4 replacement starters which is where I think Minor’s turn would arrive. At that point we would have 2010 data to go off of which is purely conjecture at this point.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
Conejecture and specualtion...
say Minor balls out through July 4, excels in 2-3 starts at Myrtle, another 10 in Mississip, and rises to Gwinnett where he throws an 8 inning no-hitter before succumbing to a strained biceps that puts him on the shelf for 3-4 weeks.
I’ve probably failed to say it well, but projecting Minor as pitching in Atlanta this year, while possible, is purely a guess and dependant on too much to say for sure. It’s unlikely at best that he starts a game before September, if even then.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
I would agree with all of that. I guess I’m just saying that this discussion has to include conjecture because we aren’t talking about who would replace JJ on the opening day roster. We are talking about what would happen if a number of things happened over time. Our rotation depth chart will certainly change from now to then. I’m lifting Minor through the ranks of our rotation depth because I don’t think several guys you mentioned are legitimate options based on what I’ve seen so far from their development.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
Yeah, I hadn’t even added guys like Reynoso and Diamond, who should certainly be ahead of Minor in 2010, along with Ortegano, Redmond, Reyes, Venters, and Coefield.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
Arguments can be made for Reynoso and Diamond. I think there is a really good chance he passes them quickly in 2010 as rotation options but that’s just guessing. No argument can be made for Coefield. Sorry. Of course it’s improbable but our depth is what it is barring any other moves (which would probably be made should such injuries occur) and Minor is in the conversation.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
That too...
should enough injuries occur to get Minor in the conversation, we likely sign a veteran or two that bump him back down the list.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
No argument can be made for Coefield? Well, he’s on the 40 man already, so that’s a good start for an argument. He’s pitched pretty decently the last two years and seems to be getting better, which is another good piece of an argument. I wouldn’t put him at the top of the list, but he’s definitely in the discussion.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
On the 40-man: true although that in and of itself should hardly warrant consideration for a rotation spot.
Pitched decently last two years: his ERA has been ok but his peripherals have been terrible.
Getting better: his ERA went up and his K/BB decreased from bad to terrible.
I’m not saying he doesn’t have potential but he has a long way to go before he earns MLB rotation talk in my view.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
Pitched 25 more innings, his WHIP was basically even while pitching at a higher level, he gave up one fewer hit per 9 innings, and his K/BB went from 1.21 to 0.98, so I don’t know how that’s terrible. If you don’t see how pitching roughly the same wile making the jump from one level to the next is improvement, I can’t help you. Most guys get worse as they go up, so even if he’s only staying the same, he’s still improving.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
Of course I understand that. But at some point you have to show some decent numbers and peripherals. Maintaining a terrible WHIP and K/BB ratio between levels is hardly cause for celebration. I’ll give you his hit rate. That’s pretty nice but a 0.98 K/BB??? That’s beyond terrible.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
I’m still not seeing how he was terrible. He pitched deep into games and was effective enough to basically be the team’s best starter. He’s not a top flight prospect but the guy isn’t horrible.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
0.98 K/BB, 1.50 WHIP, 5.69 BB/9
Those are some very disturbing numbers. And they are much better indicators than innings pitched, relative performance to other starters, or even ERA for that matter.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
Yet for some reason the team chose to protect him from the Rule V draft, at the expense of Edgar Osuna. Could it be that he’s actually a lot better than you’re giving him credit for and the numbers really aren’t telling the whole tale?
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
You asked for terrible and I gave you terrible. I’m not sure what to say if your best argument is “I guess they know something we don’t”, but I’ll take predictive stats over IP and rotation spot any day.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
If they were so predictive wouldn’t he have been considerably worse with the jump to AA? Most folks consider that the biggest jump in baseball and he barely had a hiccup with it. His numbers were consistent as he went up a level. The numbers aren’t great, and they’re not indicating that he’ll be much of a major leaguer, but to say he’s terrible is just wrong. You’re looking at the numbers without the context, which is my number one issue with statheads.
cbwilk - February 17, 2010
I’m not a stathead, but anyways, I know there’s not much you can go on with him but I’ll say it again: if the best thing a guy has going for him is that he can pitch consistently terrible through a level jump, well, that just doesn’t really cut it.
ajones2522 - February 17, 2010
I’m not a stathead, but my whole argument for why he’s terrible are these peripheral stats that most folks don’t ever think about…Whatever man, I guess we’ll see how he does this year at AAA. My guess is he pitches about the same as the last 2 years, which to me will still be an improvement cause it’ll be against AAA hitters.
cbwilk - February 17, 2010
Don’t ever think about? Really? K/BB and WHIP are not stathead stats. They are mainstream stats used by all talent evaluators. As for the rest of it you are arguing in circles so I’m done with it.
ajones2522 - February 17, 2010
Good, I’ve been done with it. Now I’m just waiting for Kyle to pitch great this year and shove it up your ass.
cbwilk - February 17, 2010
I commend your faith.
ajones2522 - February 17, 2010
This is just ridiculous. Putting Minor’s name up there as a guy who could possibly pitch for Atlanta this year is perfectly reasonable and you’re just being obtuse. If you really don’t understand why there’s a chance that he could pitch in the Majors at some point, why that chance is much higher than the ones for the guys you sarcastically mentioned, then I’ve greatly overestimated your knowledge of the game.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
At least you caught I was being sarcastic...
YEAH FOR SARCASM FONT!
But I think it’s different to say he “could possibly pitch” this year, and putting him on the list of possible starters should Jurrjens MRI find severe problems. Could he make a start in August or September? Sure, if things fall just right for him and wrong for a lot of others. But that IF is a pretty big one, and the idea of him making the club out of spring training seems only slightly more likely than those I mentioned, which is akin to saying Burdlecutt is taller than Willow. Sure, he’s taller, but they’re both pretty short.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
Yeah, that’s where I’m at. If you go to the top and find my first post on things, I mention five guys then say and maybe Minor. He should definitely be way down the list.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
I don't get Minor being included there.
I’m not a Braves fan and don’t follow their farm system too closely, but what would make people think he might be ready to jump to the majors after only 14 low A innings? I was under the impression that he was more of a control guy, so his success in the sally league shouldn’t really surprise. Not trying to be snarky or anything, I just honestly wonder if I’m missing something since I’ve seen his name several times in this thread.
Stephen Schmidt - February 16, 2010
I don’t really think anyone thinks Minor would be ready to contribute heavily in the Majors by opening day, but most folks think by the end of the year, and definitely by the opening of 2011, he’ll be ready, so his name is just one that’s being thrown out at the end of a list of other guys as a possibility. For whatever reason most folks are discounting guys like JoJo Reyes, Todd Redmond, Johnny Venters, Jose Ortegano, and Kyle Cofield, all of whom would be much more likely to make an appearance, at least early in the season, before Minor.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
Is that just fan speculation, or is there anything that might indicate that out of the organization or media?
I know the Braves have a history of bringing guys up from the lower levels of the minors, but I think even that would be a reach in this case. I just haven’t heard much about him other than reading the comment threads here (and most reviews I read hated him at #7), so talk of him possibly being in the majors this season surprised me.
Stephen Schmidt - February 16, 2010
I’d expect to see him in AA pretty soon if he pitches well at high-A. That’s a pretty normal development path for an advanced college pitcher. Obviously being in the majors next year would be quick but he’s not that far off from AA which would make him ready at some point next season should he be pressed into action.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
You’re right. Minor isn’t ready yet. But if we go through 2 or 3 replacement starters and he is pitchign well in AA, he would probably be next in line. It would take an unfortunate combination of injuries and ineffectiveness for that scenario to play out though.
ajones2522 - February 16, 2010
So your not concerned about Kawakami holding up after he was protected last year? Tim Hudson doesn’t have an extensive injury history but he’s a 5-10 mid 30’s pitcher. Those smaller guys who rely on torque don’t have the best aging patterns and while he may be healthy now, he’s likely going to get nicked up moreso than he has in the past.
As far as the other options, I take it as a given that at some point Medlen will be making starts for Kenshin, Hanson, or Hudson. Medlen’s arm, having never thrown more than 120 innings in a season, is absolutely not ready to make 30 starts. Medlen is probably going to be a key cog in the bullpen and is also a very necessary safety net for our late 30’s back end of the bullpen. JoJo has pretty clearly shown to me that he isn’t a major league starter and I am in no way willing to rely on him.
We have a great 6th option for the rotation but beyond that, I don’t see many guys who could in the game for 5 innings. If Jurrjens needs surgery and is done for the year, IMO we absolutely need another starter.
jeg - February 16, 2010
I don’t see it. He threw a combined 194 innings last year between AAA and Atlanta. Depending on who you ask, the rule of thumb is not to exceed a pitcher’s previous year’s inning total by anywhere from 30 to 50 innings. For the sake of argument, let’s take the most conservative of those measures. Are we really afraid Hanson is going to exceed 224 innings by a considerable margin? What, Is he gonna be the 2nd and 5th starter all at once?
Hanson’s arm will be just fine.
J-Freak - February 16, 2010
I’d rather keep him below 200 innings again this year, if possible. There’s no point in stretching him out too much-we don’t want to blow his arm out.
Bronn - February 16, 2010
If we are a playoff team, he could easily add anywhere from 12-40 postseason innings. Additionally, minor league innings are not as stressful as major league innings and take generally take fewer pitches to complete. His body is probably not built to the point where he can be entirely thrown to the wolves. I would suspect the Braves will limit his innings for his first 5 starts or so but its so given that he’s ready for 220+ innings
jeg - February 16, 2010
Seriously...
IF….IF JJ has shoulder issues…I would be willing to sign Smoltz for 2 million and incentives. I would then let him, Reyes, and Medlen compete for the last spot. If smoltz wins out he offers good insurance as a #4/5 starter…plus there is the PR factor…and the easier transition to a front office role with the Braves.
If Medlen wins then Smoltz moves into the bullpen. If he doesn’t want to do that he can fake some kind of elbow pain and go on the DL and become some unofficial coach for the team.
I would love to see Reyes come on strong…but I am just not sold that he is going to work out in a Braves uniform. I think he could work somewhere…but not here. For whatever reason our coaching staff is not getting through to him. I wish they would lock him up with Tom Glavine for 4 weeks on an island and let Tommy beat it in to him!
Someone mentioned it earlier….Hanson should be good…but he is going to be limited with the innings he pitches…and will likely have to be held back to make sure he has something left for the end of the season. That being said…someone is going to have to pick up at least 7-10 starts in his place throughout the season. Therefore if JJ is down for an extended period of time…you still need a decent spot starter to take Hanson starts…plus the occasional pulled muscle from the rest of he stafff.
Therefore..the better question isn’t who would replace JJ..but who would be the next guy in queue.
calbers - February 16, 2010
Like he’d be cool with that.
TradeAndruw - February 16, 2010
This scares the crap out of me.
FineHamAbounds - February 16, 2010
Deep breaths everyone…
I can only imagine how worried he is right now. Feel for ya, Surgeon.
Lizziebeth - February 16, 2010
Calm down everyone...
Lets stop acting like we have lost Jurrjens for the season. Its most likely just tendonitis and he will be ready to get a few ST starts.
bbxxj - February 16, 2010
Somewhat calmer now. Let’s make sure its official, though, before we throw a party.
oVecKid - February 16, 2010
Also from DOB
bbxxj - February 16, 2010
DOB is under-estimating, many of us are over-estimating.
by now jair likely has firm beliefs about the differences between routine muscle soreness and a problem. so, at the very least, we can be sure that jair believes something is wrong; but, as DOB points out, the MRI will settle all, and hopefully it will show that this is a small issue or that the problem only exists in jair’s head, and if the latter is the case then hopefully it won’t develop into an entirely new problem.
brndn - February 16, 2010
This just reeks of something....
MRI will at first come back negative, then he will pitch well 2 games, then poor 5 games, then get shelled for a few games before getting put on DL. Then shoulder surgery by all star break. Haven’t we seen SO MANY similar injuries to this before on our team? This could be a dagger in our back and ST hasn’t even started yet……
fizzbot - February 16, 2010
10-4 - February 16, 2010
Yo this picture is amazing, where was it taken?
fizzbot - February 16, 2010
not a clue, got it off photobucket. can you see it? all i see is a notification that this guy’s account has been inactive for 90 days. it showed up when i posted it.
10-4 - February 16, 2010
That notfication is probably...
the most common image on these here interwebs.
Mr. Sanchez - February 16, 2010
Jamie Kotsay
Begs to differ
royhobbs - February 16, 2010
You tease
No picture?
Yakker - February 16, 2010
(RABBLE…. RABBLE….. OUTRAGE)
Swo12bv - February 16, 2010
D'aww
royhobbs - February 16, 2010
My Precious
Thanks. Needed a smile today.
Yakker - February 16, 2010
she looks like a good player.
fandave - February 16, 2010
Too skinny.
TradeAndruw - February 16, 2010
Sarcasm font…I hope.
cbwilk - February 17, 2010
I agree.
FitzFan - February 17, 2010
We won! We won!!!
Wait…ah fuck, it’s only February.
Sheesh.
Lizziebeth - February 17, 2010
AW, come on ! are you serious! this **************************************************** sucks
hawves - February 16, 2010
I don’t know of too many 51-letter swear words…and yes, I am that big of a loser to where I actually counted…
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
haha, well played
Smoltz's Beard - February 16, 2010
supercalifragilisticexpialodof**k. ’ ’/
oVecKid - February 16, 2010
Rec’d for awesomeness!
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
x D
oVecKid - February 16, 2010
make it green?
Swo12bv - February 16, 2010
We've seen this before
The MRI will come back negative and everything will be structurally sound. Then, he’ll suck it up in spring and April and have surgery around sometime in May…..
He’ll be out for all of 2010 and part of 2011 in recovery of rotator cuff surgery.
Dustin McGowan, folks.
NEBravesFan33 - February 16, 2010
Look at what I just posted two comments above you...
fizzbot - February 16, 2010
Hey
This looks familiar to something I just read…
eaheckman10 - February 16, 2010
This is my fault
Guys, this is my fault…just yesterday I ordered the MLB Extra Innings package through DirectTV. I had big plans on watching a ton of Braves games this year. So I take responsibility for this. I’ll get right on cancelling my subscription. :)
dunnytwogloves - February 16, 2010
Quick everybody, let’s do the chicken little freakout dance!
3-2-1 Lets Go!
bbxxj - February 16, 2010 via mobile
Bill Shanks said this morning that Braves camp people don’t think its a big deal.
bwellnjonesco - February 16, 2010
Shanks needs to stop talking to these ‘Braves people’ and start looking at this thread because then he would know that Jurrjens’ career is over, just plain over.
bbxxj - February 16, 2010
Jeez people.
Calm down. This is embarrassing.
sddbaker - February 16, 2010
No kidding!!
Cammando2317 - February 16, 2010
Swo12bv - February 16, 2010
My cat...
has that costume.
sddbaker - February 17, 2010
how do you get hurt this bad before ST
he’s been doing too much working out on his own? Trying to get a head start for another dominant season? Not a good call, I think he’s due $500k this season. Getting season ending surgery would demolish his future earning potential. How else does a guy go for an MRI before ST??? Boo Jair, Boo!
nathan rothschild - February 16, 2010
When I say chop-sticks, ya’ll say stew! Chop-sticks, ____! Chop-sticks, ____! Now when I say birthday sauce, y’all say the Braves are just being extra cautious with some seemingly minor arm pain in their top flight young starter! Birthday Sauce, ____! Birthday Sauce, ____!
bwellnjonesco - February 16, 2010
The Braves are just being extra cautious with some seemingly minor arm pain their top flight young starter!
sddbaker - February 16, 2010
Haha, rec’d
bbxxj - February 16, 2010
He said he felt a twinge flipping a ball to someone. I’m not sure how that is his fault.
I’m pretty confused about what you are booing about. You would rather guys not train before the season or would you have them go to some Voodoo doctor to garuntee perfect health….
bbxxj - February 16, 2010
the saints did just win the Super Bowl…
Skyagusta - February 16, 2010
How do you get hurt HOW bad? We don’t know, so let’s just take a step back from that ledge…
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
So
Basically everyone is over reacting
Erihury - February 16, 2010
"He said he felt a twinge flipping a ball to someone. "
you find that believable? Are you stupid?
nathan rothschild - February 16, 2010
1. Yes
2. No
bbxxj - February 16, 2010
I feel a twinge in the morning sometimes when I sleep on my arm wrong. Usually it is when I turn the covers down or something…does that mean it is a significan injury?
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
Well
according to everyone you need an MRI and TJ surgery and your career is over
Erihury - February 16, 2010
Don’t forget the rotator cuff surgery on top of the TJ. Its like a 5 year recovery time.. minimum.
bbxxj - February 16, 2010
Screw that
just amputate it
Erihury - February 16, 2010
Yeah, its all over anyways.
bbxxj - February 16, 2010
Brandon Inge
Strained his oblique reaching for a pillow while napping with his infant child. Anything is possible in the human body.
Chipper once strained his back reaching for his sunglasses in the middle of an interview with either Joe Simpson or Jerome Jurenovich, and had to be lifted from a game.
royhobbs - February 16, 2010
Whenever I read a story like that I feel like it’s complete fabrication. Usually the guy hurt himself doing something dumb and they concoct a fun story to cover. The best was when Ricky Bones hurt himself in a bar fight and they said he did it reclining in a clubhouse chair.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
or
Sammy Sosa throwing his back out on a sneeze.
Yakker - February 16, 2010
Mike Hampton strained his back getting out of a hot tub.
The reality is all too real.
alligatorimpersonator - February 16, 2010
Tom Glavine cracked a rib opening a bag of chips.
FineHamAbounds - February 16, 2010
Plan B:
Pull Medlen out of the BP, replace him with:
GeneParmesan - February 16, 2010
+1 piccy
oVecKid - February 16, 2010
It's worse than we thought
Chipper hurt his thumb playing golf in the offseason. We can pretty much say that both Chipper and Jurrjens will never play another game.
TradeAndruw - February 16, 2010
I say...
…just shoot’em now.
sddbaker - February 16, 2010
Jair Jurrjens...
Your fuckin out. Kenny Powers moving into the rotation.
or we could go with
jeg - February 16, 2010
Then Philly will just sign Reg Mackworthy and we’re screwed again.
TradeAndruw - February 16, 2010
+1
To both of you. Hilarious show. “Parties on the reg, yachts on the reg, good times on the reg…”
Smoltz's Beard - February 16, 2010
I definitely started using ‘on the reg’ on the reg after that.
cbwilk - February 16, 2010
SHHHHIIIITTTT
blitzerlover - February 16, 2010
justincredubil02 - February 16, 2010
Clay Davis FTW
TradeAndruw - February 16, 2010
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