Jurrjens optioned to Triple-A after loss
LOS ANGELES – The struggles of Jair Jurrjens continue unabated, and the question on a lot of folks’ minds was how long the Braves could afford to keep the right-hander in their starting rotation.
That was answered late Monday when Jurrjens was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, less than an hour after the Braves’ 7-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jurrjens (0-2) gave up nine hits and five earned runs and left without recording an out in the fourth inning of the loss, the second in a row for the Braves since they won 10 of 11.
“We optioned Jair tonight to give him a chance to work through his difficulties at the Triple-A level and hopefully come back ready to help us contend,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said in a text message after the announcement.
“He is not having any health or injury issues, just needs to get back on track pitching-wise.”
Sidearm reliever Cory Gearrin was recalled Tuesday from Triple-A Gwinnett, where he had 15 strikeouts and two walks in 12-1/3 scoreless innings over seven appearances.
With Jurrjens sent down, rookie Randall Delgado is expected to stay in the starting rotation when Tim Hudson is activated from the 15-day disabled list Sunday or Monday.
Jurrjens has a 9.37 ERA in four starts this season and has been knocked around for 30 his and 17 runs in 16-1/3 innings, with more walks (10) than strikeouts (eight).
The Jurrjens announcement was made after reporters left the clubhouse and returned to the pressbox. Jurrjens had not been told by team officials before he did his regular postgame interview with the media.
“I’m just going to keep going out there and try to do my best,” he said immediately after the game. “That’s the only thing I can do right now. I try to keep my team in the game. It’s just for now, I’m not the same guy I used to be. Just going to keep fighting.”
It’s been an alarming stretch of pitching for Jurrjens since the All-Star break in 2011 – after the best half-season of his career earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team.
He went 12-3 with a 1.87 ERA in 16 starts before the break, and got some consideration for the All-Star start before the honor went to Phillies veteran Roy Halladay.
In 11 starts since the break, Jurrjens is 1-5 with a 6.87 ERA. Now he’s gone from All-Star to Triple-A in under 10 months.
“I think everybody goes through a bad stretch,” he said. “I think mine is right now. I’ll just keep watching tape, keep working and try to get out of this funk.”
Manager Fredi Gonzalez was asked after the game if Jurrjens might be hiding an injury; Gonzalez said he hoped not and that Jurrjens did all his work between starts and was fine.
Then he was asked if the Braves might do something with Jurrjens, perhaps skip his next start with Hudson coming off the DL.
“He comes back in, what, six days, something like that?” Gonzalez said of Hudson. “There’s a lot of stuff that we could do from here. We just talked; the game was over 15 minutes ago. We’re not going to make any crazy decisions right now.”
Twenty-five minutes later, the Braves announced Jurrjens was optioned to Triple-A.
“There were some balls hit hard, but there were some balls that you couldn’t have thrown them [to a spot in the field] any better,” Gonzalez said of Jurrjens’ performance Monday. “I think JJ was a victim of some of that. Not all of it, but some of it. Some of the balls were over the plate again, but it was just one of those days for him.
“I thought Livan [Hernandez] did a terrific job there, picking up some innings [4-1/3 relief innings, two runs]…. Overall I think the good thing was we didn’t get into our bullpen.”
The Braves had scoring chances against Dodgers starter Chris Capuano (2-0), but David Ross’ leadoff homer in the second inning accounted for their only run against the left-hander, who’s had them under his thumb for three consecutive starts the past two seasons.
They didn’t score again until Dan Uggla’s leadoff homer in the eighth — his third of the season, all in the past six games.
With bases loaded in the first inning, Jason Heyward struck out for the third out. With two on and none out in the fourth, the Braves’ Jack Wilson struck out and Michael Bourn grounded out after a Jurrjens sacrifice. With two on and one out in the fifth, Matt Diaz flied out and Heyward lined out to first base.
And so it went.
They were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position against Capuano, who is 4-1 in his past eight starts against the Braves and 3-0 with a 1.28 ERA in his past three, including two last season with the New York Mets.
“He pitched out of some tough situations,” Ross said of Capuano. “He made his pitches. I thought we had some good at-bats off him. We hit some balls hard; we had some deep fly balls. I feel like guys were right on him. We had some good at-bats and some baserunners on, and we didn’t take advantage of that. Sometimes that’s just a credit to him. He doesn’t give in and he uses what he has. I don’t know if he has our number, but he definitely bears down in big situations and got the job done tonight.”
Jurrjens has allowed 44 earned runs and 79 hits in 57-2/3 innings since the 2011 All-Star break, and lasted five innings or fewer in six starts including all four this season.
His right-knee injury led to his problems in the second half last season. The same knee he hurt late in the 2010 season, when he arthroscopic surgery in October. Last year, for the second year in a row, he didn’t pitch in September.
He didn’t have more surgery, but was fitted for a supportive brace and orthotics in his cleats, the theory being that an unusual toe alignment was contributing to his knee problems.
His winter workouts went well and he showed up in fine spirits at the beginning of spring training, having shrugged off trade rumors he heard for much of the winter.
But four of his six spring starts were clunkers, the exceptions being two starts against split-squad Houston lineups at the end of the Grapefruit League schedule. Now he’s continued to struggle during the regular season, his velocity down a few ticks most of the time, his right-leg push off the mound appearing tentative at times.
He said again Monday that his knee and overall health were fine.
“It’s just not clicking,” he said. “I don’t know what to say about that.”
The Braves will activate Hudson from the DL to start Sunday or Monday against Pittsburgh, and the plan was to send Delgado to Triple-A to create a spot in the rotation for Hudson. But that was before Jurrjens’ woes kept getting deeper.
Despite his poor results, the Braves had previously given no indication they would consider sending the veteran to the minors. But he was not out of minor-league options, meaning he could be sent down without going through waivers.
Late Monday, the Braves took that drastic step.
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222 comments Add your comment
Duane
April 24th, 2012
1:02 am
First.
derek lowe
April 24th, 2012
1:15 am
miss me yet
farmer
April 24th, 2012
1:17 am
he is pathetic.. he is killing us right now.. send him down and let him learn how to pitch again.. should have trade him when we had the chance. now he is worthless as a pitcher and trade bait. and what happened to all that scoring they were doing? I knew it wouldn’t last.. same old Braves. they play well and give us hope then they realize they aren’t that good and come back to Earth playing like it.. another lost year.. what else is new.
Gibson
April 24th, 2012
1:22 am
Hey farmer, who peed in your corn flakes?
nelson
April 24th, 2012
1:22 am
not have to look that Jurrjens is copying felix hernandez / Look at / the only difference felix hernandez if tremendous pitcher. you have to do is remove from the rotation to Jurrjens and put Medlen in place ..
Jimmy
April 24th, 2012
1:26 am
Funny how people think it was just the injury. He was insanely lucky the first half of the year too. But when you have writers who can’t look beyond ERA you get so much “surprise”.
Brave Decisions
April 24th, 2012
1:36 am
Delgado v. Jurrjens Debate… please chime in and share your thoughts!
http://wp.me/p2lqJ1-4V
go-BRAVOS
April 24th, 2012
1:37 am
excuses, excuses, excuses. Fredi says JJ pitched good just gave up a lot of bloop hits, nothing hit hard. HAHA this is going to get ugly if he keeps trotting JJ out there. I thought we traded DLowe?
tyler
April 24th, 2012
1:39 am
Exactly- gibson. I’m disappointed too but IT’S ONE GAME…no big deal people. Just can’t let this little two game skid turn into a 4 or 5 game streak. JJ isn’t pitching well but that can be taken care of relatively easily- send him to the pen or to Gwinnett. Did farmer expect us to hit .400 as a team this year? What about .350? Not gonna happen- never was
J-Man
April 24th, 2012
1:39 am
How about Neither Jurrjens or Delgado (Julio Teheran is who im talking about) but if forced to pick im going with Delgado
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
1:53 am
JJ needs to pitch every 5 days but he needs to do it at Gwinette until he can get his leg strength built back up to where he can pitch the way he did before he got hurt. No need to take the braves down every 5 games. When he is back to where he was then bring him back.
LAG
April 24th, 2012
1:54 am
DOB and Mark Bowman via Twitter: Jurrjens optioned to Gwinnett. No corresponding move announced just yet… stay tuned.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
2:02 am
LAG
April 24th, 2012
1:54 am
DOB and Mark Bowman via Twitter: Jurrjens optioned to Gwinnett. No corresponding move announced just yet… stay tuned.
If this is true then i’ll bet Wren had seen enough and made that decision, Fruti didn’t give that indication in his post game interview.
J-Man
April 24th, 2012
2:12 am
This is a Wren decision all the way. And thank god we have some one running things that can see the obvious. I hope Teheran get the chance, but we have some guys down on the farm that could come up to a Bullpen role if we move Medlen up to the rotation. Buddy Carlyle, Yohan Flande, Todd Redmond, And even more than that. Now what could be done as well is to bring up another offensive player for a week and send him back down when Hudson gets ready next week if we decide to keep Delgado up here.
Dear CFG, START MEDLEN
April 24th, 2012
2:13 am
When will Fredi realize that one of his best starting pitchers isn’t even starting…? Medlen should have started the season in the rotation and should finish the season in the rotation.
He’s every bit as dominant as Beachy and Minor, and more polished than Delgado. And, I’d be willing to put up my money that he would be more effective than Hanson.
Having been a pitcher, I feel confident in saying that it’s only a matter of time before Fredi and Wren realize that we need Medlen starting instead of bridging the gap between the starters and closers.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
2:15 am
J-Man
Don’t be surprised if Huddy isn’t recalled as the corresponding move, I think he is with the team in LA.
J-Man
April 24th, 2012
2:24 am
@ Ralph I think thatcould happen but I think it will be up to Huddy his next start in Gwinett is tomorrow. Now does Huddy want more time to get back or does he feel like he is ready to go. I kind of think he will just wait until next week because he wants to stick to his schedule and not throw off the rotation because I dont think Fredi will bump down his rotation to let Huddy in for a game he might not be able to go past 6 because he hasnt built his stamina back yet. But it will be interesting. IMO by having, Hudson, Medlen, Teheran or Delgado to take Jurrjens next start the Braves have become a whole lot better. Now if we can get a true SS we will be the team to beat in the NL IMO.
JNick
April 24th, 2012
2:27 am
Gee, it’s almost like I know what I’m talking about….
Where are all the haters who said I was nuts for saying JJ would be optioned to AAA?
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
2:28 am
J-Man
I’m on board with all that.
jim
April 24th, 2012
2:29 am
Does anyone know what is wrong with EOF? Hasn’t pitched in over a week. I would assume he would have had the eighth inning tonight just to get some work if for no other reason.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
2:31 am
JNick
Good call Nick, many of us were saying they should send him down but didn’t think Wren had the balls to do it, I think DOB may have helped out with some of his comments tonight.
JNick
April 24th, 2012
2:31 am
No idea jim, but last year, he battled some lower back problems…I think Fredi is actually being smart and just not using him unless we have the lead….trying not to give him 80+ appearances this year…
J-Man
April 24th, 2012
2:33 am
By haters do you mean the same people that bashed me as well. I said AAA or DL for JJ.
But even DOB pointed it out “Jurrjens has a 9.37 ERA in four starts this season and has been knocked around for 30 his and 17 runs in 16-1/3 innings, with more walks (10) than strikeouts (eight). In 11 starts since the All-Star break, Jurrjens is 1-5 with a 6.87 ERA. Now he’s gone from National League All-Star to Triple-A in under 10 months.He’s allowed 44 earned runs and 79 hits in 57-2/3 innings over that stretch, and lasted five innings or fewer in six starts including all four this season.”
These are the facts Ive been throwiing out since the offseason and when we had that Adam Jones deal out there I got bashed for wanting him traded but now we would take a bag og bat and balls for Jurrjens at this moment.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
2:33 am
JNick
True Nick, things are working out real good for the bullpen right now.
JNick
April 24th, 2012
2:36 am
Correct J-Man, I remember us getting attacked on the blogs over the past week…lol
@Ralph, I think they’ll be in good shape if Beachy, Minor and Hanson (to a degree, he’s been spotty) can keep up the good work, along with Huddy coming back…should see lots of games with the starter pitching into the 7th or 8th. Also glad to see we haven’t been in 30 extra inning games already, like it seemed we were last year.
JNick
April 24th, 2012
2:37 am
J-Man, the Adam Jones deal was Prado, Hanson and a prospect for A. Jones….not JJ.
jim
April 24th, 2012
2:40 am
It seemed Fredi packed it in early tonight. I wish he had hit for JJ in the 3rd inning after Heyward stole third and Wilson struck out — Hell bunt Wilson there and hit for JJ. It was all too obvious that he was leaving it up to Bourn getting a hit and not giving 2 chances to get at least 1 run home with an out.
Not only don’t we score, but it was obvious that JJ had a lot more runs left in him. He ends up batting, then getting nobody out in the bottom half of the inning and having to go to the pen anyway.
Leaving in Livan to pitch the 8th after we got within three runs was also just playing out the swtring.
JNick
April 24th, 2012
2:44 am
Found another string where it seems B-more wanted TWO prospects if it was Prado and JJ….from the pool of Minor/Delgado/Teheran/Vizcaino….no way.
jim
April 24th, 2012
2:46 am
If EOF is having back issues, then it is even more imperative to keep Medlen in the pen. The pen is strong at the back, but thin. Martinez, Livan, and Durbin are not reliable late inning men, and with EOF apparently having a problem, that only leaves Medlen, Venters, and Kimbrel.
Jomer
April 24th, 2012
2:48 am
Easy there JNick, its not too hard to see that a 10 ERA isn’t going to last long in the majors. But I am glad to see that it was done, it was very necessary. I know this won’t be well received, but I would like to see Flande recalled over the wunder boy Julio. Honestly, from what I’ve seen from JT over the past year or two, I really have never seen why he is the number 1 or 2 rated RHP prospect. Bring someone up who is hot right now!!
jim
April 24th, 2012
2:54 am
A lot of good pitchers take a year or two to settle in — Maddux, Glavine, Avery all struggled when they first arrived. Teheran is only 21, give him a chance to get his feet wet.
count_schemula
April 24th, 2012
3:05 am
Avery did not struggle when he first arrived. He was awesome right away, then burned out early.
Fredi Will Screw It Up Somehow
April 24th, 2012
3:10 am
FINALLY.
Can Of Corn
April 24th, 2012
3:11 am
NOT A DECISION MAKER
It sounds very much like Frank isn’t including Fredi in the decision making loop.
This gives more than a little insight on how much Frank values Fredi’s opinions.
Mr. Enigma
April 24th, 2012
3:20 am
Mark Bowman said on Twitter that it had already been decided Jurrjens was going to AAA if he had another bad start. Fredi knew he was going. He was just protecting his guy and not telling the media until they told him personally.
N8
April 24th, 2012
3:23 am
“Avery did not struggle when he first arrived. He was awesome right away, then burned out early.”
Wrong. Avery at age 20 made 20 starts (21 appearances), went 3-11 and allowed 62 ER in 99 IP (5.64 ERA).
In 1991 he went 18-8 with a 3.38 ERA and dominated in the playoffs.
But don’t let those silly facts get in your way.
count_schemula
April 24th, 2012
4:28 am
Avery had a 99 inning taste. Greg Maddux took a 180 inning taste. Tom Glavine took 240 innings.
Avery was very solid for next 3 years then fell off a cliff.
Overseas Braves Fan
April 24th, 2012
4:41 am
JJ needs some rest, conditioning or whatever in minor. It will be good for him, for the team too.
Bob the Blogger
April 24th, 2012
4:49 am
I think Medlen will get JJ’s spot in the rotation, and rightfully so. Medlen’s spot as a reliever can be filled by whoever is hot at Gwinnett. Gearrin has not allowed a run in 12+ innings with 15 strikeouts and only 2 walks. Carlyle and Flande have not allowed runs yet this season as well. Hudson comes back, Medlen’s in the rotation, and the Braves have their best five starters pitching.
Let's Go
April 24th, 2012
4:50 am
I don’t care what Jair says you have to believe the knee is not right or he has changed his delivery because of the injury last year. You don’t go from being that good to being this bad unless something is wrong with you. If it’s not the knee then it’s in the head and that might be worse.
Younger Than That Now
April 24th, 2012
5:18 am
JJ’s spot in the rotation will be taken by Tim Hudson. With Minor and Beachy going Tuesday and Wednesday and the off day on Thursday, then you’ve got Hanson and Delgado going Friday and Saturday. Hudson will be activated and pitch Sunday on regular rest. Those long bullpen guys… Medlin, Martinez and Livan… will be ready to relieve Hudson on Sunday if his game gets shortened up for any reason.
Now, there’s a bullpen spot that’s gonna be open before long. I don’t believe the Braves are gonna be willing to live with Durbin and his ineffectiveness a lot longer… at least I hope they’re not. I haven’t talked to many fans who are willing to put much money on him… including me. Livan did a good job tonight… well, considering that a 7-6-2-3 double play kept him from giving up any runs until he ran out of gas. He doesn’t dazzle you with blazing fastballs… but the name of the game is to keep the opposition off the scoreboard… and tonight at least, he did that.
This team’s going to be fine… just some spots to work on like every other team in MLB. I’d rather be the Atlanta Braves than the Boston Red Sox right now… and that’s for sure!
GO BRAVES!
Morning Reads for Tuesday, April 24th — Peach Pundit
April 24th, 2012
5:20 am
[...] few that I like… – Dodgers: 7, Braves: 2 – After another horrible start, the Braves sent Jair Jurrjens to the minors. – Freddie Freeman was named the NL Player of the Week. – C’mon, you know you [...]
John C.
April 24th, 2012
6:07 am
The demotion of the Braves as an organization came when Frank Wren was promoted to GM. How many championships has he won as GM? That’s the main problem right now.
Hammond
April 24th, 2012
6:09 am
the good thing is they did not wait until he lost 10 games he just does not have it anymore
BravesfaninWis
April 24th, 2012
6:17 am
Good, he is lucky to even still be on the team imo. Can’t beat a very good team like the Dodgers with a bum like Jurrjens on the mound throwing some little league bp. Well, they beat the not so good teams to go on a nice streak, its not looking very good against a solid team.
Arkie Brave
April 24th, 2012
6:42 am
I remember as a kid watching games announced by the Great Dizzy Dean. He said (as I recall) that his arm problems started after being hit on the foot by a ball and not letting it heal properly. JJ’s problems probably started with the knee injury. JJ strenghten your legs, (knee). You are probably compensating extra hard on the good knee. Get healthy JJ, you can return to form. (If you get the legs right.)
jerry
April 24th, 2012
6:43 am
What’s the problem? Bradley said the man “pitches to contact”, didn’t he?
longtimefan
April 24th, 2012
6:54 am
I didn’t think they would option JJ to AAA but I was wrong. I hope he can regain his form so we can get a reasonably good player in a trade later this year. There is logjam developing at SP, a good thing, and they can’t keep Teheran @ AAA past this year. I agree with the start Medlen comments. A SP has much more worth than a long reliever and he’s earned it. So J-Man and JNick, I guessed wrong about the JJ demotion but I’m glad they did it before he had another bad outing.
biscuit
April 24th, 2012
7:00 am
Disappointing but smart move. Huddy’s coming back. Delgado’s looking good. So send him down and let him work on some stuff. It’s the smart move.
Wutehvah
April 24th, 2012
7:07 am
Give Chris Medlen a shot @ starting
jd56
April 24th, 2012
7:12 am
Dear Younger than that Now,
Idiots only come in small packages and have all had small other parts too.
Durbin is holding his own. You are just one of the hang on fans, who remember the Maddox days. Get over it. The team is different and Vet players are the ones who will work through the problems that are just beginning to see. Durbin has gotten through a few innings lately and I can guarantee you set the bench as a kid and your momma called in to the coach to be told he keeps peeing out it right field. Sorry but I am tired of the fans who keep crying. Braves will get there and there will be a ton of changes in the team. Durbin is hanging on. If he gives it up again, yes he can go. But for now he is pulling his weight.
rbrave
April 24th, 2012
7:20 am
Come on people, where do some of the comments come from ? What is Freddi supposed to say? You just don’t verbally abuse a player in the media, people listen other teams listen. They did the right thing say something positive and send him down to work on his game. Big swing out West, lets get behind the Bravos !
Larry
April 24th, 2012
7:28 am
And where are the guys this morning that throughout all preseason and even through yesterday still were crying “but JJ is our best pitcher and he’s just going through a tough time?” And who was the guy that said BEFORE spring training that JJ wasn’t even one of our top 5 starting candidates?
As for the game last night there’s more blame to go around:
First, the weakest mind in baseball doesn’t have Chipper to play against the hottest team in the NL and so he starts not one, not two, but three backups (Ross, Wilson and Diaz) thus having only 5 starters in a lineup paired with the worst starting pitcher (Jurrjens) in baseball? Hello!
Second, Prado not advancing Bourne after the leadoff walk in the first inning and looking pathetic in doing so. This would cost them an early lead ultimately as they would load the bases afterward. On that note…has Prado EVER seen a first pitch strike that he has EVER not taken for strike one?
Third, Heyward later that same first inning, flailing wildly and striking out on ball four with the bases loaded. That’s now two golden opportunities in the first inning.
Fourth, Uggla…at cleanup does no brains put this undisciplined hacker in the lineup?
It is easy to manage a simple baseball game when either or both your offense is hitting on all cylinders or your pitchers are pitching shutout ball….it is games like last night’s where your opponent is playing well too that your manager can make a difference.
So I ask, does our manager truly ever make a positive difference or does he mostly interfere in close or winnable games? I think you know my answer…..
WHIFFLESNAPPER
April 24th, 2012
7:31 am
FARMER YOU ARE AN IDIOT
gordonguy1969
April 24th, 2012
7:46 am
Here’s what I want to know – where are all you people who were so upset because Jurrjens was mentioned in possible trades over the winter? This would have been similar to the Vasquez situation a few years ago. He had an all-star year and then was traded. Lots of folks on these blogs were upset that Atlanta would do such a thing, then Vasquez bombed in New York and it looked a bit smarter. Maybe Jurrjens in somebody’s else’s uniform (preferably American League) would’be been better than seeing him in a Braves uniform for 30 hits and 17 runs and now a Gwinnett Braves uniform until he can get it back together. The feeling here is that they’re already working the trade route.
Larry
April 24th, 2012
7:50 am
And I failed to mention Jack Wilson…why is this no hitting hack starting for a supposed contender?
Someone please tell this “manager” to put his young SS in the starting lineup and keep him there. If you want to occasionally double switch in the late innings for Wilson’s supposed superior glove work fine, but stop starting this backup so often.
What seriously contending team’s manager would start a veteran average fielding shortstop with a weak bat so often over a young, starting shortstop with equal defensive skills and a better bat? How is this kid ever going to develop more fielding confidence and learn to hit ML pitching on the bench? Either play the kid or go get another shortstop!
What is wrong with this man?
alanfalcon
April 24th, 2012
7:50 am
Best thing for the Braves and the best thing for JJ, if he is unable to fix it in the minors his career may be over, hopefully it gives him a chance to return to being a winning pitcher.
rico43
April 24th, 2012
7:52 am
Wonder what JJ’s trade value is right now?
Larry
April 24th, 2012
7:54 am
gordonguy1969,
Based on what you’ve seen of Jurrjens since last August, if you were a GM of any other team what would you offer to acquire him?
I agree with you, but the reality is Jurrjens has been allowed to pitch himself down to zero value unless we find another team with a manager as dumb as our own who convinces his GM that Jurrjens could improve his rotation.
There is no such manager!
Jurrjens to the minors: How does a good pitcher go so bad? | Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2012
7:55 am
[...] measurement available on ballpark scoreboards and TV broadcasts. I wonder if Jair Jurrjens would be headed for the minor leagues if those on the periphery didn’t keep harping about his velocity, or lack of [...]
CrαZy
April 24th, 2012
7:57 am
should have trade him when we had the chance—farmer
It’s amazing brilliant people like this guy don’t have jobs in baseball!!! He didn’t have very much value after the bad 2nd half combined with his history of injuries. It’s likely his potential to get himself back on track was more valuable than what we could’ve got in a trade.
Mark's for the Braves
April 24th, 2012
7:57 am
A good move to send JJ down. His confidence is shot. He is throwing straight fastballs and hitters are teeing off on them. I must say I am quite surprised he was optioned to AAA, but it was the right move. Delgado is an up and coming ML starter and deserves to stay in the rotation.
Hope JJ puts it together again in a place that won’t cost us losses.
Another Clueless Blogger
April 24th, 2012
7:57 am
Farmer: I use this silly blog name, but you live it.
Chris Snow
April 24th, 2012
8:04 am
I had a feeling this would happen a week ago but like many, I didn’t think that Wren would actually go through with it.
DePort
April 24th, 2012
8:04 am
Im a huge JJ fan, but I agree he needs to get his confidence back in AAA. I am not going to come on here and bash him like all you people, I am just going to wish him well and hope he gets his game back.
Mikey
April 24th, 2012
8:07 am
We lose on the road to vs the hottest teams in baseball with the Derrick Lowe of 2012 on the mound throwing batting practice and this blog blames the manager’s lineup which you will see against L/Hers the rest of the season. Vasquez was about 10 years older then JJ is right now which may have something to do with the decision to trade him. I’ll take 10-7 with Minor/Beachy set to go.
CrαZy
April 24th, 2012
8:15 am
the reality is Jurrjens has been allowed to pitch himself down to zero value
I’m not sure I understand your logic… So if a player is pitching bad you should stop pitching him until your able to trade him?? It’s not like simply going to AAA was going to help him look better in front of scouts. They gave him some shots this year to get himself back to pitching like he is or was capable of and it didn’t work. At least they didn’t let it continue over and over for the rest of the year like they did in the past with D. Lowe!!
Derek
April 24th, 2012
8:17 am
Many teams called Wren’s bluff when using Jurrjens as trade bait, didn’t offer us a substantial take – like a Mat Latos or Gio Gonzalez-size deal – and Jurrjens stayed in ATL. Hoping he’d rebound this season, Wren argued that they didn’t receive a sufficient offer on him, but what about now, Wren? Did any of those offers look good now knowing that Jurrjens truly is? He was LUCKY per his BABIP and though he can pitch better, everything that scouts have been saying about his mediocre stuff is coming true. He doesn’t deserve an extension due to his health issues and prolonged inconsistencies and we can’t offer him a contract large enough to try and get draft pick compensation if he turns it down, choosing free agency, because he might take it. Wren gambled and has lost on this one. Jurrjens has very little trade value right now and it’ll take a lot to get any value back, especially by the Trade Deadline in July.
Larry
April 24th, 2012
8:18 am
And to be clear here, I’m not at all happy to see this happening to Jurrjens. The guy is a class act, a good person, and a great teammate that has simply lost his good fastball. If you have a heart and compassion for your fellow man this is painful to watch…no one should enjoy watching a really good person’s career melt before their eyes in such a painful and excruciating manner.
No, just like I blame not the child but the parents of a spoiled brat, I blame this Manager and GM for not accepting what was so obvious for so long and send this man back to AAA before his confidence was further destroyed this season to find a new way to pitch w/o his good fastball…JJ will have to reinvent himself if.
I wrote here yesterday that JJ, facing the Dodgers lineup of good, disciplined hitters, was being sent to the lion’s den and bet he wouldn’t get past the 5th inning…why didn’t his manager realize this BEFORE flying him to LA? JJ’s probably just now landing in Atlanta after a dismal, all night flight and this is poor personnel management and even poorer psychological handling of a player’s self-confidence!
And isn’t it odd and telling based on the manager’s quotes above there’s either a disconnect between he and Wren or he’s just totally oblivious? For sure there’s a lack of respect there as Gonzalez apparently was excluded from or not allowed significant input into personnel decisions…I could understand why!
Winchester
April 24th, 2012
8:23 am
Thank God! Wren finally pulled the trigger on this one. J.J. has had minimal value as a starting pitcher, but those two in the dugout (mgr. & pitching coach) continued to see value. Get rid of the two and get on with winning.
Wren now needs to unload J.J. before any and all value has evaporated. I don’t know why management looks at sporatic success and tries to ride it too long.
ChillyMutt
April 24th, 2012
8:27 am
It’s his knee.
Charlie
April 24th, 2012
8:29 am
It’s too bad Franki didn’t take what was offered for JJ this winter (although I don’t know what possible offers were made.) At this point, JJ is finished as a major league ball player. His fastball velocity is high 80’s, and flat with no movement. He has zero command with any of his pitches. He’s pissed away a lot of time, without getting his knee fixed initially, as it should have been. His career is over. I’m just glad Franki and Fred are sending him to AAA. It appears he (JJ) may go they way of KK at AA last year.
Kris Medlin needs to be in the rotation. Period. Why the powers that be can’t see that is amazing. I’m guessing it’s an ego thing with Franki.
Lousy bats… the old Braves are back…definitely the Dan Uggla of April 2011 is still with us. He has absolutely no ability to make adjustments Pretty sad.
Disbott3000
April 24th, 2012
8:29 am
Boy, Farmer gives up fast, doesn’t he? 1) Braves DID try to trade him, but couldn’t get any takers. Can’t trade for absolutely nothing. 2) Yes, JJ is looking rough. We can all hope he will get turned around at AAA very quickly and return to clock some wins for us, and 3) it’s 2 losses, for cryin’ out loud. would I rather they were wins? Sure, but, come on. 2 losses is hardly “it’s all over. Another wasted season” time. No team has ever won all o the games in their season in baseball, so maybe you should start following some other sport that has the possibility of being undefeated instead.
I know nothing...
April 24th, 2012
8:31 am
$5.5 million for Jurrjens…not quite as bad as paying $10.0 million for a pitcher who is playing for someone else (Lowe…). Have blown it with the money on these two arms. Medlen @ $490K and
Delgado @ $480K look pretty good about now!
BELIEVE…
Disbott3000
April 24th, 2012
8:32 am
I guess Uggla’s home run last night wasn’t enough? Yeah, he’s not doing what I would hope either, but he’s not completely flailing like last year at least.
Larry
April 24th, 2012
8:33 am
CraZy,
Let me dumb it down for you…
JJ was still awful in spring training and his fastball was topping out in the 87-89 range then. He pitched well only against a split squad, already weak Houston team and this was his only shining moment since last August. In short, he has been getting drilled otherwise!
By allowing him to start the season knowing the above, the Braves have now further exposed him to all of baseball….worse; it is running across the info bar on every sports channel that he was DEMOTED to AAA after only three weeks.
Had they just accepted he needed additional work and just started him off at Gwinnett they could have allowed him to possibly reestablish himself under the guise of getting some rehab starts coming off a knee injury–just like Hudson has been doing. Thus by not doing this, there he is for the entire world to see that he has been demoted…and therefore devaluing him even further.
If he isn’t improving he remains at Gwinnett; if he does improve, there’s a chance he’s more valuable. Either way he should have been instructed to learn a new way to get hitters out because his now pedestrian, always flat fastball doesn’t work any longer.
Get it now?
Larry
April 24th, 2012
8:34 am
ChillyMutt
April 24th, 2012
8:27 am
“It’s his knee.”
No it isn’t…it’s his fastball, or lack thereof!
TechRon
April 24th, 2012
8:35 am
Good move. He was killing us. If only the dumbass “management” had the brains to make the same move with Derek Lowe last September, we would have made the playoffs and the Cards would not have even been in. Any fool could see that Lowe had nothing and Gonzalez kept putting him out there. I well remember how Leo Mazzone would get on 680 and be a house shill, talking about how you have to go with experience, etc. etc. etc. Meanwhile, we get our asses handed to us every time he goes out, over and over and over. Maybe, just maybe, Braves “management” learned something from that debaucle.
Juergens will be back when he gets it right and help the team. Until then, he needs to be in the minors where he cannot damage our chances.
Jair Jurrjens Optioned to AAA « Brave Decisions
April 24th, 2012
8:35 am
[...] I was wrong. Late night news is, Jair Jurrjens has been optioned to AAA Gwinnett. The Braves will announce a corresponding move [...]
old scout
April 24th, 2012
8:40 am
As I have said more than once this year, Jurrgens has nothing left, and it is not an injury. We are not likely ever to see him back in the majors unless some desperate team signs him next year as a “mop-up” pitcher.
LivinInAL
April 24th, 2012
8:40 am
Wonder how the memories of Lowe’s bad trips to the mound last year influenced Wren’s quick decision? I think it is a good decision for Braves and JJ and will be helpful to both in the future. Okay, I don’t usually try to play coach, but one pesky question, Why did we not pinch hit for JJ in his last at bat? We were behind, there were runners on, JJ ineffective and Lavan was already warmed up.
bBrave
April 24th, 2012
8:40 am
First it was KK, now it’s JJ, do we evenhave an II
phoenix
April 24th, 2012
8:43 am
Did any reporter ask the Frediot why, with six fresh arms in the bullpen, he kept Livan “BP” Hernandez in the game after the loaded the bases in the 8th, and the Braves were just 3 runs down?
Joe Adcock
April 24th, 2012
8:43 am
JJ and KK. What’s the difference? We’ve got arms making arms around this joint. One would think a Major League manager could somehow see the difference and stop sending him out there! Doesn’t matter if it is physical, mental, or extra-terrestrial. It doesn’t matter. Pitch the guys who are healthy and confident and quit running the team like a Little League team who somebody’s Mommy is going to get mad because Little Johnny SUCKS. Come on, now. Fans only ask one thing. Act like you are trying to WIN. Leave the back door shenanigans and butt kissing politics out of it — and play ball.
I know nothing...
April 24th, 2012
8:43 am
But swapping Medlen for Delgado in the rotation looks good right about now, with Hudson coming back on either the 29th or the 30th!
Starters, going forward…should look something like this!
1. Hanson
2. Minor
3. Beachy
4. Hudson
5. Medlen
May Fredi start managing this team like he did the Marlins in 2008? (Sporting News Manager of the Year)
BELIEVE…
wrestler
April 24th, 2012
8:43 am
NOOOOOO, The G-Braves are in first place…With at least one of our Braves teams doing well, send him to another farm team…….
Playoffs!!!
April 24th, 2012
8:44 am
If you’re going to send him down to AAA, don’t do to him what was done to Jeff Francoeur—-only send him down for 3 days.
I don’t like this decision. The bullpen would be a better option.
The GM is panicking. Relax, it’s a long season. It’s only April.
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
April 24th, 2012
8:45 am
good move. no downside to this move. will only cost the team a plane ticket from LA to ATL. let him go down and rest and focus on his mechanics and trying to pitch well. the NL East race is tight this year (i.e. see last year’s inability to make the wild card by one lousy game).
delgado or medlen would get my vote to start.
CrαZy
April 24th, 2012
8:46 am
Larry…
If you think MLB teams rate players value from the info they get from ESPN you are a complete and total moron!!! It didn’t matter when he was put down all of baseball would’ve known about it. He’s struggled to hit locations and that would’ve been the case even in AAA. Sure the argument could be made that he should’ve started in AAA, but that wouldn’t make him any more or less valuable than he is right now. The Braves gave him a shot and I think the way they handled JJ was much better than the way they handled Lowe last year when they continued to throw him over and over again!!
ATL Fan
April 24th, 2012
8:47 am
JJ has been a great addition to the Braves pitching staff. Too bad he is having trouble now. Listening to the commentary it sounds like location is his problem. That tells me that his problem is mechanics which can be fixed.
If it is mental, perhaps getting the chance to flourish or fail without such pressure will allow him to regain his confidence.
Good luck JJ and come back soon.
ugafan13
April 24th, 2012
8:49 am
His pitches have no movement on them or if they do move they move right back into the hitting zone. Wondering if he developed a bad habit to compensate for the knee issue last season and is paying the price. Yes I know his velocity is down but that could be associated with the work around as well. I hope he gets his form back!
youranidiotfarmer
April 24th, 2012
8:49 am
Farmers are idiots. Especially that first one.
ijudgenot
April 24th, 2012
8:52 am
This was one of two moves that needed to be made. Either a stint on DL or stint in minors. JJ insists that he is healthy so it was the minors. Wren did not have that option last year with Lowe. It was either release him out right and pay him $30 mil for two years while he vacationed in Fla. or try to get something out of him(should have been as a reliever though).
JJ had a great first half last year after Lowe and McDowell taught him how to use a sinker with his 90+ fastball and change up. Now 95% of his fastballs top out at 88mph. His sinker and change up average 82-83mph. That’s just not a big enough gap where the hitters have to gear up for the fastball and swing over the change up or sinker. That means with a 88mph fastball with little or no movement the hitters can just sit on the change up and have enough time to tee off on a fastball. If that velocity on his fastball is permanent, then either he has to become a spot pitcher like Glavine or a junk pitcher like Livan or his major league baseball career is over.
erubi
April 24th, 2012
8:54 am
Do the Braves still have a shrink on-staff? Think they either need a new one or get one to help the pitchers with their head issues.
crackbaby
April 24th, 2012
8:55 am
DOB,
Livan Hernandez has been a terrific acquisition. He gets the grunt work of grinding out innings in blowout losses and blowout wins. Saves the young arms for tight games. Seems like the grizzled vet is a team player. What’s the perspective on him in the Braves Clubhouse?
Love it when Livan uncorks that 60 mph curveball. Looks almost like a mountain-ball pitch. RH hitters buckle both knees sometimes waiting on that thing. LOL.
Go Braves!
crackbaby
April 24th, 2012
8:59 am
BTW – To all the haters and know-it-alls.
Frank Wren’s decision to keep all the pitching prospects is paying off. JJ is struggling, so option him, keep Delgado, Minor, Beachy in the bigs (with Hanson and Huddy). Still have Teheran developing and Livan Hernandez is good for spot starts in emergencies.
New hitting coaches seem to be working out. Let’s play some ball and see how it goes the next few weeks.
The Bravenator
April 24th, 2012
9:02 am
JJ hasn’t forgotten how to pitch, but his head is probably messed up with all the money he expects Boras to get for him as a FA this Fall. He’s also probably thinking about the trade bait he becomes in about three months. He needs to get his head screwed on straight and help the Braves and himself before they both end up losers in the deal.
FEAR
April 24th, 2012
9:08 am
Wow! The Braves FO is suddenly not screwing around. Nice move. Hope JJ works it out.
braveslover
April 24th, 2012
9:10 am
The most telling came from JJ himself when Ross was walking with him back to the mound last night after giving up a big hit and the center field camera caught him saying to Ross “I don’t know”. I don’t know what the question was but right on tv he summed it all up…he really doesn’t know what or how things are going wrong. I stand and applaud Wren for making this move. If Cox were here he would have run JJ out there for 20 starts and he would have buried us. Now if we can get a professional pitching coach like we’ve gotten hitting coaches life would be looking even brighter. I think Medlan gives us a better chance to win but I also know that Delgado would be buried in the bullpen and that wouldn’t make him any better. If this sampling is indicative of the season we need to get an everyday third baseman and use Chipper as a dh. Way too much playing with the lineup everyday.
jd56
April 24th, 2012
9:11 am
Why is it that there are so many haters on these sites. Every player, every player deserves to be there or he would not. Yes there might be some minor league players that are hopeful up and coming personnel. However there is a reason you do not bring up these players yet.
You haters also need to realize every one of these players is the best, the best in their field, in their situation and on the team they have been able to land with. These players also have the knowledge and are aware of the errors or areas needing improvement. So cut everyone of these guys some slack. Instead of complaining how about saying how lucky we are to have a great beginning to the season. I have been around a while and find most of the haters, probably sat on the bench, or never even played. It is the armchair quarterback syndrome. Sick of it!
Dennis
April 24th, 2012
9:19 am
Just a note: Detroit’s Verlander was 11-17 with a 4.84 ERA in 2008 and is regarded as possibly the best pitcher in baseball. Pitchers do have seasons that are inexplicable. Not saying JJ will be another Verlander but this very well can just be a matter of going down to AAA and working on mechanics and conditioning. Let’s hope he improves to the point where he can be brought back or traded for something other than a bag of bats.
Sweat
April 24th, 2012
9:23 am
I hope JJ never pitches in the majors again. He’s destroyed his own trade value, so as far as I’m concerned he can rot away in the minors for the rest of his career. What a physically and mentally weak piece of garbage. He should be flat out released. Use up his options, send him through waivers, and let him waste away in the minors or retire. JJ, you’re an embarrassment to your country. Andruw Jones is spitting on your jersey somewhere in NY.
Morning Reads for Tuesday, April 24th
April 24th, 2012
9:26 am
[...] few that I like… – Dodgers: 7, Braves: 2 – After another horrible start, the Braves sent Jair Jurrjens to the minors. – Freddie Freeman was named the NL Player of the Week. – C’mon, you know you want [...]
double
April 24th, 2012
9:26 am
Bobby & Fredi are good,best at excuses.Management stinks.Lose 3 in LA.As for missing Lowe( HE!! NO )
PureEvil
April 24th, 2012
9:31 am
Sweat…. Why so mad bro??
If you’re a Braves fan you’ll at least hope he gets it together so we can eventually trade him or use him in the pen later this year.
Do everyone a favor and jump off a cliff!!!
The Alpha Male
April 24th, 2012
9:31 am
Pretty obvious that Juerrjens doesn’t trust his knee…. leaving pitches up and little movement on the breaking stuff is proof. He needs to go to Gwinnett and overcome his fears.
wayn-o
April 24th, 2012
9:38 am
Its Feast or Famine for JJ. Either he’ll have an injury and be out for most of the year or it will click with him and be back to the JJ of old. Glad he was pulled out of the rotation and wish him the best in the mean time.
Energy Vampire
April 24th, 2012
9:38 am
How could Fredi see anything positive in JJ’s performance? JJ was throwing batting practice, again.
Mike
April 24th, 2012
9:45 am
The Braves missed their window with JJ. Up until the AS break last year, he had consistently outperformed what would have been expected given his peripherals. Most smart baseball people felt he would regress to the mean eventually and he certainly has. And hard.
His trade value was enormous last June and I wish they would have moved him for an impact bat at that time. But that ship has sailed. And I really hope the organization recognized all of this last June and tried to trade him as opposed to believing he could keep up that pace. He still may become a useful major league starter but he will never regain that value he had a year ago from a trade perpective.
Brian
April 24th, 2012
9:56 am
This is a bold move that this team usually doesn’t make, but its clearly the right move. Jurrjens is not a part of this team’s future rotation at this point. The only hope now is to squeeze some value out of him and to get him out of the way so a young guy can get his innings in now. Next year its Hanson, Beachy, Minor, Delgado, and Teheran. And that’s been the plan for years.
Retired 6 years too late
April 24th, 2012
9:59 am
@ Larry april 24 7:50am “And I failed to mention Jack Wilson…why is this no hitting hack starting for a supposed contender “.
Larry I co-sign on your comment there. Play Pastornicky @ SS and give the kid a chance to get comfortable playing . Jack Wilson =Gregg Norton . Only Bobby Cox and Bobby Lite would sit the rookie and play a Greg Norman/Jack Wilson. Let the kid play Bobby Lite!
don
April 24th, 2012
9:59 am
I would prefer that he be traded but a demotion is a start.
CrαZy
April 24th, 2012
10:02 am
Next year its Hanson, Beachy, Minor, Delgado, and Teheran.And that’s been the plan for years.
Depending on how Tim pitches this year and how much the Braves are willing to spend on him for another year you could see him back, but in general I agree with you!!
skep
April 24th, 2012
10:03 am
Braves made the right move. In the past they tended to stick with veterans too long if you can call Jurrjens a veteran. Hopefully Delgado does not get into a pattern of walking easy outs with the pressure on.
Dawg '88
April 24th, 2012
10:04 am
feel for JJ but optioning Delgado instead of him would have been unfair.
Other than Sunday…Randall has kept us in every game and even battled a bit better than JJ. JJ was getting pounded routinely.
Hope he straightens it out though…we need him!
CrαZy
April 24th, 2012
10:05 am
I would prefer that he be traded
For what a case of beer and some packs of redman??? No one is taking a injury prone 5.5 million dollar AAA pitcher from us!!
vesaversa
April 24th, 2012
10:06 am
Jurrjens should have been traded .the Braves could have gotten a great player for him last years but the Braves front office got cold feet.
skep
April 24th, 2012
10:08 am
Jurrjens is making 5.5 already? Must have a good agent though Wren and other GM’s get played all the time and overpay.
Kharma
April 24th, 2012
10:10 am
Another victim of the traditional pitching motion
Nothing physically wrong Yeah right
Tell Jair he has to move the angle of the anterior side of his wrist on his fastballs.
Kharma
Mister Frisky
April 24th, 2012
10:13 am
Hey JJ,Take Diaz, Wilson,and Pastornickey with you.
therut
April 24th, 2012
10:14 am
Braveslover, you are absolutely correct. Cox would have overruled Wren, kept JJ up here and started him 20 more times. But guess what? so would have FG. Watch Delgado throw a three hitter in his next start. thank you Frank Wren!
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
April 24th, 2012
10:14 am
Woke up got the good news. Beat it JJ
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
April 24th, 2012
10:16 am
Dennis
You really comparing a Verlander who throws 98 to JJ. Huh??
JJ had two swings and misses last night! Verlander may have had a off year a few years ago but I bet his stuff was great still
Scott from Fairburn
April 24th, 2012
10:17 am
@skep
Jurrjens is making $5.5 million because of the arbitration process, not because he got duped by an agent. When the player is arbitration eligible, the player submits a number and the club submits a number. If the two sides can agree on a middle figure, the arbitrator decides. The Braves could have non-tendered him but clearly thought he had some value given his 1/2 half 2011 performance.
Good move by Wren – the only move at this point.
least of the east
April 24th, 2012
10:18 am
at least they sent JJ where he needs to be for now. i was afraid they would be sending him out every 5th day like they did with Lowe last sept and give away more games.
right now JJ gives the team 0 chance to win.
he’s the KK of 2012- a player geting $5-6 mill to pitch in the minors. but,a s was said, Lowe’s arrangement is still worse. maybe the pitcher we got Chris Jones will surprise. he’s at AA now and not doing badly.
CrαZy
April 24th, 2012
10:19 am
Jurrjens is making 5.5 already?
I think people forget that this is his 5th full season in the bigs! Well… not full anymore!
OTP
April 24th, 2012
10:19 am
What do we do now with Hanson?
me
April 24th, 2012
10:22 am
Good Morning Frisky. Bad decision. Fire FG and we are OK
Lowcountry Brave
April 24th, 2012
10:26 am
Good move by the Braves . . . let’s hope he gets it figured out down there.
Younger Than That Now
April 24th, 2012
10:27 am
jd56… why you calling me out bro? You need to go back and read my post, and if I came off as a Braves basher, I apologize and ask you to do a search and read all of my comments on the Braves. At times it seems I’ve been alone in supporting this team, the manager, general manager and individual players when it seemed that all the other posts were bashing and hating on the Braves. I’m definitely not a hater… more of the opposite I’d say. And pal, I’ve been around since ‘66 and you can look back and see that on some posts as well. In fact, I’ve reminded some of the so called “Braves fans” around here that the Atlanta Braves didn’t start playing here in ‘91, that they go back to a move from Milwaukee and some of us have been around as fans since then. You’ve got me pegged all wrong, but I do agree that Durbin has improved on his last two outings and may very well turn his season around and be another veteran arm that the Braves need in the pen. I hope so.
And then you want to go and get real personal… what gives there my man. I won’t debate you over my history playing and coaching in baseball… it’s not worth it to me and you don’t seem to be the type to utter words like… “I was wrong”. I’ll just say that “you’re so wrong” and say if you only knew, and leave it at that.
Anybody that posts here on a regular basis… and I don’t know if this is your first post or if you post a hundred times a day, and frankly don’t care… but anyone who is here regularly probably would label me as one of those Braves fans wearing rose colored glasses. And I’ll remain that way… what you’ve accused me of and your personal insults won’t run me off or deter me from expressing my opinion.
I hope the rest of your day is great… and I’ll end this the way I end EVERY post of mine…
GO BRAVES!
Mister Frisky
April 24th, 2012
10:27 am
Morning Me,Didn’t know you were part of the fire Fredi bandwagon.
Mister Frisky
April 24th, 2012
10:31 am
@Me,Have a great day.IPad needs a charge.
benchwarmer
April 24th, 2012
10:32 am
The bloggosphere is a weird place indeed with very few rules. JJ has been at best average for his duration as a Brave. Pitch control and a slightly better fastball made his stuff work. Injury has left him defensless. May be a while before he returns. The legs have ruined many a good pitcher before this. Ask Dizzy Dean.
EM°
April 24th, 2012
10:33 am
Hopefully he can figure it out. If not, maybe we can turn him for some sort of hitter or bullpen arm. We don’t need another starter. But I’m not sure Julio is ready for full time in the majors. Maybe though.
Back seat manager
April 24th, 2012
10:35 am
What do we do with Hanson? KEEP HIM IN THE ROTATION! He has 3.38 ERA.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
10:35 am
rico43
April 24th, 2012
7:52 am
Wonder what JJ’s trade value is right now?
ANSWER: Same as it was yesterday, ZERO, At 5.5 million you couldn’t give him away.
People Seriously?
April 24th, 2012
10:48 am
Any person with an IQ near average watches baseball and knows that people progress and regress back towards their averages especially in their prime. Baseball is not a game lived in games but in weeks and months. We all have seen what Jair is capable of. Just because your day was ruined by a bad pitching performance and your emotional response is to lash out the only way you can (ON AJC website) doesn’t mean its true. Give Jair sometime, He’ll turn it around, and be a valuable pitcher down the stretch when someone gets hurt. He isn’t worthless either in trade or as a 5th starter… Pitchers, especially starting pitchers who have All-Star potential and are in their prime are always worth something….significantly more than most of you who are commenting…
CrαZy
April 24th, 2012
10:50 am
What do we do now with Hanson?
Pitch him every 5th day!!!!
me
April 24th, 2012
10:54 am
Why are you so negative? This is a good move. Now if they Send pastornicky with him and fire FG. The team would be a whole lot better.
CrαZy
April 24th, 2012
10:57 am
Now if they Send pastornicky with him and fire FG. The team would be a whole lot better.
Right because Jack Wilson makes us so much better at SS!!
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
11:00 am
Fruti ays that JJ has no health issues, well I don’t know about the rest of you but to me pitching with a brace on your knee is a health issue. JJ wasn’t fooling anyone but himself, sure the brace probably allows him to pitch without pain but he knows sub-consenciously that if he lets it fly his knee is going to hurt so he is holding back. I don’t know because i’m not a doctor but is it possible to fix his knee with surgery, if so they should look at that option. Another thing, how many options does JJ have left, I would think not many if any so they need to keep him down until they are 100% sure he is going to be ok.
P Rose
April 24th, 2012
11:12 am
Bradley’s blog sucks. I’m glad I copied and pasted this before sending it there, before it disappeared into thin air.
Beauvighn: “send Delgado to AAA along with him”??! I guess Delgado’s last start was the first Braves game you watched this season. In his first two outings, Delgado was a beast. Unlike JJ, who pouts, Delgado keeps his chin up. You can’t tell the score by his facial expression. You gotta love this kid.
JJ does seem to suffer from a lack of confidence and a defeatist attitude when things go wrong. But what alrmed me last night wasn’t so much his location, as Joe Simpson kept harping on, and as Bradley echoed in his article, or his lack of velocity, which was the main thrust of Bradley’s article. What was unacceptable last night was the complete and total lack of any movement on the ball at all. JJ threw the ball right down the middle of the plate, straight as an arrow. He’ll be hammered even in AAA pitching like that. Even Livan Hernandez, our mop-up guy, came in and made the ball move on the hitters. JJ is not our ace anymore; he isn’t even a AAA pitcher anymore, much less a big-leaguer. I hope he figures it out, but thank goodness for the team’s depth of starters.
joekill
April 24th, 2012
11:15 am
I think JJ will find his groove back at AAA he just needs to work the kinks out we will be fine no need to freakout people the Bravos will be fine
REAGAN2012
April 24th, 2012
11:24 am
WELL NOW WE GONE 2 HAVE 2 TRADE JAIRE CUZ HE IS MAD AT US HELL COME BACK AND NOT WANT TO PITCH 4 US NO MORE
IHEARTCARROLL
April 24th, 2012
11:40 am
I know what the Braves should do, but just to be different from all the other bloggers, I’m not gonna tell ya.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
11:41 am
Wren solved one problem now lets work on the other one, SHORT STOP, Wilson isn’t the answer, they should play Pastronicky everyday for a while and in the mean time move Simmons up to AAA or call him up and replace Wilson and resume the competition between him and Pastor.
jd56
April 24th, 2012
11:48 am
Dear Younger than Now,
Not calling you out. Many bloggers on these sites do not follow the player and see the crap situations they have been put through.
Simply put! I am Chad Durbin’s father. So defense if part of the game. Again sorry for sounding harsh. Until you have been a parent and seen what the MLB puts these guys through, you do not know how hard these guys work for all these years to keep in shape and throw the best they can. It is age, it is only being given one day to see your child born. There are many factors that effect players. There have been some players who have had so many things said and done to them that Chad is a thankful he is not famous.
These guys have dedicated their lives to something that unless they are in the big bucks, by the time they pay accountants, agents, union fees and little crap team fees, they are not making near the money for the amount of time put in.
Chad is well aware of limitations but also knows that if you are ever given an actual slot to be in on the team you have to work to keep it. As a relief pitcher you hope to be used as much as he is now, so you can stay sharp. Sit in the bullpen waiting in long relief or simply the guy coming in with a 7 run lead or deficit and it soon becomes apparent that you are simply filling a spot.
These guys bust their butts. Watching Hernandez grin walking off the mound last night had me fuming. He should not be smiling, he just gave up two more runs. That is why there are so many players today that do not respect that they are even there. Again sorry for writing what I did. That is why Chad insists that I not read the blogs. I just like reading what you guys have to say.
Go Braves!
Sorry for going on, but you have no idea the games these guys put up with trying to get on a team and stay there. Chad is happy to be with Atlanta, thinks it is a great organization and thinks he can get back to where he was in middle relief with Philly in 2008. He was their go to guy for the entire season and deservedly so.
me
April 24th, 2012
11:50 am
Hi Ralph, I have a solution for you. First you send Delgado down and leave him down. Have your rotation: Hudson,Hanson,Minor, Beachy,Medlen. Bring Flande back up for bullpen. Send pastornicky down. Replace with Sutton. Release Wilson. Replace with Salcedo. Fire FG and replace with Chipper as a player manager. I am tired of these deadbeats. Do that and we win. Go Brave3s
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
12:00 pm
I think I owe Frank Wren an apology. First I thought his most recent moves were stupid, acquiring Fransisco, Hernandez, and Durbin but now they are looking like very good moves considering the size of the wallet he is carrying. Sure I know that he would have liked to have gotten Zimmerman as a back-up for Chipper and maybe Oswalt instead of Livan and there are a lot of other relief pitchers he would love to had instead of Durbin so I now think he did well with what he had to work with. I just hope he has one more good move up his sleeve.
me
April 24th, 2012
12:05 pm
Frank Wren is not that smart to fire FG. That should be his first move.
Mister Frisky
April 24th, 2012
12:07 pm
Last night looked like last September.A pitcher with zero stuff and a line up that wouldn’t put fear into a tee ball team.I said it in ST.The more we see of Wilson and Diaz the chances of winning the games they play in are minimal at best.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
12:10 pm
me
I agree with some of that, Flande got blown out last nite, I would go with Gearin instead, Sutton hasn’ t done anything at AAA and I never did like player managers.
me
April 24th, 2012
12:19 pm
Welcome back Frisky. Do you like my solution?
nashvillewill
April 24th, 2012
12:19 pm
The move on JJ was obvious – he is not, currently, a ML pitcher, with flat relatively slow fastballs down the middle. He must work on the movement of his pitches and location, whatever is going on physically. My concerns for the Braves continues to be their overall mediocrity, even with the recent winning streak. SS and 3B(when Chipper doesn’t play, which is getting more and more frequently) are perhaps the worst in MLB. (Have the Braves given up on Pastornicky? If not, why is he not playing? Wilson cannot hit and makes Gonzo look good). CF, 1B, and C are the only positions where the Braves are putting competent players in the lineup. Unless you also consider J-Hay back, which I do not – he is showing traces of returning to 2011 form – watch his preparation and his swing.
Minor and Beachy and Medlen are the cream of the pitching crop, and Medlen is not pitching often enough. In spite of recent success, I still see this team as constituted finishing third or fourth in division. I hope I’m wrong.
Mister Frisky
April 24th, 2012
12:24 pm
Hi Me,I like it.Except you forgot Dieaz,that dude is a pinch hitter at best.I would like to see Matty D on the first turnip truck heading out of town.
O'flarity's water bottle
April 24th, 2012
12:26 pm
jd56
April 24th, 2012
9:11 am
Why is it that there are so many haters on these sites.
I hate you…..lol
me
April 24th, 2012
12:28 pm
Who do you want? maybe Parraz. I dont think so. I assume my secret is still good.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
12:29 pm
I think we are just a couple pieces away from a winner. Accept the fact that Chipper is only going to play maybe 80 games so play Franscisco more at 3B and have Chipper healthy to come off the bench in crucial situations, the other is we must find a solution to the short stop problem. Otherwise I think we have a lot fewer problems than most teams.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
12:32 pm
is reckingball still hiding under the bed after last nite?
Bring back Ted
April 24th, 2012
12:36 pm
Are Gonzales and Wren idiots? Medlin has produced for us, was brought to the majors before Hanson, is aggressive, throws strikes and should be in the starting line-up ahead of Delgado (and Jurrgens before he went down). If the manager of the team cannot evaluate talent any better than this, the Braves are in deep trouble. And by the way, why does Gonzales never stand up for his team? Bobby would have been thrown 10 time in the last 2 series!
me
April 24th, 2012
12:37 pm
Hello Oflaritys water bottle. Long time no see. Calm down buddy . You might hyperventilate.
Golden Sombreros
April 24th, 2012
12:38 pm
All you doomsday “Oh my god it’s the same ‘ol Bravos again….every year they let us down” …. “My mommy and daddy don’t love me and I spilled my cocoa on my shirt too” crying babies can literally kiss my arse!!! You are nowhere to be found during a 9 out of 10 streak, but as soon as we lose a few and demote Jurjjens the whole world is gonna end. IT’S BASEBALL FOLKS!!!!! Do everyone a favor and quit watching it so we don’t have to read your posts. Go watch womens basketball or something. For all the real fans……Lets GO BRAVES!!!!!
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
12:41 pm
O’flarity’s water bottle
Like I have said before, “there are no haters on this site, just doubters and people with opinions”
rawdog
April 24th, 2012
12:42 pm
Maybe he can learn to speak some english in AAA. I wonder how the flight from LAx to Gwinnett is?
me
April 24th, 2012
12:42 pm
Golden Sombreros, RIGHT ON!!! Go Braves
me
April 24th, 2012
12:42 pm
Golden Sombreros, RIGHT ON!!! Go Braves
Done
April 24th, 2012
12:42 pm
Missed the boat not trading JJ last year. He will struggle to rehain the form of early last year. Plus no team will touch him now.
Golden Sombreros
April 24th, 2012
12:44 pm
And FARMER….you need a good ‘ol fashin bitchslap!
Skeeterleg
April 24th, 2012
12:46 pm
jd56 – Can you ask Chad to retire so someone that deserves that spot can rightfully claim it? Thank You.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
12:46 pm
Golden Sombreros
And then there are people who only come out when we are on a winning streak and hating us doubters and people with different opinions.
Scot
April 24th, 2012
12:49 pm
A few years ago when Francouer went to the minors, he sulked and then came back to the majors with a horrible attitude. I hope that JJ sees the big picture, gets it back together in AAA, and comes back up to be the JJ of early 2011.
Golden Sombreros
April 24th, 2012
12:50 pm
@ Ralph….big difference….people celebrating a winning streak is fun and upbeat…..Others bitching and moaning and complaining is draining. No one likes being around someone who is always complaining….same goes for a blog. We’re like 17 games into the season and are still above .500. 2nd in our division. I think it’s a little early to be doubting anything or complaining about this “being the same ol braves wahahahahah I need a tissue” ……If you have concerns it’s okay to voice them everyone does, but there is a huge difference in voicing a concern and bitching about something that hasn’t happened yet.
me
April 24th, 2012
12:51 pm
Come on Ralph, Play nice. I know you and you are not that way.
Mister Frisky
April 24th, 2012
12:54 pm
This year will basically be the Chipper farewell tour 2012.A cowboy hat,a rocking chair,maybe a 12 gauge.With him out of the line up more than in it, coupled with the Mc Cann every 5th day off leaves this line up in deep cow dung.Last night was down right pathetic.Glad Wilson is there to mentor T Pastor.Seems like Jack has showed him everything he knows about hitting,and the kid is an honor student.
Golden Sombreros
April 24th, 2012
12:56 pm
Here is a real concern…..Since the Braves are on the west coast and the game doesn’t start till 10:10 pm…..Will I be able to watch all of it?!?!?
Mister Frisky
April 24th, 2012
12:57 pm
JJ Lowe is done people,get over it and move on.If there was a demand for 87 mph straight balls,most of this blog would be in the rotation.
Scuba Steve
April 24th, 2012
12:57 pm
You guys are insane! Sweat, you should seek anger management help and stay off this blog. Larry, you seem to have all the answers with your extensive background in baseball. You should call Frank to see if there’s a job available. Maybe you can replace Fredi or Roger Mc. Such hostile comments. Just chill out people. “Serenity now. Serenity now.” Maybe try yoga or prozac. It’s a long season. Just chill on the hatred stuff. Makes me embarrassed to be a Braves fan. Hopefully JJ gets his stuff worked out. He’s got the heart of a winner. Stick with this team, we will persevere. Go Braves!
me
April 24th, 2012
12:58 pm
Why are you being so negative Frisky. I know you are a nice guy. Have Faith. Be patient. Go Braves.
me
April 24th, 2012
1:01 pm
Scuba Steve, If we cant give our opinions,than why do we post. Come on we are all Brave fans here. Calm down and join the fun.
Southpaw
April 24th, 2012
1:01 pm
I think Zack Duke could use a change of scenery. Wouldn’t might inquiring about that lefty for the rotation.
Mister Frisky
April 24th, 2012
1:03 pm
@Me,Your right I am a nice guy thanks.This whole Chipper thing has me concerned.Now you have Lowe gone,JJ Lowe on the farm,and a part time former great.So if u add up their three salaries Braves using up 1/3 of payroll and getting 1 starter every 3 days.
DerekZ
April 24th, 2012
1:03 pm
Let’s hope JJ goes down and gets DOUBLE PITS TO CHESTY with it and can come back strong.
Mister Frisky
April 24th, 2012
1:04 pm
See ya Me,Time for some sun.
Southpaw
April 24th, 2012
1:09 pm
Zack Duke was released by Astros. Always thought he was a talented lefty. Think sometimes a change of scenery helps. We should give him a look. Might help to have a another good southpaw in the rotation.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
1:09 pm
Mister Frisky
April 24th, 2012
12:54 pm
Love it!
jd56
April 24th, 2012
1:10 pm
Skeeter, he only needs three years to get the retirement, so sorry you gotta wait.
Kentavo
April 24th, 2012
1:11 pm
I agree this is a clear sign that Wren is pulling the strings – this never would have happened so soon in the Cox era. It would have taken 3 months. Kudos to Wren for having the cajones to do what is right in terms of winning; I’m thinking JJ has to be hurt. It was going to be a bad move if they sent Delgado down instead. And I think we’re going to be fine when Huddy comes back and solidifies things; we might take our lumps in this L.A. series, but that team is hot, and you can’t beat them if you do what JJ did last night, lobbing it right over the middle of the plate. Last night, we were also missing Chipper and Mac (although Ross is The Secret Weapon), and going with Mendoza, er I mean Jack Wilson. At least Pastornicky makes contact – and can run. The one who really worries me is Uggla – dude has got to figure out how to hit offspeed stuff and breaking stuff.
nelson
April 24th, 2012
1:13 pm
nice move..
jd56
April 24th, 2012
1:15 pm
It is a fun read. Nice to always read good fiction.
Scuba Steve
April 24th, 2012
1:18 pm
I’m calm. I’m just really don’t like the hatred and negativity towards these players who are trying their hardest to win. Do you think they like or want to lose? These guys are like my family. You follow your family, through and through. Always with support. Not bashing. I love opinions. That’s what makes this country great. But I hear a lot of anger. It takes so much energy to be angry. I guess I would like to stay on the positive side of things rather than attack someone. That’s just my opinion. If I’m allowed to have one.
me
April 24th, 2012
1:19 pm
You guys are too negative for me. Time for a swim.and a run on the beach. Later guys
Brava
April 24th, 2012
1:26 pm
I’m glad to hear of the decision to option JJ. This was the best move for the team. That said, I hope he’s able to work out his issues in Gwinnett and get back to being the pitcher he once was.
Best wishes, JJ.
BraveFalcon
April 24th, 2012
1:32 pm
Kinda tacky the way they did it, not letting him know until after his meetings with the media, but I think JJ will go down, work hard, and come back. Who knows how Huddy will be? Relax, guys, it’s still early in the season!
Timmy
April 24th, 2012
1:39 pm
In lieu of all this. I hope the Braves take a power hitter with their first pick in the draft. Its pointless to draft pitchers when you have a surplus of them. And its not like the Braves are gonna use them as trade bait.
Steve
April 24th, 2012
1:49 pm
The joke is on Scott Boras, He is going to be practically worthless as a client when he hits the open Market.
1991 braves
April 24th, 2012
1:59 pm
Too bad Wren doesn’t have the balls to send his incompetent manager to the minors with J.J. It is painfully obvious that this manager is a total joke. The total collapse last year, and then he allows J.J to continue to pitch into the 4th inning when the guy couldn’t get anyone out. The braves had a chance to comeback and win the game if the moron doesn’t leave J.J in the game. My GOD, when a pitcher gives up 9 hits in 3 innings, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize he doesn’t have it anymore. Yet the wonderful Fat Fredi told the 2 cheerleaders in the broadcast booth that there was no way he would send J.J down after Hudson returns. He made the comment the guy was 12-3 before the break last year, this is typical Bobby Cox managing. Fredi lost the chance for the braves to make the playoffs last season by continuing to trot Lowe out to the mound when the braves needed wins. And if it were up to this moron, he would trot J.J out there 15 more starts which would be 15 more losses, and it would put the braves in a big hole to start the season. Thank GOD Wren had enough balls to send this guy down to AAA. He will never be back up to the majors, and there is a reason no team wanted this guy in the off season when the braves were trying to trade him. Too little too late, seems to be the Braves motto lately
Dirtybirdsin12
April 24th, 2012
1:59 pm
I don’t think it’s a big deal. JJ knows he’s not pitching well, so now he can work it out without the pressure. Delgado’s been solid, and Hudson will be himself. Good move by the Braves.
Ralph
April 24th, 2012
2:15 pm
Huddy could be better than ever, I sure hope so, we need a true ACE.
me
April 24th, 2012
2:16 pm
I am back, I still see negativity. What is the matter with you guys? Have a cold beer and relax. Braves will be fine. Be patient. Go Braves.
Puma
April 24th, 2012
2:25 pm
This was the right move to give a guy a chance to regain his form, I am sure JJ doesn’t like it, but his results speak for themselves. Now please oh please let Meds start!!!! He could do so much more for us starting than pitching 2 innings every 3-4 days, especially now that Livan looks like he can handle the long relief role.
Bravo Uno
April 24th, 2012
2:27 pm
put Medlin in the rotation !
Chuck Simon's Barber Shop
April 24th, 2012
2:30 pm
While they may develop into top of the rotation SP’s I’m not ready to crown Delgado and Teheran the next Glavine, Smoltz or Avery quite yet. Many folks don’t seem to remember in 1991, when those 3 came into their own, was after Schuerholtz was hired and then acquired Bream, Belliard, Pendleton, Nixon, Olson, and Sanders which dramatically shored up the defense. Our 2011-12 defense is far superior to the Braves teams 1987 to 1990
me
April 24th, 2012
2:32 pm
Hudson, Hanson,Minor, Beachy, Medlen. Replace Pastornicky with Sutton. Replace Chipper with Francisco. Do not mess with lineup. Fire FG and lets play ball
Old timmer
April 24th, 2012
2:32 pm
where were all you Braves rippers during the 10 of 11 run?
STFU (and move back up north)
Chuck Simon's Barber Shop
April 24th, 2012
2:34 pm
Point of my previous comment is the 2 young pitchers have been provided much better defense behind them than the previous generation in their developing seasons
Jason J.
April 24th, 2012
2:41 pm
My barber, how cool! How’s things at the shop? Be there Sunday?
Chuck Simon's Barber Shop
April 24th, 2012
2:44 pm
I’ll be there until 3 Sun. Lots of Braves talk at shop, as usual,
. Gonna go see the G-Braves win tom. night.
Jo
April 24th, 2012
2:48 pm
Hate to say told ya so…. But either Jurrjens or Hanson was going to screw up BIG and well…. you see
And really come’on people Medlan is not going to the rotation. I mean really???? For one hes too valuable in the Bullpen as the only viable RHP late in games. O’flaherty and Venters cant do it all and O’flaherty is not doing much of nothing anyways. Medlan will stay in the pen and be a bridge to Kimbrel.
Rotation will be Hudson, Hanson, Beachy, Minor, Delgado
Is it super important to have a guy like Livan in the pen. He reserved and gave everybody a breather yesterday. Martinez can now be a vital part now thats Livans there instead of a mop up guy like last year(eating up innings in lopsided games). Any yes they wer only down by 3 late but if the bats had showed any life up to that point it would have warranted a change of pitcher.
Pitchers as follows
SP – Hudson, Hanson, Beachy, Minor, Delgado – Teheran, Jurrjens is injuries occur
RP – Hernandez, Martinez, Medlan, O’Flaherty, Venters, Kimbrel
Hopefully we’ll get some to take over the last spot currently held by the new Scott Proctor of Braves baseball Chad Durbin
HOF 10
April 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
Too bad, but it had to be done. I think he can win with the reduced velocity, but he has to throw it to spots, like he did in the first half last year. And before that whenever he was healthy. The good news is we don’t have him for 5 years at $75 mil right now. Sure hope he works it out. Good guy, and he was one of the best in the league
me
April 24th, 2012
3:00 pm
Jo, You have got to be kidding if you want a piece of junk in your rotation that cannot throw a strike to a pitcher. Come on. Get real RELEASE HIM NOW.
Largo
April 24th, 2012
3:14 pm
AAA is not far enough down. AA would have been better. Maybe he’ll get lost in the shuffle.
alex
April 24th, 2012
3:23 pm
@jo, I don’t understand your point,do we put livan in and call it a day, why don’t we just leave the park…
Anyway,that D. Jeter is something, pushy 40, smooth in the field and going 4 for 5 against the Rangers, a consummate pro-love him or leave him.!!
Largo
April 24th, 2012
3:26 pm
$5.5 million is damn good money for a guy who can’t get anyone out. Does he get less while he is in AAA?
Brave New World
April 24th, 2012
3:26 pm
This is an appropriate move so Jair can work through his pitching mechanics in the minors. Hope he finds his groove and rejoins the big club. GO BRAVES!
Woody Woodward
April 24th, 2012
4:31 pm
Had a feeling something would happen if he had a bad outing. Good move.
Southpaw
April 24th, 2012
4:48 pm
So does anybody like Zack Duke? I know this is off the wall, but I think he will pitch up to his potential at The Ted. Let’s sign him to a minor league contract and see what happens.You need a couple of lefties to beat the Yankees in NY. Got to get a WS with them again. Win it with Andru playing for them this time. Classic!
John A.
April 24th, 2012
4:52 pm
JJ needs to be in the minors until he doesn’t have problems with his knee, or quits reading his press clippings and believes them. Either that or he’s been reading the trade rumors and doesn’t feel loved in Atlanta anymore. You know how thin skinned these athletes are these days. They make more money than GOD but can’t be talked about.
Delbert D.
April 24th, 2012
5:29 pm
I guess many on this blog don’t remember John Smoltz’s problems early in his career. I hope JJ works it out.
nick p
April 24th, 2012
5:58 pm
farmer, you sure do give up quickly! stop being such a whimp and leave comments like a man!
Vinnny3
April 24th, 2012
6:18 pm
Kris Medlen deserves a chance to start. He’s a proven winner. And is better than Delgado. It’s the right thing to do.
me
April 24th, 2012
6:34 pm
Vinnny3 I agree with you completely. You need to tell all these other doubters that are in love with that piece of junk Delgado. I dont understand it.
The rise and fall of Jair Jurrjens | Braves Wire
April 25th, 2012
1:09 am
[...] to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Braves announced late Tuesdat night that Jair Jurrjens had been optioned to the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in [...]