Jair Jurrjens to Baltimore

[Haddyz]

I've probably been one of the fools in the world that's followed Jair Jurrjens with some regularity. For that reason, I'm probably higher on him than a lot of people. I wanted the Twins to trade for him previously. Would have liked this flier much more than a couple of the fliers we took thus far.

 

Once in a while, that Twins will have to bring in a guy with some attitude. I don't want nice guys lining our dugout all the time. Not to say Jair is a bad guy, or an attitudey guy, but go after the Sidney Ponson's of the world. Oh wait.

[jokin]

Given that he was pretty crummy even in Triple-A last year and his velocity has continually declined throughout his career, it isn't hard to see why.

 

Uhh, the drop in velocity has only occurred in the last 2 years, his velocity stayed consistently in the 91MPH range in his previous 4 MLB years. and, BTW, despite the velocity drop, his 2011 season was a terrific year for him with a 2.96ERA, a 1.22 WHIP and an ERA+ of 129. On top of that, his loss of velocity apparently isn't an arm-related injury. AAA numbers from a major leaguer, especially when you're hurt and/or rehabbing are indicative of nothing. It seems a little rash to completely write a guy off with only one bad year of performance when Harden inhabits the same roster.

 

I'd say that $1.5M/1 yr. is a very small wager on still-very-young pitcher (turns only 27 next Tuesday), with a much higher chance for hitting a jackpot, than say, the Zumaya deal was in 2012.

[jokin]

I've probably been one of the fools in the world that's followed Jair Jurrjens with some regularity. For that reason, I'm probably higher on him than a lot of people. I wanted the Twins to trade for him previously. Would have liked this flier much more than a couple of the fliers we took thus far.

 

Once in a while, that Twins will have to bring in a guy with some attitude. I don't want nice guys lining our dugout all the time. Not to say Jair is a bad guy, or an attitudey guy, but go after the Sidney Ponson's of the world. Oh wait.

 

Haddyz, since you've been following him, answer me this. If his arm isn't the injury concern, what's holding him back from making a near-to-complete recovery at only the age of 27 and being more than worth the minimal risk that the Orioles have staked him to?

[jorgenswest]

Jurrjens was designated for assignment by Baltimore.

 

Would he be worth giving some starts? There is currently an open spot on the 40. Diamond can be optioned. I think the Twins would have control next year if he has a good second half. He is 27.

[old nurse]

Jurrjens was designated for assignment by Baltimore.

 

Would he be worth giving some starts? There is currently an open spot on the 40. Diamond can be optioned. I think the Twins would have control next year if he has a good second half. He is 27.

 

His velocity is down to the high 80's from what used to be the mid 90 range. Perhaps it would be nice if you explained, other than for a prayer that the pitcher from a few years ago returns, why the Twins should sign him/ Other than the reason "He is no worse than pitcher A, B, C, or D"

[Craig Arko]

I'd rather see Albers.

[jorgenswest]

His velocity is down to the high 80's from what used to be the mid 90 range. Perhaps it would be nice if you explained, other than for a prayer that the pitcher from a few years ago returns, why the Twins should sign him/ Other than the reason "He is no worse than pitcher A, B, C, or D"

 

I assume I am the you...

 

I asked a question and added info, you gave your answer. I don't know if the Twins should sign him. I don't know if his velocity will come ack following surgery. He was once effective. Is it worth the risk a little money in salary and a spot on the 40?

 

The Twins could claim him and DFA him hoping to get him in their minor league system. It happened to Burnett a few times. Is it worth the trouble? Simply asking.

[jokin]

His velocity is down to the high 80's from what used to be the mid 90 range. Perhaps it would be nice if you explained, other than for a prayer that the pitcher from a few years ago returns, why the Twins should sign him/ Other than the reason "He is no worse than pitcher A, B, C, or D"

 

Rich Harden and Rafael Perez are in their 30s, Jurrjens is only 27. Seems like much-less-likely-answered prayers have already been put to use by the Twins FO this season. Jurrjens has a better chance at recovering full effectiveness than Jarred Burton had when the Twins signed him.

[jokin]

I assume I am the you...

 

I asked a question and added info, you gave your answer. I don't know if the Twins should sign him. I don't know if his velocity will come ack following surgery. He was once effective. Is it worth the risk a little money in salary and a spot on the 40?

 

The Twins could claim him and DFA him hoping to get him in their minor league system. It happened to Burnett a few times. Is it worth the trouble? Simply asking.

 

How can anyone argue against the Twins exploring all potential pitching options that essentially involve zero risk on their part?

[beckmt]

No, have many starters in AAA about as good as him. I too would rather see Albers.

[jokin]

No, have many starters in AAA about as good as him. I too would rather see Albers.

 

Why not both? Although I would argue that Jurrjens could potentially be better than anyone in AAA as an SP in due time, it's still worth considering him as a very cheap option for the bullpen. He doesn't walk many and he is one of the very best in baseball at keeping the ball in the ballpark. Also, the velocity on his 2-seam FB has returned to pre-injury levels, while he has been holding off on throwing his slider in 2013 much and hasn't thrown the cutter at all, according to Fangraphs. Perhaps he might get those pitches back to pre-injury levels in time. Seems like a no-brainer to at least kick the tires when it's a no-cost for acquisition.