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Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > April > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRookie from Curacao stabilizes Braves’ staff
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It will be some time before there’s a change for the coveted honor of “Greatest Player To Come Out Of Willemstad.”
But given the ascent of Jair Jurrjens — and the simultaneous faceplant of Andruw Jones — we may be witnessing the pecking order in Curacao in mid-morph.
Jurrjens is rapidly becoming the iron man of the Braves’ decomposing pitching staff. He pitched seven innings against Los Angeles on Sunday, allowing only one run on three hits with a career-high eight strikeouts in a 6-1 win.
He also leads the staff in innings pitched (25 1/3). That’s not what anybody projected. But given we’re not out of April yet and the Braves have five pitchers (two starters) on the disabled list, they can adjust.
Three of Jurrjens’ strikeouts came against Jones, the former Brave and, for that matter, the former threat. Now, striking out Jones might not be considered a monumental achievement anymore, given his .169 average and 21 strikeouts in 59 at-bats. But it’s as close to a cold slap as you can feel in Curacao.
Jurrjens, 22, was a batboy when his older brother played in the same youth leagues with Jones (nine years his senior).
“I saw him when he was a little bitty guy,” Jones said Sunday. “He used to hang around with his dad and come to the games to watch his brother play.”
Jurrjens joked that, “Maybe the whole island” was watching Sunday. For their own health, let’s assume the Detroit Tigers had their eyes closed.
Jurrjens was penciled in as the Tigers’ fifth starter until they decided to deal him as part of the Edgar Renteria trade. It’s early. But if Jurrjens’ first four starts this season aren’t an aberration, Frank Wren will be hard-pressed to make a better trade in his tenure. Jurrjens potentially could be at or near the top of the rotation for several years.
“He knows how to change speeds already at a young age,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said. “He’s got a great arm. I talked to people in Detroit, and I’ve heard nothing but good stuff. Who knows? All we saw in spring training was good, so we’ve grown to expect it.”
He won his first start of the year against Pittsburgh (also the Braves’ first win). He allowed four runs in seven innings in a 4-3 loss at Colorado, hardly a crumbling act. In his third start, he yielded only two runs in six innings against Florida — but lost when the team was blanked, 4-0.
Then came Sunday. Jurrjens faced 28 batters and allowed only six to reach base (three in scoring position, other than a two-out, fourth-inning homer by Russell Martin). The Braves led the Dodgers only 2-1 when Jurrjens left after seven innings, stranding 12 runners. But a four-run eighth blew it open, and the Braves — who already have seen starters John Smoltz, Mike Hampton and Tom Glavine hit the DL this season — won again behind the 22-year-old on a gray-hair rotation.
He threw 114 pitches. He wasn’t tired. “I know my pitch count was up, but I felt good,” he said.
He was stunned when he first heard about the trade to Atlanta. He was a Braves fan as a kid, but the Tigers had signed him as a non-drafted free agent and made him the first pitcher in the majors to come out of Curacao.
“I wasn’t so happy because I grew up playing with the Tigers — it was like leaving a family,” he said. “But after talking with my family and my agent, I felt better. Now I’m really happy I’m here. Not a lot of people play for their favorite team.”
Now he will become an island favorite. Jones visited his former teammates in the Braves’ clubhouse Saturday and spoke with Jurrjens. “He’s doing really good — I’m proud of him,” he said. “I told him to just stay strong and everything will be fine.”
The two are headed in opposite directions. But Jurrjens couldn’t assume anything when he faced Jones for the first time in the first inning. This was the legend from his home island.
“I tried not to look at him because I know I’d have to smile,” Jurrjens said. “So I looked away.”
Then he struck him out. He did it again in the fourth and the sixth. Change may be afoot at the top in Willemstad.
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By Harris
April 20, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Is Jurrjens still considered a rookie since his debut wasnt until August of last season?
By Randy S
April 20, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
JJJ is still a rookie because last year he pitched fewer than 50 innings (30.2) in the majors and spent fewer than 45 days (~16) on the major league active roster when the rosters are limited to 25 spots (aka before September).
By stew
April 20, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Too bad the 2 natives of Willemstad couldn’t play on the same team. I saw a pop up to short centerfield that I thought had a chance to drop. I forgot that Andruw was out there for the other team. He just nonchalanted the ball as I’ve seen him do probably over 1000 times. Now that Jordan Schafer has been suspended for 50 games for using HGH, is he still the future in CF? After the 50 games are up does he get a shot or does he need more seasoning (that he should have had in the 50 games)? They should have resigned their greatest player ever especially after knowing that Tex was going to walk.
By Kentavo
April 20, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Really, Stew, so he could hit .167 for us, strike out three times a game and kill rallies. I’d rather see a few fly balls drop in front of Kotsay et al then have to watch the abomination that is Andruw Jones at the plate on a regular basis agains.
By AGTFan
April 20, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
I won’t talk about Andruw, but I will talk about Triple-J. The trade with Detroit is going to be a good trade for both clubs this season. I think long-term we’re going to look at this like another time we traded a veteran to the tigers for pitching prospect. We should make it a new tradition. Every other decade we trade a veteran to Detroit for a pitching prospect. It’s done pretty well so far.
By mark
April 21, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
On Jair Jurrgens…This might be our new guy from Detroit…taking up where John Smoltz leaves off and as we all know another pitcher who was a Tiger then a Brave…He has looked really pretty good in all his starts this young season
By mark
April 21, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Oh by the way us OLD Braves fans are the Greatest we seen it all…I remember 1969 very well…I was a 7th grader listening to the games past my bed time with some earphones..whats amazing is how way better this team is you think we cake walk but I guess all players are better now then 40 years ago.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 21, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
I agree wholeheartedly with Jeff Schultz, Mr.Wren made one hell of a trade.
Also, the built in depth of Chuck James and Jeff Bennett will pay dividends the rest of this season just as it did during this three game set with the Dodgers.
With Tim Hudson just 32 years of age and established as the ace of the staff, the emergence of Jurrjens, James, Reyes and Bennett along with Charlie Morton gives the Braves hope for the future when it comes to the starting pitching.
By George "Boston Braves" Spitz
April 21, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
Coach mentions correctly Tim Hudson as ” ace of the staff” and emergence of Jurriens, Reyes, Bennett and Charlie Morton as giving “Braves hope for the future when it comes to the starting pitching.” Tom Hanson, who pitches for the Braves farm team in Myrtle Beach, has not allowed a run this season. Hanson could be the ace of them all,
By Santa3247
April 21, 2008 3:39 AM | Link to this
Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Jinhae(Sea of Glass) city south korea now.
I want to tell some ments to players.
Hey!!! Mattew Diaz! Don’t read MLB.COM, they are harness and slave of Babylon. You got it? And you have to always think about your left arm’s power not right arm’s one when you swing because theseday your swing tought that right arm’s power is disturbing left arm’s leading. You got it?
And reduce power on your grip and arms when you swing at batter box. Too much power must reduce the speed of batting and throwing. You are now more powerful than Chipper in muscles now I think but result is reverse. Chipper’s muscle is one of Robotics? ^*^
Hey Kelly Johnson!! Now Boby Cox continously giving you the starting chance and you must have enough rest, and the best rest is sleep, but the light of Messiah in your mind’s eye can make your body most easy status in shorted time I will promise. 2~3minute everyday radiate the light in your mind’s eye and make penertrate the light throuhg your imagined body please!
And the method of exploding the speed of movement at batting and throwing is that, Stop using Medicine and Toothpaste and Soap and Shampoo.^^ And just water only please. In past your ancestors used water only. ^^ No problem. Do test.
And read and view the Gospel from Yerusalme, that is, one from Yerusalem by sixth-sense and inspiration. Like
Harry Potter Miyazaki Hayao’s Animations Apple Seed EX Machina [Essential]
Reading and viewing things like this can make your soul and heart and as a result of that, your speed at batting and pitching must be exploded I will promise.^*^
May the force of Messiah be with you
By JohnnyG
April 21, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this
Jair’s got that one pitch that Maddux used to freeze lefthanded hitters on all the time. It starts inside then BAM breaks right over the plate. How many times did we see LH batters get punched out on that pitch? Jairwill see plenty. Jair is fun to watch and he knows HOW to pitch.
By Jeff R
April 21, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
Jurrjens is where the Braves need to be headed with their pitching staff: younger, talented arms.
Yes, the Braves got Jurrjens via a trade, but management needs to get back to developing outstanding young guns through the farm system. That was what the Braves were known for in the 90s. The Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers and Angels, among others, tore that page from the Braves old playbook and are grooming some top pitching talent.
By RBrave
April 21, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
JJ really looks poised for so young,should be undefeated. Really need to resign Tex.I like Fookie too but rather have Tex at first and Esco at SS. So Stewie, Andruw caught an eightteen million dollar pop up big freaking deal. He still can’t hit (except into double plays)all those K’s with men on and really not a good arm. Kotsay is the man, good team guy,good speed great arm and hustles all the team unlike old smiley, “look at me I struck out” Jones.Hopefully one of our young minor leauge pitchers will develop into a good starter. Go Braves!!
By LarryA
April 21, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Why don’t we let JJ get to double digit starts before we start anointing him the heir apparent to the top of the rotation. Yes, he has a live arm and seems to have good motion on his fastball and excellent control. A lot of things happen on a pitchers second and third time through the league.
By Hoosier Daddy
April 21, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Great comments today. JJ does look like the real deal for sure. My heart goes out to Andruw Jones. Sadly he’s just a shell of what he once was. Still he’s an old Brave and will always be in my heart.
By Ellis Martina
April 21, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Just to congratulate JJJ. He’s been outstanding in all his four appearances till now. Just keep it up. Know that you have a lot more to offer and the season has just started. Keep it up JJ. Whole Curaçao is with you and hoping you have a great and outstanding season.
By Koz
April 21, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
JJ is Great! Now if Kelly Johnson didn’t suck so bad.
By Eric from MO
April 21, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
JJJ looks great but after 4 starts so did Kyle Davies. Lets give it a little more time.
By Eric from MO
April 21, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Koz what is wrong with you? Kelly got on base several times and hit a homer yesterday. He is one of the best hitting 2nd baseman/leadoff hitters in baseball. He dont steal a ton of bases but he gets on base and hits a bunch of doubles which is as good as a single and a stolen base. Actually its better cause you may get thrown out stealing a base. He isnt a great defensive 2nd baseman but he defiently doesnt suck.
By MT Braves Fan
April 21, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
JJ has been awesome, and as RBrave said, should be undefeated. Koz, I disagree with you about Kelly, I think he’s going to be a well-above-average hitter for a second baseman. Granted, he’s no Utley, but how many of those are out there? If we can re-sign Tex, and with guys like JJ and Morton and James, and with Hudson having some good years ahead, we’ve got a really nice core of player to build around for years to come. Oh by the way, anybody still worried about Tex’s production?
By Koz
April 21, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
All I know is that nobody can turn a doubleplay (into a base hit) like Kelly.
I think he needs a bigger glove, he couldn’t hold on to the ball if it was coated with glue.
By scottbravesfan
April 21, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Good job on the column Jeff. Jair is the real deal. You would think the Tigers would learn about dealing with the Braves and pitchers. First Smoltz now Jair.
By Dr. Tobias Funke
April 21, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Tex won’t be back, unfortunately, but we can replace his production (or come close to it) with another free agent making similar money. I don’t see the Braves dropping $20 million or more on him, but for the $15 million we’re paying him now, we can get at least one, if not two, very productive players and not miss a beat.
Those of you giving Kelly Johnson a hard time obviously know absolutely nothing about baseball…the kid is playing his second year at 2B, and is one of the top five offensive producers at that position. He’s no magician with the glove, but he’s not a liability, either. He’s getting better and is extremely valuable to the big picture.
And what more is there to say about Jair Jurrjens? The kid has outstanding control and knows how to make good pitches down in the zone — if he stays healthy and does a good job learning the scouting report on the players he’ll be facing, he should be a 15-20 game winner in no time.
By sdearth
April 21, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
I was driving through Richmond toward home in Newport News, Va., during the game yesterday, and when I heard on the radio that the Dodgers had only one run through seven innings, I wondered who was pitching. I’ve gotta see Jair pitch — but for his and the A-Braves’ sake, I’m glad it won’t be at The Diamond. Hope he can keep it up.
By richbrave
April 22, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
George “Boston Braves” Spitz:
Do you live in Myrtle Beach? And were you once a Boston Braves fan as I was starting with Eddie Mathews in 1952?
By Sam K
April 28, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Just read a great article on www.Braves-Nation.com that ties in very well with this article. Great to see the Rookies can still make a big difference!
By Ralph
April 28, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
I can’t understand why Bobby Cox make the same mistake year after year. Kelly Johnson is not a lead off man, he’s should be batting in the 8th stop. Kelly is an unreliable hitter, streaky, and strike out to many times. Matt Kotsay, is not a center fielder, he should be in right, have Frenchy play center, or get someone, who has the ability to cover center. They leave way to many man on base, and Cox leaves his pitcher in to long, knowing that the braves, are not a come from behind team. The braves are repeating the same mistakes, they committed last year. At the losing pace they going, they will lucky to stay out of last place, they still don’t play together as a team.