Pitching Potential: Can Jair Jurrjens be a valid option for the Rockies?

Mar 10, 2015; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher

(41) throws in the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

This off season the Rockies went out and acquired some veteran talent to minor league contracts. One of those additions was Jair Jurrjens. Jurrjens was initially acquired when the Rockies traded Minor League First Baseman, Harold Riggins in 2014, but after one start, Jurrjens was hospitalized and cut soon after. He signed a minor league deal with Colorado this offseason and is a starter for the Albuquerque Isotopes.

Jurrjens has shown flashes of greatness with a career major league ERA of 3.72 while going 53-38 and striking out over 500 batters, but he has been bad too. He has been injury prone which cost him a guaranteed $1.5M contract with Baltimore in 2013. He did get one start in Baltimore before being optioned and outrighted to AAA. He opted for free agency and signed with Detroit who assigned him to AAA as well. He was signed by Cincinnati to a minor league deal in 2014 and then traded mid season to the Rockies, as mentioned above. He started July 4th for the Rockies, getting shelled for 12 hits and 8 runs in under 5 innings. He was treated at the hospital for a “breathing problem,” but never played another game at Coors.

Jurrjens looks to restart his Major League Career in Albuquerque, proving he is healthy and can find some of his magic from the early part of his career in Atlanta. “Knock on wood, I feel like I am getting back to my normal self,” Jerrjens said of his health, “I feel really strong, I am ready to go.”

He had his first start in Albuquerque on April 13th going 5 and two-thirds innings, giving up two runs, striking out four and walking three. “I was rushing too much. Trying to be too nasty.” Jurrjens said of a mound visit during the game. “Just concentrate on making the pitch.” It was a good start for Jurrjens but he left on the hook for the loss. Jurrjens did avoid the loss when the Isotopes tied it in the bottom of the 8th.

On April 20th, not long after his first and only start of the season, Jurrjens was placed on the DL with a right groin strain. The Isotopes have not said why he is still on the DL almost a month later but there are whispers it’s something more. If he comes back at all this season, now you have to wonder how long it will take for him to get back up to speed and compete for a spot in Colorado. Also if the Rockies continue to slide, do they even bother seeing if the old guys have it still or turn it all to the prospects. These questions will all be answered soon but for now Jurrjens remains a question mark.

I did ask him about Star Wars and Jar Jar Binks jokes but he claims he has never heard those jokes. Am I alone on this? Have you heard Jair Jerrjens/Jar Jar Binks Jokes? Do you believe he has never heard one? Let me know in the comments. Also let me know who you want me to talk to next from the ‘Topes or from any of the visiting teams.

Troy Olsen can be heard, talking Topes, every Friday around 5:35 p.m, on 610 KNML. Listen on tunein, IHeartRadio, or the 610 Website along with many other places. Listen in and let me know what you think!