UGADevil, I agree with you as long as Wren is unable to find the right package. However, I don't think it's a bad thing if he's moved under the right circumstances. I thought the trade that brought Jurrjens from Detroit was a brilliant move by Wren back in 2007 when our pitching staff was in transition as Smoltz was nearing the end of his career and, at that moment, no youngsters had stepped up to fill the void. Jurrjens is a talented pitcher with generally great control. However, it seems that his strikeout rate will never be high enough to be an ace and, although he had a great first half last year, his k-rate actually dropped last season. Now, this doesn't mean he's not a valuable pitcher that I absolutely root for and felt was underrated for most of his career. However, a team with the payroll situation of the Braves HAS to make tough choices. Jurrjens' production has been very good but is not irreplaceable. In fact, despite his incredible ERA for the first half of the season, he only posted a 1.5
fangraphs Wins Above Replacement. Beachy, in 11 fewer innings, posted a 2.8 WAR. It is true that Hudson and Jurrjens are similar in terms of K-Rate and ERA, but aside from his Tommy John surgery three years ago, Hudson has been incredibly healthy throughout his career and has shown consistency for much longer, making him more valuable. Add in Jurrjens' increasingly large paycheck and the fact that there is virtually no chance that the Braves resign him when he leaves via free agency, and it makes sense for him to be an important trade piece for the Braves.
Realistically, Jurrjens could be the Braves 5th starter by the end of next season. Hanson and Beachy are both already better when healthy. Hudson is still perhaps just a bit better. Meanwhile, Minor, Delgado, and Teheran all have a lot of potential and will be cheaper. If just one of those three breaks out, it moves Jurrjens to 5th in the rotation. With Medlen returning to the fold (albeit, to the bullpen to begin with), it gives the Braves plenty of depth even if Jurrjens departs. I really want to reiterate that I love Jurrjens and think he is an asset to the Braves if he isn't traded. I only want to see him traded for the right combination of prospects and/or MLB ready talent. I just think that, given the payroll outlook for the Braves in the future, it makes sense that Jurrjens be shopped around and, in fact, it might be best for the franchise if Wren is able to move him for the right package.