Misplaced Pages

Jason Hirsh: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 22:38, 29 May 2007 editEpeefleche (talk | contribs)Pending changes reviewers150,049 edits Minor leagues← Previous edit Latest revision as of 22:53, 3 October 2024 edit undoGreenC bot (talk | contribs)Bots2,547,810 edits Rescued 1 archive link. Wayback Medic 2.5 per WP:URLREQ#location.teamname.mlb.com 
(282 intermediate revisions by 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1982)}}
{{Infobox MLB player|
{{distinguish|Jason Hursh}}
bgcolor1=#333366|
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2013}}
bgcolor2=black|
{{Infobox baseball biography
textcolor1=white|
| name = Jason Hirsh
textcolor2=white|
| image = <!-- only free-content images are allowed for depicting living people. See ] -->
name=Jason Hirsh|
position=Starting Pitcher| | position = ]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1982|2|20}}
team=Colorado Rockies|
| birth_place = ], U.S.
number=48|
bats=Right| | bats = Right
throws=Right| | throws = Right
|debutleague = MLB
birthdate={{birth date and age|1982|2|20}}|
debutdate=August 12| | debutdate = August 12
debutyear=2006| | debutyear = 2006
debutteam=Houston Astros| | debutteam = Houston Astros
|finalleague = MLB
statyear=October 2, 2006|
| finaldate = September 26
stat1label=]|
| finalyear = 2008
stat1value=5-7|
| finalteam = Colorado Rockies
stat2label=]|
|statleague = MLB
stat2value=5.11|
| stat1label = ]
stat3label=]|
| stat1value = 8–11
stat3value=64|
| stat2label = ]
teams=<nowiki></nowiki>
| stat2value = 5.32
*] (])
| stat3label = ]s
*] (]-present)
| stat3value = 110
| teams =
*] ({{baseball year|2006}})
*] ({{baseball year|2007}}–{{baseball year|2008}})
}} }}
'''Jason Michael Hirsh''' (born ], ], in ], ]) is a ] for the ] in ]. '''Jason Michael Hirsh''' (born February 20, 1982) is an American former ] in ]. In his career, he pitched for the ] and the ]. He stands at 6' 8" and weighs {{convert|250|lb|abbr=on}}. He batted and threw right-handed. He threw a two-seam ], a four-seam fastball, a ], and a ].


Hirsh was not highly recruited out of high school, but after attending ], he was drafted by the ] in the second round of the ]. From 2005–06, Hirsh won the ] ] and the ] ] in successive seasons, as he went a combined 26–10 with 283 strikeouts. In 2006, he was called up to the major leagues for the first time, and he appeared in nine games with the Astros. During the offseason, he was traded to the ]. He was named to the Rockies' starting rotation in 2007 and made a career-high 19 starts before injuries curtailed his season. In 2008, he was limited to four games with the Rockies due to injuries; as it turned out, those would be his last game in the major leagues. He spent the next two season in the minors, getting traded to the ] (whom he never played in the major leagues with) in 2009.
Hirsh has a very large but athletic frame, standing at 6' 8" and weighing 250 lbs.


==Early and personal life==
==High School==
Hirsh was born in ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://issuu.com/smdp/docs/041307|title=Santa Monica Daily Press, April 13, 2007|website=Issuu|date=November 13, 2013 }}</ref> His father is Michael Hirsch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2007/04/05/hirsh-eyes-first-start/|title=Hirsh eyes first start|date=April 5, 2007}}</ref>


The Astros drafted and signed Hirsh's younger brother Matt (6&nbsp;ft 5 in; 235&nbsp;lbs.), another Cal Lutheran right-handed pitcher, in the 30th round in 2005.<ref>{{cite news|author=Alyson Footer |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050607&content_id=1080707&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |title=Astros target pitching on Day 2 of draft: Scouting director Ricciarini offers insight on picks |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=February 18, 1984 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> Matt went 1–2, 5.61, in 2005 at Rookie-level ]. Released by the Astros on June 12, 2006, Matt signed with the ] in September 2006.<ref>{{cite news|author=Conor Nicholl |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060902&content_id=1641065&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615102143/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060902&content_id=1641065&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |title=Academy helps Hirsh sign with Cards: Right-handed pitcher worked out at MLB's California facility |publisher=Stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com |date=June 12, 2006 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> He never pitched in the Cardinals' organization and finished his career with two independent league teams in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hirsh-001mat |title=Matt Hirsh Minor League Statistics & History |work=] (Minors) |access-date=September 29, 2013}}</ref>
Despite his size, Hirsh drew little interest out of ] of ], because he threw just 86-88 mph. He went undrafted, and no ] ] programs wanted him, so he wound up at ] California Lutheran.

Hirsh is ]ish, and he keeps track of all the Jewish players in major league baseball.<ref>{{cite news|last=Abramowitz |first=Martin |url=http://jta.org/news/article/2007/08/29/103893/braunyomkippur |title=Suspense Builds Around Brewers' Braun |publisher=Jta.org |date=August 29, 2007 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Rosen |first=Charley |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5hyq8gF2kNoC&q=ausmus+jewish+catcher&pg=PT86 |title=Bullpen Diaries: Mariano Rivera, Bronx Dreams, Pinstripe Legends, and the Future of the New York Yankees |publisher=HarperCollins |location=New York City |year=2011 |isbn=978-0062005984}}</ref> In 2007, the Rockies had a strong Christian influence in their clubhouse; '']'' said, "Christianity rocks in Colorado's clubhouse." On this, Hirsh said, "There are guys who are religious, sure, but they don’t impress it upon anybody. It’s not like they hung a cross in my locker or anything. They’ve accepted me for who I am, and what I believe in."<ref> '']'', October 28, 2007, accessed July 15, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/34702/celebrities/ |title=Jewish Baseball Review, 2008 |publisher=Jweekly.com |date=April 4, 2008 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref>

He married Pamela Clark in 2007.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shpigel |first=Ben |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/23/sports/baseball/23rockies.html |title=Rockies Place Their Faith in God, and One Another |work=] |date=October 23, 2007 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Saunders |first=Patrick |url=http://www.denverpost.com/technology/ci_8349316 |title=Bountiful fall helps make winter a little bit brighter |publisher=Denverpost.com |date=February 24, 2008 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> On November 5, 2009, Hirsh and his wife had a baby boy, Brady Antoine Hirsh.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gazette.com/sports/sox-58350-break-star.html |title=Briggeman, Brent, "All-star break means quality time for Sky Sox," |publisher=Gazette.com |date=July 11, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2011 |archive-date=August 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822230418/http://www.gazette.com/sports/sox-58350-break-star.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==High school==
Hirsh was only 5' 11" as a freshman in high school, and failed to make the ] team, whereupon he decided to focus on baseball. "Baseball was it for me," said Hirsh. "High school turned out to be one big ].... All of a sudden I'm 6-foot-8, and people are like, 'What happened to you?'"<ref name=tr/>

Despite his size by the end of high school, Hirsh drew little interest from scouts out of ] of ], because he then threw just 86–88&nbsp;mph.<ref name=tr>{{cite web|last=Harding |first=Thomas|title=Hirsh stands tall in blockbuster trade: Heralded prospect figures to be a big part of Colorado's plans|website= MLB.com|url= http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1762365&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |date= December 15, 2006|access-date=August 3, 2009}}</ref> He went undrafted when he graduated in 2000, and no ] ] programs wanted him, so he wound up at ] ], which was only 40 minutes from his house.<ref name=tr/>


==College== ==College==
Hirsh attended and played baseball at California Lutheran, where he was a 3-year starter, and flashed a {{convert|97|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} ] and a mid-80s ]. His ] was 26–6, he had a 2.96 ] (ERA), and he ] 238 batters in 258.1 ]. As of 2013, he is tied for first at the university in career wins (26) and holds the record for the most strikeouts in a game (18). He was a First-Team All-] twice, as well as an ] All-West Region First-Team selection in 2003.<ref name="college">{{cite web |url=http://www.clusports.com/baseball/news/2953/ |title="Hirsh Hits Houston: Jason Hirsh ('04) Gets Called to the Bigs," ''CLU Sports'' |publisher=Clusports.com |date=August 9, 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708165819/http://www.clusports.com/baseball/news/2953/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


He was drafted by the ] with their top pick in the second round (59th overall) of the ], and signed for a $625,000 signing bonus.<ref name=not>{{cite web|last=Footer |first=Alyson |title=Hirsh may not be far from Houston: Club not ruling out Major League time for prospect in '06|website= MLB.com |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060303&content_id=1332497&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |date=March 3, 2006 |access-date=August 2, 2009}}</ref>
Hirsh attended and played baseball at ], where he was a 3-year starter, and flashed a 97-mph ] and a mid-80s ]. He compiled a 26-6 record with a 2.96 ERA, striking out 238 batters over 258.1 innings. He is tied for first at the university in career wins (26), and holds the record for the most strikeouts in a game (18). Twice in his college career he was named to the First-Team All-], and in 2003 he was also an ] All-West Region First-Team selection.


Although Hirsh left college after his junior year, he went back after his first minor league season, e-mailing his assignments in from his laptop when he was in the minors to earn a BA in multimedia in 2004.<ref name=tr/>
He was drafted by the ] in the 2nd round (59th overall) of the 2003 amateur entry draft, and signed for a $625,000 signing bonus.


==Minor leagues== ==Minor leagues==
In his pro debut, Hirsh went 3–1 for the 2003 ], with a 1.95 ERA, limiting batters to a .175 ], and striking out 33 hitters in {{frac|32|1|3}} innings of work. Following the season, he was rated the No. 8 prospect in the organization by '']''.<ref name=min>{{cite web|title=Jason Hirsh|publisher=MinorLeagueBaseball.com|url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t531&t=p_pbp&pid=444865|year=2009|access-date=August 4, 2009|archive-date=August 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090811132605/http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t531&t=p_pbp&pid=444865|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2004, he recorded 11 victories with the ] ].<ref name="minors">{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hirsh-001jas |title=Jason Hirsh Minor League Statistics & History |work=] (Minors) |access-date=September 28, 2013}}</ref>


===2005: Texas League Pitcher of the Year===
He dominated the ] in his pro debut, going 3-1 for the 2003 ], with a 1.95 ERA, and limiting batters to a .175 average, and fanning 33 hitters in 32.1 innings of work. In 2004 he skipped the low-A ] to record 11 victories at the Advanced-A ], while honing his secondary pitches.
For a week in January 2005 he worked with ] at Ryan's off-season pitching camp in Houston. Hirsh said: "The biggest thing I got out of it was the confidence ... ] and Nolan Ryan sit there and tell you that you've got the stuff to be in the big leagues."<ref> '']'', June 21, 2005, accessed August 2, 2009</ref>


Playing for the ] ] in 2005, Hirsh pitched two perfect innings for the ]'s West All Star team in the league All Star Game.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120911131628/http://www.roanoke.com/sports/baseball%5C26233.html |date=September 11, 2012 }} '']'', June 26, 2005, accessed August 2, 2009</ref> He was the Texas League Pitcher of the Week three times. For the season, he went 13–8 with a league-best 165 strikeouts while ] only 42, finishing second in the league with 13 wins and second in ERA (2.87) and innings (172.1), and was named 2005 ], team MVP, and ''Baseball America'' Double-A All Star.<ref name=not/><ref name=min/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3260107 |title="Hirsh and Anderson top Hooks in '05," ''OurSports Central'', 1/18/06, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Oursportscentral.com |date=January 18, 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}</ref> He also earned Texas League post-season All Star honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3214736 |title="Hanson, Minges and Leek All Honored in Inaugural Season," ''OurSports Central'', 8/24/05, accessed 8/2/09 |publisher=Oursportscentral.com |date=August 24, 2005 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}</ref>
Playing for the in 2005, he went 13-8 with a 2.87 ERA and a league-best 165 strikeouts and was named Texas League Pitcher of the Year.


''Baseball America'' named Hirsh Houston's top prospect heading into the 2006 season; it also listed Hirsh as having the "Best Control" in the organization. Before the season, Houston added him to its ].<ref name="college"/><ref name=not/> "He's a very mature kid," Astros assistant general manager Ricky Bennett said. "He keeps everything in perspective."<ref name=not/> With Hirsh in spring training with the major league team, manager Phil Garner summed up his estimation of Hirsh as follows: <blockquote>"He looks to me like he maintains good concentration. Whatever he's doing, he looks like he focuses at it. He looks like he throws the ball down in the zone well, which is really good for as big as he is. And his stuff's good. He looks like he has some of the other ingredients that you've got to have to go along with having good stuff. He's a good athlete. He swings the bat pretty good, and he moves on the mound well."<ref name=not/></blockquote>
In 2005, pitching for the Double A ], Hirsh was the ] Pitcher of the Year after finishing with a team-leading 13 wins, and leading the league with 165 strikeouts while ranking second in ERA (2.87) and innings (172.1). He also earned Texas League post-season All-Star honors. He was team MBP, and was the Texas League pitcher of the week three times.


===2006: Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year===
Hirsh was rated as the Astros top prospect by ] heading into the 2006 season, and was also listed with "Best Control" in the organization.
Hirsh began 2006 with the ] ], where he mastered a two-seam and four-seam fastball.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120719164941/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/web/COM1047021/index.htm |date=July 19, 2012 }} '']'', August 15, 2006, accessed August 2, 2009</ref> He suffered a pinched ] in his lower back, and therefore did not pick up a weight until June or July, but he got better through running and extra stretching.<ref name=tr/> He was named the starting pitcher for the U.S. Team at the 2006 MLB ] in Pittsburgh, and was also named a Triple A All Star, and pitched an inning in that game.<ref> '']'', July 20, 2006, accessed August 3, 2009</ref> On July 26, he set a team record of consecutive innings without an earned run at 46{{fraction|2|3}} innings.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 27, 2006 |title=Hirsh dominates, Express win |url=http://www.news8austin.com/content/sports/?ArID=167545&SecID=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729122854/http://austin.ynn.com/content/sports/167545/hirsh-dominates--express-win |archive-date=2012-07-29 |access-date= |website=News 8 Austin}}</ref> He had a season record of 13–2 (including a 12-game winning streak; an Express record), led the league in wins, and had a 2.10 ] (2nd in the league) and 118 ]s (4th in the league) in 137.1 innings, as he held batters to a .193 batting average.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clusports.com/baseball/news/2995/ |title="Hirsh Named PCL Pitcher of the Year," ''CLU Sports'', 8/31/06, accessed 8/4/09 |publisher=Clusports.com |date=August 31, 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708165850/http://www.clusports.com/baseball/news/2995/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Hirsh was named the 2006 ], the MLB.com 2006 Triple-A Starting Pitcher of the Year, a ''Baseball America'' Triple-A All Star, and was also elected to the post-season 2006 All-PCL squad as the top right-handed starting pitcher in the league.<ref name=tr/><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501214141/http://www.gazette.com/sports/hirsh-52551-league-sky.html |date=May 1, 2009 }} '']'', April 27, 2009, accessed August 4, 2009</ref> "Needless to say, he's had an excellent season," Round Rock manager ] said. "He's as consistent from one start to the next as any young pitcher I've been associated with."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3371095 |title="Round Rock's Jason Hirsh named 2006 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year," ''OurSports Central'', 8/30/06, accessed 8/1/09 |publisher=Oursportscentral.com |date=August 30, 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}</ref>


He was regarded as the top pitching prospect in the Astros' ]. He was rated by ''Baseball America'' as having the best ] in the PCL, and the league's ninth best prospect.<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=Jason Hirsh |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/statistics/players/cards/18544 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929043840/http://www.baseballamerica.com/statistics/players/cards/18544 |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=Baseball America}}</ref>
Hirsh began 2006 with the ] ], where he had a record of 13-2 (including a 12-game winning streak; an Express record), and a 2.10 ] and 118 ]s (both leading the league). He held batters to a .193 batting average. He was named the 2006 ] Pitcher of the Year.


During the 2006 season, Hirsh also kept an on-line journal on MiLB.com.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/features/journals.jsp |title=Hirsh, Jason, "Jason Hirsh Player Journal," ''MiLB.com'', 2006, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Minorleaguebaseball.com |access-date=January 27, 2011}}</ref>
He led the Pacific Coast League in wins (13), ranked 2nd in ERA (2.10), and 4th in strikeouts (118) and in innings pitched (137.1). He was named the starting pitcher for the U.S. Team at the 2006 MLB All-Star Futures game in Pittsburgh, and was also named a Triple A All-Star.


===2008–13: Rehab and trade to the New York Yankees===
He was regarded as the top pitching prospect in the Astros' ]. He was rated by ] as having the best ] in the PCL, and being the # 9 prospect in the Pacific Coast League.
In 2008, Hirsh tried to work back from his rotator cuff problems and rehab his shoulder after May 30 for the ] in the Pacific Coast League. With reduced velocity, he was 4–4 in 18 games (17 starts), with a 5.80 ERA in 99.1 innings. The slow pace of his recovery made for what Hirsh admitted was "a very trying season. I was mentally defeated several times this year."<ref> '']'', September 18, 2008, accessed August 3, 2009</ref> He was still not fully recovered when the Rockies recalled him when rosters expanded in September.<ref name="not recovered">{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3407950&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Hirsh not 100 percent, but back in bigs |work=Mlb.mlb.com |date=September 2, 2008 |access-date=September 28, 2008 |archive-date=August 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814110209/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3407950&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Hirsh was sent to the minors to begin 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=Thomas Harding |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090316&content_id=3998936&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Hirsh a surprising cut from Rox squad: Right-hander among 13 players to go as club pares down roster |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=March 16, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> He went 6–7 with a 6.66 ERA in 20 games, 16 of them starts, for Colorado Springs before being traded to the ] on July 29 for a ]. He was assigned to the Triple-A ] of the ]. Yankees manager ] said the Yankees got Hirsh to add depth to their rotation.<ref>{{cite news|author=Carig, Marc |url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2009/07/ny_yankees_notes_alfredo_aceve.html |title=NY Yankees notes: Alfredo Aceves, Jason Hirsh and a drop in velocity for Damaso Marte |publisher=Nj.com |date=July 29, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> He was 4–0 for the team in 6 starts, with a 1.35 ERA.<ref name="minors"/>
In 2003-06, Hirsh's minor league record was 40-18 with a 2.90 ERA. He pitched 472.1 innings, averaging 7.3 hits, 3.0 walks, and 7.8 strikeouts per 9 innings.


Hirsh pitched for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre again in 2010. In early August, he was named International League Pitcher of the Week.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rich |first=Charles |url=http://articles.glendalenewspress.com/2010-08-10/sports/tn-gnp-sp-minor-20100810_1_visalia-rawhide-pitcher-gcl-blue-jays-accolade |title=Hirsh picks up International accolade |work=] |date=August 20, 2010 |access-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-date=March 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315104224/http://articles.glendalenewspress.com/2010-08-10/sports/tn-gnp-sp-minor-20100810_1_visalia-rawhide-pitcher-gcl-blue-jays-accolade |url-status=dead }}</ref> He finished 2010 with a 9–7 record in 19 starts and a 3.90 ERA with 95 strikeouts in {{frac|122|1|3}} innings.<ref name="minors"/>
==Major leagues==


After not pitching in 2011 or 2012, Hirsh made one start for the ] of the independent ] in 2013, allowing three runs in four innings but earning the win.<ref name="minors"/>

==Major leagues==
===Houston Astros (2006)=== ===Houston Astros (2006)===
Hirsh made his major league debut for the Astros on August 12, 2006, allowing four runs in four innings and taking the loss in a 6–3 defeat to the ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Yanik |first=Ken |url=http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060812&content_id=1606686&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |title=Astros fall to Padres in Hirsh's debut |publisher=Houston.astros.mlb.com |date=August 12, 2006 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=February 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204164736/http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060812&content_id=1606686&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |url-status=dead }}</ref> On August 17, he won his first game, allowing three runs in {{frac|5|1|3}} innings in a 7–3 victory over the ]. In celebration, his teammates doused him with beer in the shower after the game.<ref>{{cite web |author=Alyson Footer |url=http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060817&content_id=1615789&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |title=Footer, Alyson, "Astros end skid, take opener: Rookie Hirsh picks up first Major League victory," ''MLB.com'', 8/18/06, accessed 8/2/09 |publisher=Houston.astros.mlb.com |date=August 17, 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-date=February 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211024938/http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060817&content_id=1615789&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |url-status=dead }}</ref> He started 9 games for the season, posting a 3–4 record, a 6.04 ERA, 29 strikeouts, and 22 walks in {{frac|44|2|3}} innings. He held batters to a .231 batting average with runners in scoring position.<ref name="MLB">{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=444865 |title=Jason Hirsh Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio |publisher=mlb.mlb.com |access-date=September 29, 2013}}</ref> On December 12, the Astros traded Hirsh, ], and ] to the ] for Rockies pitchers ] and ].<ref name=tr/>
Hirsh made his major league debut for the Astros on August 12, 2006. He started 9 games, winning 3 of them. He held batters to a .231 batting average when runners were in scoring position.


===Colorado Rockies (2007-present)=== ===Colorado Rockies (2007–08)===
In March 2007, Rockies' manager ] designated Hirsh his No. 4 starter.<ref>{{cite web |last=DeMarco |first=Tony |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070326&content_id=1861088&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Notes: Iannetta excited for opportunity |publisher=Colorado.rockies.mlb.com |date=March 26, 2007 |access-date=April 22, 2014 |archive-date=April 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401055812/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070326&content_id=1861088&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |url-status=dead }}</ref> In Hirsh's first start as a Rockie, on April 6, he allowed one run in {{frac|6|2|3}} innings, struck out eight, and walked nobody in a 4–3 victory over San Diego.<ref>{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |date=April 7, 2007 |title=Hirsh charges Rockies past Padres |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070406&content_id=1883768&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307204559/http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/1883768 |archive-date=2016-03-07 |access-date= |website=MLB.com}}</ref> On June 10, he allowed one run and threw the only ] of his career in a 6–1 victory over the ].<ref name="MLB"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Perkins |first=Owen |date=June 10, 2007 |title=Spilborghs, Hirsh carry Rox to win |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070610&content_id=2017978&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306092906/http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/2017978 |archive-date=2016-03-06 |access-date= |website=MLB.com}}</ref>


During the season, Hirsh would use his secondary pitches to such an extent that he failed to use his fastball, his best pitch, enough of the time.<ref name="2007 a"/> On July 2, he sprained his right ankle in a game against the Mets, diving back to the third base bag when catcher ] attempted to pick him off.<ref name=min/> He was forced to leave the game despite having pitched six shutout innings, and ended up on the disabled list from July 3 until August 1.<ref name=min/>
On ], 2006, the Astros traded ], ], and Hirsh to the ] for Rockies pitchers ] and ]. In March 2007 Rockies manager ] designated Hirsh his No. 4 starter.


His season was abruptly interrupted, however, when Hirsh went on the ] again after his right ] was broken in a game August 7. Not realizing his leg had been broken on a ] comebacker hit by the second batter of the game, ], that caught him in the shin in the first inning, Hirsh went on to throw out Hardy and pitch six innings that day, earning a key win for the club.<ref name=min/><ref>{{cite web|author=Thomas Harding |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070808&content_id=2137355&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Harding, Thomas, "X-ray reveals fractured leg for Hirsh: Pitcher suffered injury in first inning of Tuesday's victory," MLB.com, 8/8/07, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=August 8, 2007 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Owen Perkins |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284394&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Perkins, Owen, "Hirsh visits bustling Children's Hospital: Rox pitcher hangs with kids, who enjoy donated 'Fun Center'," ''MLB.com'', 10/27/07, accessed 8/4/09 |publisher=Colorado.rockies.mlb.com |date=October 27, 2007 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716084528/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284394&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |url-status=dead }}</ref> Asked what he would do the next time he faced Hardy, Hirsh joked: "I might put a catcher's ] on, just for him."<ref>{{cite web|author=Thomas Harding |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080229&content_id=2396563&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Harding, Thomas, "Hirsh putting injury behind him: Righty aiming to secure rotation spot, participate in postseason," ''MLB.com'', 2/29/08, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=February 29, 2008 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}</ref> The injury ended his season. "I was crushed," Hirsh said. "Obviously, nobody wants to have someone tell them that their season's cut short."<ref>{{cite web|author=C.J. Moore|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070903&content_id=2187074&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Moore, C.J., "Notes: Hirsh says season's over," ''MLB.com'', 9/3/07, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=September 3, 2007 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}</ref>
He demonstrated much-improved command of his ], previously a troublesome pitch for him, and used it to great effect in his first four starts of the season, which came against the ] (twice), and the ] and ] once each. These are all National League West divisional opponents that he will be facing frequently, and early success was important, as he only dropped the Dodgers decision after permitting three runs in five innings. Through May 1, Hirsh compiled a 2-2 record with a 3.41 earned-run average and 25 strikeouts in 31.2 innings.


In 19 starts in 2007, Hirsh compiled a 5–7 record with a 4.81 earned run average, 75 strikeouts, and 48 walks in {{frac|112|1|3}} innings; he kept batters to a .204 batting average in their first plate appearance against him in games.<ref name=min/> ] wrote, "Hirsh would have moments, but they were limited. He was 4–7 with a 4.90 ERA in his first 17 starts, and more concerning to the Rockies was he worked five innings or fewer six times."<ref name="2007 a"/> Hirsh missed pitching in the World Series, as he was still on the 60-Day DL.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/psplit.cgi?n1=hirshja01 |title=Jason Hirsh Career Pitching Splits |work=] |access-date=January 27, 2011}}</ref>
==Awards==


Hirsh was expected to be in the starting rotation in 2008, as the number 4 starter.<ref> '']'', January 27, 2008, accessed August 4, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Thomas Harding |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080219&content_id=2379804&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Redman targets a spot in rotation: Left-hander intends to win one of final two openings |work=mlb.com |date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=August 4, 2011 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716085049/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080219&content_id=2379804&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |url-status=dead }}</ref> But he found himself on the disabled list after just two scoreless innings in one spring training game, and started the season on the DL because of a strained muscle in his right ] and right rotator cuff inflammation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/17/nix-making-most-his-opportunity/ |title=Second might be Nix's to lose with improving play |publisher=Rockymountainnews.com |date=March 17, 2008 |author=Ringolsby, Tracy |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> While on the DL, Hirsh spent a number of weeks in a strengthening program and at extended spring training in Tucson, Arizona, to rebuild his arm strength.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jeff Birnbaum |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080603&content_id=2830188&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Hirsh, Vizcaino getting healthy: Rehabbing hurlers hope to contribute to Rockies |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=June 3, 2008 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> "This is the first time I've ever really had injuries," Hirsh said. "I had maybe one injury in the minor leagues coming up. Throughout my career, from when I was a little kid, I've never had arm problems, I've never broken a bone, I've never rolled an ankle. But I've managed to do all three of those in the last two years."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/feb/18/krieger-its-time-for-rockies-hirsch-to-stand/ |title=Time for Rockies' Hirsch to stand tall |publisher=Rockymountainnews.com |date=February 18, 2009 |author=Krieger, Dave |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref>
*2005 - ] ] P

*2005 - Double-A All-Star SP
Hirsh was recalled in September and pitched in only four games during the season, including the first relief appearances of his career. His final major league appearance (a start) came on September 26; Hirsh gave up three runs in {{frac|4|1|3}} innings pitched and received a no-decision in a 6–4 loss to the ].<ref name="MLB"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080926&content_id=3556169&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Rockies unable to solve D-backs |publisher=Colorado.rockies.mlb.com |date=September 27, 2008 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=February 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204040108/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080926&content_id=3556169&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |url-status=dead }}</ref> In four games (only one of which was a start), Hirsh had no record, an 8.31 ERA, six strikeouts, and four walks in {{frac|8|2|3}} innings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=444865 |title=Jason Hirsh Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=September 28, 2013}}</ref>
*2005 - Texas League Most Outstanding Pitcher
*2006 - ] Pitcher of the Year


==Pitching== ==Pitching==
Hirsh had good leverage, pitched down to hitters, and had a refined repertoire of pitches. He had a "plus" 2-seam ] that had sink and good movement at 91–94&nbsp;mph, and threw a "filthy" hard-breaking ] that was consistently precise, and had bite at 80–86&nbsp;mph (managers rated it the best breaking ball in the Texas League).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/albert_chen/07/25/soriano.wsox/?cnn=yes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915185242/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/albert_chen/07/25/soriano.wsox/?cnn=yes |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 15, 2011 |title=No need for Alfonso |publisher=Sportsillustrated.cnn.com |date=July 25, 2006 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> Hirsh continued to refine his moderate ], which had fair deception and movement in the low-80s. He also threw a 4-seam fastball in the 94–96&nbsp;mph range.<ref>{{cite web |last=Saunders |first=Patrick |url=http://test.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_5229272 |title=Hirsh a candidate for stardom |work=Denver Post |date=February 15, 2007 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=March 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070324171841/http://test.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_5229272 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270422127 |title=Hirsh outshines Maddux to carry Rockies over Padres |work=] |date=April 22, 2007 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213060540/http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270422127 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was not afraid to pitch inside, and threw strikes to both sides of the plate. "I'm 6-foot-8 and I keep a high three-quarters arm angle," noted Hirsh. "You figure the mound is a foot and a half, and my arm may be another two, three, four feet. It makes the batter have to look up instead of straight at me, and he may have a difficult time adjusting."<ref name=tr/> During the 2007 season, Hirsh had trouble throwing his fastball enough. Pitching coach ] gave this assessment of Hirsh before 2008: "All Jason has to do is trust his stuff. He has the type of fastball you work off, but he was using his fastball the way you'd use an off-speed pitch —- to try and trick hitters."<ref name="2007 a">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/19/hirsh-eyes-fourth-spot-rotation/ |title=Ringolsby, Tracy, "Rockies' Hirsh needs to be himself," ''Rocky Mountain News'', 2/19/08, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Rockymountainnews.com |date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}</ref>


Injuries began plaguing Hirsh in 2007, and he had trouble recovering from them; he spent all of 2009 and 2010 in the minor leagues.<ref name="minors"/><ref name="not recovered"/>
Hirsh has good leverage and pitches down to hitters. Hirsh had one of the most refined repertoires in Triple-A in 2006. He has a plus 2-seam ] that has sink and good movement at 91-94 mph, while Hirsh’s plus hard-breaking ] is consistent and has bite at 80-86 mph (managers rated it the best breaking ball in the Texas League). Hirsh continues to refine his moderate ], which has fair deception and movement in the low-80s. He also throws a 4-seam fastball in the 94-96 mph range, and touches 97-98. He’s not afraid to pitch inside, and throws strikes to both sides of the plate.


==Awards==
He can still improve his command, which is average. His changeup used to be an unreliable pitch, but he has employed it to much greater effect in the early going of the 2007 season and even goes to it as an out pitch when he is ahead in the count.
*2005 – 3x ] Pitcher of the Week (4/24, 6/26, 7/17)

*2005 – Texas League ] (P)
==Miscellaneous==
*2005 – Texas League Post-Season All Star (SP)

*2005 – ]
*Makes his offseason home in ].
*2005 – ''Baseball America'' Double-A All Star
*2006 – Futures Game US Starting Pitcher
*2006 – ] All Star (P)
*2006 – Pacific Coast League Post-Season All Star (P)
*2006 – ]
*2006 – MLB.com Triple-A Starting Pitcher of the Year
*2006 – ''Baseball America'' Triple-A All Star<ref name="MLB"/>


==See also==
*The Astros drafted and signed his little brother (6' 5"; 235 lbs.) Matt, another Cal Lutheran righty, in the 30th round. Matt went 1-2, 5.61, in 2005 at Rookie-level ].
* ]


==References==
*Hirsh is ]ish.
{{reflist|30em}}
*He worked for the ] football team during the previous offseason, which has led him to become a passionate Chargers fan. His girlfriend, Pam Clark, got him the job.


==External links== ==External links==
{{Baseballstats|mlb=444865|espn=28544|br=h/hirshja01|fangraphs=6293|brm=hirsh-001jas}}
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
* - Minor League News
*
*


] {{DEFAULTSORT:Hirsh, Jason}}
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 22:53, 3 October 2024

American baseball player (born 1982) Not to be confused with Jason Hursh.

Baseball player
Jason Hirsh
Pitcher
Born: (1982-02-20) February 20, 1982 (age 42)
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Batted: RightThrew: Right
MLB debut
August 12, 2006, for the Houston Astros
Last MLB appearance
September 26, 2008, for the Colorado Rockies
MLB statistics
Win–loss record8–11
Earned run average5.32
Strikeouts110
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Jason Michael Hirsh (born February 20, 1982) is an American former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. In his career, he pitched for the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies. He stands at 6' 8" and weighs 250 lb (110 kg). He batted and threw right-handed. He threw a two-seam fastball, a four-seam fastball, a slider, and a changeup.

Hirsh was not highly recruited out of high school, but after attending California Lutheran University, he was drafted by the Houston Astros in the second round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft. From 2005–06, Hirsh won the Double-A Texas League Pitcher of the Year Award and the Triple-A Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year Award in successive seasons, as he went a combined 26–10 with 283 strikeouts. In 2006, he was called up to the major leagues for the first time, and he appeared in nine games with the Astros. During the offseason, he was traded to the Colorado Rockies. He was named to the Rockies' starting rotation in 2007 and made a career-high 19 starts before injuries curtailed his season. In 2008, he was limited to four games with the Rockies due to injuries; as it turned out, those would be his last game in the major leagues. He spent the next two season in the minors, getting traded to the New York Yankees (whom he never played in the major leagues with) in 2009.

Early and personal life

Hirsh was born in Santa Monica, California. His father is Michael Hirsch.

The Astros drafted and signed Hirsh's younger brother Matt (6 ft 5 in; 235 lbs.), another Cal Lutheran right-handed pitcher, in the 30th round in 2005. Matt went 1–2, 5.61, in 2005 at Rookie-level Greeneville. Released by the Astros on June 12, 2006, Matt signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in September 2006. He never pitched in the Cardinals' organization and finished his career with two independent league teams in 2007.

Hirsh is Jewish, and he keeps track of all the Jewish players in major league baseball. In 2007, the Rockies had a strong Christian influence in their clubhouse; The New York Times said, "Christianity rocks in Colorado's clubhouse." On this, Hirsh said, "There are guys who are religious, sure, but they don’t impress it upon anybody. It’s not like they hung a cross in my locker or anything. They’ve accepted me for who I am, and what I believe in."

He married Pamela Clark in 2007. On November 5, 2009, Hirsh and his wife had a baby boy, Brady Antoine Hirsh.

High school

Hirsh was only 5' 11" as a freshman in high school, and failed to make the basketball team, whereupon he decided to focus on baseball. "Baseball was it for me," said Hirsh. "High school turned out to be one big growth spurt.... All of a sudden I'm 6-foot-8, and people are like, 'What happened to you?'"

Despite his size by the end of high school, Hirsh drew little interest from scouts out of St. Francis High School of La Cañada, California, because he then threw just 86–88 mph. He went undrafted when he graduated in 2000, and no NCAA Division I programs wanted him, so he wound up at Division III California Lutheran University, which was only 40 minutes from his house.

College

Hirsh attended and played baseball at California Lutheran, where he was a 3-year starter, and flashed a 97 mph (156 km/h) fastball and a mid-80s slider. His record was 26–6, he had a 2.96 earned run average (ERA), and he struck out 238 batters in 258.1 innings pitched. As of 2013, he is tied for first at the university in career wins (26) and holds the record for the most strikeouts in a game (18). He was a First-Team All-SCIAC twice, as well as an ABCA All-West Region First-Team selection in 2003.

He was drafted by the Houston Astros with their top pick in the second round (59th overall) of the 2003 amateur entry draft, and signed for a $625,000 signing bonus.

Although Hirsh left college after his junior year, he went back after his first minor league season, e-mailing his assignments in from his laptop when he was in the minors to earn a BA in multimedia in 2004.

Minor leagues

In his pro debut, Hirsh went 3–1 for the 2003 Tri-City ValleyCats, with a 1.95 ERA, limiting batters to a .175 average, and striking out 33 hitters in 32+1⁄3 innings of work. Following the season, he was rated the No. 8 prospect in the organization by Baseball America. In 2004, he recorded 11 victories with the Single-A advanced Salem Avalanche.

2005: Texas League Pitcher of the Year

For a week in January 2005 he worked with Nolan Ryan at Ryan's off-season pitching camp in Houston. Hirsh said: "The biggest thing I got out of it was the confidence ... Phil Garner and Nolan Ryan sit there and tell you that you've got the stuff to be in the big leagues."

Playing for the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks in 2005, Hirsh pitched two perfect innings for the Texas League's West All Star team in the league All Star Game. He was the Texas League Pitcher of the Week three times. For the season, he went 13–8 with a league-best 165 strikeouts while walking only 42, finishing second in the league with 13 wins and second in ERA (2.87) and innings (172.1), and was named 2005 Texas League Pitcher of the Year, team MVP, and Baseball America Double-A All Star. He also earned Texas League post-season All Star honors.

Baseball America named Hirsh Houston's top prospect heading into the 2006 season; it also listed Hirsh as having the "Best Control" in the organization. Before the season, Houston added him to its 40-man roster. "He's a very mature kid," Astros assistant general manager Ricky Bennett said. "He keeps everything in perspective." With Hirsh in spring training with the major league team, manager Phil Garner summed up his estimation of Hirsh as follows:

"He looks to me like he maintains good concentration. Whatever he's doing, he looks like he focuses at it. He looks like he throws the ball down in the zone well, which is really good for as big as he is. And his stuff's good. He looks like he has some of the other ingredients that you've got to have to go along with having good stuff. He's a good athlete. He swings the bat pretty good, and he moves on the mound well."

2006: Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year

Hirsh began 2006 with the Triple A Round Rock Express, where he mastered a two-seam and four-seam fastball. He suffered a pinched sciatic nerve in his lower back, and therefore did not pick up a weight until June or July, but he got better through running and extra stretching. He was named the starting pitcher for the U.S. Team at the 2006 MLB All-Star Futures Game in Pittsburgh, and was also named a Triple A All Star, and pitched an inning in that game. On July 26, he set a team record of consecutive innings without an earned run at 462⁄3 innings. He had a season record of 13–2 (including a 12-game winning streak; an Express record), led the league in wins, and had a 2.10 ERA (2nd in the league) and 118 strikeouts (4th in the league) in 137.1 innings, as he held batters to a .193 batting average. Hirsh was named the 2006 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year, the MLB.com 2006 Triple-A Starting Pitcher of the Year, a Baseball America Triple-A All Star, and was also elected to the post-season 2006 All-PCL squad as the top right-handed starting pitcher in the league. "Needless to say, he's had an excellent season," Round Rock manager Jackie Moore said. "He's as consistent from one start to the next as any young pitcher I've been associated with."

He was regarded as the top pitching prospect in the Astros' farm system. He was rated by Baseball America as having the best breaking pitch in the PCL, and the league's ninth best prospect.

During the 2006 season, Hirsh also kept an on-line journal on MiLB.com.

2008–13: Rehab and trade to the New York Yankees

In 2008, Hirsh tried to work back from his rotator cuff problems and rehab his shoulder after May 30 for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox in the Pacific Coast League. With reduced velocity, he was 4–4 in 18 games (17 starts), with a 5.80 ERA in 99.1 innings. The slow pace of his recovery made for what Hirsh admitted was "a very trying season. I was mentally defeated several times this year." He was still not fully recovered when the Rockies recalled him when rosters expanded in September.

Hirsh was sent to the minors to begin 2009. He went 6–7 with a 6.66 ERA in 20 games, 16 of them starts, for Colorado Springs before being traded to the New York Yankees on July 29 for a player to be named later. He was assigned to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees of the International League. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said the Yankees got Hirsh to add depth to their rotation. He was 4–0 for the team in 6 starts, with a 1.35 ERA.

Hirsh pitched for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre again in 2010. In early August, he was named International League Pitcher of the Week. He finished 2010 with a 9–7 record in 19 starts and a 3.90 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 122+1⁄3 innings.

After not pitching in 2011 or 2012, Hirsh made one start for the Amarillo Sox of the independent American Association in 2013, allowing three runs in four innings but earning the win.

Major leagues

Houston Astros (2006)

Hirsh made his major league debut for the Astros on August 12, 2006, allowing four runs in four innings and taking the loss in a 6–3 defeat to the San Diego Padres. On August 17, he won his first game, allowing three runs in 5+1⁄3 innings in a 7–3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. In celebration, his teammates doused him with beer in the shower after the game. He started 9 games for the season, posting a 3–4 record, a 6.04 ERA, 29 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 44+2⁄3 innings. He held batters to a .231 batting average with runners in scoring position. On December 12, the Astros traded Hirsh, Willy Taveras, and Taylor Buchholz to the Colorado Rockies for Rockies pitchers Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio.

Colorado Rockies (2007–08)

In March 2007, Rockies' manager Clint Hurdle designated Hirsh his No. 4 starter. In Hirsh's first start as a Rockie, on April 6, he allowed one run in 6+2⁄3 innings, struck out eight, and walked nobody in a 4–3 victory over San Diego. On June 10, he allowed one run and threw the only complete game of his career in a 6–1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

During the season, Hirsh would use his secondary pitches to such an extent that he failed to use his fastball, his best pitch, enough of the time. On July 2, he sprained his right ankle in a game against the Mets, diving back to the third base bag when catcher Paul LoDuca attempted to pick him off. He was forced to leave the game despite having pitched six shutout innings, and ended up on the disabled list from July 3 until August 1.

His season was abruptly interrupted, however, when Hirsh went on the disabled list again after his right fibula was broken in a game August 7. Not realizing his leg had been broken on a line drive comebacker hit by the second batter of the game, J. J. Hardy, that caught him in the shin in the first inning, Hirsh went on to throw out Hardy and pitch six innings that day, earning a key win for the club. Asked what he would do the next time he faced Hardy, Hirsh joked: "I might put a catcher's shin guard on, just for him." The injury ended his season. "I was crushed," Hirsh said. "Obviously, nobody wants to have someone tell them that their season's cut short."

In 19 starts in 2007, Hirsh compiled a 5–7 record with a 4.81 earned run average, 75 strikeouts, and 48 walks in 112+1⁄3 innings; he kept batters to a .204 batting average in their first plate appearance against him in games. Tracy Ringolsby wrote, "Hirsh would have moments, but they were limited. He was 4–7 with a 4.90 ERA in his first 17 starts, and more concerning to the Rockies was he worked five innings or fewer six times." Hirsh missed pitching in the World Series, as he was still on the 60-Day DL.

Hirsh was expected to be in the starting rotation in 2008, as the number 4 starter. But he found himself on the disabled list after just two scoreless innings in one spring training game, and started the season on the DL because of a strained muscle in his right rotator cuff and right rotator cuff inflammation. While on the DL, Hirsh spent a number of weeks in a strengthening program and at extended spring training in Tucson, Arizona, to rebuild his arm strength. "This is the first time I've ever really had injuries," Hirsh said. "I had maybe one injury in the minor leagues coming up. Throughout my career, from when I was a little kid, I've never had arm problems, I've never broken a bone, I've never rolled an ankle. But I've managed to do all three of those in the last two years."

Hirsh was recalled in September and pitched in only four games during the season, including the first relief appearances of his career. His final major league appearance (a start) came on September 26; Hirsh gave up three runs in 4+1⁄3 innings pitched and received a no-decision in a 6–4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In four games (only one of which was a start), Hirsh had no record, an 8.31 ERA, six strikeouts, and four walks in 8+2⁄3 innings.

Pitching

Hirsh had good leverage, pitched down to hitters, and had a refined repertoire of pitches. He had a "plus" 2-seam fastball that had sink and good movement at 91–94 mph, and threw a "filthy" hard-breaking slider that was consistently precise, and had bite at 80–86 mph (managers rated it the best breaking ball in the Texas League). Hirsh continued to refine his moderate changeup, which had fair deception and movement in the low-80s. He also threw a 4-seam fastball in the 94–96 mph range. He was not afraid to pitch inside, and threw strikes to both sides of the plate. "I'm 6-foot-8 and I keep a high three-quarters arm angle," noted Hirsh. "You figure the mound is a foot and a half, and my arm may be another two, three, four feet. It makes the batter have to look up instead of straight at me, and he may have a difficult time adjusting." During the 2007 season, Hirsh had trouble throwing his fastball enough. Pitching coach Bob Apodaca gave this assessment of Hirsh before 2008: "All Jason has to do is trust his stuff. He has the type of fastball you work off, but he was using his fastball the way you'd use an off-speed pitch —- to try and trick hitters."

Injuries began plaguing Hirsh in 2007, and he had trouble recovering from them; he spent all of 2009 and 2010 in the minor leagues.

Awards

See also

References

  1. "Santa Monica Daily Press, April 13, 2007". Issuu. November 13, 2013.
  2. "Hirsh eyes first start". April 5, 2007.
  3. Alyson Footer (February 18, 1984). "Astros target pitching on Day 2 of draft: Scouting director Ricciarini offers insight on picks". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  4. Conor Nicholl (June 12, 2006). "Academy helps Hirsh sign with Cards: Right-handed pitcher worked out at MLB's California facility". Stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  5. "Matt Hirsh Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com (Minors). Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  6. Abramowitz, Martin (August 29, 2007). "Suspense Builds Around Brewers' Braun". Jta.org. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  7. Rosen, Charley (2011). Bullpen Diaries: Mariano Rivera, Bronx Dreams, Pinstripe Legends, and the Future of the New York Yankees. New York City: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0062005984.
  8. Roberts, Selena, "Flip-Flopping All the Way to the Other Team," The New York Times, October 28, 2007, accessed July 15, 2009
  9. "Jewish Baseball Review, 2008". Jweekly.com. April 4, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  10. Shpigel, Ben (October 23, 2007). "Rockies Place Their Faith in God, and One Another". The New York Times. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  11. Saunders, Patrick (February 24, 2008). "Bountiful fall helps make winter a little bit brighter". Denverpost.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  12. "Briggeman, Brent, "All-star break means quality time for Sky Sox,"". Gazette.com. July 11, 2009. Archived from the original on August 22, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  13. ^ Harding, Thomas (December 15, 2006). "Hirsh stands tall in blockbuster trade: Heralded prospect figures to be a big part of Colorado's plans". MLB.com. Retrieved August 3, 2009.
  14. ^ ""Hirsh Hits Houston: Jason Hirsh ('04) Gets Called to the Bigs," CLU Sports". Clusports.com. August 9, 2006. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  15. ^ Footer, Alyson (March 3, 2006). "Hirsh may not be far from Houston: Club not ruling out Major League time for prospect in '06". MLB.com. Retrieved August 2, 2009.
  16. ^ "Jason Hirsh". MinorLeagueBaseball.com. 2009. Archived from the original on August 11, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2009.
  17. ^ "Jason Hirsh Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com (Minors). Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  18. Rajan, Greg, "Hooks: Last-place team, first-rate staff," Corpus Christi Caller-Times, June 21, 2005, accessed August 2, 2009
  19. "Avalanche Weekly Report," Archived September 11, 2012, at archive.today Roanoke Times, June 26, 2005, accessed August 2, 2009
  20. ""Hirsh and Anderson top Hooks in '05," OurSports Central, 1/18/06, accessed 8/3/09". Oursportscentral.com. January 18, 2006. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  21. ""Hanson, Minges and Leek All Honored in Inaugural Season," OurSports Central, 8/24/05, accessed 8/2/09". Oursportscentral.com. August 24, 2005. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  22. Bornhorst, Michael, "Minor League Watch: Garko, others could be valuable down the line," Archived July 19, 2012, at archive.today Sports Illustrated, August 15, 2006, accessed August 2, 2009
  23. Gardner, Steve, "July moves open door for call-ups," USA Today, July 20, 2006, accessed August 3, 2009
  24. "Hirsh dominates, Express win". News 8 Austin. July 27, 2006. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012.
  25. ""Hirsh Named PCL Pitcher of the Year," CLU Sports, 8/31/06, accessed 8/4/09". Clusports.com. August 31, 2006. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  26. Stephen, Bob, "Hirsh turns back the clock as Sky Sox win again," Archived May 1, 2009, at the Wayback Machine Colorado Springs Gazette, April 27, 2009, accessed August 4, 2009
  27. ""Round Rock's Jason Hirsh named 2006 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year," OurSports Central, 8/30/06, accessed 8/1/09". Oursportscentral.com. August 30, 2006. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  28. "Jason Hirsh". Baseball America. Archived from the original on September 29, 2013. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  29. "Hirsh, Jason, "Jason Hirsh Player Journal," MiLB.com, 2006, accessed 8/3/09". Minorleaguebaseball.com. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  30. "Rockies' Hirsh endures 'trying season': Injured pitcher confident he can return to form," Rocky Mountain News, September 18, 2008, accessed August 3, 2009
  31. ^ Harding, Thomas (September 2, 2008). "Hirsh not 100 percent, but back in bigs". Mlb.mlb.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2011. Retrieved September 28, 2008.
  32. Thomas Harding (March 16, 2009). "Hirsh a surprising cut from Rox squad: Right-hander among 13 players to go as club pares down roster". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  33. Carig, Marc (July 29, 2009). "NY Yankees notes: Alfredo Aceves, Jason Hirsh and a drop in velocity for Damaso Marte". Nj.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  34. Rich, Charles (August 20, 2010). "Hirsh picks up International accolade". Glendale News-Press. Archived from the original on March 15, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  35. Yanik, Ken (August 12, 2006). "Astros fall to Padres in Hirsh's debut". Houston.astros.mlb.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2010. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  36. Alyson Footer (August 17, 2006). "Footer, Alyson, "Astros end skid, take opener: Rookie Hirsh picks up first Major League victory," MLB.com, 8/18/06, accessed 8/2/09". Houston.astros.mlb.com. Archived from the original on February 11, 2010. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  37. ^ "Jason Hirsh Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio". mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  38. DeMarco, Tony (March 26, 2007). "Notes: Iannetta excited for opportunity". Colorado.rockies.mlb.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2007. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  39. Harding, Thomas (April 7, 2007). "Hirsh charges Rockies past Padres". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016.
  40. Perkins, Owen (June 10, 2007). "Spilborghs, Hirsh carry Rox to win". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016.
  41. ^ "Ringolsby, Tracy, "Rockies' Hirsh needs to be himself," Rocky Mountain News, 2/19/08, accessed 8/3/09". Rockymountainnews.com. February 19, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  42. Thomas Harding (August 8, 2007). "Harding, Thomas, "X-ray reveals fractured leg for Hirsh: Pitcher suffered injury in first inning of Tuesday's victory," MLB.com, 8/8/07, accessed 8/3/09". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  43. Owen Perkins (October 27, 2007). "Perkins, Owen, "Hirsh visits bustling Children's Hospital: Rox pitcher hangs with kids, who enjoy donated 'Fun Center'," MLB.com, 10/27/07, accessed 8/4/09". Colorado.rockies.mlb.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  44. Thomas Harding (February 29, 2008). "Harding, Thomas, "Hirsh putting injury behind him: Righty aiming to secure rotation spot, participate in postseason," MLB.com, 2/29/08, accessed 8/3/09". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  45. C.J. Moore (September 3, 2007). "Moore, C.J., "Notes: Hirsh says season's over," MLB.com, 9/3/07, accessed 8/3/09". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  46. "Jason Hirsh Career Pitching Splits". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  47. Paige, Woody, "Repeat after me, Rockies," The Denver Post, January 27, 2008, accessed August 4, 2009
  48. Thomas Harding (February 19, 2008). "Redman targets a spot in rotation: Left-hander intends to win one of final two openings". mlb.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  49. Ringolsby, Tracy (March 17, 2008). "Second might be Nix's to lose with improving play". Rockymountainnews.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  50. Jeff Birnbaum (June 3, 2008). "Hirsh, Vizcaino getting healthy: Rehabbing hurlers hope to contribute to Rockies". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  51. Krieger, Dave (February 18, 2009). "Time for Rockies' Hirsch to stand tall". Rockymountainnews.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  52. Harding, Thomas (September 27, 2008). "Rockies unable to solve D-backs". Colorado.rockies.mlb.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  53. "Jason Hirsh Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  54. "No need for Alfonso". Sportsillustrated.cnn.com. July 25, 2006. Archived from the original on September 15, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
  55. Saunders, Patrick (February 15, 2007). "Hirsh a candidate for stardom". Denver Post. Archived from the original on March 24, 2007. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  56. "Hirsh outshines Maddux to carry Rockies over Padres". ESPN. April 22, 2007. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.

External links

Categories: