Jair Jurrjens once again finds himself on the DL as we begin the 2011 season.

I am excited to see how LHP Mike Minor will do in his absence. Righty starter Brandon Beachy pitched well today against Milwaukee. Beachy beat out Minor this spring for the 5th spot in the rotation. They both pitched well in late season call ups last year and both put up excellent numbers in the minors. With an all Righty rotation, in my opinion, it would be great to see Minor have success as a Lefty. If he pans out, and with Julio Teheran, a power arm nearly ready for the Bigs, waiting in the wings, perhaps the Braves could consider shopping Jurrjens.

Certainly a pitcher of Jurrjens caliber would bring interest from several pitching starved clubs. And the Braves may have need at CF if Nate McLouth cannot return to his former self.
Also, the Braves could shop for bullpen help if the Venters/Kimbrel closer situation does not work out, and/or add bench depth at other positions.

Jurrjens is a great young pitcher and the Braves rotation is better when he is a member of it, but if last years injury plagued season, and this seasons trip to the DL are precursors of things to come, then perhaps moving him would be in the best interest of the team.

At any rate, having this kind of pitching depth is a GREAT problem to have, and gives Atlanta the ability to possibly make a significant move or moves around trading deadline time. This is a talented team with outstanding potential in spite of the fact that they play in the same division as the Phillies.