JAYSON DUROCHER

 

Relief Pitcher
Milwaukee Brewers


Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 195 lbs. 
Born: August 18, 1974, in Hartford Connecticut, U.S.A.

 

MAJOR LEAGUE SEASON PITCHING STATISTICS:

 YEAR

ERA W L G IP H R ER BB K HR BAA
2002 1.88 1 1 39 48 27 13 10 21 44 3 .164


PROFILE:
Jayson Durocher, who is believed to be a descendant of legendary baseball manager Leo Durocher, graduated from Horizon High School in Scottsdale, AZ in 1992, where he played both baseball and basketball, and was all-city in both sports. He began the 2001 season pitching for Class-AA Tulsa and Class-AAA Oklahoma in the Texas Rangers organization. That year, he combined to go 4-1 with a 4.57 ERA and six saves. In 2002, after signing with Milwaukee as minor league free agent, Durocher came out of nowhere to become one of the Brewers best short relievers. He was called up by the Brewers in June and allowed no earned runs in 34 of his 39 appearances. He also limited opposing hitters to a low .123 batting average with runners in scoring position. Jayson throws a 95-mph fastball, which has good movement to it. He basically just comes at hitters with his heater; however, he also possesses a slider and splitter. In the past, he struggled somewhat with his command, but last season, he began to show that he was really harnessing his stuff. He pitched excellently for the Brewers in relief, but tended to need rest in-between relief appearances, so he was not as durable as most major league short relievers. In the field, he is a good fielding pitcher who uses an effective slide step to hold opponents’ running games in check.

FINAL ASSESSMENT:
It has taken Jayson a long-time to get to the big leagues. However, after he arrived last season, he certainly made the most out of his opportunities. He still needs to improve his slider and splitter, but if he can do that, and also continue with the kind of control he demonstrated for the first time last season, he could prove to be a solid major league relief pitcher for many years to come. He certainly will be given numerous opportunities on what should be another bad Brewer ball club next season. Jayson has some ability, and because of his stellar numbers will probably go to the first contending NABL club that is looking for a good reliever. He will certainly provide that NABL club with some great relief innings this coming NABL season, but I just can’t help but think that Jayson is one of those pitchers who may have had their “career” season in their first big league season. He has struggled with command in the past, and at 28, is kind of old for a rookie. Still, you have to tip your hat to the way he seemed to put it all together last season.