Jason Jennings
Traded to the Houston Astros. (12/12/06)
Full Name: Jason Ryan Jennings
Born: July 17,1978
Place: Dallas, Texas
Position: P
Height: 6-2 Weight: 242
Bats: R Throws: R
High School: - College: Baylor University
Drafted: Selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 54th round (1530th overall) of the 1996 amateur entry draft. (June-Reg phase)....Selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 1st round (16th overall) of the 1999 amateur entry draft. (June-Reg phase)
In the simplest terms, Jason Jennings had his best year. The offense scored only 4.03 runs per nine innings for Jennings, which was third-lowest for any starter in baseball, according to STATS Inc. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that his 9-13 record would have been a bit better if he would have had a little more support. Combine that with the rigors of being the number one starter, who generally has to face the opposing teams number one guy also, and you have a fatigue factor that eats at that record.
"I think Jason had a very good year," Dan O'Dowd was quoted in the media. 'I thought he got tired at the end, but he got tired because he had to pitch so many tough games in the middle of the year. We just didn't score enough runs for him."
Jennings' stuff didn't really look much different this year as compared to others, but his composure and growth on the mound showed. He didn't seem to get too rattled and his cheeks stayed a paler shade of red than in past years which showed his maturation as a big league pitcher is darn near complete.
As talk of an extension to his contract is being reported in the media, the Rockies seem ready to take the effort to keep this workhorse around a few more years. Every team needs a pitcher like Jason and the team would be remiss if it didn't sign him. However, if they can't sign him to any kind of extension, then look for the Rox to trade him before the 2007 season starts where his market value would be at its highest point. Don't get your hopes up too high about getting much in return.. to most scouts, Jennings is a 3rd or 4th starter at best and those kind of pitchers don't garner much. His biggest value is his relatively cheap contract for 2007 of $5.5 million.
YEAR W L ERA G GS CG QS SHO IP H R ER HR BB SO
2001 4 1 4.58 7 7 1 1 39.1 42 21 20 2 19 26
2002 16 8 4.52 32 32 0 0 185.1 201 102 93 26 70 127
2003 12 13 5.11 32 32 1 0 181.1 212 115 103 20 88 119
2004 11 12 5.51 33 33 0 0 201.0 241 125 123 27 101 133
2005 6 9 5.02 20 20 1 13 0 122.0 130 73 68 11 62 75
2006 9 13 3.78 32 32 3 22 2 212.0 206 94 89 17 85 142
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Career 58 56 4.74 156 156 6 3 941.0 1032 530 496 103 425 622
2006 Salary $4.55 million. Second year of a two-year contract with a prorated buyout for 2007 worth $50,000 and a prorated signing bonus worth $100,000. Incentives: All-Star, $25,000; NL Cy Young Award, $100,000; Cy Young voting/second through fifth, $50,000; Gold Glove, $25,000; Silver Slugger, $25,000; LCS MVP, $50,000; World Series MVP, $75,000.
2006 Roxhead
Jason Jennings was a number one draft pick in 1999 and moved up through the minors quickly to pitch in seven games in 2001 for the Rockies including a shutout and a homer in his first ever start. In 2002, Jennings workman like determination help plod his way to a 14-8 record which was good enough for the national media to award him with the National League Rookie of the Year honor. His 49 wins rank second to Pedro Astacio's 53.
Jennings broke a finger sliding into second that ended his 2005 season early so he will wear a protective hand guard or hold batting gloves when running the bases to avoid a finger injury. After a typical slow start, he had just pitched himself back into a groove when the injury happened and as a result, the teams starting rotation suffered in his absence.
JJ doesn't have top of the rotation stuff but he is the type of workhorse that every team needs to have in its rotation. He has had at least 32 starts in each of his first three full big-league seasons before breaking that finger in his 20th start last year. He is also capable of pitching 9 innings in any given start with a mid level fastball and a nice moving sinker that dives into right-handers and away from lefties. One main problem that is keeping him from being a very good pitcher is his control. Last season he finished with 62 walks and 75 strikeouts, a ratio of 1 to 1.21. It was 1:1.32 in 2004, 1:1.35 in 2003 and 1:1.81 when he was National League Rookie of the Year in 2002.
The franchise has rewarded him with an opening day start for the 2006 season, one in which he was denied last year in favor of Joe Kennedy, who pitched his way off the team through uninspired play. Jennings becomes the fourth pitcher in Rockie history to draw two Opening Day assignments. He joins Kevin Ritz (1996-97), Darryl Kile (1998-99) and Mike Hampton (2001-02).
"It is Jason's time to take the next step," Hurdle said to the media. "I want him to know going in that I have the confidence in him to do that. Giving him an Opening Day start, you can't make a bigger statement than that."
Look for JJ to be with the Rockies for a few more years at least. He'll always be somewhat affordable and he seems to have no problem pitching in Coors going 17-6 with a 5.60 ERA in 31 starts there. A leader in he clubhouse, Jennings is also a veteran the younger pitchers seek out for advice.
Full Name: Jason Ryan Jennings
Born: July 17,1978
Place: Dallas, Texas
Position: P
Height: 6-2 Weight: 242
Bats: R Throws: R
High School: - College: Baylor University
Drafted: Selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 54th round (1530th overall) of the 1996 amateur entry draft. (June-Reg phase)....Selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 1st round (16th overall) of the 1999 amateur entry draft. (June-Reg phase)
In the simplest terms, Jason Jennings had his best year. The offense scored only 4.03 runs per nine innings for Jennings, which was third-lowest for any starter in baseball, according to STATS Inc. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that his 9-13 record would have been a bit better if he would have had a little more support. Combine that with the rigors of being the number one starter, who generally has to face the opposing teams number one guy also, and you have a fatigue factor that eats at that record.
"I think Jason had a very good year," Dan O'Dowd was quoted in the media. 'I thought he got tired at the end, but he got tired because he had to pitch so many tough games in the middle of the year. We just didn't score enough runs for him."
Jennings' stuff didn't really look much different this year as compared to others, but his composure and growth on the mound showed. He didn't seem to get too rattled and his cheeks stayed a paler shade of red than in past years which showed his maturation as a big league pitcher is darn near complete.
As talk of an extension to his contract is being reported in the media, the Rockies seem ready to take the effort to keep this workhorse around a few more years. Every team needs a pitcher like Jason and the team would be remiss if it didn't sign him. However, if they can't sign him to any kind of extension, then look for the Rox to trade him before the 2007 season starts where his market value would be at its highest point. Don't get your hopes up too high about getting much in return.. to most scouts, Jennings is a 3rd or 4th starter at best and those kind of pitchers don't garner much. His biggest value is his relatively cheap contract for 2007 of $5.5 million.
YEAR W L ERA G GS CG QS SHO IP H R ER HR BB SO
2001 4 1 4.58 7 7 1 1 39.1 42 21 20 2 19 26
2002 16 8 4.52 32 32 0 0 185.1 201 102 93 26 70 127
2003 12 13 5.11 32 32 1 0 181.1 212 115 103 20 88 119
2004 11 12 5.51 33 33 0 0 201.0 241 125 123 27 101 133
2005 6 9 5.02 20 20 1 13 0 122.0 130 73 68 11 62 75
2006 9 13 3.78 32 32 3 22 2 212.0 206 94 89 17 85 142
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Career 58 56 4.74 156 156 6 3 941.0 1032 530 496 103 425 622
2006 Salary $4.55 million. Second year of a two-year contract with a prorated buyout for 2007 worth $50,000 and a prorated signing bonus worth $100,000. Incentives: All-Star, $25,000; NL Cy Young Award, $100,000; Cy Young voting/second through fifth, $50,000; Gold Glove, $25,000; Silver Slugger, $25,000; LCS MVP, $50,000; World Series MVP, $75,000.
2006 Roxhead
Jason Jennings was a number one draft pick in 1999 and moved up through the minors quickly to pitch in seven games in 2001 for the Rockies including a shutout and a homer in his first ever start. In 2002, Jennings workman like determination help plod his way to a 14-8 record which was good enough for the national media to award him with the National League Rookie of the Year honor. His 49 wins rank second to Pedro Astacio's 53.
Jennings broke a finger sliding into second that ended his 2005 season early so he will wear a protective hand guard or hold batting gloves when running the bases to avoid a finger injury. After a typical slow start, he had just pitched himself back into a groove when the injury happened and as a result, the teams starting rotation suffered in his absence.
JJ doesn't have top of the rotation stuff but he is the type of workhorse that every team needs to have in its rotation. He has had at least 32 starts in each of his first three full big-league seasons before breaking that finger in his 20th start last year. He is also capable of pitching 9 innings in any given start with a mid level fastball and a nice moving sinker that dives into right-handers and away from lefties. One main problem that is keeping him from being a very good pitcher is his control. Last season he finished with 62 walks and 75 strikeouts, a ratio of 1 to 1.21. It was 1:1.32 in 2004, 1:1.35 in 2003 and 1:1.81 when he was National League Rookie of the Year in 2002.
The franchise has rewarded him with an opening day start for the 2006 season, one in which he was denied last year in favor of Joe Kennedy, who pitched his way off the team through uninspired play. Jennings becomes the fourth pitcher in Rockie history to draw two Opening Day assignments. He joins Kevin Ritz (1996-97), Darryl Kile (1998-99) and Mike Hampton (2001-02).
"It is Jason's time to take the next step," Hurdle said to the media. "I want him to know going in that I have the confidence in him to do that. Giving him an Opening Day start, you can't make a bigger statement than that."
Look for JJ to be with the Rockies for a few more years at least. He'll always be somewhat affordable and he seems to have no problem pitching in Coors going 17-6 with a 5.60 ERA in 31 starts there. A leader in he clubhouse, Jennings is also a veteran the younger pitchers seek out for advice.
Jason Jennings Bio's:
More Bio's:
In the News
12/12/06.. addition.. FOXSports.com
"This was a trade we would have made whether Jason was in the last year of his contract or not," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "Any time you get back three major league-ready players, it's very difficult to do in this environment, and this is the kind of baseball deal we will always have to make. Whether he had three years and 'X' amount of money left on his contract or he was entering his final year, we would have made this trade."
"I'm excited to go to a good ballclub and a team with playoff aspirations every year," Jennings said during a conference call. "I am looking forward to a new opportunity with a new team. It's almost like a breath of fresh air, a whole new beginning for me."
Jennings becomes Houston's No. 2 starter behind Roy Oswalt, joined in the rotation by Wandy Rodriguez and free-agent pickup Woody Williams.
12/05/06.. addition.. Post
When the offseason began, the Rockies felt confident they could work out a new deal for Jennings. But the market explosion has complicated talks since pitchers of similar ilk - Ted Lilly, Gil Meche - are seeking $10 million annually. As a result, Jennings' value never has been higher in the money he deserves or the players he could command in a trade.
11/16/06.. Rocky
The Rockies have discussed the possibility of building a trade around right- hander Jason Jennings with several teams, the most interested of which appear to be Houston and Minnesota.
They have talked with Houston about packages that could center on either reliever Brad Lidge or outfielder Chris Burke. With Minnesota, a package would include right-hander Jesse Crain, who grew up in Boulder, and a younger starting pitcher.
Texas officials indicated they remain interested in Jennings but most likely will have to wait until the Rockies exhaust talks with the Astros and Twins.
10/21/06.. addition.. purplerow.com
Some in depth thoughts on Jason Jennings here.
10/17/06.. RoxHead
If you read the quote by Jason Jennings in Sunday's Post, then you might have seen the first hint of what JJ is thinking about when considering his future here in Denver.
"I would have to think long and hard about (a multiyear offer). I like the city and the core of young players, but I would like to see what players we are going to add," Jennings said.
This quote is telling me that he is thinking long and hard about getting his big butt out of town as soon as the opportunity presents itself. The excuse about waiting to see what players will be added doesn't hold water for me. The only thing he is waiting for is a big offer.. and that may never happen.
10/12/06.. addition.. MLB.com
The Rockies are discussing a contract extension with right-handed pitcher Jason Jennings, who posted the second-lowest ERA in club history in 2006.
4/15/06.. addition.. RoxHead.
Jason Jennings had gotten off to slow starts in each of his first four full seasons, going 6-11 with a 6.32 ERA in 21 games in April. He's been much better this year, allowing eight runs in 19 innings after three starts. You feel comfortable with him out on the mound this year. The movement on his pitches is good both home and away.
1/02/06...addition..from the Post
Jason Jennings commenting on his new winter workouts and his slow starts in April:
"What I am doing has changed my body composition. I feel more solid," Jennings said. "I am happy with the way the workouts are going and hope it makes a difference in (the way the season starts)."
---------------
2005
11/22/05...addition..from the Post.
Jason Jennings' fractured finger on his pitching hand has healed and he will soon start his normal winter throwing program.
"This was a trade we would have made whether Jason was in the last year of his contract or not," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "Any time you get back three major league-ready players, it's very difficult to do in this environment, and this is the kind of baseball deal we will always have to make. Whether he had three years and 'X' amount of money left on his contract or he was entering his final year, we would have made this trade."
"I'm excited to go to a good ballclub and a team with playoff aspirations every year," Jennings said during a conference call. "I am looking forward to a new opportunity with a new team. It's almost like a breath of fresh air, a whole new beginning for me."
Jennings becomes Houston's No. 2 starter behind Roy Oswalt, joined in the rotation by Wandy Rodriguez and free-agent pickup Woody Williams.
12/05/06.. addition.. Post
When the offseason began, the Rockies felt confident they could work out a new deal for Jennings. But the market explosion has complicated talks since pitchers of similar ilk - Ted Lilly, Gil Meche - are seeking $10 million annually. As a result, Jennings' value never has been higher in the money he deserves or the players he could command in a trade.
11/16/06.. Rocky
The Rockies have discussed the possibility of building a trade around right- hander Jason Jennings with several teams, the most interested of which appear to be Houston and Minnesota.
They have talked with Houston about packages that could center on either reliever Brad Lidge or outfielder Chris Burke. With Minnesota, a package would include right-hander Jesse Crain, who grew up in Boulder, and a younger starting pitcher.
Texas officials indicated they remain interested in Jennings but most likely will have to wait until the Rockies exhaust talks with the Astros and Twins.
10/21/06.. addition.. purplerow.com
Some in depth thoughts on Jason Jennings here.
10/17/06.. RoxHead
If you read the quote by Jason Jennings in Sunday's Post, then you might have seen the first hint of what JJ is thinking about when considering his future here in Denver.
"I would have to think long and hard about (a multiyear offer). I like the city and the core of young players, but I would like to see what players we are going to add," Jennings said.
This quote is telling me that he is thinking long and hard about getting his big butt out of town as soon as the opportunity presents itself. The excuse about waiting to see what players will be added doesn't hold water for me. The only thing he is waiting for is a big offer.. and that may never happen.
10/12/06.. addition.. MLB.com
The Rockies are discussing a contract extension with right-handed pitcher Jason Jennings, who posted the second-lowest ERA in club history in 2006.
4/15/06.. addition.. RoxHead.
Jason Jennings had gotten off to slow starts in each of his first four full seasons, going 6-11 with a 6.32 ERA in 21 games in April. He's been much better this year, allowing eight runs in 19 innings after three starts. You feel comfortable with him out on the mound this year. The movement on his pitches is good both home and away.
1/02/06...addition..from the Post
Jason Jennings commenting on his new winter workouts and his slow starts in April:
"What I am doing has changed my body composition. I feel more solid," Jennings said. "I am happy with the way the workouts are going and hope it makes a difference in (the way the season starts)."
---------------
2005
11/22/05...addition..from the Post.
Jason Jennings' fractured finger on his pitching hand has healed and he will soon start his normal winter throwing program.