Dirk Hayhurst Update

Hey Folks,
A quick update for all you wondering how Dirk Hayhurst is doing.

In early February 2010, Hayhurst underwent shoulder surgery that was to keep him out for 4-6 months. The other week I realized that it had been 6 months, so I tracked Dirk down, and he informed me that he is doing well and will resume throwing off a mound shortly. He said that if the minor league season was just a little bit longer, than we may have seen him come back this year. We can expect to see him back in spring training next March.

In 2009 Hayhurst pitched in a middle/long-relief role, racking up 22 2/3 innings, while sporting a 2.78 ERA and allowing just over 1.4 baserunners per inning.

Had Hayhurst entered spring training in 2010, he would have had to deal with quite a bit of competition for one of 7 bullpen spots. Obviously a lot can change between now and next April, but if Hayhurst can come back in his 2009 form, he should have a better chance of making the team out of spring training. Both Scott Downs and Jason Frasor will be free agents. It would be difficult to see the Jays exercising their $4.5M option on Kevin Gregg. And Brian Tallet, who makes $2M this year, is a good candidate to be non-tendered in the offseason with his 5.65 ERA.

PS - If you haven't picked up a copy of The Bullpen Gospels, you really should do so.