Right-hander J.D. Durbin, 25, has only appeared in one game this season for Arizona. Out of options, Philadelphia is his fourth team since March 29. It may not be his final destination.
A second-round pick of the Twins in 2000, Durbin had previously appeared in the major leagues in 2004, pitching four games for the Twins. Durbin has a career minor league record of 47-22 with a 3.16 ERA in 123 games (117 starts). The move brings the Phillies to 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Baseball America rated Durbin as the Twins tenth-best prospect going into this season, but the hard-throwing righty was out of options and was claimed by Arizona on April 4. The Diamondbacks then tried to pass him through waivers and Boston claimed him on Monday. Boston tried the same thing and now he's Phillies property.
Durbin originally reached Minnesota at age 22 but his career was derailed by shoulder surgery to repair a partially torn labrum. Since then, he's suffered tendinitis and nerve problems in his biceps. When healthy, Durbin can hit high 90s with a complimentary tight curveball. Command is a major hurdle for him at this stage.
Durbin's addition could mean the kiss of death for any number of relievers, including Clay Condrey, who gave up a run in last night's ballgame and is out of options himself. Or, the Phillies could try the same thing the others tried. He does not seem ready to pitch in the majors. In that game with Arizona, Durbin pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up seven earned runs on seven hits.
Judging from the title of his myspace page, Durbin knows exactly what he wants from life.
wow, mr. durbin deleted his myspace account.
Posted by: joe | Friday, April 13, 2007 at 07:08 PM
"Command is a major hurdle for him at this stage."
Doesn't sound too promising.
Posted by: Tray | Friday, April 13, 2007 at 07:08 PM
A desperation move by Pat G?
Posted by: theragtopguy | Friday, April 13, 2007 at 07:12 PM
Tim: Jason did a pretty good assessment up top. I'll say this: He's better than Chad Durbin!
The key here is whether his arm is healthy. He's got a ton of stuff and the usual command problems that young hardballers have. His K/BB ratios in Triple A the past 2 seasons have been poor, but that may be because he was hurt. From what I read he still isn't 100% healthy and probably needs 6 weeks in the minors.
My guess is they try to slip him through waivers again. But I don't mind rolling the dice on young guys like Durbin, Rosario etc. All PG needs is to get lucky once. Since he's about 0 for 12 on these kinds of signings, I'd say he's due for a hit.
Posted by: clout | Friday, April 13, 2007 at 07:13 PM
Well, he may have deleted his page, but Google sure hasn't deleted their cache.
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:P2Pz7hmmk4UJ:www.myspace.com/titsandassforme+myspace.com/titsandassforme&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us
I like that he has a drink in nearly every picture.
Maybe Myers will take him under his wing and teach him how to treat a lady.
Posted by: sdphillie | Friday, April 13, 2007 at 07:19 PM
seems that link got ruined.
Google for myspace.com/titsandassforme and click Cached beneath the main link.
Posted by: sdphillie | Friday, April 13, 2007 at 07:22 PM
No, it worked. "The thing that hurts the most is being so close and watching her walk away!" - J.D. Durbin.
Posted by: Tray | Friday, April 13, 2007 at 07:25 PM
"He does not seem ready to pitch in the majors."
Neither does Madson, send his ass to Canada.
Posted by: Pblunts | Friday, April 13, 2007 at 11:04 PM
Another waiver claim ---BFD!
Posted by: DPatrone | Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 12:49 PM
how did gillick even know this guy existed if he didn't draft him?
Posted by: gr | Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 02:54 PM
"how did gillick even know this guy existed if he didn't draft him?"
BWAHAHA, shazaam!
Posted by: bathtubhippo | Sunday, April 15, 2007 at 01:51 PM