# Jason Hirsh
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{{short description|American baseball player (born 1982)}}
{{distinguish|Jason Hursh}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name = Jason Hirsh
| image =
| position = [Pitcher](/source/Pitcher)
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1982|2|20}}
| birth_place = [Santa Monica, California](/source/Santa_Monica%2C_California), U.S.
| bats = Right
| throws = Right
|debutleague = MLB
| debutdate = August 12
| debutyear = 2006
| debutteam = Houston Astros
|finalleague = MLB
| finaldate = September 26
| finalyear = 2008
| finalteam = Colorado Rockies
|statleague = MLB
| stat1label = [Win–loss record](/source/Win%E2%80%93loss_record_(pitching))
| stat1value = 8–11
| stat2label = [Earned run average](/source/Earned_run_average)
| stat2value = 5.32
| stat3label = [Strikeout](/source/Strikeout)s
| stat3value = 110
| teams =
*[Houston Astros](/source/Houston_Astros) ({{baseball year|2006}})
*[Colorado Rockies](/source/Colorado_Rockies) ({{baseball year|2007}}–{{baseball year|2008}})
}}
'''Jason Michael Hirsh''' (born February 20, 1982) is an American former professional [baseball](/source/baseball) [starting pitcher](/source/starting_pitcher). He played in [Major League Baseball](/source/Major_League_Baseball) (MLB) for the [Houston Astros](/source/Houston_Astros) and [Colorado Rockies](/source/Colorado_Rockies). He stands at 6' 8" and weighs {{convert|250|lb|abbr=on}}. He batted and threw right-handed. He threw a two-seam [fastball](/source/fastball), a four-seam fastball, a [slider](/source/Slider_(baseball)), and a [changeup](/source/changeup).
Hirsh was not highly recruited out of high school, but after attending [California Lutheran University](/source/California_Lutheran_University), he was drafted by the [Houston Astros](/source/Houston_Astros) in the second round of the [2003 Major League Baseball draft](/source/2003_Major_League_Baseball_draft). From 2005–06, Hirsh won the [Double-A](/source/Double-A_(baseball)) [Texas League Pitcher of the Year Award](/source/Texas_League_Pitcher_of_the_Year_Award) and the [Triple-A](/source/Triple-A_(baseball)) [Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year Award](/source/Pacific_Coast_League_Pitcher_of_the_Year_Award) in successive seasons, as he went a combined 26–10 with 283 strikeouts. In 2006, he was called up to the major leagues for the first time, and he appeared in nine games with the Astros. During the offseason, he was traded to the [Colorado Rockies](/source/Colorado_Rockies). He was named to the Rockies' starting rotation in 2007 and made a career-high 19 starts before injuries curtailed his season. In 2008, he was limited to four games with the Rockies due to injuries; as it turned out, those would be his last games in the major leagues. He spent the next two seasons in the minors, getting traded to the [New York Yankees](/source/New_York_Yankees) (whom he never played in the major leagues with) in 2009.
==Early and personal life==
Hirsh was born in [Santa Monica, California](/source/Santa_Monica%2C_California).[{{Cite web|url=https://issuu.com/smdp/docs/041307|title=Santa Monica Daily Press, April 13, 2007|website=Issuu|date=November 13, 2013 }}] His father is Michael Hirsch.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2007/04/05/hirsh-eyes-first-start/|title=Hirsh eyes first start|date=April 5, 2007}}]
The Astros drafted and signed Hirsh's younger brother Matt (6 ft 5 in; 235 lbs.), another Cal Lutheran right-handed pitcher, in the 30th round in 2005.[{{cite news|author=Alyson Footer |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050607&content_id=1080707&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |title=Astros target pitching on Day 2 of draft: Scouting director Ricciarini offers insight on picks |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=February 18, 1984 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}] Matt went 1–2, 5.61, in 2005 at Rookie-level [Greeneville](/source/Greeneville_Astros). Released by the Astros on June 12, 2006, Matt signed with the [St. Louis Cardinals](/source/St._Louis_Cardinals) in September 2006.[{{cite news|author=Conor Nicholl |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060902&content_id=1641065&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615102143/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060902&content_id=1641065&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |title=Academy helps Hirsh sign with Cards: Right-handed pitcher worked out at MLB's California facility |publisher=Stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com |date=June 12, 2006 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}] He never pitched in the Cardinals' organization and finished his career with two independent league teams in 2007.[{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hirsh-001mat |title=Matt Hirsh Minor League Statistics & History |work=[Baseball-Reference.com](/source/Baseball-Reference.com) (Minors) |access-date=September 29, 2013}}]
Hirsh is [Jew](/source/Jew)ish, and he keeps track of all the Jewish players in major league baseball.[{{cite news|last=Abramowitz |first=Martin |url=http://jta.org/news/article/2007/08/29/103893/braunyomkippur |title=Suspense Builds Around Brewers' Braun |publisher=Jta.org |date=August 29, 2007 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}][{{cite book |last=Rosen |first=Charley |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5hyq8gF2kNoC&q=ausmus+jewish+catcher&pg=PT86 |title=Bullpen Diaries: Mariano Rivera, Bronx Dreams, Pinstripe Legends, and the Future of the New York Yankees |publisher=HarperCollins |location=New York City |year=2011 |isbn=978-0062005984}}] In 2007, the Rockies had a strong Christian influence in their clubhouse; ''[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)'' said, "Christianity rocks in Colorado's clubhouse." On this, Hirsh said, "There are guys who are religious, sure, but they don’t impress it upon anybody. It’s not like they hung a cross in my locker or anything. They’ve accepted me for who I am, and what I believe in."[[https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/sports/baseball/28roberts.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss Roberts, Selena, "Flip-Flopping All the Way to the Other Team,"] ''[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)'', October 28, 2007, accessed July 15, 2009][{{cite news|url=http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/34702/celebrities/ |title=Jewish Baseball Review, 2008 |publisher=Jweekly.com |date=April 4, 2008 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}]
He married Pamela Clark in 2007.[{{cite news|last=Shpigel |first=Ben |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/23/sports/baseball/23rockies.html |title=Rockies Place Their Faith in God, and One Another |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |date=October 23, 2007 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}][{{cite news|last=Saunders |first=Patrick |url=http://www.denverpost.com/technology/ci_8349316 |title=Bountiful fall helps make winter a little bit brighter |publisher=Denverpost.com |date=February 24, 2008 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}] On November 5, 2009, Hirsh and his wife had a baby boy, Brady Antoine Hirsh.[{{cite news |url=http://www.gazette.com/sports/sox-58350-break-star.html |title=Briggeman, Brent, "All-star break means quality time for Sky Sox," |publisher=Gazette.com |date=July 11, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2011 |archive-date=August 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822230418/http://www.gazette.com/sports/sox-58350-break-star.html |url-status=dead }}]
==High school==
Hirsh was only 5' 11" as a freshman in high school, and failed to make the [basketball](/source/basketball) team, whereupon he decided to focus on baseball. "Baseball was it for me," said Hirsh. "High school turned out to be one big [growth spurt](/source/growth_spurt).... All of a sudden I'm 6-foot-8, and people are like, 'What happened to you?'"[
Despite his size by the end of high school, Hirsh drew little interest from scouts out of [St. Francis High School](/source/Saint_Francis_High_School_(La_Ca%C3%B1ada_Flintridge)) of [La Cañada, California](/source/La_Ca%C3%B1ada%2C_California), because he then threw just 86–88 mph.][{{cite web|last=Harding |first=Thomas|title=Hirsh stands tall in blockbuster trade: Heralded prospect figures to be a big part of Colorado's plans|website= MLB.com|url= http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1762365&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |date= December 15, 2006|access-date=August 3, 2009}}] He went undrafted when he graduated in 2000, and no [NCAA](/source/NCAA) [Division I](/source/Division_I_(NCAA)) programs wanted him, so he wound up at [Division III](/source/Division_III_(NCAA)) [California Lutheran University](/source/California_Lutheran_University), which was only 40 minutes from his house.[
==College==
Hirsh attended and played baseball at California Lutheran, where he was a 3-year starter, and flashed a {{convert|97|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} [fastball](/source/fastball) and a mid-80s [slider](/source/Slider_(baseball)). His [record](/source/Win%E2%80%93loss_record_(pitching)) was 26–6, he had a 2.96 [earned run average](/source/earned_run_average) (ERA), and he [struck out](/source/Strikeout) 238 batters in 258.1 [innings pitched](/source/innings_pitched). As of 2013, he is tied for first at the university in career wins (26) and holds the record for the most strikeouts in a game (18). He was a First-Team All-[SCIAC](/source/SCIAC) twice, as well as an [ABCA](/source/American_Baseball_Coaches_Association) All-West Region First-Team selection in 2003.][{{cite web |url=http://www.clusports.com/baseball/news/2953/ |title="Hirsh Hits Houston: Jason Hirsh ('04) Gets Called to the Bigs," ''CLU Sports'' |publisher=Clusports.com |date=August 9, 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708165819/http://www.clusports.com/baseball/news/2953/ |url-status=dead }}]
He was drafted by the [Houston Astros](/source/Houston_Astros) with their top pick in the second round (59th overall) of the [2003 amateur entry draft](/source/2003_Major_League_Baseball_Draft), and signed for a $625,000 signing bonus.[{{cite web|last=Footer |first=Alyson |title=Hirsh may not be far from Houston: Club not ruling out Major League time for prospect in '06|website= MLB.com |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060303&content_id=1332497&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |date=March 3, 2006 |access-date=August 2, 2009}}]
Although Hirsh left college after his junior year, he went back after his first minor league season, e-mailing his assignments in from his laptop when he was in the minors to earn a BA in multimedia in 2004.[
==Minor leagues==
In his pro debut, Hirsh went 3–1 for the 2003 [Tri-City ValleyCats](/source/Tri-City_ValleyCats), with a 1.95 ERA, limiting batters to a .175 [average](/source/batting_average_against), and striking out 33 hitters in {{frac|32|1|3}} innings of work. Following the season, he was rated the No. 8 prospect in the organization by ''[Baseball America](/source/Baseball_America)''.][{{cite web|title=Jason Hirsh|publisher=[Minor League Baseball](/source/Minor_League_Baseball)|url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t531&t=p_pbp&pid=444865|year=2009|access-date=August 4, 2009|archive-date=August 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090811132605/http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t531&t=p_pbp&pid=444865|url-status=dead}}] In 2004, he recorded 11 victories with the [Single-A advanced](/source/Single-A_advanced) [Salem Avalanche](/source/Salem_Avalanche).[{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hirsh-001jas |title=Jason Hirsh Minor League Statistics & History |work=[Baseball-Reference.com](/source/Baseball-Reference.com) (Minors) |access-date=September 28, 2013}}]
===2005: Texas League Pitcher of the Year===
For a week in January 2005 he worked with [Nolan Ryan](/source/Nolan_Ryan) at Ryan's off-season pitching camp in Houston. Hirsh said: "The biggest thing I got out of it was the confidence ... [having Astros manager] [Phil Garner](/source/Phil_Garner) and Nolan Ryan sit there and tell you that you've got the stuff to be in the big leagues."[[http://www.caller.com/ccct/hooks/article/0,1641,CCCT_17996_3871229,00.html Rajan, Greg, "Hooks: Last-place team, first-rate staff,"] ''[Corpus Christi Caller-Times](/source/Corpus_Christi_Caller-Times)'', June 21, 2005, accessed August 2, 2009]
Playing for the [Double-A](/source/Double-A_(baseball)) [Corpus Christi Hooks](/source/Corpus_Christi_Hooks) in 2005, Hirsh pitched two perfect innings for the [Texas League](/source/Texas_League)'s West All Star team in the league All Star Game.[[http://www.roanoke.com/sports/baseball%5C26233.html "Avalanche Weekly Report,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120911131628/http://www.roanoke.com/sports/baseball%5C26233.html |date=September 11, 2012 }} ''[Roanoke Times](/source/Roanoke_Times)'', June 26, 2005, accessed August 2, 2009] He was the Texas League Pitcher of the Week three times. For the season, he went 13–8 with a league-best 165 strikeouts while [walking](/source/base_on_balls) only 42, finishing second in the league with 13 wins and second in ERA (2.87) and innings (172.1), and was named 2005 [Texas League Pitcher of the Year](/source/Texas_League_Pitcher_of_the_Year_Award), team MVP, and ''Baseball America'' Double-A All Star.[{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3260107 |title="Hirsh and Anderson top Hooks in '05," ''OurSports Central'', 1/18/06, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Oursportscentral.com |date=January 18, 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}] He also earned Texas League post-season All Star honors.[{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3214736 |title="Hanson, Minges and Leek All Honored in Inaugural Season," ''OurSports Central'', 8/24/05, accessed 8/2/09 |publisher=Oursportscentral.com |date=August 24, 2005 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}]
''Baseball America'' named Hirsh Houston's top prospect heading into the 2006 season; it also listed Hirsh as having the "Best Control" in the organization. Before the season, Houston added him to its [40-man roster](/source/40-man_roster).[ "He's a very mature kid," Astros assistant general manager Ricky Bennett said. "He keeps everything in perspective."][ With Hirsh in spring training with the major league team, manager Phil Garner summed up his estimation of Hirsh as follows: ]"He looks to me like he maintains good concentration. Whatever he's doing, he looks like he focuses at it. He looks like he throws the ball down in the zone well, which is really good for as big as he is. And his stuff's good. He looks like he has some of the other ingredients that you've got to have to go along with having good stuff. He's a good athlete. He swings the bat pretty good, and he moves on the mound well."
===2006: Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year===
Hirsh began 2006 with the [Triple A](/source/Triple-A_(baseball)) [Round Rock Express](/source/Round_Rock_Express), where he mastered a two-seam and four-seam fastball.[[http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/web/COM1047021/index.htm Bornhorst, Michael, "Minor League Watch: Garko, others could be valuable down the line,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120719164941/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/web/COM1047021/index.htm |date=July 19, 2012 }} ''[Sports Illustrated](/source/Sports_Illustrated)'', August 15, 2006, accessed August 2, 2009] He suffered a pinched [sciatic nerve](/source/sciatic_nerve) in his lower back, and therefore did not pick up a weight until June or July, but he got better through running and extra stretching.[ He was named the starting pitcher for the U.S. Team at the 2006 MLB [All-Star Futures Game](/source/All-Star_Futures_Game) in Pittsburgh, and was also named a Triple A All Star, and pitched an inning in that game.][[https://www.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/columnist/gardner/2006-07-19-fantasy_x.htm?POE=SPOISVA Gardner, Steve, "July moves open door for call-ups,"] ''[USA Today](/source/USA_Today)'', July 20, 2006, accessed August 3, 2009] On July 26, he set a team record of consecutive innings without an earned run at 46{{fraction|2|3}} innings.[{{cite web |date=July 27, 2006 |title=Hirsh dominates, Express win |url=http://www.news8austin.com/content/sports/?ArID=167545&SecID=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729122854/http://austin.ynn.com/content/sports/167545/hirsh-dominates--express-win |archive-date=2012-07-29 |access-date= |website=News 8 Austin}}] He had a season record of 13–2 (including a 12-game winning streak; an Express record), led the league in wins, and had a 2.10 [ERA](/source/Earned_run_average) (2nd in the league) and 118 [strikeout](/source/strikeout)s (4th in the league) in 137.1 innings, as he held batters to a .193 batting average.[{{cite web |url=http://www.clusports.com/baseball/news/2995/ |title="Hirsh Named PCL Pitcher of the Year," ''CLU Sports'', 8/31/06, accessed 8/4/09 |publisher=Clusports.com |date=August 31, 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708165850/http://www.clusports.com/baseball/news/2995/ |url-status=dead }}] Hirsh was named the 2006 [Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year](/source/Pacific_Coast_League_Pitcher_of_the_Year_Award), the MLB.com 2006 Triple-A Starting Pitcher of the Year, a ''Baseball America'' Triple-A All Star, and was also elected to the post-season 2006 All-PCL squad as the top right-handed starting pitcher in the league.[[http://www.gazette.com/sports/hirsh-52551-league-sky.html Stephen, Bob, "Hirsh turns back the clock as Sky Sox win again,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501214141/http://www.gazette.com/sports/hirsh-52551-league-sky.html |date=May 1, 2009 }} ''[Colorado Springs Gazette](/source/Colorado_Springs_Gazette)'', April 27, 2009, accessed August 4, 2009] "Needless to say, he's had an excellent season," Round Rock manager [Jackie Moore](/source/Jackie_Moore_(baseball)) said. "He's as consistent from one start to the next as any young pitcher I've been associated with."[{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3371095 |title="Round Rock's Jason Hirsh named 2006 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year," ''OurSports Central'', 8/30/06, accessed 8/1/09 |publisher=Oursportscentral.com |date=August 30, 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}]
He was regarded as the top pitching prospect in the Astros' [farm system](/source/farm_system). He was rated by ''Baseball America'' as having the best [breaking pitch](/source/breaking_pitch) in the PCL, and the league's ninth best prospect.[{{cite web |date= June 21, 2006|title=Jason Hirsh |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/statistics/players/cards/18544 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929043840/http://www.baseballamerica.com/statistics/players/cards/18544 |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=Baseball America}}]
During the 2006 season, Hirsh also kept an on-line journal on MiLB.com.[{{cite web|url=http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/features/journals.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070504024335/http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/features/journals.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 4, 2007 |title=Hirsh, Jason, "Jason Hirsh Player Journal," ''MiLB.com'', 2006, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=[Minor League Baseball](/source/Minor_League_Baseball) |access-date=January 27, 2011}}]
===2008–13: Rehab and trade to the New York Yankees===
In 2008, Hirsh tried to work back from his rotator cuff problems and rehab his shoulder after May 30 for the [Colorado Springs Sky Sox](/source/Colorado_Springs_Sky_Sox) in the Pacific Coast League. With reduced velocity, he was 4–4 in 18 games (17 starts), with a 5.80 ERA in 99.1 innings. The slow pace of his recovery made for what Hirsh admitted was "a very trying season. I was mentally defeated several times this year."[[http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/sep/18/rockies-hirsh-struggles-through-recovery-season/ "Rockies' Hirsh endures 'trying season': Injured pitcher confident he can return to form,"] ''[Rocky Mountain News](/source/Rocky_Mountain_News)'', September 18, 2008, accessed August 3, 2009] He was still not fully recovered when the Rockies recalled him when rosters expanded in September.[{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3407950&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Hirsh not 100 percent, but back in bigs |work=Mlb.mlb.com |date=September 2, 2008 |access-date=September 28, 2008 |archive-date=August 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814110209/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080902&content_id=3407950&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |url-status=dead }}]
Hirsh was sent to the minors to begin 2009.[{{cite web|author=Thomas Harding |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090316&content_id=3998936&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Hirsh a surprising cut from Rox squad: Right-hander among 13 players to go as club pares down roster |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=March 16, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}] He went 6–7 with a 6.66 ERA in 20 games, 16 of them starts, for Colorado Springs before being traded to the [New York Yankees](/source/New_York_Yankees) on July 29 for a [player to be named later](/source/player_to_be_named_later). He was assigned to the Triple-A [Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees](/source/Scranton%2FWilkes-Barre_Yankees) of the [International League](/source/International_League). Yankees manager [Joe Girardi](/source/Joe_Girardi) said the Yankees got Hirsh to add depth to their rotation.[{{cite news|author=Carig, Marc |url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2009/07/ny_yankees_notes_alfredo_aceve.html |title=NY Yankees notes: Alfredo Aceves, Jason Hirsh and a drop in velocity for Damaso Marte |publisher=Nj.com |date=July 29, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}] He was 4–0 for the team in 6 starts, with a 1.35 ERA.[{{cite web |last=Rich |first=Charles |url=http://articles.glendalenewspress.com/2010-08-10/sports/tn-gnp-sp-minor-20100810_1_visalia-rawhide-pitcher-gcl-blue-jays-accolade |title=Hirsh picks up International accolade |work=[Glendale News-Press](/source/Glendale_News-Press) |date=August 20, 2010 |access-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-date=March 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315104224/http://articles.glendalenewspress.com/2010-08-10/sports/tn-gnp-sp-minor-20100810_1_visalia-rawhide-pitcher-gcl-blue-jays-accolade |url-status=dead }}] He finished 2010 with a 9–7 record in 19 starts and a 3.90 ERA with 95 strikeouts in {{frac|122|1|3}} innings.[{{cite web |last=Yanik |first=Ken |url=http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060812&content_id=1606686&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |title=Astros fall to Padres in Hirsh's debut |publisher=Houston.astros.mlb.com |date=August 12, 2006 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=February 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204164736/http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060812&content_id=1606686&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |url-status=dead }}] On August 17, he won his first game, allowing three runs in {{frac|5|1|3}} innings in a 7–3 victory over the [Milwaukee Brewers](/source/Milwaukee_Brewers). In celebration, his teammates doused him with beer in the shower after the game.[{{cite web |author=Alyson Footer |url=http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060817&content_id=1615789&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |title=Footer, Alyson, "Astros end skid, take opener: Rookie Hirsh picks up first Major League victory," ''MLB.com'', 8/18/06, accessed 8/2/09 |publisher=Houston.astros.mlb.com |date=August 17, 2006 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-date=February 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211024938/http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060817&content_id=1615789&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |url-status=dead }}] He started 9 games for the season, posting a 3–4 record, a 6.04 ERA, 29 strikeouts, and 22 walks in {{frac|44|2|3}} innings. He held batters to a .231 batting average with runners in scoring position.[{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=444865 |title=Jason Hirsh Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio |publisher=mlb.mlb.com |access-date=September 29, 2013}}] On December 12, the Astros traded Hirsh, [Willy Taveras](/source/Willy_Taveras), and [Taylor Buchholz](/source/Taylor_Buchholz) to the [Colorado Rockies](/source/Colorado_Rockies) for Rockies pitchers [Jason Jennings](/source/Jason_Jennings) and [Miguel Asencio](/source/Miguel_Asencio).[
===Colorado Rockies (2007–08)===
In March 2007, Rockies' manager [Clint Hurdle](/source/Clint_Hurdle) designated Hirsh his No. 4 starter.][{{cite web |last=DeMarco |first=Tony |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070326&content_id=1861088&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Notes: Iannetta excited for opportunity |publisher=Colorado.rockies.mlb.com |date=March 26, 2007 |access-date=April 22, 2014 |archive-date=April 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401055812/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070326&content_id=1861088&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |url-status=dead }}] In Hirsh's first start as a Rockie, on April 6, he allowed one run in {{frac|6|2|3}} innings, struck out eight, and walked nobody in a 4–3 victory over San Diego.[{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |date=April 7, 2007 |title=Hirsh charges Rockies past Padres |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070406&content_id=1883768&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307204559/http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/1883768 |archive-date=2016-03-07 |access-date= |website=MLB.com}}] On June 10, he allowed one run and threw the only [complete game](/source/complete_game) of his career in a 6–1 victory over the [Baltimore Orioles](/source/Baltimore_Orioles).[{{cite web |last=Perkins |first=Owen |date=June 10, 2007 |title=Spilborghs, Hirsh carry Rox to win |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070610&content_id=2017978&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306092906/http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/2017978 |archive-date=2016-03-06 |access-date= |website=MLB.com}}]
During the season, Hirsh would use his secondary pitches to such an extent that he failed to use his fastball, his best pitch, enough of the time.[ He was forced to leave the game despite having pitched six shutout innings, and ended up on the disabled list from July 3 until August 1.][
His season was abruptly interrupted, however, when Hirsh went on the [disabled list](/source/disabled_list) again after his right [fibula](/source/fibula) was broken in a game August 7. Not realizing his leg had been broken on a [line drive](/source/line_drive) comebacker hit by the second batter of the game, [J. J. Hardy](/source/J._J._Hardy), that caught him in the shin in the first inning, Hirsh went on to throw out Hardy and pitch six innings that day, earning a key win for the club.][{{cite web|author=Thomas Harding |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070808&content_id=2137355&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Harding, Thomas, "X-ray reveals fractured leg for Hirsh: Pitcher suffered injury in first inning of Tuesday's victory," MLB.com, 8/8/07, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=August 8, 2007 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}][{{cite web |author=Owen Perkins |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284394&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Perkins, Owen, "Hirsh visits bustling Children's Hospital: Rox pitcher hangs with kids, who enjoy donated 'Fun Center'," ''MLB.com'', 10/27/07, accessed 8/4/09 |publisher=Colorado.rockies.mlb.com |date=October 27, 2007 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716084528/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071027&content_id=2284394&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |url-status=dead }}] Asked what he would do the next time he faced Hardy, Hirsh joked: "I might put a catcher's [shin guard](/source/shin_guard) on, just for him."[{{cite web|author=Thomas Harding |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080229&content_id=2396563&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Harding, Thomas, "Hirsh putting injury behind him: Righty aiming to secure rotation spot, participate in postseason," ''MLB.com'', 2/29/08, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=February 29, 2008 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}] The injury ended his season. "I was crushed," Hirsh said. "Obviously, nobody wants to have someone tell them that their season's cut short."[{{cite web|author=C.J. Moore|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070903&content_id=2187074&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Moore, C.J., "Notes: Hirsh says season's over," ''MLB.com'', 9/3/07, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=September 3, 2007 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}]
In 19 starts in 2007, Hirsh compiled a 5–7 record with a 4.81 earned run average, 75 strikeouts, and 48 walks in {{frac|112|1|3}} innings; he kept batters to a .204 batting average in their first plate appearance against him in games.[ [Tracy Ringolsby](/source/Tracy_Ringolsby) wrote, "Hirsh would have moments, but they were limited. He was 4–7 with a 4.90 ERA in his first 17 starts, and more concerning to the Rockies was he worked five innings or fewer six times."][{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/psplit.cgi?n1=hirshja01 |title=Jason Hirsh Career Pitching Splits |work=[Baseball-Reference.com](/source/Baseball-Reference.com) |access-date=January 27, 2011}}]
Hirsh was expected to be in the starting rotation in 2008, as the number 4 starter.[[http://www.denverpost.com/paige/ci_8089068 Paige, Woody, "Repeat after me, Rockies,"] ''[The Denver Post](/source/The_Denver_Post)'', January 27, 2008, accessed August 4, 2009][{{cite news |author=Thomas Harding |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080219&content_id=2379804&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Redman targets a spot in rotation: Left-hander intends to win one of final two openings |work=mlb.com |date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=August 4, 2011 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716085049/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080219&content_id=2379804&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |url-status=dead }}] But he found himself on the disabled list after just two scoreless innings in one spring training game, and started the season on the DL because of a strained muscle in his right [rotator cuff](/source/rotator_cuff) and right rotator cuff inflammation.[{{cite news|url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/17/nix-making-most-his-opportunity/ |title=Second might be Nix's to lose with improving play |publisher=Rockymountainnews.com |date=March 17, 2008 |author=Ringolsby, Tracy |access-date=August 4, 2011}}] While on the DL, Hirsh spent a number of weeks in a strengthening program and at extended spring training in Tucson, Arizona, to rebuild his arm strength.[{{cite news|author=Jeff Birnbaum |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080603&content_id=2830188&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Hirsh, Vizcaino getting healthy: Rehabbing hurlers hope to contribute to Rockies |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=June 3, 2008 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}] "This is the first time I've ever really had injuries," Hirsh said. "I had maybe one injury in the minor leagues coming up. Throughout my career, from when I was a little kid, I've never had arm problems, I've never broken a bone, I've never rolled an ankle. But I've managed to do all three of those in the last two years."[{{cite news|url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/feb/18/krieger-its-time-for-rockies-hirsch-to-stand/ |title=Time for Rockies' Hirsch to stand tall |publisher=Rockymountainnews.com |date=February 18, 2009 |author=Krieger, Dave |access-date=August 4, 2011}}]
Hirsh was recalled in September and pitched in only four games during the season, including the first relief appearances of his career. His final major league appearance (a start) came on September 26; Hirsh gave up three runs in {{frac|4|1|3}} innings pitched and received a no-decision in a 6–4 loss to the [Arizona Diamondbacks](/source/Arizona_Diamondbacks).[{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080926&content_id=3556169&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Rockies unable to solve D-backs |publisher=Colorado.rockies.mlb.com |date=September 27, 2008 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=February 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204040108/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080926&content_id=3556169&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |url-status=dead }}] In four games (only one of which was a start), Hirsh had no record, an 8.31 ERA, six strikeouts, and four walks in {{frac|8|2|3}} innings.[{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=444865 |title=Jason Hirsh Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=September 28, 2013}}]
==Pitching==
Hirsh had good leverage, pitched down to hitters, and had a refined repertoire of pitches. He had a "plus" 2-seam [fastball](/source/fastball) that had sink and good movement at 91–94 mph, and threw a "filthy" hard-breaking [slider](/source/Slider_(baseball)) that was consistently precise, and had bite at 80–86 mph (managers rated it the best breaking ball in the Texas League).[{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/albert_chen/07/25/soriano.wsox/?cnn=yes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915185242/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/albert_chen/07/25/soriano.wsox/?cnn=yes |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 15, 2011 |title=No need for Alfonso |publisher=Sportsillustrated.cnn.com |date=July 25, 2006 |access-date=August 4, 2011}}] Hirsh continued to refine his moderate [changeup](/source/changeup), which had fair deception and movement in the low-80s. He also threw a 4-seam fastball in the 94–96 mph range.[{{cite web |last=Saunders |first=Patrick |url=http://test.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_5229272 |title=Hirsh a candidate for stardom |work=Denver Post |date=February 15, 2007 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=March 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070324171841/http://test.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_5229272 |url-status=dead }}][{{cite web |url=http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270422127 |title=Hirsh outshines Maddux to carry Rockies over Padres |work=[ESPN](/source/ESPN) |date=April 22, 2007 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213060540/http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270422127 |url-status=dead }}] He was not afraid to pitch inside, and threw strikes to both sides of the plate. "I'm 6-foot-8 and I keep a high three-quarters arm angle," noted Hirsh. "You figure the mound is a foot and a half, and my arm may be another two, three, four feet. It makes the batter have to look up instead of straight at me, and he may have a difficult time adjusting."[ During the 2007 season, Hirsh had trouble throwing his fastball enough. Pitching coach [Bob Apodaca](/source/Bob_Apodaca) gave this assessment of Hirsh before 2008: "All Jason has to do is trust his stuff. He has the type of fastball you work off, but he was using his fastball the way you'd use an off-speed pitch —- to try and trick hitters."][{{cite web|url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/19/hirsh-eyes-fourth-spot-rotation/ |title=Ringolsby, Tracy, "Rockies' Hirsh needs to be himself," ''Rocky Mountain News'', 2/19/08, accessed 8/3/09 |publisher=Rockymountainnews.com |date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=January 27, 2011}}]
Injuries began plaguing Hirsh in 2007, and he had trouble recovering from them; he spent all of 2009 and 2010 in the minor leagues.