Being a switch-hitter is rare enough as it is. However, it is still fairly common for a team to have at least one on their roster. What is more rare, though, is having a switch pitcher. That is, a pitcher who can throw with both hands equally well. Milwaukee The Brewers grabbed such a pitcher in the 18th round of the MLB Amateur Draft in Jurrangelo Cijntje.
Here is footage of him pitching in-game, first as a lefty, then as a righty:
What Brewers Fans Need to Know about Jurrangelo Cijntje
Cijntje is 19 years old and, yes, pitches with both arms. He was born in the Netherlands and raised in Curacao. Cijintje graduated from Champagnat Catholic High School in Hialeah, Florida this past year. There may, however, be a challenge in the Brewers’ signing of him. Cijntje has received a full scholarship to pitch at Mississippi State University. Should he choose to go to college, the Brewers could miss out on his services. He could re-enter the draft in a few years and be taken in an earlier round.
The Brewers May Convert Him to an Infielder
To be sure, being able to pitch with both arms is what has launched Cijntje onto the radar of major league scouts. However, according to reports, he is also an excellent shortstop. In fact, he credits having to throw around the infield with his right hand as the reason why his fastball velocity is better when he pitches right-handed. Cijntje is naturally left-handed.
Cijntje is also a switch-hitter. On how the Brewers plan to develop him, Tod Johnson, the Brewers’ VP of domestic scouting, said the following to Adam McCalvy:
“First and foremost, he is an amazing athlete. To be able to pitch like he does with both hands … and I don’t know if every team sees it this way, but we also think he’s a really good infielder. He shows incredible body control and hands and actions in the infield and has a pretty good left-handed swing. His right-handed swing will probably take a little bit of work to get there.
“So, should we sign him, we’ll explore a lot of different options with him potentially. The pitching thing is what has got him to be the most famous, but I wouldn’t rule out him making some waves as a position player, whether he goes to college and tries to do it, or signs with us and tries to do it.”
Cijntje is a name baseball fans should pay attention to.
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