Just last year, Jimenez pitched a no-hitter and was in the running for the Cy Young at the end of the season, after finishing with a 2.88 ERA and 19-8 record. He was named the ace of the Rockies pitching staff this past off-season, and got off to decent start to the year. Then he cracked his cuticle and could not pitch, and it all fell apart.
He was 6-9 with a 4.46 ERA and the Rockies decided to trade him to the Indians for three minor leaguers. Interesting move. The Rockies seemed to trade him at the first sign of trouble. He did have two complete games and one shutout for the Rockies. Complete games and shutouts do not just fall out of thin air. It takes some real skill to achieve that stuff on a consistent basis, which Ubaldo seems to do.
The Indians got an ace, or at the very worst a number two starter. Aces are like gold in the MLB landscape, so the Dominican Baseball Guy cannot agree with this move from the Rockies. Even if they were out of the playoffs this season, Jimenez is just 26, so would seem to have a long career ahead of him.
He makes his first start today, and the Dominican Baseball Guy will of course be following him. Ubaldo Jimenez es de Nagua, Republica Dominicana.
The Indians logo has to be one of the coolest in MLB:
Ubaldo Jimenez is a great addition for the Cleveland Indians, who were big improvers in the AL Central in 2011.
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