"Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something." - Thomas A. Edison
"I have found that people who can successfully resist temptation invariably lead depressingly stunted lives." — C.D. Payne
"So don't weep for me now, my friends, because science insists that I have not died.
Energy just always changes state and I refuse to believe that human consciousness is the sole exception to this universal law."
- Mark Millar
"Do only butterflies die in flames? What about those devoured by the flames within them?" - E.M. Cioran

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Indians Acquire Ubaldo Jimenez

The Tribe sends LHP Drew Pomeranz, RHP Alex White, RHP Joe Gardner and C/1B/OF Matt McBride to the Rockies.  That is a steep price to pay for a man that has gone 9-15 with a 3.83 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP over the past 365 days. Ubaldo has experienced a noticeable drop in velocity on both his fastball (97->93) and his slider (87->83).  He explains,

"I didn't pitch well early because of my thumb and groin (hip flexor) injury. I didn't build up my arm strength in spring, so I didn't have my velocity or breaking ball. That's why I struggled. Right now, I feel like I can dominate again.''

His velocity has begun to rise, though it is still not back to the level of 2010.  If you would like some good news, in 2011 Jimenez is 3-4 with a 2.83 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP away from the the hitters' haven of Coors Field.  His 2010 road numbers were equally impressive (10-6, 2.63, 1.08 WHIP).

While McBride is a throw away and we have been listening to the ballad of Alex White all summer long, Pomeranz is a huge piece to give away.  Recently listed as the 14th best prospect in the Baseball America mid-season rankings, Pom cannot be officially traded until the one year anniversary of his signing date (08.16).  Thus, he is currently listed as a PTBNL in the deal.  Just to be clear, the Tribe has given up their pre-season #2 (White), #4 (Pomeranz) & #9 (Gardner) prospects.  This had better work out.

Let us cross our fingers that the physical on Jimenez comes back clean.  The Rockies have refused all askers the opportunity to examine Ubaldo before completion of a trade.

Cheers.

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