A high-stakes game of chicken between the Cleveland Indians and Colorado Rockies looks to have come to an end with the Indians and Rockies reportedly coming to terms on a trade involving Rockies' ace Ubaldo Jimenez. As for the Indians, they are doing what they said they wouldn't do - in some ways. The Tribe will reportedly send prospects Joe Gardner, 1B Matt McBride and pitchers Alex White and Drew Pemeranz.
Things seemed to be moving quickly towards a deal earlier Saturday night - the Indians had scratched Pomeranz and McBride from their game tonight with AA Akron - but the Rockies seemed to be pressing for more. Jimenez actually took the mound for his start against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field and was rocked for 4 runs. After throwing 45 pitches, walking four and striking out 2 in just one inning, Jimenez was pulled and was seen hugging his teammates and manager Jim Tracy.
Pitching hasn't been a problem for the Indians lately, scoring runs has. The Tribe just broke a 24-run scoreless streak with a run in the 8th inning against the Kansas City Royals. For the Indians, however, who stated they would not mortgage the future to make a run in 2011, Jimenez was attractive because he is actually under contract through 2013, giving the Indians 2+ seasons for their investment.
this season has been a tale of two cities for Jimenez, who appears to have fell into the trap that several pitchers fall into at Coors Field. After a blistering start to 2010, Jimenez has struggled, though this season he has been a lot better on the road(2.83 ERA) than at home(5.55 ERA). For the season, Jimenez is 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA.