What to do with Jimenez?
When the Baltimore Orioles signed Ubaldo Jimenez it came with huge fanfare and huge promises. Jimenez signed a four-year $50 million dollar contract and the Orioles gave up their first round pick of the 2014 MLB draft. So far it has been a rocky marriage, to say the least. Jimenez has struggled with a four and nine record with a 4.83 era and the run support has not been there for Orioles.
Last night, Buck Showalter would not commit to giving Jimenez another start in his post game interview. Jimenez could go to the bullpen to work on his mechanics, which seem to be the issue since he has walked 66 batters this season.
Jimenez’s contract makes it very difficult to do anything with him and the Orioles simply will not eat his contract. It would be hard for the Orioles to risk all that money to try to get Jimenez down to the minors, especially now that the minor league seasons are almost over.
The Orioles will have rosters expanding in a few weeks so they could keep Jimenez in the bullpen and out of the rotation. This could be very beneficial for the team because if he gets his mechanics right, Jimenez can be a very effective starting pitcher. If not, the Orioles don’t need to have him on their playoff roster. Of course, another option would be for Jimenez to just start fresh in 2015 and hope to have a “comeback” season.
***It’s worth noting that Jimenez didn’t have a good first season in Cleveland either but in his second season he had a 3.30 era with a thirteen and nine record.
The thing I like about Jimenez is that he wants to win. I can tell from his facial expressions that he is not happy with the way he is pitching. He obviously cares and wants to do better.
