At one point Ubaldo Jimenez was the best pitcher in the National League. Roughly two years later the right handed pitcher led the American League in losses with 17.
Despite the struggles of Jimenez the Cleveland Indians are not ready to cut ties. Jimenez posted a 5.40 ERA and a 1.61 WHIP in his 31 starts with the tribe last year.
The Indians are still in rebuilding mode and considering Jimenez is owed just $5.75 million the team would be best served to see if he can recover any of his former glory. Jimenez won 19 games for Colorado in 2010 and had a 2.88 ERA while being selected to the All-Star game and finishing third in NL Cy Young voting.
Since his breakout 2010 season though Jimenez has struggled. A drop in the velocity of Jimenez is a concern as is inability to throw consistent strikes. Over the last two years Jimenez is 19-30 with a 5.03 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. The SO/BB ratio of Jimenez has dropped from 2.31 in 2010 to 1.51 last season.
If the Indians decline the option on Jimenez they would owe him a $1 million buyout. The Indians also have an $8 million option on him for 2014, but Jimenez can void it because he was acquired in a trade.
