Dominica Falls as Ubaldo Balls…Rockies Good Guy Gets Props
Day 70
You read it here. Ubaldo Jimenez is a pitcher with whom good things couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
Everyone is talking about the Cinderellas of the World Baseball Classic. The Netherlands over took the amazing Dominican Republic to advance. What I hope most people don’t lose sight of is Dominican and Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez set a record for strikeouts with 10 in his four innings during that game. It went 11 innings and Ubaldo will be coming to Arizona because of the Dominican Republics elimination. But he can come holding his head high.
I told you he had silly stuff, I said he was a grounded and great young talent for the Rockies. I told you I saw him throw a fastball 102 mph. Now the world got to see the reason why the Rockies locked down Ubaldo with a four year contract.
Props goes to the Netherlands for doing what had to be done. They overcame immense odds and a team that outstacked them in talent at pretty much every position. The underdogs did what most thought was unthinkable. But for 65 pitches they didn’t do it against Ubaldo Jimenez.
Does this mean he is the man who will be the first to win 20 games for the Rockies organization? No. Would I like to see him be the first? Yes. Do I hope that every game I manage to see this summer is majority Ubaldo on the mound? Most definitely.
Ubaldo balls as Dominica falls but in this man’s eyes the Rockies will rise because of him. I’m sure the coaches in Arizona will monitor his arm like it’s golden and not overworked and they should. Don’t be worried though Rockies faithful because I think this mans arm has not yet begun to wreck havoc on the NL West and the rest of baseball. The Netherlands pitching clinic was like a nice appetizer at Red Lobster. April will serve up the main entree. Patience…
Photo credit: Andres Leighton (AP)
Some teams just match up well against each other no matter where they are in the standings. I know for years the Toronto Blue Jays have been a menace in our back ends because of their pesky infield and timely hitting.
The D R team just fell into a situation where the Dutch team could play man to man with them. That doesn’t happen often, but it did twice to D R.
Good thing is your pitcher will be back in the fold soon and you can be sure he will be totally with the Rockies game plan by Opening Day. He did put on a show, I might have to consider him a dark horse for my Fantasy team this year. Sometimes players can open eyes during this kind of tourney. And then a new star shine bright for all of us to enjoy.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
Before last year I had never heard of Ubaldo Jimenez. He must be the real deal.
http://metsmainman.mlblogs.com
Renegade- Dark horse I like it.
Mets Main- Real deal you betcha.
-Tom
Yeah, this guy is a pretty good pitcher…naturally, I don’t like it when he faces the Padres. He’s not Jake Peavy caliber (yet), but he’s kind of like a Chris Young. A more, quiet, not as recognized starter who’s good. And yes, I just had to compare him to a Padres pitcher 🙂
http://kaybee.mlblogs.com
Well Kaybee that dreaded rumor of the Padres trading away Peavy by the trade deadline is still looming for some reason! You may not be able to compare Ubaldo before long ; )
Tom
Tom – you were right! Shall I keep an eye out for Ubaldo when the Red Sox play the Rockies in the World Series??
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
I surprisingly got to see that game, considering I haven’t seen any other WBC game yet. He’s freaking awesome. Glad he can get back to the Rockies, even though I’m sure he’d prefer the DR still be in it.
Jen
http://ajroxmywhitesox.mlblogs.com
“Like a nice appetizer at Red Lobster.” LOL, Tom!
– http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
That game had to be one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen. And I’ve been impressed with Jimenez since the Rockies’ 2007 playoff run. He’s going to do some very good things for you guys.
-Erin
http://plunking-gomez.mlblogs.com
Tom – #19! Congrats!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Jimenez was amazing. He was definately a bright spot in the Dominicans showing. You are lucky to have him!
-Kathy
http://redbirdchatter.mlblogs.com
Just keep those buttermilk biscuits comin’, April. And I think I’ll need a bib as well. All of this good pitching has made me hungry.
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
Jimenez is a freak, that’s for sure. That performance was amazing and will not be forgotten.
My seats at Miller Park are right above the visiting bullpen. Last season, I took special notice to this kid as he was throwing a side session in the pen. He’s such a wiry dude but he has some freakish stuff.
Wish he played for my team.
“Happy”
http://thehappyyoungster.mlblogs.com/
Tommy,
I guess we DID hear it here first. 10 strikeouts in four innings? Unreal!
-Elizabeth
http://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com
Ubaldo is going to do great things for the Rockies in these next four years. Not to mention, he’s so young and definitely has room for improvement!
Emily
http://deconstructingthoughts.mlblogs.com/