While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com
Going all in: “To question how Ubaldo fits into the Tribe’s rotation (or any rotation) is akin to insanity, but it doesn’t dismiss the idea that there are very real reasons to be wary of Jimenez – from Colorado’s still-unknown reasons for making a 27-year-old “ace” available, to reports that the Yankees backed away from the Ubaldo sweepstakes when they were allegedly stonewalled in their attempts to obtain medical reports.
That said, the Indians’ Front Office – oft-maligned for their inactivity, their proclivity to sell “tomorrow” instead of “today”, and crucified for “unmet” promises – weighed the risks in acquiring Ubaldo (and there are many) and parted with their two prized arms, with one having already contributed to the parent club and with the other one following the same fast track. In giving up Pomeranz and White, the Indians are gambling that the performance of Jimenez over the next 2+ years is enough to balance out the club control that they held over Pomz and White, and the potential that each arm contained.” [Paul Cousineau/The DiaTribe]
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“It’s unknown what Colorado’s motivation was for putting Jimenez in that awkward position, but it could have been as simple as the deal not being official, or a even a bold move by O’Dowd to coax Cleveland into parting with the fourth prospect, which they eventually did (Gardner). Either way, it was a bizarre series of events and an unsatisfying ending to Ubaldo’s Rockies career. With that door closed, Jimenez opens a new one with Cleveland. Their aggressiveness here confirms they want him in their organization, and are going all in for a postseason run this season. But is it really worth it for them?” [Mark Townsend/Big League Stew]
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“Thats what I want to hear from my Quaterback heading into a tough situation like Pittsburgh when the odds are against us. I know we didn’t get the outcome we were all hoping for but the kid is a leader and we have been lacking that in Cleveland for a long time. Colt played pretty well as rookie despite throwing 9 interceptions and only 6 touchdowns in his first year. 6 of his Interceptions came in the last two weeks against division rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Despite ending the season on a bad note Colt looked like he belonged in his first year with the Browns.” [Randy Ward/Browns Gab]
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“The Rockies were always frustrated by Jimenez’s inability to become the number one starter that he showed flashes of. They were always trying to figure out if the problems were related to health, mechanics or makeup, and finally concluded it was the latter two. To get two young potential top-of-the-rotation starters that they’ll control for at least six years, and who won’t be eligible for salary arbitration for at least three years was a shrewd move by Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd. Both pitching prospects are close to the major leagues and should make their debut for the Rockies as early as September of this year. The Indians went all-in and are trying to win the division this year with the acquisition of Jimenez. The Indians’ view is that he’s only 27 years old, a proven winner in the major leagues and most importantly they control him through the year 2014. They clearly outbid every team in baseball, as reflected by their willingness to trade their two best pitching prospects…The Indians get the best starting pitcher available at the trade deadline and are clearly trying to win now. The Rockies get the best package of pitching prospects at the trade deadline and are rebuilding for the future. The Indians win this trade short term, but the Rockies will win this trade in the long term.” [The GM's Office/ESPN]
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“As I watched I couldn’t help but notice at least 75% of that B-roll, breaking news footage was him running for his life against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That got me thinking: Maybe this isn’t the time to be developing a quarterback in this division. Carson Palmer was a great NFL player for a very short time until injuries derailed his career. The first was a gruesome knee injury at the hands of the Steelers in the playoffs. I am sure the countless other hits they delivered over the years have taken their toll too…Eventually the margin of terror Pittsburgh holds over the rest of the division will diminish, but for now you’ve still got to wonder how long Colt McCoy can handle the best beating the NFL has to offer…” [Jimmy Weinland/Dawg Pound Daily]
