Ubaldo Jimenez
Encyclopedia
Ubaldo Jiménez García is a Major League Baseball
starting pitcher
for the Cleveland Indians
. He pitched the first no-hitter
in Colorado Rockies history on April 17, 2010, against the Atlanta Braves
.
debut on September 26, 2006. He came in as a relief pitcher
for the Colorado Rockies
during the eighth inning of an 11–4 home loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers
. He allowed two hits and no runs. He would make his first major league start on October 1 against the Chicago Cubs
on the road, which was the last game of the regular season. Jiménez allowed three hits and three earned runs over a span of 6 ⅔ innings in a 8–5 loss. He didn't receive a decision
for the game.
Jiménez earned his first major league win on July 29, 2007 at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers
. He pitched six innings, giving up four hits and two earned runs. The Rockies won the game, 9–6. On September 5, he gained the distinction of giving up Barry Bonds
's 762nd and final career home run. Jiménez made his Major League Baseball postseason
debut on October 6 during Game 3 of the 2007 National League Division Series
in Colorado against the Philadelphia Phillies
. He started the game and pitched six innings, allowing three hits and one earned run, as part of a 2–1 victory (the win gave the Rockies a series sweep over the Phillies). However, Jiménez didn't receive a decision
for the game. He started his second consecutive game of the postseason on October 12, which was Game 2 of the 2007 National League Championship Series
against the Arizona Diamondbacks
on the road. He pitched five innings, giving up one hit and one earned run. The Rockies would eventually win the game, 3–2, but Jiménez received his second straight postseason no-decision. Colorado swept Arizona and faced the Boston Red Sox
in the 2007 World Series
. Jiménez started Game 2, suffering a 2–1 loss in Boston. He allowed three hits and two earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings. Boston went on to sweep Colorado.
In 2008, Jiménez went 12–12 with a 3.99 earned run average
. His 34 starts led the National League
. He threw the fastest fastball among starters in the Major Leagues, averaging 94.9 mph.
During the 2008 offseason, Jiménez signed a four-year, $10-million dollar contract with a club option up to 2013–14. In the 2009 season, he went 15–12 with a 3.47 ERA
, his second full season as a starter in the majors. Jiménez pitched at least six innings in a franchise-record 25 consecutive starts from May 1 – September 7.
Jiménez pitched for the Dominican Republic
during the 2009 World Baseball Classic
. On March 10, he set a single-start strikeout record, fanning 10 of the 13 batters he faced during his 65-pitch, four-inning performance in Round One against the Netherlands
.
Jiménez threw the first no-hitter
in the history of the Colorado Rockies on April 17, 2010, as part of a 4–0 road victory over the Atlanta Braves
. He walked 6 batters, while striking out 7, and throwing a career-high 128 pitches (72 for strikes). He faced 31 batters in the game. The no-hitter was preserved by a diving catch in center field
by Dexter Fowler
in the bottom of the seventh inning. Jiménez's fastball
reached 100 mph three times during the game, and it averaged 96.8 mph. During the no-hitter, Jiménez switched from the windup to the stretch delivery after issuing a lead-off walk in the fifth inning (his sixth total walk of the game). Following the switch, he didn't allow a walk for the remainder of the game.
Jiménez was named the National League
Pitcher of the Month
for April, becoming the second pitcher in Rockies history to win a Pitcher of the Month award. Jiménez was only the second pitcher in MLB history to throw a no-hitter and notch five wins in the month of April. He also set a franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings (22 ⅓) for a starting pitcher (the streak was eventually snapped on May 3 after 25 ⅓ straight scoreless innings). He broke that mark shortly thereafter, as he went 33 straight scoreless innings from May to June, which was a franchise record for not only starting pitchers, but relievers as well (Gabe White
previously held the team record of 29 consecutive scoreless innings). Jiménez became the first pitcher since Jack Morris
in 1986 to have two streaks of at least 25 consecutive scoreless innings in one season. He was again named National League Pitcher of the Month for May. He became the first pitcher in Rockies history to win the award more than once and the first pitcher since Pedro Martínez
in 1999 to win the award in April and May.
Jiménez was the third pitcher in MLB history to win 11 out of his first 12 games and have an ERA below 1.00 (0.93). He had the lowest ERA (0.78) in MLB history through 11 starts. In his one loss, he went seven innings, giving up two hits and one earned run in a 2–0 road loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers
.
On July 4, 2010, Jiménez was one of two Rockies, along with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki
, selected as a National League
All-Star to play in the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
at Angel Stadium of Anaheim
in Anaheim, CA
. He entered the game leading all Major League pitchers with a 15–1 record and a 2.20 ERA (as of July 8). On July 12, 2010, Jiménez was named the starting pitcher for the National League All-Star team ahead of fellow NL aces Tim Lincecum
, Roy Halladay
, and Adam Wainwright
. In two scoreless innings he threw 25 pitches with two hits, one strikeout, one walk, and 3 baserunners. 2010 was the NL's first All-Star win since 1996 and Jiménez's first All-Star selection.
in exchange for Alex White
, Joe Gardner, Matt McBride and Drew Pomeranz
.
is frequently clocked as high as 100 mph, sometimes touching 101 mph, though his average four-seam fastball will typically register between 95–99 mph. Jiménez attains such velocity so frequently, in fact, that he is generally the hardest-throwing starting pitcher in baseball, having averaged a Major League best 96.1 mph during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Additionally, no one threw more pitches over 95 mph (1,342) than did Jiménez during the 2008 season.
Jiménez's two-seam fastball
exhibits strong "tailing" action (moving inside on a right-handed batter and away from a left-handed batter), as well as good "sinking" action, though not always by design. Velocity ranges from 93–95 mph, though sometimes reaching 96–98 mph. In 2008, Jiménez posted a very robust ground-ball percentage of 54.4%, a testament to this pitch's effectiveness and making him an ideal pitcher for Coors Field
, a ballpark known for extra-base hits.
Jiménez is known to throw a split-finger fastball
and an occasional forkball
, having deceptive downward movement in the 86–91 mph range.
The changeup
thrown by Jiménez also exhibits strong "sinking" action, so much so that television commentators unfamiliar with Jiménez often have trouble distinguishing his change-up from a sinking fastball or a split-finger fastball
. Jiménez varies the pitch by using both a circle changeup
and traditional straight changeup
grip. Typically thrown between 85–90 mph, the pitch will dive down and away from left-handed batters.
Jiménez's slider
is usually thrown between 85–87 mph while reaching as high as 88–90 mph on occasion. This pitch fools batters with an unusually sharp, late break and is used second most in frequency behind his four-seam fastball
. Batters often confuse this pitch with a fastball (the major league average for a fastball is approximately 91 mph) and due to the tight, late-breaking movement of the pitch, are often unable to hit it.
The final pitch in Jiménez's arsenal is a looping curveball
. Used infrequently, it is thrown anywhere between 75–85 mph and exhibits a traditional "12–6" break.
episode entitled "Merge With Caution" as being one of the Rockies' strengths.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
for the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. He pitched the first no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
in Colorado Rockies history on April 17, 2010, against the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
.
Colorado Rockies (2006-2011)
Jiménez made his Major League BaseballMajor League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
debut on September 26, 2006. He came in as a relief pitcher
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
for the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
during the eighth inning of an 11–4 home loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
. He allowed two hits and no runs. He would make his first major league start on October 1 against the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
on the road, which was the last game of the regular season. Jiménez allowed three hits and three earned runs over a span of 6 ⅔ innings in a 8–5 loss. He didn't receive a decision
Decision (baseball)
A decision is a statistical credit given to a baseball pitcher.There are two types of decisions: win and loss.In order to receive a win, the starting pitcher must complete at least five innings and leave with the lead. If the pitcher's lead is preserved by the bullpen, he is credited with a win...
for the game.
Jiménez earned his first major league win on July 29, 2007 at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
. He pitched six innings, giving up four hits and two earned runs. The Rockies won the game, 9–6. On September 5, he gained the distinction of giving up Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds
Barry Lamar Bonds is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. Bonds played from 1986 to 2007, for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. He is the son of former major league All-Star Bobby Bonds...
's 762nd and final career home run. Jiménez made his Major League Baseball postseason
Major League Baseball postseason
The Major League Baseball postseason is an elimination tournament held after the conclusion of Major League Baseball's regular season. It consists of one best-of-five series and two best-of-seven series...
debut on October 6 during Game 3 of the 2007 National League Division Series
2007 National League Division Series
-Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies:-Game 1, October 3:Chase Field in Phoenix, ArizonaEighteen-game winners Carlos Zambrano and Brandon Webb matched each other pitch for pitch in the opening game of the series. Stephen Drew's fourth-inning home run stood as the game's only run until Ryan...
in Colorado against the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. He started the game and pitched six innings, allowing three hits and one earned run, as part of a 2–1 victory (the win gave the Rockies a series sweep over the Phillies). However, Jiménez didn't receive a decision
Decision (baseball)
A decision is a statistical credit given to a baseball pitcher.There are two types of decisions: win and loss.In order to receive a win, the starting pitcher must complete at least five innings and leave with the lead. If the pitcher's lead is preserved by the bullpen, he is credited with a win...
for the game. He started his second consecutive game of the postseason on October 12, which was Game 2 of the 2007 National League Championship Series
2007 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Chase Field in Phoenix, ArizonaThe Rockies took a 1–0 series lead behind a strong innings from starter Jeff Francis. Arizona scored first on a first-inning RBI double by Eric Byrnes, but lost the lead two innings later when Colorado right fielder Brad Hawpe...
against the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
on the road. He pitched five innings, giving up one hit and one earned run. The Rockies would eventually win the game, 3–2, but Jiménez received his second straight postseason no-decision. Colorado swept Arizona and faced the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
in the 2007 World Series
2007 World Series
-Game 1:Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at Fenway Park in Boston, MassachusettsThe Red Sox cruised to a blowout win in Game 1 behind ALCS MVP Josh Beckett, who struck out nine batters, including the first four he faced, en route to his fourth win of the 2007 postseason...
. Jiménez started Game 2, suffering a 2–1 loss in Boston. He allowed three hits and two earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings. Boston went on to sweep Colorado.
In 2008, Jiménez went 12–12 with a 3.99 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
. His 34 starts led the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
. He threw the fastest fastball among starters in the Major Leagues, averaging 94.9 mph.
During the 2008 offseason, Jiménez signed a four-year, $10-million dollar contract with a club option up to 2013–14. In the 2009 season, he went 15–12 with a 3.47 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
, his second full season as a starter in the majors. Jiménez pitched at least six innings in a franchise-record 25 consecutive starts from May 1 – September 7.
Jiménez pitched for the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
during the 2009 World Baseball Classic
2009 World Baseball Classic
The 2009 World Baseball Classic was an international baseball competition. It is the only international baseball tournament to feature a large number of players from the major leagues of North America and Asia. It began on March 5, 2009, and finished March 23, 2009.Japan emerged victorious for the...
. On March 10, he set a single-start strikeout record, fanning 10 of the 13 batters he faced during his 65-pitch, four-inning performance in Round One against the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
.
Jiménez threw the first no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
in the history of the Colorado Rockies on April 17, 2010, as part of a 4–0 road victory over the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
. He walked 6 batters, while striking out 7, and throwing a career-high 128 pitches (72 for strikes). He faced 31 batters in the game. The no-hitter was preserved by a diving catch in center field
Center fielder
A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field...
by Dexter Fowler
Dexter Fowler
William Dexter Fowler is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Colorado Rockies.-Baseball career:...
in the bottom of the seventh inning. Jiménez's fastball
Fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
reached 100 mph three times during the game, and it averaged 96.8 mph. During the no-hitter, Jiménez switched from the windup to the stretch delivery after issuing a lead-off walk in the fifth inning (his sixth total walk of the game). Following the switch, he didn't allow a walk for the remainder of the game.
Jiménez was named the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Pitcher of the Month
Pitcher of the Month
The Pitcher of the Month award is a Major League Baseball award named by each league for each month of the regular season. The National League started recognizing the award in . The American League followed in...
for April, becoming the second pitcher in Rockies history to win a Pitcher of the Month award. Jiménez was only the second pitcher in MLB history to throw a no-hitter and notch five wins in the month of April. He also set a franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings (22 ⅓) for a starting pitcher (the streak was eventually snapped on May 3 after 25 ⅓ straight scoreless innings). He broke that mark shortly thereafter, as he went 33 straight scoreless innings from May to June, which was a franchise record for not only starting pitchers, but relievers as well (Gabe White
Gabe White
Gabriel Allen White is a former Major League Baseball player who pitched in the major leagues from -. He gave up Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn's final hit of his career, on October 6, 2001, while playing for the Colorado Rockies.-External links:...
previously held the team record of 29 consecutive scoreless innings). Jiménez became the first pitcher since Jack Morris
Jack Morris
John Scott "Jack" Morris is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He played in 18 big league seasons between 1977 and 1994, mainly for the Detroit Tigers, and won 254 games throughout his career...
in 1986 to have two streaks of at least 25 consecutive scoreless innings in one season. He was again named National League Pitcher of the Month for May. He became the first pitcher in Rockies history to win the award more than once and the first pitcher since Pedro Martínez
Pedro Martínez
Pedro Jaime Martínez is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He is an eight-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and 2004 World Series champion...
in 1999 to win the award in April and May.
Jiménez was the third pitcher in MLB history to win 11 out of his first 12 games and have an ERA below 1.00 (0.93). He had the lowest ERA (0.78) in MLB history through 11 starts. In his one loss, he went seven innings, giving up two hits and one earned run in a 2–0 road loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
.
On July 4, 2010, Jiménez was one of two Rockies, along with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki
Troy Tulowitzki
Troy Trevor Tulowitzki , nicknamed Tulo, is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Colorado Rockies.Tulowitzki's arm, range and instincts at shortstop are highly regarded...
, selected as a National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
All-Star to play in the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 81st midseason exhibition between the All-Stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball...
at Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Angel Stadium of Anaheim is a modern-style ballpark located in Anaheim, California. It is the home ballpark to Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of the American League, and was previously home to the NFL's Los Angeles Rams...
in Anaheim, CA
Anaheim, California
Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was about 365,463, making it the most populated city in Orange County, the 10th most-populated city in California, and ranked 54th in the United States...
. He entered the game leading all Major League pitchers with a 15–1 record and a 2.20 ERA (as of July 8). On July 12, 2010, Jiménez was named the starting pitcher for the National League All-Star team ahead of fellow NL aces Tim Lincecum
Tim Lincecum
Timothy Leroy Lincecum is an American professional baseball starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. He was nicknamed "The Freak" and "Big Time Timmy Jim" and "The Franchise." He throws right-handed and bats left-handed....
, Roy Halladay
Roy Halladay
Harry Leroy "Roy" Halladay III , nicknamed "Doc", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies...
, and Adam Wainwright
Adam Wainwright
Adam Parrish Wainwright is a right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was drafted 29th overall by the Atlanta Braves in the 2000 amateur draft. He made his major league debut for the St...
. In two scoreless innings he threw 25 pitches with two hits, one strikeout, one walk, and 3 baserunners. 2010 was the NL's first All-Star win since 1996 and Jiménez's first All-Star selection.
Cleveland Indians (2011-present)
On July 31, Jiménez was traded to the Cleveland IndiansCleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
in exchange for Alex White
Alex White (baseball)
-Early years:White attended D.H. Conley High School in his hometown of Greenville, NC and led the Vikings to two state championships. After his senior year of high school, he signed to play college baseball for the University of North Carolina.-Cleveland Indians:...
, Joe Gardner, Matt McBride and Drew Pomeranz
Drew Pomeranz
Thomas Andrew Pomeranz is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball.-Early years:Pomeranz is from Collierville, Tennessee...
.
Scouting report
Jiménez's four-seam fastballFour-seam fastball
A four-seam fastball, also called a rising fastball, a four-seamer, or a cross-seam fastball, is a pitch in baseball. It is a member of the fastball family...
is frequently clocked as high as 100 mph, sometimes touching 101 mph, though his average four-seam fastball will typically register between 95–99 mph. Jiménez attains such velocity so frequently, in fact, that he is generally the hardest-throwing starting pitcher in baseball, having averaged a Major League best 96.1 mph during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Additionally, no one threw more pitches over 95 mph (1,342) than did Jiménez during the 2008 season.
Jiménez's two-seam fastball
Fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
exhibits strong "tailing" action (moving inside on a right-handed batter and away from a left-handed batter), as well as good "sinking" action, though not always by design. Velocity ranges from 93–95 mph, though sometimes reaching 96–98 mph. In 2008, Jiménez posted a very robust ground-ball percentage of 54.4%, a testament to this pitch's effectiveness and making him an ideal pitcher for Coors Field
Coors Field
Coors Field, located in Denver, Colorado, is the home field of Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. It is named for the Coors Brewing Company of Golden, Colorado, which purchased the naming rights to the park prior to its completion in 1995...
, a ballpark known for extra-base hits.
Jiménez is known to throw a split-finger fastball
Split-finger fastball
A split-finger fastball or splitter is a pitch in baseball. It is named after the technique of putting the index and middle finger on different sides of the ball, or "splitting" them. When thrown hard, it appears to be a fastball to the batter, but suddenly "drops off the table" towards home...
and an occasional forkball
Forkball
The forkball is a type of pitch in baseball. Related to the split-fingered fastball, the forkball is held between the first two fingers and thrown hard snapping the wrist....
, having deceptive downward movement in the 86–91 mph range.
The changeup
Changeup
A changeup is a type of pitch in baseball. Other names include change-of-pace, Bugs Bunny change-up, the dreaded equalizer, and simply change. The changeup is sometimes called an off-speed pitch, although that term can also be used simply to mean any pitch that is slower than a fastball...
thrown by Jiménez also exhibits strong "sinking" action, so much so that television commentators unfamiliar with Jiménez often have trouble distinguishing his change-up from a sinking fastball or a split-finger fastball
Split-finger fastball
A split-finger fastball or splitter is a pitch in baseball. It is named after the technique of putting the index and middle finger on different sides of the ball, or "splitting" them. When thrown hard, it appears to be a fastball to the batter, but suddenly "drops off the table" towards home...
. Jiménez varies the pitch by using both a circle changeup
Circle changeup
In baseball, a circle changeup is a pitch thrown with a grip that includes a circle formation, hence the name. The circle is formed by making a circle with the index finger, holding the thumb at the bottom of the ball parallel to the middle finger and holding the ball far out in the hand...
and traditional straight changeup
Changeup
A changeup is a type of pitch in baseball. Other names include change-of-pace, Bugs Bunny change-up, the dreaded equalizer, and simply change. The changeup is sometimes called an off-speed pitch, although that term can also be used simply to mean any pitch that is slower than a fastball...
grip. Typically thrown between 85–90 mph, the pitch will dive down and away from left-handed batters.
Jiménez's slider
Slider
In baseball, a slider is a pitch that breaks laterally and down, with a speed between that of a curveball and that of a fastball....
is usually thrown between 85–87 mph while reaching as high as 88–90 mph on occasion. This pitch fools batters with an unusually sharp, late break and is used second most in frequency behind his four-seam fastball
Four-seam fastball
A four-seam fastball, also called a rising fastball, a four-seamer, or a cross-seam fastball, is a pitch in baseball. It is a member of the fastball family...
. Batters often confuse this pitch with a fastball (the major league average for a fastball is approximately 91 mph) and due to the tight, late-breaking movement of the pitch, are often unable to hit it.
The final pitch in Jiménez's arsenal is a looping curveball
Curveball
The curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball causing it to dive in a downward path as it approaches the plate. Its close relatives are the slider and the slurve. The "curve" of the ball varies from pitcher to...
. Used infrequently, it is thrown anywhere between 75–85 mph and exhibits a traditional "12–6" break.
Honors and awards
- National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
All-Star starting roster in the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game2010 Major League Baseball All-Star GameThe 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 81st midseason exhibition between the All-Stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball... - 2× National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Pitcher of the MonthPitcher of the MonthThe Pitcher of the Month award is a Major League Baseball award named by each league for each month of the regular season. The National League started recognizing the award in . The American League followed in...
(April – May 2010) - No. 24 of Baseball's Best Minor League Players – MLN FAB50 Baseball 2006.
- No. 30 of Baseball's Best Minor League Players – MLN FAB50 Baseball 2005.
- No. 32 of Baseball's Best Minor League Players – MLN FAB50 Baseball 2004.
In popular culture
Jiménez was mentioned during the Warehouse 13Warehouse 13
Warehouse 13 is an American fantasy television series that premiered on July 7, 2009 on the Syfy network.Executive-produced by Jack Kenny and David Simkins, the dramatic comedy from Universal Media Studios has been described as borrowing much from 1980s television series Friday the 13th: The...
episode entitled "Merge With Caution" as being one of the Rockies' strengths.