Indians Gain “The Chief”

Ubaldo Jimenez can no longer be considered a member of the Colorado Rockies. After giving up four runs in the bottom of the first inning, the deal to trade Jimenez to the Indians was almost complete. There was speculation on whether or not he would even be starting today, but just as warm ups started, Jimenez was put back on tonight’s line up.

Esmil Rogers came in for the second inning, replacing Jimenez  after his final inning as a Rockie.

For Jimenez, four prospects will be coming to Colorado. RHP Alex White and RHP Joe Gardner and UT Matt McBride will commit to the Rockies right away, while LHP Drew Pomerez cannot be traded until next month since he was drafted last year and signed in August. White was the Indians’ top pick in 2009 and Pomerez was for 2010.

Potentially, these four can help with the Rockies, Pomeranz would be a good bonus to the club because of the lack of left-handed pitchers, and moved quickly through the minors. He has a 1.98 ERA between starting in both Class A and Double-A. White was scheduled to pitch Sunday for his first rehab assignment after being put on the 60-day DL list for an injured right, middle finger.

Gardner was a third -round pick in 2009 and is 7-8 in Akron and has 19 starts. He has a 4.99 ERA.

McBride was drafted in 2006 and has 14 home runs in Akron this season. With both McBride and the signing of Cantu earlier today, it seems Wigginton might be the next Rockie on the move this deadline.

Earlier this week, the Indians also snagged Kosuke Fukudome from the Chicago Cubs. The Indians seem to be stacking more experienced players while the Rockies are continuing finding young players to grow with the team.