Philadelphia Phillies should sign Ubaldo Jimenez

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The Philadelphia Phillies already have a decent rotation that includes Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. The next two rotation spots in the rotation are unknown at this time, but if the Phillies don’t make any moves then I would think that the final two rotation spots would be filled by Kyle Kendrick and Roberto Hernandez, but that’s just a prediction. Their starting rotation could definitely use some help. Signing Ubaldo Jimenez could really help their starting rotation, and even their bullpen if you look at the situation indirectly.

Jimenez was 13-9 with an ERA of 3.30 with the Indians last season. The most impressive part about his season last year was his strikeout rate though; he was averaging 9.56 strikeouts per nine innings, which is actually higher than any other season in his career. His walk rate was 3.94, which is bad, but it’s something you can look past with such a high strikeout rate. Also, he was putting up these numbers in the American League; the American League is more difficult to pitch in than the National League, so this was certainly impressive. Jimenez has pitched in the National League before, and his numbers then were actually better than they were last season.

So he would obviously make the starting rotation better, and he would make the bullpen better too, if you look at his indirect effect. The Phillies have would have six starting pitchers if they signed him; Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, Roberto Hernandez, Kyle Kendrick, and of course, Ubaldo Jimenez. Only five of those guys would be starters, forcing either Roberto Hernandez or Kyle Kendrick to go to the bullpen. Kendrick would probably be the one to go to the bullpen, because he lacks stamina and he has pitched very well in the bullpen before. Having Kendrick in the bullpen would be great, because long relievers are very valuable.

At this point, I see no reason that the Phillies shouldn’t sign Ubaldo Jimenez. Money isn’t an issue for them, and he has been a pretty consistent pitcher throughout his Major League career. He would help the starting rotation and the bullpen. Also, he’s a big name, he would bring fans to the ballpark; this may not matter to most people, but filling Citizens Bank Park with fans is a great thing for the Phillies. There is no way that this move can really hurt the Phillies. The worst thing that can happen is him playing poorly for them, but he’s not going to be too expensive so that’s not that big on an issue.