San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers talked without bitterness Wednesday about the Rockies. He predicted they would be good in spring training, but, in his estimation, Colorado changed when it added Ubaldo Jimenez and left-hander Franklin Morales.
“Those guys were a huge part of their success. It changed their rotation. Jimenez has been huge for them,’ Towers said.
The rookie right-hander is one of those rare pitchers who became better at the highest level. After fighting fastball command issues in Triple-A Colorado Springs, puzzling Rockies executives with his lack of progress, Jimenez found freedom with his big-league promotion.
“I wasn’t worried about making this pitch or that pitch. I was able to concentrate on just winning,” Jimenez said.
He went 4-4 with a 4.28 ERA in 15 starts but overpowered the Phillies in the Rockies’ Game 3 clinching win Saturday at Coors Field. Jimenez admittedly fed off the big crowd at Coors Field and, other than one start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 25, has shown an ability to slow his pulse in big moments.
Jimenez favors his fastball but tricked the Phillies by throwing more sinkers.
In two starts against Arizona, Jimenez didn’t get a decision, but posted a 2.77 ERA and held them to a ridiculous .093 batting average.
“It helps that I know the Diamondbacks. I have faced a lot of their guys in Triple-A or the big leagues. I am looking forward to this,” Jimenez said.
