Embedded in Ubaldo Jimenez’s contract are two fundamentals critical to him: security and loyalty.
In agreeing to a four-year, $10-million deal with two club options, Jimenez also received an important concession, The Denver Post has learned. He can void the $8 million 2014 club option, his first year of free agency, if traded at anytime during his contract.
The Rockies included this clause in the contracts of Troy Tulowitzki, who can void his 2013 and 2014 options, and Brad Hawpe, who can void his 2011 club option, if the players are ever dealt. Aaron Cook was granted financial leverage to prevent a trade with his deal. If traded anytime during the 2009-2012 seasons, his salary increases by $1 million that year and each subsequent season.
Jimenez’s desire to get a deal done is reflected in the contract language. Of his $1 million buyout in 2013 and 2014, $500,000 is deferred without interest. The club countered with incentives that increase his yearly income.
The 25-year-old right-hander can increase his pay in 2013 from $5.75 million to $6.75 million if he wins the Cy Young in 2012 and to $6.25 million if finishes second or third. His 2014 club option escalates from $8 million to $9 million if he wins the Cy Young in 2013 or pitches a combined 450 innings in 2012 and 2013 and $8.5 million if he finishes second or third.
Footnotes
Reliever Oscar Villarreal landed with the Rockies last summer as an intriguing addition. A big-league veteran, he was seen as a possible reinforcement after regaining his groove in Triple-A Colorado Springs.
His struggles with the Sky Sox, however, left him without an invite for the September callup party. Today, Villarreal landed with the Kansas City Royals, signing a $400,000-minor-league deal with $91,500 guaranteed. He receives an invite to camp.
He can also request his release if not on the Royals’ 25-man roster by May 15 or June 1. Fellow Colorado Springs alum Juan Castro, a middle infielder who would have played for the Rockies if not for untimely leg injuries, signed with the Dodgers on a $700,000-minor-league deal. He can ask for his release if not on the 40-man roster by June 30.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
