Sleeper

Ubaldo Jimenez -  Jimenez took a big step forward in 2008.  He posted a 3.99 era with 172 Stikeouts in 34 starts, winning 12.  Subtract his worst 4 starts, in which he gave up 6,6,6, and 7 earned runs, and thats a 3.08 era in 30 starts.   What excites me most are his second half numbers.  He finished the year 8-3 with a 3.68 era, 1.30 WHIP, and a 2.21 BAA.   When most pitchers come to Colorado, fantasy owners are weary of their home starts, and tend to keep them on the bench.  The opposite can be said for Jimenez.  His home / away splits from last year are as followed:

Home: 7-4   3.41 era   1.23 WHIP   .223 BAA

Road:  5-8    4.72 era    1.66 WHIP  .266 BAA

If Jimenez can figure out that its easier to pitch outside of Colorado, and get his walks down, this could be a breakout year for the youngster.   His stat line against the Netherlands on March 10th in the WBC:

4.0 IP, 2 Hits, o Runs, 0 BB, 10 K’s

Thats not a typo, 10 K’s.  Keep an eye on him the rest of spring training, and grab him in the later rounds of your draft.   You’ll be glad you did.

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