Cleveland Indians: Projecting Ubaldo Jimenez's Stats in 10 Key Categories

Ubaldo Jimenez is the Indians' number two pitcher behind Justin Masterson. He has potential to be one of the best pitchers in baseball and this year could be a breakout year for him. Tribe fans hope his disappointing 2011 campaign was a result of distracting trade talks and changing teams midseason. In 2012, Jimenez has an opportunity to show the baseball world that he's capable of anchoring a rotation and pitching consistently for an entire season.

Games Started

32

Ubaldo Jimenez has been a model of consistency so far in his young career, taking the mound every five days almost without fail. In projecting his starts for the 2012 campaign there is no reason to think he won't keep it up. With the Indians' early spring training injuries it is more important for the other players to remain healthy. Losing your closer and starting center fielder within the first week of spring training was not what Tribe fans were hoping to see.

Wins/Loses

16-9

It is fair to say that given a 32 start projection, Jimenez should win at least half. Ubaldo has talent, there is no denying that. He put it together during a splendid 2010 season in which he reached 19 wins. If he can do that again this season the Tribe will have a dynamite one-two punch atop the rotation. 

The nine losses may seem high but in past seasons, Jimenez racks up innings and therefore receives many more decisions than most pitchers. With an offense that sometimes struggles to provide run support it would not be a surprise to see him close to double digits in the loss column.

ERA

3.45

I truly believe last year was a product of constant trade talks and Ubaldo never settling down. From 2008-2010 Jimenez never had a ERA above 4.00. If last year was in fact an aberration I expect Ubaldo to settle in with the Tribe and return to form. We may not get a 19 W/ 2.88 ERA season but he should improve from last season's struggles.

Innings Pitched

209

As stated earlier, Ubaldo has had health on his side throughout his young career. Last season, Jimenez threw the fewest amount innings in his career (188). With a strong season like he's had in the past, his inning total should climb to the 200 range. He has thrown over 200 innings in two of his three last seasons in Colorado with the only exception coming in his rookie campaign (198.2). Look for Ubaldo Jimenez to be on the mound deep in a lot of games this season.

Complete Games

5

This is my first real stretch. Jimenez has never reached five complete games in a season. He had four in his stellar 2010 campaign but has only managed eight in his career. With the amount of innings he's projected to pitch and the heavy load he will be forced to carry for the Indians, I see him being in line to close out a few more games. If this stat is accurate it will likely mean good things for Jimenez and the Tribe.

WHIP (Walks and Hits Per Inning)

1.35

This stat is useful in assessing a pitcher's effectiveness outside of earned runs per game. His career average WHIP is 1.30, that includes an absolutely dominant 2010 campaign of 1.15. Last season amid all the distractions he posted a 1.47 WHIP. Look for this seasons average to be in between these with a possibility that he'll be better than projected. 

Strikeouts

197

Again comparing his stats from past seasons, Jimenez has never seemed to struggle getting the ball past hitters. He is consistently around 200 K's with a career high of 218 in 2010. This season should be no different as Jimenez will see the mound a lot and have a chance to strike out batters at a consistent pace.

Walks

90

Including walks and hit batters, Ubaldo is usually on the high end of the spectrum here. For comparison's sake, Justin Masterson has averaged 70 walks while in Cleveland and Justin Verlander is averaging 65 walks in that same time span. Jimenez on the other hand has eclipsed 100 walks in a single season and averages 88 per year. Hopefully, this number will drop but with the added power in the A.L. Central it is highly unlikely.

Home Runs

15

Notice the picture used here. Fielder alone will probably get Jimenez for two or three home runs this season. However, Ubaldo usually does keep the ball inside the fence. The number here is based on his career average which must take into account that he pitched in hitter friendly Coors Field. Last season he gave up 17, the highest total of his career. And while I think he will improve, the addition of power hitters to other rosters makes his overall numbers unlikely to change drastically.

Opponents Batting Average

.240

Combining his worst season—last year—his best season—2010—and an above average 2009 season, Ubaldo's opposing batters have not fared well, posting a .230 batting average. For the purposes of comparison, Verlander has a .221 opposing batting average. Jimenez is a good pitcher with the possibility of being great. If he is able to return to form, it will be fun to see what happens.

Projected 2012 Stat Line

Ubaldo Jimenez is a major part of the Tribe's postseason aspirations. If he is able to post numbers close to his 2010 season the Indians may be able to stop the Tiger's potent offense. While no one projects those type of numbers after last season, it is safe to say we will see an improved Jimenez in 2012.

Ubaldo Jimenez Projected 2012 Season Statistics:

Games Started: 32

Complete Games: 5

ERA: 3.45

Wins/Loses: 16-7

Inning Pitched: 209

WHIP: 1.35

HR Allowed: 15

Strikeouts: 197

Walks: 90

Opponents Batting Average: .240