Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Rockies’ Jimenez remains upbeat considering struggles

Rockies’ pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez is trying to find last year’s form when he set several club records. (Associated Press)

Ubaldo Jimenez strolls around the clubhouse with a carefree attitude even if he’s smoldering inside.

The Colorado Rockies All-Star pitcher is baffled by his puzzling plunge in production this season, a slump that’s tested his usually easygoing demeanor.

This time last year, Jimenez was putting up numbers that vaulted him into the conversation as one of the game’s best pitchers.

Now, he’s mired in a skid that has his record at 1-7, his ERA at 4.63 and everyone wondering: Where’s Ubaldo of last year?

Always the optimist, Jimenez believes he’s close to recapturing that form. By poring over game film from last year, and paying close attention to every aspect of his unorthodox delivery, Jimenez thinks he’s uncovered some tiny flaws.

Not only that, but the zip on his fastball has steadily returned with the weather warming up. The 27-year-old Dominican flamethrower hit 99 mph with a pitch against the Los Angles Dodgers on Sunday.

To him, that’s an encouraging sign.

“I’m getting the strength back in my arm. I’m throwing lower strikes,” said Jimenez, who will start Saturday night in an interleague game against the Detroit Tigers. “Once I get everything together, throwing strikes and getting my velocity back, I’m going to be good.”

After each home start, Jimenez will walk the few blocks to his downtown residence, allowing himself to fume about his performance. And there’s been a lot of seething this season, especially since he’s 0-5 with a 7.05 ERA at Coors Field.

Once he reaches the front door, it’s out of his mind. His rule for himself is simple: No taking the game home with him, no matter how upset he becomes.

“You’re going to have ups and downs,” Jimenez said. “Everything is not going to be the same every year.”

Jimenez wishes that were the case. He rewrote the Rockies record book last season, setting new marks in wins (19), ERA (2.88) and strikeouts (214).

Jimenez was so good in early 2010 that not only did he throw the team’s first no-hitter (on April 17 in Atlanta), but he was in the midst of a season for the ages. He became the first N.L. pitcher in nearly a century to win 13 of his first 14 starts, earning him the start at the All-Star game.

But after the midseason break, he was hardly the same, going 4-7 with a 3.80 ERA.

Padres to retire Hoffman’s No. 51

The San Diego Padres plan to retire Trevor Hoffman’s No. 51 in a ceremony on Aug. 21 after a game against the Florida Marlins.

Hoffman, baseball’s all-time leader with 601 saves, retired in January.