Reaction to the Ubaldo Jimenez Deal

Aug 9, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (30) delivers in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Clevelinks, Feb. 18: Ubaldo Jimenez Signs with Orioles

In case you hadn’t heard, Ubaldo Jimenez is headed to Baltimore to become a member of the Orioles. The deal, which is reportedly for four years and around $50-million, means that the Indians will need to officially find a way to replace the 182.2 innings Jimenez worked last season. It’s time for someone to step up in a big way if the Indians want to compete in 2014.

That said, the internet is buzzing with reactions over Jimenez’s signing with the Orioles. The general consensus is that there is no consensus. People either love this deal for the Orioles or they hate it. Fans of the Indians are also mixed on how to feel. Some feel as if the team dodged a bullet by not guaranteeing Jimenez eight figures per yer. Others feel as if this is just another in a long list of players to leave Cleveland for greener pastures.

Obviously, this seems like as good a topic as any to kick off this edition of Clevelinks.

Ubaldo Jimenez Links:

• The Baltimore Sun felt that the Orioles had to make a move of some sort, no matter how risky said move might turn out to be.
• Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer reports that the Indians never really wanted to resign Ubaldo Jimenez. In his words, he was simply too wild, too inconsistent and too much of a risk. Simply put, Jimenez was not going to be worth the investment.
• The Baltimore Wire is unsure of what to make of the signing. It all depends on which version of Jimenez shows up in Baltimore – the erratic 2012 version, or the dominant 2013 version.
• CBS Sports did not beat around the bush. Simply put, this deal will be a disaster.

Ubaldo Jimenez Tweets:

Indians Links:

• Terry Francona wrote a letter to fans explaining his love of Cleveland, the love for his team and the excitement he has for the upcoming 2014 season. You can read the letter here.
• Mark Shapiro sat down for an interview with MLB.com. In the interview, Shapiro explained why he feels the Indians are more than capable of making a deep run in the playoffs this season.
• The Indians and Justin Masterson looked destined to go to arbitration. Can they reach an agreement before Thursday’s showdown? Hopefully, or else things could get really awkward.
• Speaking of arbitration, the Indians are now 2 for 2 this year. After coming up victorious against Vinnie Pestano, arbitrators sided with them against Josh Tomlin on Friday. As a result, Tomlin will make $800,000 this season for the Indians. 

Wahoo’s on First Links

•  Brian Heise sat down with David Hill from Kings of Kauffman to discuss the Royals and what he thinks of their chances in 2014.
• In this past week’s edition of the Weekly Wroundtable, members of the staff discuss what they are paying attention to as spring training begins.
• Evan Vogel previews Carlos Santana and tries to project what the Tribe’s former everyday catcher might bring to the table in 2014.
• Ever wonder what would happen if Corey Kluber became an accidental time traveler? Well, you’re in luck. Merritt Rohlfing lays out all the details in this epic piece of Indians fan fiction.