Jimenez earned $29 in 2010 and $24 in 2009, while Johnson earned $24 both seasons. Ubaldo threw the Rockies first no-hitter last April and had 15 wins at the Break, while Josh had the lowest NL ERA.
Analysis: Ubaldo is being punished in auctions for 3 cardinal sins- not winning 30 or even 20 games last season; not giving up a normal number of HR; and not breaking down despite suspected pitcher abuse, i.e. 27 games between 100 and 119 pitches, plus another 9 over 119. Jimenez missed 10 days in 2010 and 7 in 2009. On the other hand, Johnson was shut down near the end of the 2010 season for being weary; he had Tommy John Surgery in 2008. Lets look at the two halves of the 2010 season.
Hurler | W | IP | HR | BB | K | ERA | WHIP | BAA |
A <ASG | 15 | 127 | 6 | 46 | 113 | 2.20 | 1.05 | .198 |
A >ASG | 4 | 94.2 | 4 | 46 | 101 | 3.80 | 1.30 | .223 |
B <ASG | 9 | 122 | 4 | 28 | 123 | 1.70 | 0.96 | .203 |
B >ASG | 2 | 61.2 | 3 | 20 | 63 | 3.50 | 1.39 | .276 |
A is Ubaldo; B is Josh. ASG = All Star Game. In the recent CBS Sports Expert Auction Ubaldo was hammered down for $20 and Josh for $25.
Projections:
Jimenez 20 W, 222 IP, 200 K, 3.45 ERA, and 1.21 WHIP.
Johnson 15 W, 203 IP, 201 K, 3.38 ERA, and 1.25 WHIP.
Why pay 25% more for Johnson?