Friday, February 1, 2013

Rumor Mill Part I - Sioux to Part Ways with Franchise Stalwart

Burlington, VT

Coming off a 72 win season, it's no shock that changes were in the air for the Vermont Fighting Sioux. The depth of the changes, however, may have some longtime loyal Sioux fans questioning the franchise's loyalty.

Leaks have been pouring out of the VFS front office, presumably from disgruntled employees. The latest leaks, if true, will be a hard pill to swallow. While NASBL nation awaits the formal announcement of cuts on February 16, some Sioux rumored casualties are making their way to the blogosphere and the talk radio air waves.

Ubaldo Jimenez is one such casualty. His advancing age and reduced production have exposed him to the waiver wire if rumors are to be believed. His MLB ERA have increased in each of the past five years, and his transition to a DH league resulted in a spike in homers allowed. Putting the ball over the plate and general wildness have always been issues for Ubaldo, but were seen as minor flaws on an otherwise excellent resume. Now these bad habits are just more reasons he's no longer welcome in the Wigwam.

Looking back at his stellar, but brief VFS career (4 years of service) highlights just how good he was in his prime. Ubaldo is the owner of the most impressive pitching season in Sioux history, posting a 23-5 record with a 2.58 ERA in 2011. Additionally, if you check the record books, his name is everywhere.

                                                     VFS Lifetime Leaders:

Jimenez - Celebrating another victory in 2011

Unfortunately Time Caught up with the Former Sioux Ace
#2 in Win %, .626
#1 in ERA, 3.58
#1 in CG, 45
#3 in IP, 905
#2 in Ks, 786
#1 in H/9, 7.83
#4 in K/9, 7.82
#1 in shutouts, 9
#1 in wins, 62 (to go with 37 losses)
#9 in games, 122



Single Season VFS Leaders:

Ubaldo produced the best individual seasons in wins (23), starts (33), win % (.821), shutouts (4), ERA (2.58) and IP (269). He also recorded top 5 seasons in every pitching category excepting the obvious one, saves.

Asked to sum up Jimenez's impact to the franchise, GM/Owner Justin Rabidoux said, "Ubaldo will be remembered for his contributions to the franchise as a whole, and especially during our special playoff run of 2009 (ed. note: Ubaldo was also the NASBL LF Rookie of the Year in 2009), as well as his outstanding 2011 Cy Young season. In fact, you could make a strong case he should've been the MVP in 2011 as he dragged an otherwise pedestrian team single-handedly into the playoffs; I mean, the team's most productive offensive player that year was Supplemental Draft pick Casey f'in McGehee. Ubaldo finished 18 games over .500 as a pitcher and the Sioux finished 18 games over .500 as a team. You do the math." Tell us how you really feel. Rabidoux continued, "We wish Ubaldo all the continued success and hope he finds a comfortable landing place, and who knows, maybe we'll see him back here on day soon."



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