Video: Ubaldo Jimenez Plunks Former Colorado Rockies Teammate Troy Tulowitzki
When All-Star pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez was traded from the Colorado Rockies to the Cleveland Indians last season there was some lingering bad blood between Jimenez and his former club.
Those bad feelings carried into this season and the first time the two sides met Ubaldo made sure that he got his revenge. On the very first pitch of Rockies star Troy Tulowitzki’s at bat Ubaldo plunks him on the elbow sparking a bench clearing argument.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beFj26MB8zs
While there did not seem to be any punches thrown between the two players or the rest of the team, it is obvious from the video that the pitch intentionally hit Tulo. Tulo knew it was thrown on purpose, had some choice words and Ubaldo responded by throwing down his glove signifying he was ready to fight.
All of this was a result of a war of words between Tulo and Ubaldo in the press after the pitcher was traded to the Indians. Ubaldo said he felt under-appreciated in Colorado after being snubbed of a long term contract like the ones that Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez received during the off-season. Tulowitzki responded saying that he didn’t want to be there and it was evident in Jimenez’s actions last season.
Tulowitzki exited the game Sunday with elbow tenderness and his status for the Rockies season opener against the Houston Astros is in question. He said that he is receiving treatment and he hopes to be ready to go on Friday.
Like Rockies manager Jim Tracy said after the game, the act was gutless and unprofessional and he is expecting that Ubaldo should be suspended for his actions.
