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The Colorado Rockies‘ Drew Pomeranz was the centerpiece of the trade that sent Ubaldo Jimenez to the Cleveland Indians.
He was a left-handed power pitcher that can induce ground balls, which would fit perfect in the thin of Denver. The Rockies felt he had top of the rotation stuff.
So, what are the Rockies waiting for?
Pomeranz again started the season at Triple-A. The lefty struggled with his control during spring training when he walked seven and only struck out 13 in 18 innings. Hitters also hit a whopping .378 against him. None of those stats screamed ace.
His time in the minors although has been different. He has been dominant. He is 4-0 with a 2.54 ERA. The former No. 1 draft pick is proving he is ready for the majors. He just needs to get the call.
The Rockies rotation has been decent this season but there are still struggles. Juan Nicasio‘s pitch counts are high and veteran Jeff Francis is giving up home runs at an alarming rate. Francis is out of options and could be moved to the pen. Nicasio could use some time in the minors to sharpen his skills.
Jhoulys Chacin returns from injury on Sunday, May 5 so someone will have to be moved. The Rockies should make moves on Francis and Nicasio. They can keep Tyler Chatwood in the rotation and bring up Pomeranz.
Those moves would give the Rockies a rotation of Chacin, Jorge De La Rosa, Jon Garland, Chatwood and Pomeranz. It mixes youth and experience, which could be perfect for the team. The Rockies sit atop the National League West and pitching will be the main reason they would stay.
Make the move, Rockies. Pomeranz was the main reason the team traded Jimenez. The organization needs to act like they meant it.
