Jimenez repeats as NL Pitcher of the Month in May
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez was named the National League Pitcher of the Month for the second consecutive month.
Jimenez, who won in April after finishing the month 5-0 with a 0.79 ERA, was just as dominant in May at 5-1 and a nearly identical 0.78 ERA. In 46 innings, Jimenez allowed just 24 hits and 12 walks while striking out 39. His only loss came in a 2-0 shutout against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 9. He finished the month with a streak of 26 scoreless innings.
Also receiving consideration were the Phillies’ Roy Halladay (3-2, 2.15 ERA), the Reds’ Johnny Cueto (4-0, 1.59), the Braves’ Tim Hudson (4-0, 1.59 ERA) and the Padres’ Mat Latos (4-1, 1.54).
Jimenez is the first pitcher since Pedro Martinez in 1999 to win the monthly award back-to-back in April and May. John Smoltz in 1996 was the last National League pitcher to do so.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Troy Glaus was named the NL’s Player of the Month. The Boston Red Sox’s David Ortiz and Jon Lester were named the American League’s best for May.
I see Pedro Martinez in there… do you mean Pedro Astacio?
Pedro Martinez was the last to win back-to-back in April and May, when he was in the AL. No Rockie has ever done it, not even Mr. Astacio.
Oh! I’m blind. I thought it said the first Rockie to do it. Good point, thanks!
To Mr. Jimenez, well done, well deserved. This team has had a lot of guys fill the #1 slot in the rotation, but you have since that first start back in September 2006 grown into an ace personified, and from all we read you are a quality human being and a great team mate. As a fan watching him pitch is must see TV. Did you ever think the Rocks would have a back-to-back pitcher of the month?
Look at Steve’s list of runner-ups:
Also receiving consideration were the Phillies’ Roy Halladay (3-2, 2.15 ERA), the Reds’ Johnny Cueto (4-0, 1.59), the Braves’ Tim Hudson (4-0, 1.59 ERA) and the Padres’ Mat Latos (4-1, 1.54).
When you beat out a perfect game, and three guts wtih sum 2 eras and a 4 wins, you know you have been a stud.
Stay healthy Chief – the game of baseball and we Rocks fans want to see exactly how great this season can be!