Indians haven’t talked to Ubaldo Jiménez in weeks

Pitchers and catchers are set to report to Goodyear, Arizona and one of their own, free agent starter Ubaldo Jiménez, remains unsigned. Nevertheless, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that the Tribe has not had contact with Jiménez in “weeks.”

For those wondering, one source says it has been “weeks” since the #Indians spoke with the agents for free-agent RHP Ubaldo Jimenez.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 10, 2014

Jiménez, arguably the best pitcher in the AL through the second half of 2013, is still on the market and there’s been some chatter about the right-hander returning to Cleveland on a one-year deal, but it’s all speculation at this point. As Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto pointed out this past weekend, Jeff Sullivan over at Fangraphs did an interesting story on Jiménez, explaining why teams are very cautious about throwing sizeable free agent dollars in his direction, including the team’s second-half schedule and the effect of Yan Gomes behind the plate. “Jimenez is probably the most mysterious out of everybody. He’s been an ace, he’s been a wreck, and he’s been everything in between,” writes Sullivan.

The 30-year-old Jiménez posted a 3.30 ERA and 194/80 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 182 2/3 innings last season. He was said to be looking at a multi-year deal upwards of $14 million per year. He was linked to the Toronto Blue Jays at the end of January, but those talks have apparently not progressed.