CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When I first heard about the Indians putting together a deal for Udalbo Jimenez, it was hard to believe the initial reports of prime pitching prospects Alex White and Drew Pomeranz both being in the deal.

White and some other Tribe prospects for Colorado's star pitcher? Do it yesterday. I would have traded White, David Huff, Scott Barnes and Jason Kipnis for Jimenez, who was 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA in 2010.

But not White and Pomeranz, the Tribe's No. 1 pick in 2009 who seems destined to be a big-time left-handed starter -- something this team desperately needs.

Then again, Colorado General Manager Dan O'Dowd must have sensed some desperation on the part of the Indians, because he held out for two of the better pitching prospects in the game -- and snared both.

But let's also realize this trade is not a disaster. Even with his 6-9 record and 4.20 ERA, Jimenez immediately becomes the Tribe's best starter. The Indians bought quality, they just paid too much for it.

Here are some things to consider about Jimenez:

1. He's 27 and should be entering his most productive seasons. He also is reasonably priced. His contract called for $2.8 million in 2011, $4.2 in 2012 and a club option for $5.75 ($1 million guaranteed) in 2013. He also had an $8 million salary for 2014, but that was voided when he was traded. So he will be a free agent after the 2013 season, but the Indians control him for 2-plus seasons.

2. He started 0-5 with a 6.10 ERA this season. After June 1, he's 6-4 with a 3.10 ERA.

3. He has a 2.83 ERA on the road this season, 5.55 at home.

4. In his previous three seasons, pitching in hitter-friendly Coors Field didn't matter. His home ERA was 3.28 compared to 3.56 on the road from 2008-10.

5. From 2008-10, he was 46-32 with a 3.43 ERA. Lefties batted .230 against him, righties were at .224.

6. So the guy has been a good pitcher, home or away ... no matter if the batter swings from the left side or the right.

But White and Pomeranz? They are the team's top draft picks in 2009 and 2010, and both seem worthy of the hype.

White was 11-10 with a sparkling 2.37 ERA in his minor-league career. He had a 3.60 ERA in his first three starts with the Tribe before injuring a finger on his throwing hand. But he was supposed to pitch Saturday for Class AA Akron as he seems healed from the injury. Because of the trade, he was told not to pitch.

This is the first pro season for Pomeranz, who is 3-3 with a 1.98 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 91 innings between Class A and Class AA. The Indians also tossed Joe Gardner (7-8, 4.99 ERA at Akron) and Matt McBride (.297 at Akron, .152 at Columbus) into the trade, but they are not significant prospects.

Maybe this works out short-term, as Jimenez helps the Indians make the playoffs this season -- or in the next two years. He should be fun to watch pitch, but this is the kind of deal that the Indians could regret for a long time.