Sunday 17 July 2011

Yankees, others talking to Rockies about right-hander Jimenez

Ubaldo JimenezThe Rockies have been in contact with the Yankees and a few other teams regarding right-handed ace Ubaldo Jimenez, but sources indicate that Rockies ownership still hasn't decided whether to trade the talented starter.
The Yankees are said to match up well as a potential trade partner with the Rockies, who like top hitting prospect Jesus Montero. The Yankees have several good pitching prospects as well, but are reluctant to include the very best of them -- Manuel Banuelos, Dellin Betances, Ivan Nova -- along with Montero.
The Rockies are believed to have spoken to the Red Sox, Tigers, Reds and a few other teams about Jimenez, too.
The Yankees covet Jimenez, who is by far the best pitcher being mentioned in trades at this point. He's on a very team-friendly contract: $2.8 million this year $4.2 million in 2012, with team options of $5.75 million in 2013 and $8 million in 2014 (which he can void if traded).
But Jimenez's performance has been uneven this year. He's 5-8 with a 4.08 ERA -- although 5-3 and 2.56 since May -- and his herky-jerky delivery gives clubs pause regarding a long-term deal.
Colorado looks like a borderline contender at best in the National League West, but the team's history of strong second-half finishes has made ownership hesitant to make a move with the 27-year-old Jimenez. They do appear to be seriously weighing it, however.
Several American League teams are seeking starting pitching, including the Rangers and Indians. Sources say those two teams plus the Yankees, Red Sox and Tigers are interested in Dodgers right-hander Hiroki Kuroda.
But the Yankees seem most focused on Jimenez, and they have had multiple talks with the Rockies, who like Montero. Those discussions haven't involved an asking price, however, largely because Colorado hasn't decided whether to pull the trigger.
The Yankees do not appear as interested in Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez, in part because of the $34 million, three-year deal he signed last winter. Incoming Astros owner Jim Crane reportedly wants to trim player payroll to around $60 million, so they're dangling Rodriguez.
The Yankees received very good first halves from veterans Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia but both began the second half with rough outings at Toronto, reviving some concern about their starting pitching, which is unimposing after superstar C.C. Sabathia.
The Yankees, Rangers and Reds are considered well-stocked with top-tier young talent to acquire a big-time player at the deadline, while the Tigers, Indians and Red Sox also probably have enough to get a deal done but may not match up as well with the Rockies. Foxsports.com first reported the Reds were talking to the Rockies about Jimenez.
The New York Post reported that Jimenez is unhappy and pouting over the long-term contracts given this winter to teammates Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd and Jimenez both denied that's the case -- but Colorado is talking to other teams about the right-hander.


Source: www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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