The Ubaldo Jimenez trade watch has now dragged on into Friday, and it’s being reported that the next 24 hours will go a long way in determining what uniform the starter will be wearing come August 1st.
Detroit became the latest team to talk Jimenez with the Rockies, while the Yankees, Red Sox, Reds and Indians have all expressed interest in the starter.
What’s been apparently holding up a deal is the Rockies asking price, as it’s been so astronomically high that teams are wondering if Colorado really does intend to deal Jimenez.
Buster Olney reported today that teams will watch how the Rockies respond to calls on Jimenez as we approach the 31st. If Colorado lowers their asking price it will be a signal to contenders that Jimenez really is available and thus worth pursuing. If not, then teams may start looking to other options on the market, not wanting to come up empty handed.
So far it’s been reported that the following prospects have been discussed: Ivan Nova, Dellin Betances and Jesus Montero of the Yankees; Kyle Weiland and Will Middlebrooks of the Red Sox; Jacob Turner and Rick Porcello of the Tigers; Yonder Alonso, Homer Bailey and Travis Wood of the Reds; and Drew Pomeranz of the Indians.
Obviously the Rockies are aiming high, and they have every right to at this point. If they feel no urgency to move Jimenez, best case scenario a team blinks and gives in to their demands. The other scenario that would also be pretty alright for the club would have Jimenez remain in Colorado.
But if the Rockies are looking to move their starter, it seems that they may either have to lower their demands or just hope that the pressure of the deadline finally gets to one of the contenders.
For more on the Rockies, be sure to check out Rox Pile.