Report: Yankees Likely Have Prospects to Land Ubaldo Jimenez, As Rockies Are ‘Annoyed’ With Pitcher

With the Red Sox showing no signs of slowing down, and some question marks in their starting rotation, the Yankees may have their eyes on a starting pitcher with some of the best stuff in the game.

According to the New York Post, the Yankees were one of the 17 teams who had scouts on hand to see Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez in his start on Thursday against the Brewers. And according to talent evaluators in the Post report, New York has a "better than average" chance to land the right-hander if Colorado decides to deal him.

That's still a big if at this point. While the Rockies are 8 1/2 games out of first place in the NL West, it's not a definite that they would move Jimenez. However, they seem willing to move him should they get the right package of prospects, something the Yankees could provide.

Furthermore, a source in the Post report claims that the Rockies are "annoyed at" Jimenez for the way he's acted this year after both Troy Tulowtizki and Carlos Gonzalez received contract extensions while Jimenez did not.

The Rockies have reportedly been scouting the Yankees farm system, not surprisingly, they're high on catcher Jesus Montero and pitcherr Manuel Banuelos.

Dealing one of or both of those prospects (and pitcher Dellin Betances was also mentioned as a potential chip) would be a steep price, but when you factor in Jimenez's relatively cheap contract, it makes a little more sense. Jimenez is signed through 2012 — he'll make "only" $4.2 million next year, and he has team-friendly team options for '13 and '14.