SB Nation Denver - MLB Trade Deadline 2011: Rockies Could Move Multiple Players This Weekhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48907/denver-fave.png2011-07-30T17:32:15-06:00http://denver.sbnation.com/rss/stream/20174392011-07-30T17:32:15-06:002011-07-30T17:32:15-06:00Cleveland Indians In Hot Pursuit Of Ubaldo Jimenez, According To Report
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<p>While <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> pitcher <span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span> is still scheduled to start on Saturday evening, the team is in "serious" negotiations with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/TroyRenck/status/97444295799353399">reports Troy Renck</a>. Jimenez could be scratched any minute, just as the Indians scratched minor league prospect pitchers <span>Drew Pomeranz</span> and <span>Alex White</span>. Both would likely be included in any deal.</p>
<p>Renck believes second baseman <span>Jason Kipnis</span> is also a target in this trade. He would most likely become the Rockies' starting second baseman over <span>Mark Ellis</span>. Jon Heyman reports that the deal could be Pomeranz, Kipnis and third baseman <span>Lonnie Chisenhall</span>.</p>
<p>Depending on the final parameters and if it goes down, the Rockies could net three of the top four prospects in Cleveland's system. This has real legs to it and could be completed at any time. Hold tight.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the Rockies, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a></i><i> for more on the majors.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/30/2306241/ubaldo-jimenez-trade-rumors-rockies-cleveland-indiansRuss Oates2011-07-30T06:00:45-06:002011-07-30T06:00:45-06:00MLB Trade Rumors: Detroit Tigers Interested In Ubaldo Jimenez, Willing To Move Jacob Turner, According To Report
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<p>There's only one day left until the 2011 MLB Trade Deadline hits and rumors continue to swirl that <span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span> could be traded. The latest rumors concern the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a>. Previously thought to be against including RHP <span>Jacob Turner</span>, it now appears that the Tigers are willing to move him in a deal. So report Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman. Both, however, offer slightly different information on the situation.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/SI_JonHeyman/status/97099216320598016">Heyman believes</a> the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a> have asked the Tigers for Turner and one of either <span>Rick Porcello</span> or <span>Max Scherzer</span>. Both are on the major league club. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/Ken_Rosenthal/status/97089724518379520">Rosenthal, meanwhile, states</a> that the Tigers are not willing to move anyone on the major league club in a deal for Jimenez.</p>
<p>Where does that leave the Rockies? Still looking for some team to blink at the trade deadline. But Turner would certainly be a good get as part of a deal for Jimenez. He works his fastball in the 92-94 range and can kick it up to 96. He's worked on his curveball and changeup to become one of the top prospects in the game.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the Rockies, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a></i><i> for more on the majors.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/30/2304430/mlb-trade-rumors-2011-ubaldo-jimenez-rockies-tigersRuss Oates2011-07-29T11:09:18-06:002011-07-29T11:09:18-06:00MLB Trade Rumors: Boston Red Sox 'Aggressively Pursuing' Ubaldo Jimenez, According To Report
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<p>More trade rumors swirl around <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> pitcher <span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span>, as the 2011 MLB Trade Deadline is just two days away. Long thought to be out of the pursuit for Ubaldo Jimenez, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> are now "aggressively" seeking the pitcher, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/SI_JonHeyman/status/96975999522193408">Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman</a>. Boston's rotation is shaky with <span>Clay Buchholz</span>'s bad back and the ups-and-downs of the rest of the staff. However, most previous reports have indicated that Boston lacks the impact minor leaguers the Rockies are seeking.</p>
<p>Heyman also mentions that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Cincinnati Reds</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Toronto Blue Jays</a> are also still in on Jimenez. Oh, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> are also there as well. However, the <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/Joelsherman1/status/96970573594378241"><i>New York Post</i>'s Joel Sherman says</a> talks between the Yankees and the Rockies have not gone well. Of course, Sherman also characterizes Jimenez <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/Joelsherman1/status/96986733916332033">as an upset pitcher with whom the Rockies are mad</a>.</p>
<p>Don't expect any conclusion to this matter until after the 2 p.m. MT trade deadline on Sunday.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the Rockies, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a></i><i> for more on the majors.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/29/2303265/latest-mlb-trade-rumors-2011-baseball-trade-deadlineRuss Oates2011-07-29T08:00:41-06:002011-07-29T08:00:41-06:00Making Sense Of Ubaldo Jimenez Trade Rumors
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<p>Ubaldo Jimenez is an incredible pitcher, and that is precisely why he is on the trading block.</p> <p>Rumors are flying that <span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span>, the best pitcher in <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rockies</a>' history, is on the trading block. While the concept is inconceivable to most Rockies fans (and it's certainly a difficult possibility to accept) this may not be a terrible idea for the long term health of the franchise.</p>
<h4>Trade History</h4>
<p>Does anyone remember the last two major Rockies stars to be traded? Let's look back to the Winter Meetings after the 2006 season. Rockies' GM traded top pitcher <span>Jason Jennings</span> -- who was signed for another year -- to the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Astros</a> in exchange for OF <span>Willy Taveras</span> and top pitching prospects <span>Taylor Buchholz</span> and <span>Jason Hirsh</span>. Jennings was a budding star in Colorado, and the only Rockies' pitcher to ever win the Rookie of the Year award. </p>
<p>The results of that trade? Buchholz became one of the top setup men in baseball before suffering an elbow injury, Taveras became the starting center fielder for the 2007 NL Champion Rockies, and Hirsh ended up suffering a broken leg that derailed his career. Still, it's difficult to imagine that Colorado makes the postseason in 2007 without this trade.</p>
<p>The other big trade under Dan O'Dowd is the <span>Matt Holliday</span> swap. The budding superstar was entering the last year of his contract, but was unlikely to accept the contract offer Colorado had extended to him. Instead of waiting until the 2009 trade deadline, the Rockies traded Holliday to the <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Athletics</a> in exchange for top prospect <span>Carlos Gonzalez</span> and pitchers <span>Huston Street</span> and <span>Greg Smith</span>.</p>
<p>Again, this trade was an enormous win for the Rockies. Gonzalez became a triple crown and MVP candidate with Colorado, while Street became the Rockies' closer and best relief pitcher. Both players signed extensions with the club and led directly to Colorado's 2009 playoff run, with Gonzalez likely to be one of the club's centerpiece talents for the next seven years.</p>
<p>O'Dowd has shown good value in exchanging MLB players for quality near MLB-ready prospects in the past, even when the circumstances are not ideal. With a Ubaldo trade, he would hold all the leverage in any negotiations.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;">Current Market</span></p>
<p>Contending teams always get desperate around the trade deadline, and the market for starting pitching this year is dreadful. <span>Edwin Jackson</span> has already been traded to the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a> for top young outfielder <span>Colby Rasmus</span>, and now teams are fighting over players like <span>Hiroki Kuroda</span> and <span>Wandy Rodriguez</span>. Both are solid pitchers, but when they represent the top of the available talent, you know the market is barren. There's only one true impact starter on the market, and that is Ubaldo Jimenez.</p>
<p>The most desireable aspect of a Jimenez trade is the structure of the contract itself. Signed to one of the most team-friendly contracts in major league baseball, Jimenez is under team control through 2013 for $9.95 million, with an option in 2014 for another $8 million (though this option can be voided by Jimenez if he is traded). The potential for a top flight starting pitcher through 2014 for $17.95 million? This contract isn't restricted to the standard contending teams like the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Phillies</a>, New York <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a>, and <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Red Sox</a>. This is a contract that would help any team in baseball and for multiple seasons. This wouldn't be a rental; it would be an immediate upgrade to any franchise's pitching rotation.</p>
<h4>Potential Return</h4>
<p>If Ubaldo Jimenez is such a valuable commodity, then why would Rockies' GM Dan O'Dowd even consider putting him on the market?</p>
<p>Colorado's record since 2009: <i><b>224-205</b></i></p>
<p>Colorado's record since 2010: <i><b>132-135</b></i></p>
<p>For a team that many consider to be one of the most talented in the National League, and an annual favorite to win the NL West, the Rockies have been severely underperforming expectations. You can discount some underachievement to injury or bad luck, but the fact of the matter is that Colorado has not met expectations -- even with the rise of <span>Troy Tulowitzki</span>, Carlos Gonzalez, and Ubaldo Jimenez as star caliber players. It's a growing possibility that the supporting cast on this club is simply not of championship caliber, and that the team needs an upgrade in talent.</p>
<p>With a lack of impact prospects ready on the farm system and the stalled development of young players like <span>Dexter Fowler</span> and <span>Ian Stewart</span>, it's difficult to see where the Rockies can gain impact talent. Tulowitzki is the face of the franchise and one of the most valuable players in baseball, and Gonzalez's contract would make even the most aggressive club balk at the length and remaining cost. Players like Seth Smith and Chris Iannetta would bring in one or two quality players in trade, but no impact blue chip prospects.</p>
<p>That leaves Ubaldo. Despite his below-average season in 2011, he's still extremely valuable on the open market and would demand an enormous price in trade. It's a painful pill to swallow from a fan standpoint, as Ubaldo means more to the Rockies organization than just wins and strikeouts; he's a joy to watch and a fan favorite. Unfortunately, he's also the most direct route to a talent infusion that could push the club to a championship level. There's no guarantees here, and trading the best arm Colorado has ever seen holds its share of risks. But staying the course with the current roster suggests more seasons full of disappointment and mediocrity. For a team that has maintained they are built to win now, that is not an option.</p>
<p>It's a hard choice for O'Dowd to make, but he has never shied away from trading his best players for multiple pieces. After trading away Jason Jennings (his best pitcher after the 2006 season)<a target="_blank" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2695473"> Dan O'Dowd said the following</a>:</p>
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<p>"This was a trade we would have made whether Jason was in the last year of his contract or not," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "Any time you get back three major league-ready players, it's very difficult to do in this environment, and <b>this is the kind of baseball deal we will always have to make. Whether he had three years and 'X' amount of money left on his contract or he was entering his final year, we would have made this trade."</b></p>
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<p>A prescient statement made six years ago that still holds relevance today. The Rockies business model requires a constant influx of young, cost-controlled talent from the farm system. When that talent proves insufficient, more drastic steps are needed to remain competitive. The Jennings and Holliday trades provided talent for immediate playoff runs. While it would be difficult for Colorado to become a better team overnight without the young fireballer's right arm in the rotation, multiple top prospects would certainly shore up holes in the current farm system and likely give Colorado multiple young players that could blossom into stars.</p>
<p>The alternative? Hope that the Rockies are lucky and enjoy multiple rebounds next season from players like Stewart and Fowler without a loss of production from <span>Todd Helton</span>, <span>Chris Iannetta</span>, and Seth Smith. They would also be banking on major contributions from potential rookies <span>Charlie Blackmon</span>, <span>Tim Wheeler</span>, and Wilin Rosario. That's quite a few "maybe's" for a single contending team.</p>
<p>Even if the blockbuster talent isn't available at the deadline, the Rockies don't have to trade him. The Colorado front office won't move their best pitcher without a substantial haul of young talent in return. But don't expect this concept to disappear after the trade deadline. If Ubaldo is still pitching in a Colorado uniform in August, expect to hear more trade rumors during the Winter Meetings this offseason. </p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/29/2300598/ubaldo-jimenez-trade-rumors-colorado-rockiesMuzia2011-07-28T05:00:54-06:002011-07-28T05:00:54-06:00MLB Trade Rumors: Reds Offered Aroldis Chapman, Devin Mesoraco In Ubaldo Jimenez Trade Talks, According To Report
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Cincinnati Reds</a> are <a target="_blank" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/27/2298156/ubaldo-jimenez-trade-rumors-rockies-cincinnati-reds">most assuredly talking</a> with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> about Ubaldo Jimenez. Supposedly, the Reds don't want to give up catching prospect <span>Devin Mesoraco</span>, which the Rockies are OK with. They are willing to take other pieces in return. But then<a target="_blank" href="http://mlbbuzz.yardbarker.com/blog/mlbbuzz/jimenez_talks_simmer/5767402"> there's this from Tracy Ringolsby</a>:</p>
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<p>Sources close to the involved teams have indicated the Rockies have interest in a [<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> package] and [from the Reds] catcher Devon Mesoraco, and pitchers <span>Travis Wood</span> and <span>Homer Bailey</span>. Word out of Cincinnati is the Reds proposed <span>Aroldis Chapman</span> and <span>Edinson Volquez</span> along with Mesoraco.</p>
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<p>So, is Mesoraco untouchable or not? The Reds supposedly offered Mesoraco to the Rockies, which doesn't jive with other reports. And if Dan O'Dowd isn't willing to accept that kind of package from the Reds then it would seem that there's no deal anywhere for him to consummate.</p>
<p>And <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/Ken_Rosenthal/status/96305023012712448">according to Ken Rosenthal</a>, the Reds prefer to trade for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a>' <span>James Shields</span>, who may not be available. Rosenthal <a target="_blank" href="http://mlbbuzz.yardbarker.com/blog/mlbbuzz/indians_pursuing_jimenez/5765068?new_post=true">additionally reported that the Indians are interested</a> as well. His source says the team matches up well with what the Rockies want in return, but elaborates no further.</p>
<p>The MLB Trade Deadline, don't you love it?</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the Rockies, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a></i><i> for more on the majors.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/28/2299537/latest-mlb-trade-rumors-2011-baseball-trade-deadlineRuss Oates2011-07-27T13:33:13-06:002011-07-27T13:33:13-06:00Rockies, Reds Talk Ubaldo Jimenez, Prospects
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<p>Are the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> ready to trade <span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span>? While nothing appears imminent, the Rockies are working the phones with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Cincinnati Reds</a> for the 27-year-old pitcher. According to <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/Ken_Rosenthal/status/96293615197896704">Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal</a>, the Rockies are not wedded to acquiring either catcher <span>Devin Mesoraco</span> or infielder <span>Billy Hamilton</span>, both of who are supposedly untouchable. Mesoraco is a power bat who can hit for average and has good skills behind the plate. Hamilton is a speedy switch-hitter who can play either middle infield position. It's easy to understand the Reds' position on the two.</p>
<p>Rosenthal indicates that the Rockies would still take other "big" pieces. Could that mean first baseman <span>Yonder Alonso</span>, who was just promoted to the majors? Pitchers Travis Wood, <span>Mike Leake</span> and <span>Homer Bailey</span> could be part of any deal, as speculated earlier this month.</p>
<p>Or the Rockies could say "no" and decide to keep him. No one in Denver is reporting that the Rockies are intent on dealing him, just the other cities' media.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the Rockies, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a></i><i> for more on the majors.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/27/2298156/ubaldo-jimenez-trade-rumors-rockies-cincinnati-redsRuss Oates2011-07-27T10:01:13-06:002011-07-27T10:01:13-06:00MLB Trade Rumors: Boston Red Sox Interested In Ryan Spilborghs
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<p>There are only four days left until the 2011 MLB Trade Deadline hits and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> have multiple players who could be traded. Might the Rockies and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> engage in trade discussions? <a target="_blank" href="http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2011/07/trade_talk_spil.html">Peter Abraham of the <i>Boston Globe</i> reports</a> that the Red Sox are interested in backup outfielder <span>Ryan Spilborghs</span>.</p>
<p>The Red Sox are looking to shore up their bench and Spilborghs wouldn't require much in compensation. He is hitting .219/.298/.317, well below his career line of .273/.347/.426. The Rockies and the Red Sox are no strangers to making deals, as the former picked up <span>Manny Delcarmen</span> last August for Chris Balcom-Miller.</p>
<p>Abraham also indicates that the Red Sox might actually prefer <span>Ty Wigginton</span> over Ryan Spilborghs. Wigginton can play first and third base and left field (just overlook Tuesday's miscue there that sent the Rockies to defeat). The Rockies could wind up trading both players before the deadline.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the Rockies, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a></i><i> for more on the majors.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/27/2297434/latest-mlb-trade-rumors-2011-baseball-trade-deadlineRuss Oates2011-07-26T11:18:32-06:002011-07-26T11:18:32-06:00Jason Giambi Injury Complicates Trade Status
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<p>On Monday night, <span>Jason Giambi</span> entered the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a> game with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> as a pinch-hitter for <span>Mark Ellis</span>. He hit into what should have been an out, but <span>Jamey Carroll</span> committed a throwing error. However, it became apparent when he reached first base that Giambi was injured. He left the game with a quad injury.</p>
<p>According to <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.denverpost.com/rockies/2011/07/25/rock-talk-giambis-injury-tulos-swing/9018/">Troy Renck of the Denver Post</a>, this could result in Giambi heading to the disabled list. If so, the team will not be able to move him at the trade deadline if they were so inclined to. However, that doesn't preclude a waiver trade in August, but at that point the Rockies may not find any takers.</p>
<p>While he neither wants to go on the disabled list nor move to another team, he and the Rockies will discuss things if a trade could happen. As has been suggested by Renck, the Rockies could trade Giambi and then bring him back as a free agent in the offseason. He likes Colorado and is reportedly a good clubhouse guy.</p>
<p><b><i>For more on the Rockies, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.purplerow.com/">Purple Row</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a></i><i> for more on the majors.</i></b></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-rockies/2011/7/26/2295146/jason-giambi-injury-trade-rumors-rockiesRuss Oates