Re: General Discussion

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The full details on that Jimenez story:

Rockies, Ubaldo Jimenez wait for decision on trade

The Denver Post

POSTED: 07/30/2011 01:00:00 AM MDT
UPDATED: 07/30/2011 10:50:04 AM MDT

SAN DIEGO — Ubaldo Jimenez never thought it would come to this. When he jogs onto the mound tonight at Petco Park, it could be for the last time as a Rockie.

"I am human. Of course I think about it," Jimenez said.

The Tigers and Indians aggressively pursued Jimenez on Friday, with the Yankees and Red Sox lurking, ready to pounce if the price comes down. The Rockies haven't changed their demands, asking for a minimum of three players — two top prospects, one of which must be a pitcher.

"I know it's a business. It's not easy," Jimenez said. "I will just keep working hard."

The Indians were willing to discuss top pitcher Drew Pomeranz, considered the future anchor of their big-league rotation. The Tigers, according to a Fox report, are prepared to part with top minor-league arm Jacob Turner. The two face each other in Double-A today.

Those names will keep talks going but don't guarantee a deal. The Rockies are seeking quality and quantity. The Yankees and Red Sox were quiet Friday, but have the resources to move quickly before Sunday's 2 p.m. deadline.

The Rockies and Yankees disagree on Jimenez's present-day value — he's an ace for Colorado, a No. 2 or 3 starter for New York. As such, New York won't part with two top arms. They appear willing to include catcher Jesus Montero or Dellin Betances, but not both. Fireballer Manuel Banuelos remains off-limits.

The Rockies would like third baseman Will Middlebrooks and pitcher Antony Ranaudo from Boston.

It has been a difficult stretch for his Jimenez, even though manager Jim Tracy said he's "handled it as professionally as you could ever expect."

Jimenez is disappointed with his performance, but the questions about his character have been unnerving. Jimenez reiterated Friday that he should have pitched in winter ball — "I was going to do it, but my team Licey didn't make the playoffs," he said.

He dismissed New York media speculation that he has a poor relationship with Rockies pitching coach Bob Apodaca.

"Why do people say this when it's not true? Bob helped me get to where I am in my career," said Jimenez, who has $17.95 million remaining on his contract, though the 2014 club option is voided if he's traded. "It really is unbelievable."

Jimenez is on the clock. Even he doesn't know what will happen next.

"All I can do is wait. It's out of my control," Jimenez said.
" I am not young enough to know everything."

Re: General Discussion

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The Astros' efforts to trade Bourn are picking up steam, tweets ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, and it appears more likely he'll be dealt by tomorrow's deadline.

The Astros want Major-League ready prospects for Bourn, tweets MLB.com's Bill Ladson. It makes sense that Wade would seek certainty here, with his Hunter Pence haul being of the high-risk, high-reward variety.
" I am not young enough to know everything."

Re: General Discussion

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Shin-Soo Choo, the Indians' regular right fielder, hit about 40 balls off the tee and threw briefly in the outfield Friday afternoon.

Choo has been on the disabled list since June 25 because of a broken left thumb.

"It's still uncomfortable, still a little stiff, but that's normal," Choo said. "We're only at one month. Overall, I feel good. I'll keep pushing it, but I'm not going to do anything stupid."

Choo will take today off, then graduate to soft-toss hitting Sunday.

"He's doing very well," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "If things continue to progress this way, we might be looking at him to take batting practice in a week to 10 days."

Choo has said he hopes to be back by mid-August. Once Choo returns, newly acquired Kosuke Fukudome presumably would slide to center, where he has experience.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Acta said.
" I am not young enough to know everything."

Re: General Discussion

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The Rockies are moving toward a deal with Cleveland, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports (on Twitter).

White has been scratched from his one-inning rehab outing, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports (on Twitter).
There are indications that Pomeranz and White could be available in a possible deal, according to Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link).

The Rockies asked for Pomeranz, Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter).

The Rockies and Indians are in serious talks, Renck reports (on Twitter). He hears that a deal would center around Pomeranz, Alex White and Jason Kipnis.

Renck gets the "strong sense" that Cleveland hasn't given up (Twitter link) and Morosi says Indians prospect Drew Pomeranz was scratched from his Double-A start today (Twitter link).

The Red Sox, Reds and Indians are in on Jimenez, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The Yankees aren't talking actively with Colorado and won't include Nova, Betances, Banuelos or Montero in a deal for Jimenez (Twitter links).
" I am not young enough to know everything."