Rockies Rumors: Jimenez to NY, Other Trade Talk

As the Rockies fall further in the standings, it becomes more likely that they'll sell off some of their lesser pieces in order to shore up the team for next season and beyond. Presumably, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are the club's two "untouchables" but we've already heard talk about ace Ubaldo Jimenez being dealt. There have been some more reports regarding Jimenez today, and we'll cover those among other Rockies rumors.

• Jon Heyman of SI.com recently tweeted that the Rockies won't accept top Yankees prospect Jesus Montero as the centerpiece to any Ubaldo Jimenez deal. Montero, currently a catcher, would likely be viewed as a first baseman by the Rockies, so it makes sense that they don't want to trade their ace for a package headlined by a bat-only prospect. The Yankees do have some elite pitching to offer, namely Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos, but it remains to be seen whether the Yanks will be willing to give up any of their best pitching prospects. And frankly, if the Rockies can't get someone like Betances or Banuelos, I'm not really sure how a deal gets done.
• According to Tracy Ringolsby of FOX Sports, the Rockies have fielded some calls on outfielder Ryan Spilborghs, reliever Rafael Betancourt and closer Huston Street. Spilborghs is probably the most likely player to be dealt given that he's a possible non-tender candidate at the end of the season, but the Rockies may be willing to pounce on a strong offer for one of the relief pitchers if they think they're getting good value. Betancourt and Street are under contract through 2012, while Spilborghs will be arbitration-eligible for a final time next season.
  
• Last night, Heyman tweeted that Ty Wigginton's name has been brought up in trade talks between the Rockies and Yankees. Wigginton, 33, would presumably offer New York some additional pop off the bench; he's capable of playing all of the positions on the field other than catcher, shortstop and center field, and he's on pace for his fourth 20+ home run season in the past five years.