In search of a starting pitcher before Sunday night’s MLB Trade Deadline, the New York Yankees appear hot on the trail of the top two starting pitchers who could be available — Hiroki Kuroda of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Ubaldo Jimenez of the Colorado Rockies.
The Yankees have reportedly been talking to the Dodgers and Rockies about both pitchers for a while now. Time, however, is growing short.
Kuroda, 36, has a no-trade clause, but in its Kuroda rumors roundup for today, MLB Trade Rumors indicates that the Yankees are on the list of teams Kuroda, 36, would waive the no-trade clause for.
There are conflicting reports as to how much the Dodgers and Yankees have spoken about Kuroda, 36. The Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers appear to be among the bidders for the right-hander, who probably would not cost as much in terms of prospects as the 27-year-old Jimenez.
When it comes to Jimenez, the Rockies had been insisting on a hefty package of three of the four top Yankee prospects — pitchers Ivan Nova, Dellin Betances and Manny Bauelos, and catcher Jesus Montero.
Per MLBTR’s Jimenez rumors roundup for today, that price appears to have dropped somewhat.
You have to think, however, that if the Yankees are serious about making a run at a 28th World Series title in 2011 one of these guys is going to be in pinstripes. Perhaps as soon as tonight.