"They are caught between a Rockies and a hard place.

Disappointed with his team's performance, general manager Dan O'Dowd would like to shake up his roster. The problem is he doesn't have many players other teams want. The only vehicle available to send a dramatic message and address multiple needs is ace Ubaldo Jimenez.

What began as a way to motivate the right-hander, who won 19 games a year ago, has evolved into a trade that has a chance to happen. It's not an easy decision, and pushback is guaranteed if he's moved.

The reason to keep Jimenez? He's the best pitcher the Rockies have ever had and is under contract through 2014 at a reasonable $17.95 million. The reason to trade him? The Rockies, as each disturbing loss bears out, have a lot of gaps to fill, namely at third base, catcher and multiple spots in the rotation.

As late as Wednesday afternoon, an American League executive who has spoken with the Rockies about Jimenez said "that my gut is that they don't move him." A Rockies source said a few hours later it would still take "a grand slam." Yet Jimenez is still out there, a phone call away from being gone if the Rockies' price is met by Sunday's 2 p.m. nonwaiver trade deadline.

Conversations have continued with the Reds and Yankees, who are considered the best fits. The Red Sox?, who scouted Hiroki Kuroda on Wednesday, and the Tigers are among those lurking.

The Reds and Yankees have the pieces but disagree on Jimenez's value. That could change quickly if the Reds part with catcher Devon Mesoraco and a combination of pitchers involving Homer Bailey, Aroldis Chapman? and Travis Wood? and outfielders Chris Heisey and Todd Frazier.

The Yankees like Jimenez but don't see him as an ace in their rotation, so pitchers Manuel Banuelos and Dellin Betances are off limits. Would a package centered on Ivan Nova or Phil Hughes and catcher Jesus Montero be enough?

For now, no. By Sunday? That's the question hanging over the Rockies like a lead balloon."