"A year ago today, Ubaldo Jimenez was 16-2 with a 2.67 ERA.

He was being compared to Clemens, Gibson and Koufax. Now, his value is tied to prospects. Will the Yankees offer enough young pitching to prompt the Rockies to part with their most talented starter ever? They have become the favored suitors with the Reds' nosediving.

"I don't know what's going to happen," Jimenez said of his fate before Sunday's 2 p.m. nonwaiver trading deadline. "It's out of my control. All I can focus on is doing my job to the best of my ability."

There were no indications Thursday that the Yankees had warmed to the idea of shipping off catcher Jesus Montero? and pitchers Manuel Banuelos and Dellin Betances. And the Rockies don't appear open to a package centered around lesser prospects and Ivan Nova or Phil Hughes. The Yankees, as a result, are closely eyeing Seattle's Erik Bedard and the Dodgers' Hiroki Kuroda?.

The chatter from sources and on Twitter was eerily quiet.

An American League source said Thursday the Yankees aren't budging for two reasons: They want someone who will have an immediate impact, not a guy who's more likely to rebound next season. And they are concerned that Jimenez might be dealing with a minor injury, because last year's velocity has never consistently returned this season. (For his part, Jimenez maintains he's healthy, his arm strength nearing 100 percent after dealing with multiple thumb cuticle problems and a hip flexor injury in spring training).

The Rockies, it can't be overstated, don't need to change their stance. They don't have to trade Jimenez. They felt it was worth finding out his value as they attempt to address multiple roster needs. A trade, however, can just as easily be done in the offseason."