"The Yankees were one of 17 teams in Denver on Thursday night to watch Ubaldo Jimenez pitch.

According to several talent evaluators, they have a better than average chance to acquire the 27-year-old because they have the top-shelf prospects the Rockies are looking for.

In mid-June the Rockies started getting calls on Jimenez and were told they weren't actively shopping him, but if teams were willing to talk about moving their best prospects the Rockies would listen.

At 44-48 and 8 ½ games behind the NL West-leading Giants, the Rockies are very close to being sellers in a sellers' market as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

According to a person familiar with the Rockies' mindset, they believe Jimenez has pouted this year because Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez received contract extensions and he didn't.

"They are annoyed at him,'' the source said of Jimenez, who is 5-8 with a 4.08 ERA but pitching better lately after starting the season 0-5.

The Rockies recently scouted the Yankees' Triple-A and Double-A teams and like Jesus Montero but not with the idea of using him at catcher. Instead, they view him as a first baseman. They also are high on pitchers Manuel Banuelos and Dellin Betances.

However, the party line other organizations have heard coming from The Bronx is that those three are untouchable."