"Ubaldo Jimenez remains available. The Yankees are interested enough to be calling the Rockies to monitor the situation. The growing sentiment in the industry is that Colorado is not just listening on its ace, but wants to move him before Sunday's deadline. It is no secret the Yankees could use someone to pitch behind CC Sabathia.

So all the elements exist for a love connection and, yet, there remained pessimism on both sides that a deal could get done.

In the Yankees trade war room yesterday, the subject was almost exclusively scenarios involving available relievers and the internal belief remains that the club either will do nothing or something small by the deadline.

In fact, as of yesterday, the Red Sox were more seriously inquiring on the righty than the Yankees, and the Reds were the most motivated suitor overall. But Jimenez is young enough (27) and on an attractive enough contract ($2.8 million this year, $4.2 million next year and a 2013 club option for $5.75 million) that even the non-contending Blue Jays have inquired with an eye on the future.

No one, however, was close to obtaining Jimenez and Rockies officials are insisting if they do not get a substantial return, they will not move their No. 1 starter. Maybe as the deadline nears, Colorado will lower its price. But, if it doesn't, the Yankees have indicated there is no chance they will obtain Jimenez.

The initial request was arguably the Yankees' top three prospects -- Manuel Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Jesus Montero -- plus Ivan Nova. But Colorado appears amenable to doing a combination of any three. Nevertheless, the Yankees vow they won't do that either and every indication is that including Banuelos at all is a deal breaker."