Weighing in on Jimenez Rumor

The story first reported by Fox Sports.com about the Reds inquiring about Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez is a perfect example of the type of move Walt Jocketty should attempt to make.  If you're going to start trading these prospects, the Reds must get an impact player in return -- one that the team would still have under contract for a few seasons.  Make no mistake, this is not Chris Heisey for Ryan Ludwig (which was rumored a few months ago).  No this move has staying power.

Now, if Jimenez is truly available -- and that's a big if -- should Jocketty pull the trigger on such a deal?  I say yes, but it depends on what the team has to give up.  For example, if Cincinnati has to include 2 starting pitchers in the deal from the likely targeted trio of Travis Wood, Homer Bailey, or Mike Leake, I wouldn't make that trade.  Dealing 2 pitchers would severely weaken the team's rotation not to mention the organizational depth.  The addition of Jimenez to go along with the emerging Johnny Cueto could be a potent 1-2 punch, but it needs to be backed up by a combination of either Leake/Bailey/Wood and Arroyo.  Don't kid yourself into thinking the Rockies would be interested in Edinson Volquez or that Dontrelle Willis will be serviceable enough to the Reds in the 5th spot in the rotation for the rest of the season (the guy's on his 3rd different organization in 2 years).

Now if it would take a package of say Bailey/Wood/Leake, Yonder Alonso, Juan Francisco and Chris Valaika (and that's a total guess on my part).  I'd do that deal in a heartbeat.  While Jimenez (27 years old) doesn't have the track record of say Cliff Lee, he was 19-8 last year with a 2.88 ERA.  Now this year has been a different story (4-8, 4.14 ERA), but he's been much better in his last 8 starts (4-3, 2.52 ERA) and the Reds would have him under a very reasonable contract for 2012 ($4.2M) and 2013 ($5.75M).  His option for 2014 at $8M reportedly would become null and void if the Rockies trade him.

Before you and all other Reds fans get too excited, Jimenez's age and his cost-friendly contract make it unlikely for Colorado to deal him at this point.  Like the Reds, the Rockies have had a disappointing season at 43-48, in 3rd place in the NL West and 8.5 games behind the Giants for first place.  So, while it's unlikely they are playoff bound, it's also still too soon for them to throw in the towel.  Still, seeing the tall, lanky right-hander in a Reds uniform wearing his familiar number 38 (sorry Bryan Price) would be a welcome sight.  Not only for the rest of 2011, but for a few years to come as well.