Red Sox getting aggressive for Jimenez

It now seems more likely that Colorado Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez could be traded. The Red Sox are the most aggressive puruser so far, but the Reds, Indians and Blue Jays are interested. The Yankees are on the outside for now but have some interest in acquiring Jimenez.

Colorado is said to want a "Herschel Walker-type deal" for the 27-year-old Jimenez, who finished third in the NL Cy Young voting last year but is 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA this season.

Boston, which has some nice prospects including pitcher Anthony Ranaudo and some others, is trying hard. The Indians have young pitchers Alex White and Drew Pomeranz. The Reds have prospects like first baseman Yonder Alonso and catcher Devin Mesoraco and several young pitchers like Mike Leake, Travis Wood and Homer Bailey but Cincinnati is 6 ½ games out in the NL Central and it's uncertain if they're in the race.

The Rockies had sought a package of prospects, including catcher Jesus Montero and pitchers Dellin Betances, Manny Banuelos and Ivan Nova from the Yankees. New York would probably do Montero and other prospects but not Banuelos.

VERDUCCI:Rockies would be wise to trade Jimenez

Boston has good pitching as it is, including Josh Beckett and Jon Lester. Clay Buchholz, another talented starter, has not pitched since June 16 because of a bad back and while the Red Sox expect he will be OK, they have concerns that his back could flare up again.

Jimenez has a very affordable contract that calls for him to make $2.8 million this year and $4.2 million in 2012 plus has two years of club options at $5.75 million in 2013 and $8 million in 2014, although that last option can be voided by Jimenez if he is traded.