Stark: Ranking the trade chips

Jayson Stark covers the latest trade rumors on Hunter Pence, Ubaldo Jimenez, Hiroki Kuroda, Aramis Ramirez, Heath Bell and more. More Podcasts " But even if the Reds and Yankees back off, the Rockies still have several potential trade partners out there -- particularly the Red Sox and Indians. Teams that have spoken with Boston seem certain they WILL add at least one starter by the deadline. And an executive of a club that has been in touch with Cleveland says the Indians are sending signals that their list of "untouchables" in lesser deals wouldn't apply for someone like Jimenez. That could mean names such as Alex White and Drew Pomeranz would be in play for a pitcher whose talent and contract fit perfectly into the Indians' blueprint. And if that's the case, the Rockies could have the makings of a deal. If not, Colorado continues to tell clubs it's fine with keeping Jimenez if it doesn't get its price. 3. Heath Bell Was it only 24 hours ago that people were predicting a trade of Bell -- most likely to Texas -- could happen "quickly"? Yep. It sure was. But it appears the Padres got bogged down Thursday in a world in which the teams they were speaking with had too many other balls in the air. The Phillies, for instance, continue to have strong interest in a much bigger deal with San Diego that could involve Mike Adams, Ryan Ludwick, Brown and quite a few other names. But that deal would disappear if the Phillies trade for Pence. So the Padres appear to be playing a waiting game on that front until Pence's status gets resolved. The Braves and Indians also have interest in Ludwick and the Padres' relievers. But they too have a bunch of other options. Then there's Texas, a team that seems to be in pursuit of just about every name you've ever read in Rumor Central in your lifetime. And that complicates their dealings with the Padres, as well. Other clubs still expect the Rangers to wind up with Bell. In fact, an official of one team who has been speaking with them went so far as to call it "a lock." But an executive of another club said Texas believes it's the only team out there that's pursuing Bell and truly matches up with the Padres' shopping needs. So Texas continues to balk at the asking price, which could be up to three of the Rangers' top dozen prospects, according to one executive who has spoken with both teams. But Bell told reporters Thursday he's virtually certain he'll get traded in the next two days. And our best bet, here at the Daily Rumble, is he's right. 4. B.J. Upton