Trade discussions are popping up all over the place with the MLB non-waiver trade deadline fast approaching, and one of the top names circling those discussions is that of Ubaldo Jimenez, the hard-throwing righty with the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies don’t look to be going anywhere this season and shopping Jimenez around may land them a few solid pieces toward a rebuild or at least a restructuring of the lineup for the next few years.

When you look at Jimenez’s career pitching numbers, you might think he’s about as average as they come, despite the fact he consistently throws in the high 90s. After Tuesday’s win against the Atlanta Braves, Jimenez has improved his career numbers to 56-44 with a 3.59 ERA, 763 strikeouts to 365 walks and a 1.27 WHIP. However, Jimenez pitches in Coors Field. When you adjust his numbers to take his home park into consideration, he looks as good as some of the best pitchers in the game.

Even though Jimenez hits triple-digits with some regularity, he has excellent control of his fastball. He also features an above-average split-fingered fastball, sinking changeup, late-breaking slider and 12-6 curveball. It’s these weapons that are making GMs around the league drool while opposing hitters look foolish. The Rockies can certainly demand at least two, possibly three high-value prospects in order to complete a deal that involves parting ways with the 27-year-old.

Jimenez’s contract runs through 2012 and has team options for 2013 and 2014. At a minimum, that contract will put around $7.2 million into Jimenez’s bank account. However, Jimenez finished third in NL Cy Young voting last season. Any team that provides a better offense than the Rockies and has a legitimate shot at the postseason would love to sign those checks to have Jimenez throwing every fifth day.