"The Rockies are out on Roy Oswalt?, but not out of the running for a veteran starter to stabilize the rotation. They have quietly pursued free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, believing they have a decent shot based on preliminary conversations.

Kuroda fits the profile Colorado has been seeking since the final out in September. He eats innings, averaging 199 over the past two seasons. He's capable of anchoring a rotation and has a strong work ethic, an important trait given the staff could include three impressionable rookies (Drew Pomeranz, Alex White and Tyler Chatwood).

Kuroda will be 37 on Feb. 10. He has attracted interest from 10 teams, including nearly the entire National League West. In a steady season with the Dodgers, Kuroda went 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA.

Talks never progressed for Oswalt, who is waiting until C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle? sign before limiting his suitors. The Rockies remain aggressive on many fronts with trade talks expected to heat up at next week's winter meetings. Beyond Kuroda, the Rockies remain in contact with Kevin Millwood?'s agent and want to bring him back given his strong finish and respected presence in the clubhouse."