"The Rockies agreed in principle on a multiyear deal Thursday with a catcher — but it wasn't Yorvit Torrealba. The Rockies agreed to a three-year, $8.3 million contract with Chris Iannetta with a $5 million club option for his first year of free agency.

The commitment to Iannetta doesn't preclude Torrealba's return, but the team is in danger of losing Torrealba to the San Francisco Giants after talks with the Rockies produced no progress Thursday.

Iannetta traded potentially extra money for peace of mind. The Rockies originally offered $6.75 million last month and quickly bridged the financial gap this week at the winter meetings. Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd declined comment because the deal is not official.

Iannetta will compete for a starting job regardless of wheter Colorado re-signs Torrealba or lands free-agent Miguel Olivo on a two-year contract.

"The Rockies made a nice commitment. Chris really enjoys being in Colorado and believes the team has a chance to do something special," said agent Lou Jon Nero of Octagon Sports. "This provides security and allows him to look forward, not back."

Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_13973507?source=rss#ixzz0ZOjMdrZG"