"The Rockies search for a right-handed bat who can back up at the corner positions has led them to look into free agent Melvin Mora. Mora, Balitmore's primary third baseman in recent seasons, has played all three outfield positions, second base, third base and shortstop in the big leagues.

With left-handed hitters Todd Helton and Ian Stewart at first and third base, and with outfielders Seth Smith, Carlos Gonzalez and Brad Hawpe left-handed hitters, the Rockies want some right-handed balance on their roster in addition to backup outfielder Ryan Spilborghs.

In addition to Mora, 37, the Rockies have discussed Orlando Hudson with the idea he could step in at second base and Clint Barmes could provide protection at every position except pitcher and catcher.

A serious pursuit of Hudson, however, most likely wouldn't come until after the first of the year, when the market shakes down and his price would drop in the area of the $3 million he received from the Dodgers as a base salary last year.

The Rockies also have looked into former Oakland shortstop Bobby Crosby, who was the starting shortstop at Long Beach State ahead of Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki."