Colorado Rockies News: Pro Sports Daily

Rockies' steady reliever Belisle gets one-year extension

February 4

Denver Post

"When it comes to relievers, reliability is the best ability. Over the past few seasons, Matt Belisle has been among the Rockies' most consistent performers. The Rockies awarded the right-hander with a one-year contract extension Friday with a mutual option for 2014. Belisle, 31, went 10-4 last season with a 3.25 ERA in 72 innings. He is entering the final year of a two-year, $6.13 million deal. Over the last two years, the right-hander has been a stabilizing force in the bullpen, pitching multiple innings while working primarily as a setup man. He's appeared in 150 games the past two years, going 17-9 with a 3.07 ERA."

Sources: Playoff expansion has issues

February 1

ESPN.com

"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"

Rockies playing it safe with De La Rosa

February 1

MLB.com

"Rockies pitcher Jorge De La Rosa tried to act natural and hide the fact the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow was at the snapping point, even if it meant stretching the truth to the breaking point during his second start of last season. "It was real cold that day in Pittsburgh, and I felt something in my arm," said De La Rosa, the Rockies' best pitcher during a tough early going of last season. "I said it was a blister and they took me out of the game. I told them I would be OK. But I was not. It was weakness. The next day, I felt pain when I woke up." De La Rosa toughed out eight more starts, until May 24 when his elbow went during a start against the D-backs at Coors Field. He"

Alanna Rizzo's insight nets MLB Network spot

January 30

Denver Post

columnist Dusty Saunders

"Alanna Rizzo, during her five seasons covering the Rockies, regularly confronted the "eye candy" label. "I"m aware that looks are important for a woman on sports television," Rizzo said during an interview after joining Fox Sports Net (now Root Sports) in the summer of 2007. "But I'm prepared to do more than just smile." And she succeeded — often with a smile. Obviously, Rizzo's attractive, on-camera demeanor was a major reason the fast-growing MLB Network last week signed her to a two-year-deal beginning this spring."

Who's next in line for a big Rockies payout?

January 29

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"The refrain is consistent, if not relentless. The Rockies never spend money. Clearly, they don't dole out enough on payroll to satisfy most fans, understandable given the support this city and region have shown this team. But the Rockies do spend money. It's typically just reserved for their own players like Troy Tulowitzki ($158 million), Carlos Gonzalez ($80 million) and Todd Helton ($151 million), though they spent $37.9 million on free agents Michael Cuddyer and Ramon Hernandez. No team has been has active as the Rockies over the last five years of locking up young players long term before they reach the arbitration process. The list includes Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez, Brad Hawpe,"

Tulowitzki understands role as leader and accepts pressure

January 29

Denver Post

columnist Mark Kiszla

"Remember when Troy Tulowitzki was Denver's favorite son? Back before the dawn of Tebowmania, the name every fan loved best was Tulo. But as he was blasting 30 home runs and gobbling up grounders with his golden glove last year, a strange thing happened to Tulowitzki. The shine wore off. The crass questions began. Was Tulowitzki really worth a contract in excess of $150 million? Why couldn't he stop the Rockies from being the biggest bust in the National League? What, you mean to tell us Tulo isn't 10 feet tall and bulletproof? "It comes with the job," Tulowitzki said. "When things are going good and you're playing well, you're on top of the world. But when you're playing bad, you're ...""

Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall

January 28

Chicago Tribune

"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."

Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez prepares for return to greatness

January 27

Denver Post

"Headaches replaced goose bumps. A year later, Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez can easily identify when his 2011 season unraveled. "I didn't prepare myself the way I should have. I wasn't ready," said Gonzalez, who showed up at spring training heavier than was expected a year ago. "It was a big difference from 2010. It was difficult to do anything — to train and work out without all the attention and (media) always asking me questions. I forget what I was doing. This winter, it was a lot easier to be normal. I don't miss the craziness.""

Tracy counting on revamped Rockies pitching staff to make major improvements

January 27

Denver Post

columnist Woody Paige

"To comprehend the equation of the Rockies' rotation and its centripetal force, time, energy, Coriolis effect, spin, angular velocity, circular orbit, gravitation influence at altitude, rigid body dynamics and relative health, Jim Tracy should seek assistance from a British rock-star physicist. But, in our conversation about his starting pitching Thursday afternoon, several times the Rockies manager used the phrase "making the quantum leap." Either he was talking about atomic electron transition or how the Rockies' starting pitchers have to make vast improvement. Over the winter, the Rockies certainly have taken a quantity leap."

MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington

January 25

Dallas Morning News

"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."

catcher Ramon Hernandez joins Rockies with a knack for handling young pitchers

January 24

Denver Post

"Ramon Hernandez bounced around the Rockies' clubhouse last week, hugging old friends, meeting new teammates and making himself right at home. He bubbled over with a rookie's energy and enthusiasm. But the truth is Hernandez is a 35-year-old catcher with nearly 1,500 big-league games behind the plate. Last season with Cincinnati, he played in just 91 games, sharing time with Ryan Hanigan. The Rockies hope Hernandez's experience makes him a perfect fit. "Our scouts felt really strongly about acquiring him," general manager Dan O'Dowd said."

Mariners reportedly ink veteran righty Millwood

January 23

MLB.com

"Nine days after making the trade that cleared out Michael Pineda's spot in their starting rotation, the Mariners have apparently signed a possible replacement in veteran right-hander Kevin Millwood. News of an agreement between the Mariners and Millwood came via his own family, through a posting on Facebook by his sister Erika. It was subsequently confirmed by CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, who reports that it is a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training."

Deal revived, Rockies acquire 2B Marco Scutaro from Red Sox

January 22

Denver Post

"The Rockies have completed a deal to acquire Boston infielder Marco Scutaro for pitcher Clayton Mortensen. The Rockies' earmarked Scutaro as a target when the offseason began, seeing him as a starting second baseman and potential No. 2 hitter in the lineup. The deal went on life support Friday, but was revived today when the Rockies were able to work through some financial issues to take on Scutaro's $6 million contract. Scutaro, 36, batted a career-high .299 with seven home runs, 54 RBIs and .358 on-base percentage last season. He projected as the Red Sox's starting shortstop, but Boston has been looking to move money to make a run at free agent starter Roy Oswalt, while staying under the"

Rockies can roll if rotation is mentally tough

January 22

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"Someone smarter than me — not exactly a select group, based on my e-mail — suggested an intriguing evaluation tool regarding the Rockies. The current team reminds me a lot of the Rockies' 1997 team, more than the 2007 team. It's built to mash, and when it comes to pitching, well, it appears built to mash. So I was talking to a former big-leaguer about this issue recently, getting his opinion on the upcoming season. We agreed that the rotation has more ifs than a Rudyard Kipling poem, full of kids who are inexperienced and veterans who are maddeningly inconsistent. What makes this group different from other suspect ghosts of Rockies past is that there is intriguing talent. This isn't a"

Colorado Rockies can roll if rotation is mentally tough

January 22

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"Someone smarter than me — not exactly a select group, based on my e-mail — suggested an intriguing evaluation tool regarding the Rockies. The current team reminds me a lot of the Rockies' 1997 team, more than the 2007 team. It's built to mash, and when it comes to pitching, well, it appears built to mash. So I was talking to a former big-leaguer about this issue recently, getting his opinion on the upcoming season. We agreed that the rotation has more ifs than a Rudyard Kipling poem, full of kids who are inexperienced and veterans who are maddeningly inconsistent. What makes this group different from other suspect ghosts of Rockies past is that there is intriguing talent. This isn't a"

Marco Scutaro trade brings "winning player" to Colorado Rockies

January 22

Denver Post

"On second thought, Marco Scutaro will fit just fine at second base. The Rockies' relentless pursuit of a veteran to fill the middle infield spot ended Saturday when they acquired Scutaro from the Red Sox in exchange for pitcher Clayton Mortensen. "He fits in well. He's another guy with a slow heartbeat that is a winning player," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. After aggressively pursuing Scutaro for weeks, the trade, reduced to a faint pulse Friday, revived Saturday after financial hurdles were cleared. Once Rockies ownership approved absorbing Scutaro's $6 million contract, it was only a matter of finding a starting pitcher that Boston would accept."

Rockies ship Slowey to Cleveland, push for 2B

January 21

Denver Post

"Kevin Slowey reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro this week but never pitched for the Rockies at 5,280 feet. The right-hander was shipped to the Cleveland Indians on Friday in exchange for reliever Zach Putnam without ever throwing a pitch for Colorado. With Slowey gone, the Rockies turned their attention to adding another second baseman. They talked with the Red Sox about Marco Scutaro, but the deal fizzled given the Rockies' lack of financial flexibility and Boston's reluctance to part with the veteran without another everyday shortstop option. The Rockies remain strongly interested in the Mets' Justin Turner, who is a more attainable target. As it stands, Chris Nelson, D.J. Le-"

Indians acquire Kevin Slowey to seemingly take rotation spot of Fausto Carmona

January 21

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"It sounds as if the Indians believe Fausto Carmona could be cooling his heels in the Dominican Republic for a long time. A couple of hours after Carmona was released from jail Friday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after his arrest Thursday for trying to obtain a visa under a false name, the Indians traded for right-hander Kevin Slowey to take Carmona's spot in the rotation. They didn't come out and say as much, but it's a conclusion that's easy to draw. The Indians acquired Slowey and a reported $1.25 million from the Rockies for right-hander Zach Putnam. Slowey was in the Twins' starting rotation for the past five years before being dealt to Colorado in December following a season"

Rockies ship Slowey to Cleveland, push for 2B

January 20

Denver Post

"Kevin Slowey reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro this week, but never pitched for the Rockies at 5,280 feet. The right-hander was shipped to the Indians today in exchange for reliever Zach Putnam without ever throwing a pitch for Colorado. With Slowey gone, the Rockies turned their attention to adding another second baseman. They talked with the Red Sox about Marco Scutaro, but the deal fizzled given the Rockies' lack of financial flexibility and Boston's reluctance to part with the veteran without another everyday shortstop option. The Rockies remain strongly interested in the Mets' Justin Turner, a more attainable target."

Todd Helton hopes the Rockies make amends for "unacceptable" season

January 20

Denver Post

columnist Mark Kiszla

"After the biggest bummer of a season in franchise history, what can the Rockies do for an encore? We don't have to say 2011 stunk on Blake Street. Todd Helton will say it for us. "It was the biggest disappointment that I ever went through," Helton said Thursday. "There was so much expectation. We truly believed that we were going to be a good team. Just to perform like we did and have the lapses and lose the games we did, it was unacceptable.""

Rockies reliever Betancourt is rewarded with extension

January 20

Denver Post

"Rafael Betancourt stopped Troy Tulowitzki in midsentence Thursday. The Rockies' shortstop couldn't believe the rattail in the pitcher's hair, joking in broken Spanish with him about it. It made him look younger, his "Outsiders" type coif. Betancourt feels ageless, and the Rockies apparently agree. With the closer already under contract for this season, the Rockies picked up his $4.25 million mutual option for 2013 and added a club option at the same salary for 2014, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the talks. The deal is pending a physical."

Rockies' Nicasio set to compete; Betancourt's contract extended

January 20

Denver Post

"Juan Nicasio commanded attention Thursday when he walked into the Coors Field clubhouse, but not for the one-inch scar on his neck. He had a mohawk. "I like it," said Nicasio, joking that friend and teammate Esmil Rogers cut it. Nicasio, who suffered a fractured C-1 vertebrae on Aug. 5 when struck by Ian Desmond's line drive, will soon throw to hitters without an L screen protecting him. He's not worried. In fact, he's looking forward to it. Asked if he will compete for a rotation spot in spring training he said emphatically, "Yep!""

Bulked-up Fowler center of attention for Rockies

January 19

Denver Post

"The most arresting sight in the gym on this day wasn't a carved Troy Tulowitzki?, another bench press from Jason Giambi? or the barreled chest of trainer Mark Philippi that should come with a dresser and nightstand. It was Dexter Fowler on the track. The Rockies center fielder, noticeably stronger from a season ago, crouched down, hanging his right hand loosely, then on "Go!" became a blur. Now you see him, now you don't."

Moyer agrees to deal with Rockies

January 19

CSN Philly

"49-year-old pitcher Jamie Moyer has agreed to a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies. The deal includes an invitation to the Rockies' major league spring training camp, where Moyer is expected to both compete for a roster spot and mentor the organization's young arms."

Rockies give Dexter Fowler big raise; ready for big season, he says

January 18

Denver Post

"Dexter Fowler has spent nearly two months training in Las Vegas and admits he has been down The Strip only three times, and that was to attend shows and shop. No worries. The Rockies' center fielder still hit the jackpot Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year, $2.35 million contract while avoiding salary arbitration. Fowler, 25, quadrupled his salary after finishing last season with a flourish, hitting .288 with a .381 on-base percentage after the all-star break. Teammates Troy Tulowitzki and Jason Giambi? invited Fowler to work out in Vegas, where he has added 7 pounds of muscle and increased his bench press from 185 to 260 pounds."

A's get outfielder Seth Smith for 2 pitchers

January 17

San Francisco Chronicle

"Seth Smith platooned with the Rockies, making only 23 career starts against left-handed pitchers. His numbers warranted the limited role. With the A's, he'll get a better chance against lefties. In Oakland's latest roster rearranging, Smith, 29, was acquired Monday for pitchers Guillermo Moscoso and Josh Outman, and the A's plan to play him regularly in left field."

Veteran presence? Moyer definitely qualifies

January 17

Denver Post

"Jamie Moyer? The Rockies have offered a contract to Jamie Moyer? Yes, because Bryn Smith wasn't available (rim shot). OK, it's a minor-league contract offer, but it's still an offer. It's not quite accurate to call Moyer "ageless," but at 49, it's close. The Rockies are a few months from beginning their 20th season."

Report: Rockies offer Moyer contract

January 17

CSN Philly

"Troy Renck of the Denver Post (via MLB Trade Rumors) has reported that the Rockies have offered former Phillie Jamie Moyer a minor league contract and an invitation to their major league spring training camp. Signing the contract would give the the 49-year-old lefthander an opportunity to share his wisdom with a youthful rotation and perhaps work his way back to the majors. Prior to signing with Colorado, Moyer spent the last four years of his career in Philadelphia, winning a World Series with the team in 2008."

Rockies trade Smith to Oakland for two pitchers; offer deal to Jamie Moyer

January 17

Denver Post

"Seth Smith spent the winter in wonderland. On Monday, the questions and uncertainty ended. With the outfielder viewed as a luxury item after the signing of free agent Michael Cuddyer, the Rockies traded Smith to the Oakland Athletics for right-hander Guillermo Moscoso and left-hander Josh Outman?. The Rockies are also closing in on signing 49-year-old starter Jamie Moyer to a minor-league deal, while continuing to explore trades for a second baseman. Smith joins a battery of players jettisoned this winter — Huston Street, Ty Wigginton, Chris Iannetta and Ian Stewart — as the Rockies continue to add pitchers and deliberately change the clubhouse mix."

Rockies need better pitching to compete in NL West

January 15

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"There are moments that create pause, literally placing the chin in the palm. Jumped in the car last week, flipped on the radio and there was Morrissey crooning as I drove to speak to the Optimists Club. The Minister of Mope is not exactly Knute Rockne. The contradiction, of course, made me think of baseball. In this, their 20th season, the Rockies have declared it the "Year of the Fan." It comes at a time when their followers are growing increasingly frustrated with the team. Year of the Fan? If the Rockies are going to contend this season, it better be the Year of the Arm. It's deliciously ironic that in Year 20 the Rockies have come full circle. Their lineup is loaded, a combination of"

Agent: Charges against Rockies' Drew Pomeranz dismissed

January 14

Denver Post

"Disturbing the peace charges were dismissed against the Rockies' Drew Pomeranz on Friday regarding an October incident in Oxford, Miss., according to the pitcher's agent. Pomeranz, the centerpiece of the Ubaldo Jimenez? trade July 30, was arrested Oct. 14 after leaving a bar with friends. Pomeranz immediately hired an attorney to contest the charges. Thursday's legal decision removes an unwanted distraction for the 23-year-old who's being counted on to make the Rockies' rotation. Pomeranz went 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA last season in four September starts. "Focused on baseball and looking forward to spring training," Pomeranz tweeted Thursday. After the incident in Oxford, where he was a college"

Rockies' Blackmon turns from books back to big league career

January 13

Denver Post

"harlie Blackmon spent his life earning attention, but never like this. After spending three years in the minor leagues, a bad break created good fortune, allowing the Rockies' outfielder to finish his degree at Georgia Tech. As the Rockies were finishing up their season, Blackmon, sidelined with a fractured left foot, returned to the Atlanta and signed up for a 16-hour course load. "I was the old guy on campus with the pea green scooter (for his foot)," Blackmon said Thursday. "It was a little different.""

Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez should be fine by spring training, publicist says

January 12

Denver Post

"When healthy, Carlos Gonzalez has proved to be one of the National League's top players. Without him last season, the Rockies were exposed, losing games and ultimately hope. After missing 33 games with multiple injuries to his right wrist, Gonzalez has healed this winter and will arrive at spring training with no limitations. "That's what we've been told," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said."

Rockies' Nicasio facing hitters, remains on track to compete in spring

January 10

Denver Post

"While the lack of a veteran starting pitcher has left many Rockies fans uneasy about the team's rotation, the progress of Juan Nicasio has been a bright spot. The right-hander's remarkable recovery from a broken neck has continued in the Dominican Republic. Five months after a line drive off his head and a subsequent fall broke his C1 vertebra, Nicasio has begun facing hitters, leaving him on pace to compete for a rotation spot in spring training."

Contract details on Casey Blake, Aaron Cook

January 10

Denver Post

"The idea that Casey Blake could play a significant role for the Rockies is hinted at in his new contract. Blake's deal provides insurance for the Rockies at third base and $1 million in incentives for the player if he becomes a starter. Aaron Cook's deal with the Red Sox, meanwhile, is equipped with escape clauses if he's not added to their 25-man roster by June 1. The Rockies announced Blake's signing on the day they introduced free agent Michael Cuddyer. Blake has a one-year, non-guaranteed, $2-million deal. He can make an additional $1 million with regular playing time, according to contract information obtained by The Denver Post. Blake will make an additional $200,000 for 350 plate"

Red Sox sign Cook to minor league deal

January 10

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox continue to build their arsenal of pitchers to compete for rotation spots and pitching depth, signing former Colorado Rockies righthander Aaron Cook yesterday. Cook, who will be 33 next month, will have his physical in Boston tomorrow and if he passes he will sign a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. If he makes the major league roster, his salary will be $1.55 million."

Kevin Millwood not a primary option for Rockies' rotation

January 9

Denver Post

"The Rockies' chances of re-signing right-hander Kevin Millwood nosedived last month with the acquisition of Kevin Slowey, leaving little room in the budget for the veteran. Before the trade for Slowey at the winter meetings, the Rockies made a push to bring back Millwood, a stabilizing force over the season's final two months. But their offer of a guaranteed $1 million with incentives to roughly double the deal was rebuffed as Millwood eyed a contract in the $3 million range after his strong finish."

Larry Walker is more Rockies royalty than Hall of Famer

January 8

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"Larry Walker? didn't get my vote. Perhaps that's where we should start the debate. Filling out my first Hall of Fame ballot was a welcomed challenge. Writers often lament the task, practically on pins and needles because of the pins and needles of baseball's steroid era. I enjoy the responsibility and have no problem with the criticism that will come from my ballot. Walker was a great player who had a terrific career, including nearly a decade with the Rockies. He should be celebrated and eventually have his number retired by the Rockies (but only after Todd Helton?). Walker just wasn't dominant long enough, his career unfilled because of injuries and a lack of passion. I have never"

Jason Giambi adds dad, role model to his résumé

January 8

Denver Post

"Jason Giambi doesn't sleep much these days. Bottles surround him. But filled only with milk. Giambi has evolved from the mother of all party boys to a doting first-time father at age 41. The Rockies first baseman smiles when talking about wife Kristian and 8-week-old daughter London Shay. "I can't even put it into words the joy," Giambi said after a recent workout. "I am helping with the feeding, changing diapers, trying to do it all. I have never done anything halfway, whether it's playing or going out. I will be 100 percent committed to my daughter. You owe that to your child and yourself." The idea of Giambi — known as "G" to his friends and teammates — being a dad seemed unimaginable"

Former top prospect Reynolds dealt to Rangers

January 6

Denver Post

"As the Rockies nose-dived in September, general manager Dan O'Dowd admitted the team has to draft better. This winter has been a painful reminder of missed picks, continuing Thursday as the Rockies traded pitcher Greg Reynolds?, the No. 2 overall selection in 2006, to the Rangers for minor-league first baseman Chad Tracy?, son of manager Jim Tracy. "This was in Greg's best interest," O'Dowd said. "It gives him a fresh start. And for us, we get a kid who can hit and create some depth at first base in Triple-A.""

Rockies trade Greg Reynolds for Chad Tracy, shipping off another first-rounder

January 6

Denver Post

"As the Rockies nosedived in the standings last September, general manager Dan O'Dowd admitted that the team has to draft better to contend consistently. This winter has been a painful reminder of missed picks, continuing Thursday as the Rockies traded pitcher Greg Reynolds, the No. 2 overall selection in 2006, for minor league first baseman Chad Tracy?, son of manager Jim Tracy. "This was in Greg's best interest," general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "It gives him a fresh start. And for us, we get a kid who can hit and create some depth at first base in Triple-A.""

Rangers acquire RHP Greg Reynolds from Rockies

January 6

Dallas Morning News

"The Texas Rangers have acquired right-handed pitcher Greg Reynolds from Colorado in exchange for infielder Chad Tracy. Reynolds has been assigned to Round Rock (AAA). Reynolds, 26, was selected second overall by Colorado in the 2006 MLB first-year player draft. He had five separate stints in the majors last season, going 3-0 with a 6.19 ERA in 13 games for Colorado. He spent the rest of the season at Colorado Springs (AAA), going 6-7 with a 6.81 ERA in 19 games/starts."

Dealing Seth Smith would help pay for pitching

January 5

Denver Post

"While outfielder Seth Smith? remains a coveted commodity, the Atlanta Braves?' interest has cooled, according to a major-league source with the direct knowledge of the talks. The Braves are unwilling to move infielder Martin Prado?, the Rockies' desired target, without an accompanying move to add infield depth. Always a longshot to land Braves pitcher Jair Jurrjens?, Colorado is not pursuing the right-hander and was never a serious suitor. With six weeks remaining until spring training, the Rockies are focusing on minor trades while continuing to canvas for rotation help."

Rockies' Seth Smith to Atlanta Braves trade talk cools

January 5

Denver Post

"While outfielder Seth Smith remains a coveted commodity, the Atlanta Braves?' interest has cooled, according to a major league source with the direct knowledge of the talks. The Braves are unwilling to move infielder Martin Prado?, the Rockies' desired target, without an accompanying move to add infield depth. Always a longshot to land Braves pitcher Jair Jurrjens?, Colorado is not pursuing the right-hander, and was never a serious suitor. With six weeks remaining until spring training, the Rockies are currently focusing on minor trades while continuing to canvas for rotation help."

LeMahieu eager for first opportunity at 2B

January 4

Denver Post

"When the Rockies open Salt River Fields for workouts in two weeks, DJ LeMahieu will be there when the key turns in the lock. The Rockies' vacancy sign at second base screams opportunity, and he's determined not to miss a rep. "I will be standing right there," said LeMahieu, a Michigan native, who lives just 10 minutes from the Rockies' spring training facility in Scottsdale, Ariz. "To hear that a team really wants you is exciting. Colorado is a great place to play and hit.""

Mets sign SS Omar Quintanilla, who drew 50-game suspension in 2010 after testing positive for banned substance

January 4

New York Daily News

"The Mets on Tuesday signed a potential backup for shortstop Ruben Tejada — but the new acquisition will haul performance-enhancing drug related baggage to Port St. Lucie next month. Omar Quintanilla, inked to a minor league deal with an invitation to big-league spring training, is a 30-year-old middle infielder who has played for Colorado and Texas. A career .213 hitter in parts of six major-league seasons, Quintanilla was 1-for-23 last year with the Rangers. While playing for Colorado's Triple-A team in 2010, he drew a 50-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, the stimulant Methylhexaneamine."

Rockies source says Cody Ross rumors "absolutely not true"

December 29

Denver Post

"'Tis the season for speculation and rumors in baseball. One that popped up in recent days has the Rockies involved in contract talks with free agent outfielder Cody Ross. The idea intrigued me. With Troy Renck, our Rockies beat writer, on vacation, I decided to find out for myself. So I asked around making some calls to contacts I had when I worked the beat. Here's what I found. An excellent Rockies source said: "There is absolutely no truth to the Cody Ross stories. The Rockies have always liked Cody as a player but we have no fit at all in our outfield.""

Only fair to give Rockies some props in Hall voting

December 23

Denver Post

columnist Dave Krieger

"Strangely, the year before the Baseball Hall of Fame's year of the steroid abuser is the year of the Rockie. Three of them appear on the ballot for the class of 2012, constituting 11 percent of the nominees. Actually, four, or 15 percent, if you count Dale Murphy?, but let's not. It seems safe to assume that even Murphy would just as soon forget the season that proved even altitude can't save the hitter who can no longer hit. The Rockies and the steroid abusers have one thing in common — baseball traditionalists, most of them back East, don't believe the numbers of either group are legitimate."

To Minnesota from former Twin Michael Cuddyer: Thank you

December 22

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Michael Cuddyer had been writing a weekly column for foxsportsnorth.com to share his thoughts and experiences while a member of the Twins. Now a member of the Colorado Rockies, Cuddyer wrote his final column as a tribute to all the people he wanted to thank. It showed just how classy a guy he is. Here is Cuddyer, excerpted from that final column ... On Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and other managers and coaches in the organization: "Thank you for teaching me how to play baseball at the professional level. Thank you for teaching me how to be a man at the professional level. If it were not for your knowledge, your caring, your tough love and your professionalism, I would not be the player or"