Rockies Trade Rumors

"The Rockies are actively trying to acquire Red Sox reliever Julian Tavarez, according to a source close to the talks. The Red Sox designated the right-hander for assignment Monday to clear a roster spot for first baseman Sean Casey. The Rockies have been talking with Boston about the 34-year-old Tavarez for more than a week but cooled when the asking price got too high. Now that Tavarez is in limbo — the Red Sox have nine days to trade or release him — the discussions are heating up, with a deal possibly within reach in the next few days. "

"Craig Hansen and Manny Delcarmen were eating lunch in the restaurant in their hotel yesterday when they spotted Julian Tavarez making the rounds. He was saying his good-byes to teammates on the Red Sox, heading out after being designated for assignment. That was when Hansen realized he was staying...The Sox have been talking trade with teams, including the Rockies, who believe Boston is asking too much for the starter/reliever."

"The biggest question lingering in the Red Sox clubhouse following Sunday night’s loss to the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome was who would be leaving. Yesterday, the answer arrived: Julian Tavarez. After 101 appearances with the Red Sox, the right-hander was designated for assignment to make room for first baseman Sean Casey, who was activated off the 15-day disabled list and started in last night’s series finale...The Sox engaged in trade talks for Tavarez with Colorado, as well as two other teams, but couldn’t come to terms by the time Casey was activated. It still is likely he will be dealt before the deadline."

"I just don't understand the Rockies' love affair with Julian Tavarez. I cringe every time his name comes up in a trade. He's an OK pitcher who is a little crazed in the head, and he's a headhunter. Do the Rockies really want a player with such erratic behavior? I don't. What's your take? -- Robert Reinhardt, Denver Robert - Perhaps "love affair" is a little strong. More like a summer romance. The Rockies like Tavarez for myriad reasons: He had success for the Rockies in 2000, is versatile enough to start or relieve, and is relatively cheap. If it makes you feel better, trade talks for Tavarez are currently dead. Any deal would involve a minor leaguer. With Greg Reynolds' respectable debut, the Rockies are in a holding pattern regarding trade talks. "

"The Sox are still talking with the Rockies about a deal for reliever Julian Tavarez. The talks, reported by the Denver Post last week, remain active, according to a major league source with knowledge of the situation. With Bartolo Colon making progress in his rehab assignment in Pawtucket, the Sox might be trying to find a spot for Colon, though Francona told reporters this week that the Sox were not considering using Colon in relief."

"Julian Tavarez remained with the Red Sox yesterday, which is fine with him. “Whatever I get, I’ll take it,” said the reliever, who pitched in his first game since April 24 last night against the Tigers. No advancements in trade talks regarding Tavarez were made yesterday between the Red Sox and Colorado Rockies. The Rockies remain interested in acquiring the 34-year-old to help their struggling rotation. “If you let me pick, I’ll say I want to start,” Tavarez said before allowing three runs on four hits in one inning of relief during the Sox’ 10-9 loss. “But to me, I’m the kind of guy who will do anything for my team."

" The Colorado Rockies, searching for some help for their starting rotation, were reportedly told by the A's that Joe Blanton isn't going anywhere right now. Colorado has inquired about a number of starting pitchers recently, including Oakland right-handers Blanton and Rich Harden, Texas' Kevin Millwood, Cincinnati's Josh Fogg and Boston's Julian Tavarez. The Denver Post reported that the Rockies were told by Oakland that Blanton, their preferred A's pitcher, is currently not available."

"The Colorado Rockies are pursuing depth for their pitching rotation, and officials there have their eye on Josh Fogg, The Denver Post reported Monday. The Rockies are seeking a player to stabilize their rotation until next month, when Franklin Morales, Greg Reynolds and the hurt Jason Hirsh are prepared to contribute. The Post said Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd is looking for one pitcher "for six or seven starts." Fogg, who has about $1.2 million left on his deal, won 10 games last season for the Rockies and is well-liked there, The Post said. Reds fans aren't so enamored. Fogg is 1-2 with a 9.27 ERA in seven games."

"While they wait for internal options to heal their wounds and fix their mechanics, the Rockies are actively pursuing depth for their rotation, discussing trades with the Reds for Josh Fogg and the Red Sox for Julian Tavarez. The Rockies also have kicked the tires on Oakland's Rich Harden and Joe Blanton and Texas' Kevin Millwood. Harden is hurt, limiting interest; Blanton is currently not available. And while the Rangers will listen on Millwood, they want the right players in return, not salary relief. The Rockies' motivation is shaped by their need."

"Looking to add depth following Troy Tulowitzki's left quad injury, the Rockies are pursuing free agent Juan Castro. The Cincinnati Reds recently designated Castro, 35, for assignment. He is considered a terrific fielder with great hands, but hasn't hit much. Castro did bat .284 for the Reds in 2006 in 54 games. "We have talked to the Rockies," agent Oscar Suarez confirmed to The Denver Post late Thursday night. "

"The Juan Castro sweepstakes kicked into high gear Thursday as the veteran utility infielder with the commanding clubhouse presence officially became a free agent eight days after he was designated for assignment by Cincinnati. But while Castro was said to still be leaning toward the Dodgers, the fact Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki suffered a quadriceps injury earlier this week that is expected to sideline him for two to three months suddenly changed the landscape. The Rockies quickly joined a mix of clubs that included the Dodgers, San Diego and Baltimore. "

"The Rockies are interested in left-hander Jorge De La Rosa, if he clears waivers, as the player to be determined in last Wednesday’s trade that brought Ramirez to the Royals. That suggests the Rockies want De La Rosa to pitch in the minors."

" Reds veteran left-hander Mike Stanton or Rockies lefty Brian Fuentes may be available, but the price tag for Fuentes would figure to be high. The Phillies have also flirted previously with veteran lefty reliever Steve Kline, who is not assured of a job with the Giants. And San Francisco may be shopping for an infielder after utility man Kevin Frandsen ruptured his Achilles' tendon. Wes Helms, anyone?"

"Marcus Giles, a player the Dodgers have expressed interest in, could become available soon because the Colorado Rockies are planning on releasing him. But the Dodgers have doubts about his ability to play third, a position he played only nine times in the majors."

"The Dodgers don't appear to have a strong interest in veteran second baseman Marcus Giles, who is expected to become a free agent in the next few days after it became apparent there wouldn't be a spot for him on Colorado's Opening Day roster."

"Reds veteran left-hander Mike Stanton or Rockies lefty Brian Fuentes may be available, but the pricetag for Fuentes would figure to be high. The Phillies also have flirted previously with veteran lefty reliever Steve Kline, who is not assured of a job with the Giants."

"The Dodgers continue to indicate they will try to fill those holes from within. The Dodgers and Colorado Rockies have had brief conversations regarding former All-Star Marcus Giles but Joe Bick, Giles' agent, said Monday evening that a deal did not appear likely."

"The Rockies moved closer to finalizing their rotation Sunday by shifting Kip Wells to the bullpen, and all but declared Jayson Nix the starter at second base by cutting ties with Marcus Giles. Technically, the Giles matter remains unresolved, but the Rockies are attempting to trade him to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Giles told teammates goodbye after the Rockies' 8-2 victory over the Dodgers at Hi Corbett Field. He is pulling for a trade, revealing that he would not accept a Triple-A assignment. "

"Veteran second baseman Marcus Giles, signed to a minor league contract, said he was told Sunday he will not make the team. There were indications he will be given a chance to make another team. The Los Angeles Dodgers have shown some interest in light of injuries that have sidelined second baseman Jeff Kent (hamstring) and their two third base candidates, Andy LaRoche (torn right wrist ligament) and Nomar Garciaparra (broken bone in his right hand)."

"General manager Dan O'Dowd made one thing clear Saturday: He has no plans to trade infielder Clint Barmes. He wasn't quite as definitive about talk that the club is open to moving Sullivan or reliever Ramon Ramirez."

"Garrett Atkins retrieved messages on his iPhone Tuesday morning in a corner of the clubhouse. If you are a young Rockies player these days, it never hurts to check for calls from your agent to make sure the team hasn't offered a contract."

"While a smattering of Rockies got a jump on spring training Thursday, reliever Brian Fuentes was in St. Petersburg, Fla., pleading his case in salary arbitration."

"The Rockies cleaned up their arbitration cases Thursday. While arguing the case of left- handed pitcher Brian Fuentes before a three-person panel in Florida, the Rockies finalized a contract agreement with outfielder Brad Hawpe, their only other remaining arbitration case."

"If the Rockies have expressed interested in re-signing Josh Fogg, it's news to him. "I haven't heard anything. They haven't talked to us. Until they call, it's probably not a possibility," Fogg said Monday night. Fogg is hoping for resolution quickly with spring training reporting dates approaching. "

"The Rockies will reach contract agreements with Brad Hawpe and Garrett Atkins soon, while going to an arbitration hearing with Brian Fuentes. . . . Oakland's asking price for pitcher Joe Blanton is steep."

"Prediction: the Rockies will reach contract agreements with Brad Hawpe and Garrett Atkins soon, while going to an arbitration hearing with Brian Fuentes."

"Typically a pitcher's future is connected to his success against hitters. Josh Fogg, however, has seen his winter tied to fellow starters. With the Erik Bedard trade to Seattle expected to be finalized, the Orioles have expressed interest in the right-hander, joining Minnesota among his recent suitors."

"The Rockies continue to negotiate with their three arbitration players, Garrett Atkins, Brian Fuentes and Brad Hawpe in hopes of avoiding a hearing. Atkins and Hawpe have later hearing dates this month, buying some more time for contract talks."

"The winter free-agent market is starting to thaw for Josh Fogg. The Minnesota Twins contacted Fogg's agent Thursday, and appear serious about adding the veteran right-hander if the Johan Santana deal goes through with the New York Mets."

"The Rockies informed left-hander Brian Anderson they weren’t interested in signing him. Anderson, 35, is trying to come back from two major elbow operations and last pitched in the majors in May 2005."

"Looking to extend their pattern of locking up young players, the Rockies have continued talking with the agent for outfielder Brad Hawpe regarding a long-term contract. Hawpe is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time and stands to receive a huge raise regardless of whether his case goes to a hearing next month or not."

"The Rockies are finalizing details that will give Podsednik a chance to regain a big-league job, a major league source said Tuesday. Podsednik has a tentative agreement with the Rockies on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to big- league spring training, where he will bid for a backup job to center fielder Willy Taveras."

"It does not appear much progress has been made on a multiyear deal for right fielder Brad Hawpe. The Rockies are likely to focus on trying to reach a one-year deal with Hawpe before an arbitration hearing with the hope it eventually could serve as the first step in a multiyear deal."

"In the wake of Troy Tulowitzki's six-year, $31 million deal, the team is exploring the idea of making significant commitments to closer Manny Corpas and Brad Hawpe, while plotting its strategy with star Matt Holliday."

"Meanwhile, Jeff Blank, agent for third baseman Garrett Atkins, said he did have discussions with the Rockies on a multiyear deal last year, but the two sides could not agree on the financial terms. 'Garrett loves being a Rockie, loves his teammates, and loves the Denver area,' Blank wrote in an e-mail. "

"Next up for the Rockies is right fielder Brad Hawpe. The agent for Hawpe said today he has had initial discussions about a possible multi-year deal for Hawpe. However, Dan Horwits emphasized his discussions with Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd have been preliminary."

"Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki took a physical and MRI exam in Denver on Monday, the final hurdle to finalizing a historic six-year, $30 million contract with a $15 million club option for 2014. An announcement is likely today, given that Tulowitzki is leaving town on Wednesday. "

"He’s expected to complete the final portion of the physical today, and assuming nothing unexpected arises, the Rockies will finalize an agreement with Tulowitzki on a six-year contract that includes a club option on a seventh year and is valued at about $31 million."

"Only a physical examination stands between Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and a six-year, $30 million contract extension, MLB.com reported today. Tulowitzki's deal also would include a club option for 2013."

"Only the ironing out of small details stands in the way of a historic contract with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. In a deal first reported in The Denver Post, the Rockies and Tulowitzki have agreed to the parameters of a six-year, $30 million contract with a club option for a seventh season, the largest given a big leaguer with less than two years' experience. "

"The Rockies and the agent for shortstop Troy Tulowitzki are expected to begin "intense" negotiations next week in an attempt to finalize a potentially historic long-term contract. Tulowitzki stands to make around $30 million over six years based on the parameters discussed to date. A six-year contract would buy out the first year of Tulowitzki's free agency in 2013."

"Memo to Matt Holliday: Happy birthday, bubba. Make that a belated happy birthday. The shoulda-been National League MVP turned 28 on Tuesday. I know what you're thinking. If only the Monfort Bros. had gift-wrapped him a long-term deal that would ensure his presence in LoDo for years to come. For the record, they thought about it. But the offer they were considering — four years, $60 million — wouldn't have gotten them past "Thanks, but no" from super-agent Scott Boras. "

"A main offseason priority was to attempt to secure all-star outfielder Matt Holliday with a long-term contract. Monfort indicated there has been no progress on that front. "I don't know if we will be able to sign him (long term)," Monfort said. "It could always happen during the year, I guess, but that's a distraction and we can't have that. The chance of him becoming a free agent increases with each year that passes." "

"Trying to find common ground in salary arbitration becomes more difficult when players aren't so common. The Rockies have gone to a hearing only twice in franchise history, but general manager Dan O'Dowd indicated that they could double that figure in February. Colorado has five players eligible for arbitration — Matt Holliday, Brian Fuentes, Garrett Atkins, Brad Hawpe and Willy Taveras — and all are in line for huge raises. "

"With a month before pitchers and catchers report, Colorado's troll for another insurance arm will include a look at Brian Anderson."

"Krivsky will not name names. But it's believed that the Reds have been in contact with right-hander Josh Fogg."

"Rookie Jayson Nix has the inside shot at the Rockies' second-base job. But for insurance, the Rockies will bring major league veteran Marcus Giles to spring training, the Rocky Mountain News has learned. Giles agreed to terms of a nonguaranteed deal, but it won't be finalized until he passes a physical, which he will undergo in Denver next week."

"Creating competition will be a common thread as the Rockies iron out their final roster wrinkles before the start of spring training. Free agent Marcus Giles is emerging as a strong possibility to push rookie Jayson Nix for the second base job. Josh Towers and, to a lesser degree, Victor Zambrano are targets to provide pitching depth. Giles' preference is to sign with the Rockies. "

"With the addition of reliever Luis Vizcaino, pending a physical, the Rockies have protection if they want to listen to offers for setup man Brian Fuentes. The Rockies made him available during the winter meetings but wanted a major-league starting pitcher and reliever in return. The Houston Astros, New York Mets and Atlanta Braves expressed interest. The Mets were the most serious, offering Aaron Heilman."

"And free-agent reliever Luis Vizcaino is reportedly close to making a decision on his next team, and the Rockies are still in the hunt. Vizcaino, 33, is expected to receive a multi-year deal after rejecting a one-year contract through salary arbitration with the Yankees."