Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Atkins future uncertain, Rox want to keep Barmes

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November 20

Denver Post

"Clint Barmes represents the future, the Rockies initiating discussions on a multiyear contract this week. Garrett Atkins represents the past, though the Rockies will not release him today when 40-man rosters are set, providing additional time to work out a trade. "I know that I will be on another team next year," Atkins said Thursday. "And I am just getting ready to have a good season." Atkins, who drove in 48 runs in 354 at-bats this year, lost his starting job at third base to Ian Stewart."

Reward a done deal for Rockies manager Tracy

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November 19

Denver Post

"He was too low profile for Los Angeles, too hamstrung in Pittsburgh. But Jim Tracy found the right place and the right team when he jumped into the Rockies' cockpit on May 29. He steered Colorado to the playoffs, executing one of baseball's most amazing U-turns. The accomplishment netted security and praise Wednesday as Tracy, 53, agreed to a three-year contract and won the National League manager of the year award. "This is probably as flattering an experience as I have had in my career in professional athletics," Tracy said. "Obviously, the new deal is exciting. And so is this honor. But I didn't win this by myself. This isn't about me. It's about the organization." Terms of Tracy's new ..."

Marquis calls Mets 'perfect fit'

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November 18

New York Post

"Jeff Francoeur wasn't kidding when he told The Post this summer that free-agent right hander Jason Marquis badly wants to be a Met in 2010. Marquis backed that up this week, telling The Post he considers the Mets "a perfect fit" while expressing his admiration both for their lineup and Citi Field. "It would always be nice to come back home and represent your hometown [as a member of the Mets]," said Marquis, who grew up in Staten Island and still lives there. "This is where I'm from, so to come back here and play in front of friends and family would be an honor." As much as the 2009 All-Star wants to pitch for the Mets, the interest would have to be mutual. A source said the Mets like ..."

Rockies' strategy with Betancourt risky, yet clever

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November 16

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"Didn't agree. Not one bit. When the Rockies declined reliever Rafael Betancourt's $5 million option last week, making him a free agent, I cringed. Betancourt was a stabilizing force in the bullpen, pulseless under pressure, the man responsible for the biggest outs of the season in a Sept. 16 victory over the Giants. Betancourt, not a Rockie? I don't like it. But here's what's different from in years past. General manager Dan O'Dowd is Major League Baseball's executive of the year. Living in the present, he deserves the benefit of the doubt. He's taking a calculated risk, one that has worked for him during the past 12 months. Exactly 12 months ago, he shipped off Matt Holliday, the team's ..."

No sure deal for Betancourt

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November 14

Denver Post

"The Rockies announced Friday that they declined the $5 million contract option for right-handed reliever Rafael Betancourt. The move, which was not unexpected, makes Betancourt a free agent, meaning he can negotiate with any team. However, general manager Dan O'Dowd has made it clear the Rockies will continue to try to work out a deal with Betancourt. Ideally, that would be a two-year deal, spreading salary over both seasons. "We did not exercise the option, but we will continue to negotiate with Rafael," O'Dowd said in a statement."

Rockies O'Dowd in no rush to make Hawpe trade

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November 11

Denver Post

"The Rockies' outfield is crowded with talent. The emergence of Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Seth Smith has made all-star Brad Hawpe expendable. Maybe. General manager Dan O'Dowd made it clear Tuesday that while he will listen to trade offers for Hawpe, he is not actively shopping the right fielder. "There is a difference between listening and attempting to move a player," O'Dowd said. "Last year at this time, we were attempting to move Matt (Holliday). But we aren't pushing to move Brad." Hawpe, entering the final year of his contract, will make $7.5 million in 2010. The Rockies hold the option for 2011. Hawpe hit .285, including 23 homers and 86 RBIs, last season. He was named to ..."

Around the majors

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November 10

SI.com

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"• Andy Pettitte has indicated to teammates that he is leaning toward returning to the Yankees for one more year. If they need it for further convincing, one of the Yankees' sales points will be that 10-15 more wins will aid his Hall of Fame candidacy. • The Phillies are expected to try to lock up Cliff Lee, though with a year to go before free agency, they'll be looking at something less than nine figures. • While the Phillies declined the option on defensively adept third baseman Pedro Feliz for $5.5 million, they're interested in bringing him back at a slightly lower figure. • The Red Sox will still consider Alex Gonzalez after declining his $6 million option and also look at free agent ..."

Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops

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November 9

MLB.com

"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."

Rockies say goodbye to Fogg, keep working on deal with Betancourt

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November 8

Denver Post

"The Rockies' bullpen remains a fluid situation as the team negotiates with top setup man Rafael Betancourt. While it's unclear whether Betancourt will be back and at what price — the team has approached him about a multiyear deal — Josh Fogg won't be. Fogg confirmed Saturday that the team has told him it is moving in a different direction. Fogg worked as a long-relief man in the bullpen after earning a midseason promotion from Triple-A. He posted a 3.74 ERA in 24 games. He's a popular figure among his teammates and was a key member of the 2007 World Series club. The Rockies have a week to decide whether to pick up Betancourt's $5 million option."

Rockies sign relievers Flores, Belisle

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November 6

Denver Post

"The Rockies didn't waste any time making sure they have some depth in their bullpen for the 2010 season. The club announced today that it agreed to one-year major-league contracts with right-hander Matt Belisle and left-hander reliever Randy Flores. The Rockies still must decided if they will pick up the $5.4 million club option for set-up man Rafael Betancourt. The Rockies could also offer Betancourt a two-year deal, spreading out the right-hander's salary over two years. The Rockies also are exploring a long-term deal with closer Huston Street. Belisle, 29, emerged as a reliable bullpen presence late in the season. He had three stints with the Rockies and spent much of the season at ..."

Time to Work on Roster

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November 4

InsideTheRockies.com

"Next week the Rockies have decisions to make on options for three players. What would you do? The pending options: C Yorvit Torrealba, $500,000 buyout on option of $4.0 million). LHP Alan Embree $250,000 buyout on option of $3.0 million). RHP Rafael Betancourt no buyout on $5.4 million option. My move would be to rework Betancourt and try to get a two-year deal with a possible buyout for a third year that would lower the annual salary but provide him more security."

Clint Hurdle a finalist for Rangers' hitting job

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October 30

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"Watching words spill out of Ozzie Guillen's mouth on the Fox TV set down the left-field line brought back memories. Former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle was a lot of things to a lot of people - nobody was more charitable or gracious with his time in the community. Back to Thursday night, Hurdle, like Guillen, is a talker. Sometimes charming. Sometimes angry. Always offering an opinion. At his baseball core, however, Hurdle is a teacher. So it wasn't a surprise to learn that he's one of four finalists for the Texas Rangers' hitting instructor job. Hurdle has told people close to him that he wants back into coaching. And this could be an ideal landing spot. Fired after the Rockies stumbled ..."

Rockies' Tracy named NL manager of year

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October 22

Denver Post

"In 2009, the Rockies' Jim Tracy became the managers' manager. Wednesday, Tracy was named Sporting News' National League manager of the year. Tracy was selected by a panel of 22 major-league managers. The Angels' Mike Scioscia received the award in the American League. "This is flattering, but I really believe this honor belongs to the entire Rockies organization," Tracy said Wednesday night from his home outside of Pittsburgh. "Our owners, Dick and Charlie Monfort, and (general manager) Dan O'Dowd and his entire staff made this happen. And as I've said many times, I had a love affair with our players this year. There is nothing false about me saying that.""

Rockies to sign Tracy, O'Dowd to long-term deals

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October 20

Denver Post

"Jim Tracy has returned to Pennsylvania to attend to some projects around his house, but he could return to Denver later this week to sign a multiyear deal as the Rockies' manager. On Monday, a major-league source close to the situation said the Rockies will first hammer out a new multiyear contract with general manager Dan O'Dowd. That deal should be worked out in the next few days, the source said, clearing the way to finalize Tracy's deal. The Rockies are also expected to invite the entire coaching staff to return in the same roles: bench coach Tom Runnells, pitching coach Bob Apodaca, first-base coach Glenallen Hill, third-base coach Rich Dauer, hitting coach Don Baylor and bullpen ..."

Hawpe Not On Market

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October 19

InsideTheRockies.com

"Brad Hawpe found himself watching more than playing in the post-season for the Rockies. He, however, remains a key part in the Rockies long-range planning. Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has been surprised by media reports that the Rockies will look to trade Hawpe, a 2009 All-Star, who struggled in the second half of the season. He started Game 1 of the NL Division Series against Philadelphia, but was limited to one pinch-hit appearance in the final three games. "The Rockies understand the value of Brad Hawpe on the field and off," said O'Dowd. "We have no desire to move him at all. He has leadership ability and a commitment to the approach we feel is important for a team's success." ..."

Rockies' De La Rosa to learn postseason fate Tuesday

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October 5

Denver Post

"After 16 victories, after anchoring the rotation for four months, Jorge De La Rosa's postseason fate will come down to how well he throws in a side session Tuesday in Philadelphia. If his left groin injury responds well, he will likely start Game 3 Saturday in Coors Field. If not, he will be left off the division playoff roster. "If he's able to throw a bullpen, there's a good chance he factors into the mix. But we don't have a definite answer yet," manager Jim Tracy said."

Injured De La Rosa leaves in fourth inning

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October 4

Denver Post

"The sight of left-handed starter Jorge De La Rosa leaving the mound with training Keith Dugger could be a devastating moment in the Rockies' season. The initial report from the Rockies duout was that De La Rosa suffered a strained right groin. De La Rosa, who leads the club with 16 victories, was humming along tonight, striking out four Dodgers and allowing no hits in the first three innings. But facing Rafael Furcal in the bottom of the fourth, De La Rosa stopped after throwing two pitches and bent over on the mound, in obvious discomfort."

Jason eyeing NY homecoming

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September 22

New York Post

"Jason Marquis apparently holds no grudge toward the Mets for their lack of interest in him last winter. Jeff Francoeur told The Post yesterday that Marquis, whom he considers a close friend, desperately wants to pitch for the Mets next season, even as the veteran right-hander focuses on helping the Rockies clinch a wild-card berth. "He'd love to come here," Francoeur -- who indicated Marquis broached the subject to him and David Wright earlier this month when the Mets played at Colorado -- said before last night's 11-3 Atlanta win at Citi Field. "He'd be a great fit. He's from Staten Island. He's a New York type of guy. He'll probably be coming off the best season he's ever had." The ..."

Cook works out, holds out hope for 2009 return

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September 14

Denver Post

"Aaron Cook knows the plan. He also knows it's not written in ink. The Rockies right-hander threw a 25-pitch side session Sunday at Petco Park and still believes he will pitch again in a major-league game this season, though it's not currently mapped out that way. "That's my goal," said Cook, out since Aug. 22 with a strained right shoulder. "I understand they are trying to be cautious, but I believe I will be in a big-league game based on how I feel right now." Manager Jim Tracy explained Saturday that Cook would go to the instructional league, with no plan to have him return during the regular season. That would make it highly unlikely that Cook would be in the Rockies' playoff rotation. ..."

Street hoping waiting game helps him heal

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September 3

Denver Post

"His arm caked in ice, his right biceps tendon hooked up to an electronic stimulator, Huston Street contemplated what will become of his season. "Right now it's wait-and-see and hope the inflammation dies down a little bit," the Rockies closer said Wednesday night after biceps tendinitis prevented him from putting the finishing touches on the Rockies' 5-2 victory the Mets at Coors Field. "You sit back and hope that it gets better. That's how you have to deal with tendinitis." Street, lights out with 33 saves in 34 opportunities, said he hasn't had this injury before, at least not during the season. But he suspected something was wrong when he felt tightness in his arm before Wednesday's ..."

Rockies' interest in Penny fading

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August 28

Denver Post

"The Rockies' interest in Brad Penny is waning over concerns about how he would fit in their clubhouse. Penny, who asked for and received his release from the Red Sox, clears waivers Monday and wants to play for a contender. The Rangers, White Sox and Marlins are among those teams interested, according to multiple media reports. Colorado has a need for another a starter, and was intrigued by Penny this morning. But as the day progressed, there were doubts that the Penny experiment could work. The Rockies are very reluctant to disrupt their chemistry at this point, especially for someone who might only appear in a few games."

Cubs' Harden, Heilman claimed

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August 27

Foxsports.com

"If the Cubs want to point toward the future, this is their chance. Right-handed starter Rich Harden and right-handed reliever Aaron Heilman have been claimed on waivers, according to major-league sources. A National League team was awarded the claim on Heilman, one source said. The claiming team on Harden is not known, but presumably he did not get through the NL, either. Players must pass through their own league first before being exposed on waivers to teams in the other league. The Cubs will have until Monday afternoon to work out trades, allow Harden and Heilman to depart on claims or pull them back them from waivers. Of the two pitchers, Harden is far more intriguing. He is 3-1 with a ..."

Penny Looking for Work

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August 27

InsideTheRockies.com

"Boston put Brad Penny on waivers. He clears waivers on Monday. Penny has indicated an interest in signing with the Rockies. San Francisco is reportedly making a strong push for the right-hander. The Rockies do have a need for a fifth starter. Josh Fogg drew the assignment on Wednesday in place of injured Aaron Cook, but failed to make it out of the fourth inning. Rockies manager Jim Tracy had Penny when Tracy managed the Dodgers, where Penny was criticized by teammates and coaches for his lack of commitment both mentally and physically. If a team signed Penny on Monday afternoon, following clearing waivers, he would only cost $85,000 in salary, the pro-rated portion of the major-league ..."

At least 3 NL teams interested in Penny

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August 27

ESPN.com

"As Brad Penny, who was told by Boston Red Sox officials Wednesday night that he is being released, is being moved through waivers, at least three NL contenders -- the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants and Florida Marlins -- have expressed interest in the veteran right-hander, sources said. Those teams and any interested AL teams probably won't want to claim Penny off waivers, because the cost of Penny as short-term hire would be enormous. Penny is still owed about $1 million in salary for the rest of this season, and he has $500,000 in bonuses as he reaches 160 innings, 170 innings, 180 innings and then 190 innings. Penny has thrown 131 2/3 innings this season, which means that if he ..."

Penny should attract NL interest

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August 27

Foxsports.com

"Right-hander Brad Penny, released by the Red Sox on Wednesday night, could be a very popular man once he clears waivers on Monday. No team figures to claim Penny, who is owed more than $1 million by the Red Sox and is 28 1/3 innings away from cashing the first in a series of $500,000 incentives. However, once Penny is officially released, he will be available for a pro-rated portion of the minimum salary — the approximate price of a September call-up. Penny, 31, requested his release with the idea of joining a contender and building his value before he enters the free-agent market this off- season. His logical next step would be to return to the National League, where he had spent his ..."

LaTroy Hawkins placed on trade waivers

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August 25

Foxsports.com

"The Astros placed right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins on trade waivers Monday, a development that should snap the Rockies, Cardinals and Dodgers to attention. The Rockies, who have the worst record of the three, would get the first crack at Hawkins in the waiver process. Hawkins, owed less than $900,000 for the rest of the season, has held opponents to a .645 OPS in 48 2/3 innings."

Rockies confirm Giambi wanted for run

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August 24

MLB.com

"Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd's search for a left-handed bat in the season's final month drove him to pursue Jason Giambi, who is in the final stages of completing a Minor League deal with the Rockies."We've been looking for a left-handed bat to call up when rosters expand," O'Dowd said Sunday. "If Jason is healthy, he's coming."Giambi, 38, a former All-Star who was released by the Athletics on Aug. 7 after he slumped to .193 through 83 games, will play for Triple-A Colorado Springs to regain his swing, then join the Rockies when the roster expands to a limit of 40 on Sept. 1."This is a very good teammate, a guy who has been in the arena that we're in right now and gets that, which in ..."

Rockies to sign Ortiz; Giambi deal close

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August 23

MLB.com

"The Rockies will announce on Sunday the signing of veteran right-hander Russ Ortiz to a Minor League contract, and they're close to signing slugger Jason Giambi to a Minor League deal, a baseball official confirmed Saturday night.The two would represent veteran reinforcements for Colorado down the stretch run.Ortiz, 35, went 3-6 with a 5.57 ERA in 23 games, including 13 starts, with the Astros before being released. He signed a Minor league deal with the Yankees but opted out after going 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA without being promoted to the Majors.The signings would come before the Sept. 1 date to expand the rosters to 40. More importantly, with the Rockies leading the National League Wild ..."

Rockies trade for Washington reliever Beimel

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July 31

Denver Post

"The Rockies on Friday buoyed their bullpen by acquiring left-handed reliever Joe Beimel from the Washington Nationals. Beimel was packing up his things in Pittsburgh and was hoping to catch a flight to meet with the Rockies in Cincinnati tonight, according to his agent. "He's excited about this opportunity," Beimel's agent, Joe Sroba, told The Denver Post. "It's not like he was the last man standing. They tried to sign him in the offseason and have liked Joe for a long time. "He's anxious to be on a contending team again." Beimel this season is 1-5 with 3.40 in 45 relief appearances. He's known as a sinkerball pitcher who rarely allows a home run. In his nearly 40 innings pitched this ..."

Rivals' flurry of deals doesn't faze Rockies

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July 31

Denver Post

"They aren't aflutter over Twitter. No jaws are dropping over the latest rumors. Even though the Rockies are slumping, they don't seem fazed by trades in San Francisco, St. Louis, Chicago and Los Angeles that could impact their playoff chances. "They are going to do whatever they think they need to," Rockies shortstop Troy Tulo-witzki said. "But I really like our team the way it is. I believe in the guys in our clubhouse." There could still be at least one new addition before today's 2 p.m. nonwaiver trade deadline. The Rockies are involved with several discussions, namely talks to acquire Baltimore left-hander Mark Hendrickson. They are also interested in a left-handed bat off the bench. ..."

Rockies also pursuing 1B Johnson

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July 31

Foxsports.com

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"The Rockies are trying to make something happen. In addition to targeting the Orioles' Mark Hendrickson as a possible second left-hander for their bullpen, they also are interested in Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, according to FOXSports.com's Tracy Ringolsby Johnson would serve as a late-inning left-handed hitter off the bench. Talk of the Rockies trading for Blue Jays lefty Scott Downs was strongly denied by a source with one of the clubs."

Rockies prepping for another move?

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Rockies still could make one more move before the deadline, according to Tracy Ringolsby of FOXSports.com. The team is looking for a second left-handed reliever to complement Franklin Morales, and the Orioles' Mark Hendrickson is high on their list. Hendrickson, 35, went 1-4 with a 6.35 ERA as a starter this season, but is 4-0 with a 2.94 ERA as a reliever, holding opponents to a .280 on-base percentage. The Rockies, short on money, said they were finished adding pieces after acquiring Indians right-hander Rafael Betancourt, according to a major-league source. But Hendrickson is owed only about $500,000 for the rest of the season, and the tight wild-card race apparently is compelling ..."

Rockies step up pursuit of Hendrickson

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July 30

Denver Post

"The Rockies are thinking big in terms of an adding another reliever. They have increased their pursuit of Baltimore's 6-foot-9-inch left-hander Mark Hendrickson. Hendrickson, whom the Rockies have liked for years, became a primary target after Pittsburgh and Washington asked for Eric Young Jr. in return for John Grabow and Joe Beimel, respectively. Hendrickson has found his groove since moving to the bullpen on May 15, compiling a 2.94 ERA in 23 games. With Alan Embree out indefinitely - he's recovering from a broken right leg with an outside shot of pitching in late September - the Rockies want another left-hander to pair with Franklin Morales. The Rockies signed another bullpen arm this ..."

Rockies want another reliever

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July 28

Foxsports.com

"The Rockies would love to add a second left-handed reliever to complement Franklin Morales, but there are two problems: -Few such pitchers are available for a reasonable acquisition cost. -The Rockies had "one bullet to shoot" financially, and they fired it when they added Indians right-hander Rafael Betancourt and the approximately $1.1 million remaining on his contract, according to a major-league source. The Rockies no longer are willing to move outfielder Ryan Spilborghs, who earlier drew trade interest from the Phillies and other clubs. They will be more willing to listen on Spilborghs this offseason when he becomes eligible for arbitration for the first time."

Rockies keep searching for lefty

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July 28

MLB.com

"Last week's trade with the Indians for right-handed eighth-inning guy Rafael Betancourt brought the Rockies close to a bullpen that can be considered a strength. Despite his struggles in Monday night's 7-3 loss to the Mets, Juan Rincon is more suited for a role other than primary setup guy. Rookie Matt Daley has more room for error. But there's still the case of the missing lefty. Franklin Morales is all the Rockies have from the left side. He is electric, but he also has some growing to do. His pitch sequence before giving up a grand slam to the Mets' Fernando Tatis was an example of a guy learning on the job. But that might have been a good spot for a more experienced pitcher. (Of ..."

Indians trade Rafael Betancourt to Colorado for minor league prospect

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July 23

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians have just traded veteran reliever Rafael Betancourt to Colorado for minor league prospect Conor Graham, a right-handed pitcher. Betancourt will be a free agent at the end of this season. The Indians held a club option on him for 2010 for over $5 million and apparently did not want to pick it up."

Rockies trade for Cleveland pitcher Betancourt

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July 23

Denver Post

"The Cleveland Indians will hold a conference call after today's game in Toronto to announce they have traded Rafael Betancourt to the Rockies for Class A pitcher Connor Graham, according to a major-league source. Betancourt was not used in an obvious setup situation today against Toronto, which was considered unusual by those who follow the team. "You never think it's going to happen to you," Betancourt told reporters after his game in Toronto. "But I have seen a lot of guys come and leave this team this year. Now, it's my turn." Despite promoting top prospect Jhoulys Chacin today, the Rockies have been making a strong push to get the 34-year-old right-hander. The Rockies have a history of ..."

Rockies and Phillies interested in Chad Qualls; Blue Jays asked for Jiminez from Rockies

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July 23

MLB.com

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"The Rockies and Phillies are among the several teams that have shown interest in closer Chad Qualls but The Arizona Republic said such a trade seems unlikely. The D-backs want a starting pitching prospect in return. Also, there have been reports the D-backs would like to sign Doug Davis rather than trade him, and the left-hander was drawing little interest in the trade market. Foxsports.com reports that teams do not want to take on the salaries of Davis or D-backs right-hander Jon Garland, and the pitchers are not considered difference-makers. The Denver Post has linked the Rockies to Qualls and to Houston's LaTroy Hawkins. The paper also reported the Blue Jays asked for Ubaldo Jimenez and ..."

Angels focusing on acquiring pitching

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July 23

Foxsports.com

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"The Angels, after inquiring on Halladay and Diamondbacks right-hander Dan Haren, are focused almost entirely on adding bullpen help. Orioles closer George Sherrill and Indians right-hander Rafael Betancourt are among the Angels' options. Another Orioles reliever who could be in play, though not necessarily for the Angels: Left-hander Mark Hendrickson, who has a 2.53 ERA and .633 opponents' OPS in 21 relief appearances. The Rockies, badly in need of bullpen help, are among the teams talking with the Orioles about right-hander Danys Baez."

Rockies, Dodgers and Angels looking for relief

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July 21

SI.com

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"The red-hot Rockies, now leading the NL Wild Card race, are looking for relief. They called about Betancourt (one of many Indians up for grabs) and also have talked about Chad Qualls, George Sherrill, Danys Baez and Takashi Saito. •Sherrill would be a "real overpay," one GM said, and you can't blame Baltimore for that in this barren relief market. Both the Angels and Dodgers make sense for him. •Some believe the Diamondbacks will hold onto Qualls now that Tony Pena is gone."

Wheels still spinning: Pads add Latos, deal Meredith

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July 20

San Diego Union-Tribune

"In another sign of the club's transitory times, the Padres welcomed an exciting newcomer Sunday while bidding farewell to a staple of the past 3½ seasons. Mat Latos showed hints of brilliance as he hit 98 mph with his fastball and struck out four of the first seven major league hitters he faced before coming up short in a showdown with major league wins leader Jason Marquis. Shortly after the Padres dropped a 6-1 decision to the Rockies, reliever Cla Meredith was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for 31-year-old utility infielder Oscar Salazar."

Sanchez trade not imminent

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July 10

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are "pushing hard" to trade All-Star second baseman Freddy Sanchez, according to a National League executive yesterday, but no deal with any team looked imminent as of last night, according to multiple other sources. San Francisco and Colorado are two teams with which the Pirates have spoken, the source said, but there are as many as four or five more. The Giants apparently would be willing to move left-handed starter Jonathan Sanchez, currently a reliever. He alone could not complete a deal for Freddy Sanchez, but the Giants' system has plenty of pitching prospects. The Rockies are harder to figure, as their infield already is set. Also, the Pirates last night had one of ..."

Pirates 'pushing' trade of All-Star Sanchez

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July 9

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are "pushing hard" to trade All-Star second baseman Freddy Sanchez, according to a National League executive this morning. The San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies are two of the teams with which the Pirates have spoken, the source said, but there are as many as four or five more. Sanchez, 31, again is the Pirates' leading hitter with a .313 average and last week was selected for his third All-Star Game in four years. That selection meant that he now needs to accumulate 600 plate appearances to trigger an $8 million option for 2010. He has 329 appearances."

Rockies Make Move in Dominican

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July 4

InsideTheRockies.com

"The Rockies reportedly signed Dominican shortstop prospect Rosel Herrera. Jorge Arangue of ESPN Deportes reports that Herrera received a $550,000 signing bonus. Latin players became eligible to sign on Thursday. The Rockies also are expected to sign right-handed pitcher Johendi Jiminian. Herrera and Jiminian are ranked among the top 20 Latin prospects available to sign by Baseball America. Herrera rains at the Born to Play Baseball Academy run by Domincan agent Edgar Mercedes. " The main draw for Herrera is his projectable power, which should continue to develop as he fills out his frame," according to Baseball America. "Herrera has shown well for some teams, though some scouts aren't sure ..."

Rockies trade Baker to Cubs for prospect

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July 2

Denver Post

"Jeff Baker, the Rockies multi-purpose utility man, was traded to the Chicago Cubs today in exchange for minor-league pitching prospect Alberto Alburquerque. Baker confirmed this morning that the trade had been made. "I'm looking forward to this opportunity," Baker said. Baker, who spent parts of four big-league seasons with the Rockies, is coming back from a stint on the 60-day disabled list because of an injured left hand."

Rockies send Baker to Cubs for prospect

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July 2

MLB.com

"The Rockies traded utility infielder Jeff Baker to the Cubs for Class A Daytona relief pitcher Alberto Alburquerque, who will be assigned to Double-A Tulsa, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd confirmed Thursday morning. Baker, who was at the end of a rehab stint for a right hand sprain, said he learned of the trade in a conversation with Cubs general manager Jim Hendry on Wednesday night."I haven't talked with [Cubs manager] Lou Piniella, but I did talk with Jim Hendry last night," said Baker as he headed to a flight Thursday morning so he could join the Cubs for their game against the Brewers at Wrigley Field on Thursday night. "I'm excited for the opportunity. I don't know what their ..."

Source: Cubs deal for Rockies' Baker

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July 2

Yahoo! Sports

"The Chicago Cubs have acquired Jeff Baker from the Colorado Rockies, according to a source close to the club. It is unclear who the Rockies will receive in return for Baker or the Cubs' plans for him."

Rockies seeking relief

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June 30

Foxsports.com

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"The surging Rockies are looking "pretty seriously" for bullpen help, according to a source with knowledge of the team's thinking. Their problem is the same one facing practically every other club: A shortage of suitable options. The Rockies had strong interest in Nationals right-hander Joel Hanrahan early in the season, but Hanrahan has allowed eight earned runs in his last 2-1/3 innings, increasing his ERA to 7.71. Several better options are longshots. # Astros right-hander LaTroy Hawkins, a pitcher the Rockies would love to re-acquire, is unlikely to be available with his team in contention. # Diamondbacks righty Chad Qualls would be an ideal fit, but the D-Backs might be reluctant to ..."

Rockies Trade Rumors