Colorado Rockies Trade Rumors

Rockies' Helton gets 2-year, $9 million contract extension
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March 11
Denver Post
 
"Todd Helton is the face of the Rockies' face. Now, they will have a chance to grow wrinkled together. The greatest player in franchise history has set himself up to retire as a Rockie — the only team he's ever played for — after signing a two-year, $9.9-million contract extension and agreeing to defer $13.1 million of the remaining money owed him. "We view him in the same way as a Cal Ripken, George Brett and Tony Gwynn. He's a Rockie, and a Hall of Famer we believe," general manager Dan O'Dowd said today. "We felt like a player of this caliber and what he means to us that this is something we didn't want to take to the end. And he was so open-minded it working with us. It was something ..."
McGwire: Mariners, Rockies inquired about jobs
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February 19
USA Today
 
"Mark McGwire seems to be more relaxed each day. During his second full day as the St. Louis Cardinals' batting coach on Thursday, McGwire, 46, leaned on a bag of golf clubs and talked to reporters on subjects ranging from Tiger Woods to job possibilities he had since his 2001 retirement. He was loose, cracked a few smiles and even laughed. He said that his first day was fun, but that it was going to be a learning experience, "looking at guys' swings and getting the names straight.'' McGwire said two other teams, the Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies, had talked to him a few years back, but no jobs were offered. And, he said his focus at the time was to start a family. McGwire said ..."
Former Rockie Taveras agrees to minor-league deal
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February 16
Denver Post
 
"Outfielder Willy Taveras agreed to a minor-league contract Monday with the Nationals. If added to the 40-man roster, Taveras would receive a contract for the $400,000 major-league minimum, with Oakland responsible for the remainder of his $4 million salary. Taveras hit .240 with one homer and 15 RBIs for Cincinnati last season and has a .276 average with eight homers, 124 RBIs and 194 steals in five major-league seasons. He led the major leagues with 68 steals for the Rockies two years ago. • Marlins outfielder Cody Ross has gone to salary arbitration, asking for $4.45 million rather than the team's offer of $4.2 million. Arbitrators are expected to issue a decision today. Ross hit .270 ..."
Cuban slugger Ruiz could sign soon
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February 15
MLB.com
 
"It may only be a few more days before Cuban first-base prospect Jose Julio Ruiz picks his first Major League organization, according to a Saturday report by El Nuevo Herald. The Spanish-based newspaper affiliated with The Miami Herald reported that negotiations for Ruiz have "intensified" as Spring Training looms, with concrete offers from big league clubs trickling in for the 25-year-old lefty hitter. "By next week, he should be signed already," one of Ruiz's agents, Jorge Luis Toca, told El Nuevo Herald in Spanish. "Perhaps Wednesday we'll announce something." Toca told El Nuevo Herald the Blue Jays, Rangers, Red Sox, Giants, Rays and Rockies have been the most interested in signing ..."
Wellemeyer says he's considering Rockies; Colorado will watch Lowry
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February 6
Denver Post
 
"When I talked with GM Dan O'Dowd earlier this week, he said the club was done shopping, save for a few minor-league signings. Todd Wellemeyer has emerged as one of those options, saying today on 1380 AM in St. Louis that he is considering signing with either the Rockies, Giants or Mets. A person close to Wellemeyer said that the Giants are the favorite to get him, followed by Colorado."
Rockies in running for reliever Gregg
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February 2
Denver Post
 
"Reliever Kevin Gregg has narrowed his choices to the Rockies and the Florida Marlins. "I am not overly optimistic, but we have a chance," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said Monday. "Our job would be as a setup guy." That is the hang-up for Gregg, who wants to be a closer. He likes the idea of spring training in Arizona, where he lives. And he likes the Rockies' chances of reaching the playoffs. But the Rockies have a proven closer. In Florida, Leo Nuñez is not nearly as entrenched. Gregg could compete for the spot. By signing Melvin Mora, the Rockies' primary utility target all winter, for $1.275 million, rather than Orlando Cabrera, Orlando Hudson or Felipe Lopez, the Rockies had ..."
Rockies one of the finalists for Mora
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January 31
Denver Post
 
"With Orlando Cabrera likely to accept the Reds' offer of a starting shortstop job, the Rockies have become a finalist for Melvin Mora's services today. His agent confirmed this afternoon that the field has narrowed for Mora, and that the Rockies are strongly in the mix. The Mariners and Rangers also had interest earlier this week. I would expect a decision soon from Mora. Mora, 37, has been primarily a third baseman, but Colorado officials feel like he can play second as well and move to the outfield on a double switch."
Gregg in Rockies' sights
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January 30
Denver Post
 
"Rockies manager Jim Tracy surveyed the free-agent landscape this week and predicted his club would sign a proven commodity. Supply, demand and opportunity continue to make that a possibility as the Rockies have made a play for reliever Kevin Gregg. They are also waiting to see if they will land either Orlando Cabrera or Melvin Mora for a utility role. "We have to keep our eyes and ears open to something that can help us, but that doesn't deviate from who we are from a financial standpoint," Tracy said. While the team has taken fliers on a handful of relievers on nonguaranteed minor-league deals - Tim Redding, Justin Speier, Jimmy Gobble - Gregg would represent a bolder stroke at a ..."
Three teams in running for infielder Cabrera
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January 29
MLB.com
 
"It looks like it is down to three teams -- the Reds, Rockies and Nationals -- in the running for free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera, a Major League source confirmed to MLB.com on Thursday night. It did not appear, however, that any of the three teams were close to reaching a deal. Cabrera is one of the few shortstops left on the free-agent market. However, he came up as a second baseman, which is where Washington has a vacancy. Colorado has Troy Tulowitzki entrenched at shortstop already and Cabrera could push Clint Barmes at second base. Both the Rockies and Nationals are also believed to be pursuing second baseman Orlando Hudson, which could affect where Cabrera lands. Colorado is ..."
Rockies add Speier, Gobble
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January 29
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"The Colorado Rockies added more depth to their pitching staff Thursday, signing left-hander Jimmy Gobble and former Rockie right-hander Justin Speier to minor-league contracts. Both received invitations to spring training as well. Gobble, 28, pitched in 12 games with the Chicago White Sox in 2009, compiling a 7.50 ERA before being released in July. His best season was 2007 when he went 4-1 with a 3.02 ERA in 74 appearances with the Kansas City Royals. Speier, 36, pitched for the Rockies from 2001-03. After four seasons as a dominate late-inning and middle reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels, Speier's numbers slipped the past two seasons with the Angels. He went 2-8 ..."
Rockies battle Reds for Orlando Cabrera
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January 29
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies are in strong pursuit of Orlando Cabrera, a right-handed hitter capable of playing second base or third base. After focusing on Melvin Mora, Colorado shifted Thursday toward Cabrera, a playoff veteran with a World Series ring. The infielder is choosing between offers from the Rockies and Reds, his agents confirmed. Cabrera, 35, hit .284 last season with nine home runs and 77 RBIs in 160 games split between Oakland and Minnesota last season. He was credited for helping the Twins to the playoffs by stabilizing their shortstop position. He could be asked to spell Ian Stewart at third base and push Clint Barmes at second. Mora also fits the Rockies' profile, but he has four teams ..."
Signing of Redding bolsters depth on pitching staff
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January 28
Denver Post
 
"While remaining in the mix for utility player Melvin Mora, the Rockies provided insurance for their pitching staff Wednesday by signing Tim Redding to a minor-league deal. A major-league source said the nonguaranteed contract is worth $1 million, plus incentives, if Redding makes the major-league team. The Rockies have long been interested in the 31-year-old right-hander. General manager Dan O'Dowd nearly acquired Redding on two occasions over the past few years. Redding is looking to rebound after a disappointing 2009 season with the Mets. He went 3-6 with a 5.10 ERA, and got off to a poor start because of a foot injury. But he showed improvement, posting a 3.56 ERA after the all-star ..."
Rockies add veteran Redding, remain in mix for Mora
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January 28
Denver Post
 
"While remaining in the mix for utilityman Melvin Mora, the Rockies provided insurance for their pitching staff Wednesday, signing Tim Redding to a minor-league deal. A major league source said the non-guaranteed contract is worth $1 million, plus incentives, if he makes the big-league team. The Rockies have long been interested in the right-hander. General manager Dan O'Dowd nearly acquired Redding on two separate occasions, first when he was an Astros' prospect and later after the 2008 season, only to see a deal with the Washington Nationals fall through involving Willy Taveras. He is looking to rebound after a disappointing season with the Mets. He went 3-6 with a 5.10 ERA, and got off ..."
Hudson talks remain fluid
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January 27
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson looks like he will have a choice. Take a strong financial offer from the Nationals. Take perhaps a lesser contract from the Rays. Or take a deal from another club that might put him near the Nats financially and the Rays competitively — if such an opportunity exists. The Nationals and Rays both are pursuing Hudson, but his negotiations remain fluid, major-league sources say. At least one, unidentified team might still be in the mix. That team could be the Twins, who are known to have interest in Hudson, major-league sources say. So far this offseason, the Twins have been linked more with third basemen than second basemen. Nick Punto and Brendan ..."
Rockies sign Payton, Lo Duca
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January 21
MLB.com
 
"Outfielder Jay Payton posted a career-high batting average during his 1 1/2-year stint with the Rockies. He'll try to revisit those days in 2010. The Rockies signed Payton, who didn't play in the Majors in 2009, to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training, Rockies player development director Marc Gustafson announced Wednesday. Gustafson also said the Rockies completed work on a Minor League deal with catcher Paul Lo Duca, a former All-Star who also didn't play in 2009. Payton, 37, hit .309 with 33 home runs for the Rockies 2002-03 before signing with the Padres as a free agent. He last played for the Orioles in 2008, when he hit .243 with seven homers and ..."
Rockies Look At Gagne
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January 21
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Former All-Star closer Eric Gagne, familiar with Rockies manager Jim Tracy from when both were with the Dodgers, is going to work out for the Rockies in his search for a chance to revive his career at the age of 34, FOXSPORTS.com has learned. Gagne earlier worked out for Philadelphia, but Phillies officials downplayed their interest. Gagne was released last spring by Milwaukee, and wound up pitching for the Quebec Capitals in the independent Can-Am League. He made 17 starts and had a 4.65 ERA in 102 2/3 innings, earning praise for his work with the other pitchers. Gagne, 34, has indicated he is willing to open the season in the minor leagues, at Double-A or Triple-A, if necessary. Gagne ..."
Rockies bring back OF Payton
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January 21
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies are bringing back a familiar face to compete for a bench job, signing outfielder Jay Payton to a minor-league deal today. Payton played with the Rockies several years ago, enjoying the best years of his career. He will compete for a reserve spot on the roster in spring training."
Lo Duca close to joining Rockies
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January 20
MLB.com
 
"The Rockies hope by Wednesday to complete talks with veteran catcher Paul Lo Duca on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training, Rockies player development director Marc Gustafson acknowledged Tuesday. Lo Duca, who turns 38 on April 12, is a four-time All-Star whodid not play in the Majors last season. He split 2008 with the Nationals and the Marlins (.243, no home runs, 15 RBIs in 67 games).The Rockies are looking for bench help, and Lo Duca has played first base and the outfield in addition to catcher. Lo Duca played for Rockies manager Jim Tracy with the Dodgers a few years back."
Sources: Rockies lock in relievers Street, Betancourt
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January 19
Foxsports.com
 
"The Rockies agreed to multi-year contracts with relief pitchers Huston Street and Rafael Betancourt, FOXsports.com has learned, giving the Rockies 11 players signed through at least 2011. That figure doesn't include manager Jim Tracy, who earlier in the offseason sign a three-year deal that FOXsports.com has learned has a $4.4 million guarantee."
Street, Betancourt sign multiyear deals
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January 19
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"The Rockies agreed to multiyear contracts with relief pitchers Huston Street and Rafael Betancourt, FOXsports.com has learned, giving the Rockies 11 players signed to contracts that tie them to the Rockies through at least 2011. And that doesn't include manager Jim Tracy, who earlier in the offseason signed a three-year deal that FOXsports.com has learned has a $4.4 million guarantee. Street, who is arbitration eligible and would have been able to become a free agent after the season, has agreed to a three-year deal with an option on a fourth year that guarantees him $22.5 million. The finalizing of the deal is pending Street undergoing a physical when he is in Denver this weekend for the ..."
Rockies reach deals with De La Rosa, Barmes
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January 15
Denver Post
 
"Jorge De La Rosa was rewarded for his mercurial rise from maddening starter to rotation stalwart. He's avoided arbitration today with a one-year, $5.6-million deal, nearly tripling last season's salary. De La Rosa earned $2.025 million last season while going 16-9 with a 4.38 ERA. The left-hander was the National League's winningest pitcher after June 1. The Rockies avoided arbitration earlier today with two players they will be counting on heavily next season, second baseman Clint Barmes and reliever Taylor Buchholz. Barmes more than doubled his salary, coming in at roughly $3.325 million. Buchholz, who missed all of last season with elbow surgery, will make $1.055 million, same as a year ..."
De La Rosa gets $5.6 million deal
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January 15
Denver Post
 
"Jorge De La Rosa will be rewarded for his mercurial rise from maddening starter to rotation stalwart. The 28-year-old avoided arbitration Thursday by securing a one-year, $5.6 million deal, nearly tripling last season's salary. De La Rosa earned $2.025 million last season, going 16-9 with a 4.38 ERA. The left-hander was the National League's winningest pitcher after June 1. He can earn an extra $300,000 if he reaches 220 innings pitched in 2010. The Rockies avoided arbitration Thursday with two players, second baseman Clint Barmes and reliever Taylor Buchholz. Both will be counted on heavily next season. Barmes more than doubled his salary to roughly $3.325 million. Buchholz, who missed ..."
Rockies exploring veteran Tatis
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January 14
MLB.com
 
"The Rockies had preliminary discussions earlier this week with veteran utility man Fernando Tatis, the player's agent said on Wednesday. Gary Goodman said he had a discussion with Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, and Tatis himself said he was intrigued with the club. Goodman said, however, that the Rockies are still formulating their plan for 2010. Tatis, 35, hit .282 with eight home runs and 48 RBIs in 125 games for the Mets last season. The Rockies have looked at Tatis, Robb Quinlan and Melvin Mora as possible utility candidates. Although the club is looking at right-handed hitters who play multiple positions -- especially the infield and outfield corners, the Rockies also are in ..."
Torrealba could return to Giants
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January 14
MLB.com
 
"Catcher Yorvit Torrealba and the Giants maintain mutual interest in a one-year contract agreement, though the free agent might wait until after the weekend to make a deal with the Giants or any club. According to a tweet from Diario Meridiano in Venezuela, Torrealba indicated that he soon will meet with the Giants. First, however, Torrealba wants to finish participating for Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Winter League round-robin playoff. The Bravos could be eliminated as early as Sunday. Giants officials and Torrealba's agent, Melvin Roman, could not be reached for comment. One industry insider with knowledge of the club's functionings said that a Torrealba signing, if it indeed ..."
Rockies touch base about reliever Batista
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January 11
Denver Post
 
"In the process of finalizing the contract for catcher Miguel Olivo last week, agent Martin Arburua talked with the Rockies about client Miguel Batista. The right-handed reliever worked 56 games for the Seattle Mariners last season, compiling a 4.04 ERA. He will be 39 next month but brings a unique durability, having worked as a starter and reliever for years in the National League West. "I have talked with them a little bit about (Batista)," Arburua said. "He's strong and healthy and in their budget. He definitely wants to keep playing." The Rockies sealed their one-year contract with a mutual option with Olivo after the catcher underwent a physical last week. Olivo is guaranteed $2.5 ..."
Rockies sign catcher Iannetta to three-year, $8.35 million contract
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January 6
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies finalized catcher Chris Iannetta's new contract Tuesday, a three-year, $8.35 million deal. On Monday, the team signed backup Miguel Olivo to a one-year, $2.5 million deal with a club option. In order to receive security and some peace of mind, Iannetta took a little less on his deal, which buys him out of his final three years of arbitration and includes a 2013 club option for $5 million in his first season of free agency. However, if Iannetta is traded anytime before the 2013 season, he can void the club option and become a free agent. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and Brad Hawpe have identical provisions in their contracts. "Hopefully this contract will help Chris relax. We all ..."
Three teams talking to Mora
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January 5
Baltimore Sun
 
"Melvin Mora's 10-season stint with the Orioles is over, but it's still not known what is next for the 37-year-old third baseman. Mora's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, said Monday that "three teams have a fair amount of interest in Melvin. It's a matter of balancing playing time with the competitive nature of the club and salary." Goldschmidt wouldn't specify the teams involved, but two are in the National League and one in the AL. The Colorado Rockies reportedly were interested in December. None of the teams that have expressed interested is in the AL East or NL East, which is where Mora originally had hoped to land so he could stay close to his wife and kids in Bel Air. Goldschmidt said region ..."
Nats sign Jason Marquis
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December 21
Washington Examiner
 
"The Nationals will sign Jason Marquis, according to MASN. The Phillies and Mets were other clubs reportedly in the mix for the 31-year-old righty. Back on December 15th, Marquis explained to MLB.com's Bill Ladson that he found the ability to mentor the Nats' young pitching staff appealing. Marquis racked up 216 innings for the Rockies this year with a 4.04 ERA, 4.8 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, and 55.6% groundball rate."
Catcher Yorvit Torrealba unlikely to return to Rockies
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December 16
Denver Post
 
"While the door might be closing on veteran catcher Yorvit Torrealba rejoining the Rockies, it's wide open for free-agent reliever Matt Capps. "I just don't think it's going to work out," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said Tuesday when asked about Torrealba. "Negotiations can always change, but right now I'm not optimistic." O'Dowd did confirm the club is interested in free- agent catcher Miguel Olivo. "He is certainly on our list of possibilities, but it's a very fluid situation right now," O'Dowd said. Last week, the Rockies and Torrealba seemed close to agreeing to a two-year deal. However, the two sides are now in a stalemate over contract details. Torrealba is seeking a two-year, ..."
Seattle adds Marquis to wish list
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December 12
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mariners bid for right-hander Rich Harden. They're in the mix for righty John Lackey. They're looking at righty Ben Sheets and lefties Doug Davis and Jarrod Washburn — virtually every free-agent starter, it seems. Here is another to add to the list: Right-hander Jason Marquis. The Orioles, Nationals and Phillies also have expressed interest in Marquis, sources say. Marquis, 31, owns a 4.48 career ERA in the National League, yet his blend of consistency and durability is fairly unique."
Rockies Iannetta agrees to three-year, $8.3 million deal
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December 11
Denver Post
 
"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 ..."
Rockies closing in on three-year deal for Iannetta
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December 10
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies are close to signing Chris Iannetta to a three-year contract for in excess of $8 million that would carry him though his arbitration years, capping what would be a successful winter meetings. The sides have been talking for a few weeks. Iannetta is first-time arbitration eligible. Manager Jim Tracy has said repeatedly the last few days that he wants both Iannetta and Torrealba back, that the competition will make the team better."
Rockies, Torrealba could reach resolution today
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December 10
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies will meet with Yorvit Torrealba's agent today in hopes of reaching a resolution on a two-year contract. The team also remains interested in bringing back Jose Contreras and Jason Giambi, though that's a much slower-developing situation. Torrealba's representatives have been canvassing other teams, exhausting all avenues. It could ultimately come down to this for Torrealba: take a one-year deal with a salary approaching $4 million or accept a two-year deal for roughly $5 million with the Rockies. "We want him back," manager Jim Tracy said. But the Rockies are prepared to move quickly after Miguel Olivo if they are unable to reach a compromise with Torrealba. Colorado talked with ..."
Rockies-Torrealba talks stuck in impasse
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December 10
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies' negotiations to bring back Yorvit Torrealba on a two-year deal reached an impasse Wednesday night, slightly cracking open the possibility the catcher might sign elsewhere. The Rockies remain the favorites to land Torrealba because they want him, and his preference is to return. Torrealba is seeking at least $5.5 million, which would entail taking a pay cut next season. The Rockies have offered $5 million. Neither side budged Wednesday, and the Rockies are prepared to move on to Miguel Olivo if a deal can't be struck. "They keep trying to find exactly what they want. We are talking to other guys. And we would certainly talk to them before we did something, but at some point and ..."
Atkins' salary hurting Rox ability to move him
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December 9
Foxsports.com
 
"Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins remains a man in limbo. The Rockies are committed to Ian Stewart at third base in 2010 and have tried to trade Atkins during the winter meetings. Teams, however, are reluctant to make a trade because they would inherit his contract which paid him $7.05 million last year, meaning he would have to be offered at minimum of $5.6 million for 2010. As a result, clubs are waiting for the Rockies to non-tender Atkins, making him a free agent. The deadline for tendering a contract is midnight eastern time on Saturday. The expectation of Atkins being available has slowed teams pursuit of free agent third baseman. They want to see if they can get Atkins at a ..."
Rockies on verge of brining back Torrealba on two-year deal
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December 9
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies are on the verge of signing catcher Yorvit Torrealba to a two-year deal, according to source with direct knowledge of the talks. As of 1 p.m. mountain time, the two sides were close, ironing out some final wrinkles. It's likely Torrealba will receive a contract for worth somewhere between $5 and $5.5 million. Torrealba has insisted throughout the process that he wants to return to Colorado. Torrealba regained his starting job late last season. He hit .291 a year ago, including .488 with runners in scoring position."
Torrealba is nearing resolution with the Rockies
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December 9
ESPN.com
 
"From Buster Olney: Yorvit Torrealba is nearing resolution with the Rockies on a two-year deal. Expectation is for him to return to Colorado."
Rockies consider catcher Olivo if Torrealba deal falls through
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December 9
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies are trying to bridge the financial gap on a two-year deal to retain catcher Yorvit Torrealba, with Miguel Olivo emerging as a fallback plan if they fail. Torrealba wants to return to the Rockies, but only at the right price. This much has been gleaned from multiple sources: The Rockies' current offer is for more than the $4.5 million that Torrealba turned down last month and less than the $6 million that Pudge Rodriguez signed for Monday with the Washington Nationals. The sides have talked enough that something could come together quickly, possibly with a phone call today. It's likely Torrealba will sign somewhere — the Mets and Giants are also in on him — before the meetings ..."
O's like landscape at third; Millwood talks continue
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December 9
Baltimore Sun
 
"While the Orioles exchange proposals with the Texas Rangers about veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood, they continue to search for their next third baseman. The Orioles have talked with the Florida Marlins about Dan Uggla, but at this point, the Marlins' asking price of at least two pitching prospects is too high. They are one of several teams that have talked with the San Diego Padres about Kevin Kouzmanoff, a 28-year-old who has averaged 20 home runs and 82 RBIs the past three seasons. The Padres are looking for young pitching in return. Kouzmanoff, who is arbitration-eligible, is an appealing option to the Orioles because of his power and his ability to move to first when top position ..."
Utilityman Quinlan on Rockies' radar
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December 8
Denver Post
 
"Of all the utilitymen who the Rockies have called on, few fit their needs as well as Robb Quinlan. Last year with the Angels, he played first, third and both corner outfield spots. He also enjoyed decent success against left-handed pitching, delivering 13 RBIs in 74 at-bats. The Rockies are expected to meet with Quinlan's agent here at the winter meetings. General manager Dan O'Dowd cautioned that the team's pursuit of a bench player would be slow and evolving. The team already has expressed in Jamey Carroll, Bobby Crosby and Fernando Tatis. Crosby profiles well for the Rockies, but is seeking a chance to compete for an everyday shortstop job."
Rockies talks with Torrealba heat up
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December 8
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies are aggressively trying to retain catcher Yorvit Torrealba, with talks progressing this afternoon. Torrealba has made it known that he wants to return to the Rockies. And the team wants him back. While the Mets and Giants are both pursuing the veteran, the Rockies are considered a slight favorite. Torrealba is seeking at least a two-year deal similar to the contract for $6 million Pudge Rodriguez signed Monday with the Washington Nationals. Torrealba just finished playing out a two-year, $7.25 million deal. In many ways his situation is similar this winter. After a slow start, and a month lost due to the kidnapping and safe return of his son, Torrealba regained his starting job ..."
Rockies seeking Mora's services as infield backup
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"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 ..."
Pirates on verge of signing Rockies' target Bobby Crosby
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December 8
Denver Post
 
"Scratch Bobby Crosby from the Rockies' list of utility player candidates. The free agent is on the verge of signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he will be given a chance to compete for a starting job. The Rockies liked Crosby's versatilty — a right-handed bat who could back up first and third base. But Crosby would not have a chance to start with the Rockies, where the infield is set heading into next season."
Yankees in on DeRosa, Marquis
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December 8
MLB.com
 
"Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed on Monday that he has spoken with the representatives for Mark DeRosa and Jason Marquis, and adding pitching is the main goal for the Winter Meetings. Cashman flew to Indianapolis on the private jet of agents Sam and Seth Levinson, and Marquis' name was brought up. Cashman called the New York product "tough." "There are definitely pitchers that are on the market that are worth having conversations with," Cashman said."
Rockies offer multiyear deals to Street, Iannetta and Barmes
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December 8
Denver Post
 
"In an attempt to create cost certainty and roster consistency, the Rockies have offered multiyear deals to arbitration-eligible players Huston Street, Chris Iannetta and Clint Barmes. Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd confirmed Monday that he extended a three- year offer to Street, which would cover his final arbitration season and first two years of free agency. Street is seeking a contract in the neighborhood of $30 million. "It's too early for me to get a feel where it's going to go," O'Dowd said. Following a pattern established with young core players Troy Tulowitzki, Jeff Francis and Ubaldo Jimenez, the Rockies offered Iannetta a three-year deal for roughly $7 million, according to a ..."
Betancourt accepts Rockies' salary arbitration
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December 8
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies threw a strike on the first day of the winter meetings as reliever Rafael Betancourt accepted salary arbitration. Fortifying the bullpen was the Rockies' top priority, and Betancourt's return on a roughly $5 million salary provides a premier setup man. "When you get to those last nine outs, you need reliability. And Rafael helps give us that," manager Jim Tracy said. While the Phillies and Red Sox were interested in Betancourt, the Brewers made the strongest run at the reliever, according to a major-league source. But at this juncture no team was prepared to pay Betancourt's acquisition price and surrender a first-round draft pick, per his Type-A free-agent status. "We just ..."
Betancourt will go to deadline; Barajas, Green on radar
Comment
December 7
Denver Post
 
"Rafael Betancourt is no stranger to late-night pressure, so perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that he's taking his arbitration decision down to the wire. Agent Alan Nero told The Denver Post today that Betancourt's decision will be "made just before the midnight (Eastern) deadline." Multiple NL executives expect Betancourt to accept because he's held hostage by his Type A free-agent status. Any team that signs him would have to surrender a high draft pick. Rockies' players are pulling for Betancourt's return after his clutch performances last season. "It would be nice to have him back," shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said. Betancourt remains a priority, and if he rejects arbitration the ..."