Rockies Trade Rumors

Rockies Make Move in Dominican
Comment
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
Comment
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 ..."
Cinderella back in Colorado
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June 30
MLB.com
 
"Buzzards were hovering over Coors Field as Memorial Day approached, ready to pick apart the Rockies and fly away with the best pieces they could grab.What I really mean is, general managers were poised to call Colorado GM Dan O'Dowd and discuss deals for any of his frontline players that might be available.The Rockies were having a dreadful season, so far out of the NL West race in last place, it was generally agreed they were a good target for contenders needing a pitcher or a hitter or a key bench player.The Phillies, desperate for pitching help, had their sights on right-hander Jason Marquis, who can be a free agent after the season. Other teams were also scouting the Rockies.Before ..."
Red-hot Rockies now a bigger threat to Dodgers
Comment
June 30
Denver Post
 
"With the red-hot Rockies set to take on the division-leading Dodgers tonight for the first of a three-game series, both clubs are playing down the matchup. The Dodgers have no reason to acknowledge the Rockies as a threat. They have beaten them eight times in nine games this season. And Dodgers manager Joe Torre admitted today: "Regardless of what happens, if we win the series it's not going to change how they think about themselves or affect either team's pysche." Perhaps. But in this month-long redemption tour, it wouldn't hurt the Rockies to stare down the division bully, take a punch and give one back. The last time the Rockies and Dodgers faced one another the Rockies were last in the ..."
Could Rockies closer Huston Street be fitted for a new set of pinstripes?
Comment
June 27
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Yankees may want to keep an eye turned toward the Rockies, because of Colorado stumbles, right-handed reliever Huston Street may become available again. If that's so, don't be surprised to see the Yankees come knocking. Apparently, they already have this season. A major league source, who requested anonymity because he isn't authorized to comment on other teams, told me that the Yankees' reported interest in Street was serious. The source said that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman approached the Rockies about a deal as early as the middle of May, as the Yankees' bullpen struggled. Meanwhile, the source said the Rockies had already begun combing through the Yankees' minor league ..."
10 most likely to be traded - Infielders
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June 25
NBC Sports
 
"Mark DeRosa (Indians) - With Grady Sizemore back, the Indians aren't likely to sell just yet. Still, at least as big of a problem as being 10 games behind is that they have four teams ahead of them in the AL Central. DeRosa has been talked about as trade bait for close to two months now, and the Indians have soured on him as a third baseman after originally acquiring him to play the position. Given that he's on pace for about 30 homers and 110 RBI, it shouldn't be a problem getting more for him in trade than they would by letting him walk for draft picks at season's end. Garrett Atkins (Rockies) - It certainly doesn't bode well for Atkins' future in Colorado that he's been given a total of ..."
Rox Corpas may head to DL
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June 20
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies' bullpen got rocked tonight before the first pitch was thrown against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The club will likely be forced to put setup reliever Manny Corpas on the 15-day disabled list. According to a source close to Corpas, an MRI taken early this evening revealed bone chips in Corpas' right elbow. Corpas had a cortisone shot. Corpas, 26, reported to Coors Field today with a slightly sore and slightly swollen elbow. The Rockies didn't see this coming, particularly after Corpas threw a scoreless eighth inning in each of his past two appearances. In fact, manager Jim Tracy said Corpas was pitching his best baseball of the season. "It stunned him and it stunned us," Tracy ..."
Rays' Longoria showing what Rockies missed
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June 17
Denver Post
 
"The question was loaded. The answer was not. As Tampa Bay slugger Evan Longoria arrived at Coors Field for the first time Tuesday, he was asked if he thought about being a Rockie. "No," Longoria said with a grin. "I am happy with where I ended up." The Rockies nearly selected the former Long Beach State star with the second overall pick in the 2006 draft. With the logjam at third base with Garrett Atkins and Ian Stewart and unsure Longoria could play second base, the Rockies selected pitcher Greg Reynolds. Reynolds struggled mightily as a rookie last season, after being rushed, because of injuries and the ineffectiveness of the fifth starters. After an encouraging spring, he landed on the ..."
Sox not in a hurry to trade Brad Penny, Street being scouted
Comment
June 15
SI.com
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"The Red Sox now "aren't in a hurry" to trade Brad Penny, who hit the mid-90s in his last start vs. the Yankees, even with John Smoltz seemingly ready to go. While it appears they have too much pitching, they also know there's no such thing. The market also hasn't been great so far for Penny, thanks to his $5 million salary. Perhaps with the pitching market dying, though, he'll begin to look better to someone. • Rockies closer Huston Street is being heavily scouted. Among the teams that need a reliever are the Yankees, Rangers and Angels. The Rays, Cubs and Twins might also consider bullpen help. • The Cardinals continue to scour the market for a bat. • Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez is on ..."
With Rockies rolling, could their sale be called off?
Comment
June 15
SI.com
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"The Rockies are on a roll with 11 straight victories, but word out of Colorado is that the team will wait until after the season to make a decision on manager Jim Tracy. Folks scoffed when GM Dan O'Dowd said this was a much better team than it was showing. But apparently it was. Ian Stewart is doing a superb job since supplanting the struggling Garrett Atkins at third base. Speaking of Atkins, a career .290 hitter who's hitting .193, O'Dowd said, "I wouldn't have believed it. This guy has been one of the most consistent offensive players." Stewart has been brilliant lately both ways, increasing the need to trade Atkins at a time it can't be done, not with his $7.05 million salary. That's ..."
Rockieslefty Matzek with 11th pick
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June 10
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies held firm on their desire to get pitching today, selecting Tyler Matzek with the 11th pick overall in the MLB Draft. The Rockies took the 6-foot-3, left-hander from Capistrano Valley (Calif.) High School. The 18-year-old, who has been clocked as high as 98 miles per hour, has signed a letter of intent with Oregon. He was praised by MLB.com analyst John Hart for his four-pitch mix and his smooth delivery. With the 32nd pick in the first round, the Rockies selected Sacramento State junior center fielder Tim Wheeler. Wheeler, at 6-4, 205 pounds, has drawn comparisons to Steve Finley. He's known as an offensive player with good speed. This is a pleasant surprise for the Rockies, ..."
Atkins starting to look like the odd man out
Comment
June 7
Denver Post
 
"Starting Monday, the math won't add up. The Rockies will have five players for four infield spots. Somebody's going to sit. It will likely be Garrett Atkins, who's expected to spell first baseman Todd Helton today, if he doesn't rev up his offense. "It's going to create a problem, one a manager likes to have," Atkins said. "I feel better at the plate. Hopefully, I can keep swinging well and help the team." Playing time will become an issue with the return of Troy Tulowitzki. His left hand healed, he will start at shortstop today, moving Clint Barmes to second and Ian Stewart to third, Atkins' regular spot. Asked if Atkins had to produce to stay in the lineup, manager Jim Tracy said, ..."
O'Dowd wants Hurdle in front office
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May 30
Denver Post
 
"The loyalty the Rockies felt toward Clint Hurdle was obvious in their patience. They wanted him to succeed. And even though general manager Dan O'Dowd said today he knew it was the "right time to make a move," he remains hopeful that Hurdle will remain part of the organization. The Rockies have offered Hurdle an undisclosed front-office position. Hurdle, who did not take questions today during a news conference, is expected to take some time before deciding his next move. "He has a whole new career in front of him in the front-office capacity. And he would be tremendous at it," O'Dowd told The Denver Post. "I hope he seriously considers what we would like him to do. We will see if that's ..."
Phillies' hitting potent, but rotation needs addressing
Comment
May 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"As was the case in most of the 1980s, this is proving to be a dynasty-free decade in baseball. There wasn't a lot of talk about the Philadelphia Phillies or Tampa Bay Rays being capable of a run after they went to the World Series in October, and the three-tiered playoff system makes for long odds against any except the most dominant teams. Two months in, though, don't count out the Phillies. They are going to be really dangerous if they ever sort out their starting pitching. Charlie Manuel's defending champs had managed to lead the National League East eight days in a row before slipping a half-game behind the Mets entering the weekend. They did this despite a starting rotation with a ..."
Rockies fire Hurdle, name Tracy interim manager
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May 29
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"The Rockies fired Clint Hurdle today, ending his long reign as the team's manager amid a very disappointing season. Bench coach Jim Tracy, who has ample experience managing in the majors, will replace Hurdle on an interim basis. Hurdle, 51, who was told of his dismissal Friday morning in a meeting with general manager Dan O'Dowd, was hired to manage the Rockies on April 26, 2002, replacing Buddy Bell. At the time, Hurdle was the Rockies hitting coach. The Rockies, who begin a three-game series tonight with the San Diego Padres at Coors Field, have sputtered all season, unable to gain any momentum and falling to the bottom of the National League West. They were just swept in a three-game ..."
Rockies dismiss Hurdle; Tracy gets helm
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May 29
MLB.com
 
"The Rockies dismissed manager Clint Hurdle and replaced him with bench coach Jim Tracy on Friday. An official announcement will be made later Friday. The last straw for the Rockies was being swept at home in a three-game series by the Dodgers, with the Rockies being outscored by a combined 31-13. At 18-28, the club is a season-worst 10 games below .500, last in the NL West, and trailing the first-place Dodgers by 14 games. Hurdle, 51, went 534-625 (.461) as Rockies manager after taking over for Buddy Bell on April 26, 2002. He finished with one winning season. That was a doozy. In 2007, the Rockies seemed headed once again for also-ran status, but they won 14 of their final 15 ..."
Source: Hurdle out as Rockies manager
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May 29
Denver Post
 
"Clint Hurdle's seven-year run as the Rockies' manager will end today, according to a major-league source. With an off day to discuss the situation, the Rockies are poised to make a change given that their poor start has begun to affect attendance and fan interest. The Dodgers broomed the Rockies at Coors Field Wednesday, outscoring them 31-13 in the series and sending them a season-high 10 games under .500. The ugly losses — every game featured a big inning from the Dodgers — intensified speculation that Hurdle might be let go. While blaming themselves for the poor performance, multiple players said today they would not be surprised if a move was made soon. That talk was based on the ..."
Hurdle on borrowed time
Comment
May 29
Denver Post
 
"When manager Clint Hurdle exited Wednesday's news conference, he said earnestly that he would enjoy Thursday's off day. He did, his job still intact after an ugly three-game sweep by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rockies have long lived by a popular saying: "It takes courage to have patience." General manager Dan O'Dowd exercised that principle Thursday, making no move on Hurdle. It is not illogical, based on O'Dowd's recent admissions. Though he could not be reached for comment Thursday, he told The Denver Post last week he would give Hurdle the benefit of the doubt and see how players reacted to the manager operating with a firmer hand. The Rockies are 3-4 since that statement and sit ..."
Report: Several Rockies think Hurdle might be fired today
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May 28
Colorado Springs Gazette
 
"The picture of the 2009 Rockies has become manager Clint Hurdle trying to explain and analyze the team's latest loss. Today, one week after general manager Dan O'Dowd gave Hurdle a quasi vote of confidence, that picture could change dramatically. Following another dismal showing Wednesday in an 8-6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field, several Rockies players privately speculated that today's off day could mark the end of Hurdle's seven-plus-year tenure as manager. "It's a misnomer to say we are on a daily Clint watch. I am giving Clint the benefit of the doubt for now," O'Dowd said a week ago. "But we need to play better.""
Firing Hurdle may not matter
Comment
May 24
Denver Post
 columnist Troy E. Renick
"Clint Hurdle remains the manager of the Rockies. The question flooding my inbox is simple: Why? Based on his record alone, he should have been fired long ago. He's the only manager in major-league history to begin his career with five consecutive losing seasons and not get canned. So why do the Rockies show such patience? For starters, he has never been just the manager. From 2002 through 2006, he was the face of the franchise, the community ambassador. The Rockies weren't signing any big names then - their richest free-agent contract since the $175 million given Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle was Luis Vizcaino's $7.5 million. Hurdle was the guy articulating the youth movement, charming the ..."
O'Dowd giving Hurdle 'benefit of doubt'
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May 22
MLB.com
 
"Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd put the future of manager Clint Hurdle -- as well as on himself -- dependent on the team's performance, according to a published report. With growing rumbles that the job Hurdle has held since 2003 might be in jeopardy, O'Dowd told the Denver Post on Thursday that the perception of "a daily Clint watch" is a "misnomer." "I am giving Clint the benefit of the doubt for now," O'Dowd told the newspaper. "It's unfair to blame him solely for us playing like horse manure. I am just as accountable. So, there's no timeline on this. But we need to play better." O'Dowd made his comments in the wake of three blowout losses in four games, and prior to the Rockies' 9-0 ..."
Hurdle: A manager on the hot seat
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May 22
Denver Post
 
"With each loss, manager Clint Hurdle's job is becoming more tenuous. How the Rockies respond to his tougher discipline in the coming days will help determine whether he keeps his job, general manager Dan O'Dowd said Thursday in a phone interview. "It's a misnomer to say we are on a daily Clint watch. I am giving Clint the benefit of the doubt for now," O'Dowd said. "It's unfair to blame him solely for us playing like horse manure. I am just as accountable. "So, there's no timeline on this. But we need to play better." Speculation intensified Thursday that Hurdle's job was in jeopardy after the Rockies were blown out in three of their four previous games. O'Dowd said he's closely watching ..."
The defense - change is no guarantee
Comment
May 10
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"Since Thursday, when the Diamondbacks fired manager Bob Melvin, storm clouds have been gathering over Rockies manager Clint Hurdle. The parallels are pretty obvious. The two teams that met in the National League Championship Series 19 months ago are dueling for last place in the NL West. Hurdle knows the reasons don't matter much at this point. What matters are results, and the Rocks aren't seeing them. Their loss to the Marlins on Saturday night dropped them to 11-18, the same record they had after 29 games a year ago on their way to 74-88. "There comes a point in time when you can't keep saying your guys are over-trying," Hurdle acknowledged. "That doesn't work anymore. I'd be trying to ..."
GM not in blame game
Comment
May 10
Denver Post
 
"Despite the Rockies' disappointing start, general manager Dan O'Dowd called speculation over manager Clint Hurdle's job status "unfair at this time." The Rockies entered Saturday with an 11-17 record, undermined by an underachieving offense and inconsistent pitching, creating rumblings that Hurdle might not survive if this homestand goes sour. "I think that's unfair. We are just focusing on getting this thing right," O'Dowd said. "What does it help to speculate about (Hurdle)? I know we live in an industry and a society where everybody wants to play the blame game. I don't." While the results have been similar to last season, Hurdle, who is in the last year of his contract, has not. O'Dowd ..."
Only two spots to tinker with: left and second
Comment
May 5
Denver Post
 
"Manager Clint Hurdle made an interesting confession before Monday's game. He's prepared to meet urgency with stability. With players privately grumbling about lineup tinkering, Hurdle plans to stick with six regulars, leaving left field and second base as the only variables. "I want to give this lineup a chance to go. With Dexter (Fowler) in center, we only have two positions where we are looking to move people in and out: second and left field," Hurdle said. "We will play the hot hand accordingly." The lineup has not clicked, though two of the critical pieces are showing signs of improvement. Troy Tulowitzki (double) and Chris Iannetta (single) triggered the Rockies' two-run second inning ..."
Chacon Headed to Atlantic League
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May 4
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Right-handed pitcher Shawn Chacon, who grew up in Greeley and was an All-Star with the Rockies, is trying to revive his career. Chacon, released by Houston after an altercation with general manager Ed Wade in the player's lounge at Minute Maid Park, is joining the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League. Tim Raines is manager of the team and Mike Torres is the pitching coach. Meanwhile, the independent Tucson Toros have signed shortstop Franklin Gonzalez, the nephew of Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba. Tim Johnson is managing the Toros."
Gaudin Weighs Options
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April 8
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Chad Gaudin cleared waivers, which means the Chicago Cubs have to pay his $2 million salary. Now the bargain hunters can check in, and the Rockies are among teams that have contacted agent Larry Reynolds. The Rockies would like to sign Gaudin to a minor-league contract, send him to Triple-A Colorado Springs, and see if he can regain the arm strength and pitch selection to start again. Word is that at least two other teams are talking with Gaudin, offering him a big-league job but it would be as a middle reliever."
Details Holding up Hammel Trade
Comment
April 5
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"While the Rockies work to finalize details to obtain right-hander Jason Hammel from Tampa Bay they will be afforded one more opportunity to see him pitch Sunday. Hammel will pitch along with Jeff Neiman, his competition for the fifth spot in the Rays rotation in a minor-league session at Port Charlotte, Fla., Sunday afternoon. Hammel is out of options, which is why Tampa Bay is looking to trade him. The Rays would lose him on a waiver claim if they tried to send him to the minor leagues. Tampa Bay would receive right-handed pitching prospect Aneury Rodriguez from the Rockies if details can be worked out, according to a Tampa Bay source. Tampa Bay needs to do something with Hammel before it ..."
Rockies tentatively set to get Hammel
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April 5
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies and Rays have agreed on the parameters of a deal that would land Colorado right- handed reliever Jason Hammel, but Tampa Bay is still mulling other offers. The Rockies would send Double-A pitcher Aneury Rodriguez to the Rays, whom Tampa Bay scouted heavily in Tucson last week. Tampa Bay, however, has scheduled Hammel to throw in a minor- league game Sunday in a last attempt to increase his trade value to multiple suitors. Hammel, 26, profiles well for the Rockies. He's relatively young with experience as both a big-league starter and reliever. Hammel's arrival could squeeze Juan Morillo off the roster and possibly affect Matt Belisle's anticipated promotion Friday. Hurdle ..."
Source: Street to defeat Corpas for closer's role
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April 2
Denver Post
 
"Huston Street's strong closing argument will land him the Rockies' closer's role today, according to a source familiar with the team's thinking. Manager Clint Hurdle indicated he will make an announcement today, with all signs pointing toward Street winning the job over Manuel Corpas. The two began spring training in an open competition. Acquired from Oakland in the Matt Holliday trade, Street started poorly, but surged to the finish line. In his past nine appearances, he has allowed just one run, never requiring more than 12 pitches. His improvement can be traced to a healed right quadriceps. "We have known all along there would be a decision, but it's out of my control, so I can't worry ..."
Podsednik out, Rox in on trades for Gaudin, Hammel
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April 1
Denver Post
 
"As they say goodbye to a respected veteran, the Rockies are attempting to say hello to a new pitcher, exploring trades for the Cubs' Chad Gaudin and Tampa's Jason Hammel. Dexter Fowler's emergence and a crowded Triple-A outfield conspired to end Scott Podsednik's tenure with the Rockies today. General manager Dan O'Dowd told The Denver Post that the veteran outfielder will be released. "He's a good man, a professional. This is tough," O'Dowd said after leaving the Hi Corbett Field clubhouse. Podsednik spoke to his agent this morning, and is hopeful than a big league opportunity will emerge. Milwaukee, where Podsednik once starred for general manager Doug Melvin, has expressed interest. "I ..."
Rockies shopping Torrealba, Baker
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March 25
Denver Post
 
"At this point, spring training is less about evaluation and more about shopping. Teams generally know what their team will look like on opening day, but they are still seeking to accessorize, swapping a belt for shoes, if you will. So it is with the Rockies' roster, particularly with catcher Yorvit Torrealba and utilityman Jeff Baker. Rockies scouts have asked other teams if they need a catcher, acknowledging that Torrealba remains available in light of Sal Fasano's encouraging spring. The Rockies shopped Torrealba hard this winter, but found no one interested in absorbing the remaining $4 million on his contract. Colorado wanted a catcher in return so it would have a backup for Chris ..."
Hurdle not giving closing thoughts
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March 14
Denver Post
 
"TUCSON - If Clint Hurdle has a favorite between Manuel Corpas and Huston Street for closer, he's not providing any hints. "Nobody's got an edge," the Rockies manager said Friday. "You can ask me every day, and you are not going to get anything there." Corpas threw a scoreless sixth inning Friday in the Rockies' 7-3, 10-inning loss to the Giants. He allowed a single, then coaxed an inning-ending double-play grounder out of left-handed batter Travis Ishikawa with a hard sinker. "He's faced a whole handful of left-handers already and done a good job with it," Hurdle said. Thursday, Street pitched one perfect inning against the Angels. "I feel good about the way my spring has gone so far," ..."
Francis: "News not good"
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February 19
Denver Post
 
"The chances of Jeff Francis undergoing shoulder surgery increased this morning when he said, "The news is not good," after being asked about his injury. After speaking briefly to the Denver Post, Francis said he needed to talk with the team's public relations department and would address the media later today. Surgery would likely end his season. The Rockies left-hander was originally scheduled to throw a side session today, but not until his shoulder was re-evaluated. Francis talked face to face with Rockies manager Clint Hurdle after Wednesday's workout to discuss his situation. Today is the original deadline set by Francis' agent, Jim Lindell, for a decision on whether to have surgery. ..."
Francis appears closer to surgery
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February 18
Denver Post
 
"Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, but that won't happen until his shoulder is re-evaluated in the morning. There were growing indications Wednesday afternoon that Francis was leaning strongly toward having potential season-ending surgery on his shoulder. Francis talked one-on-one with manager Clint Hurdle about his situation Wednesday afternoon. Francis is believed to have a torn labrum flap creating an impingement. Francis feels pain when he throws, gets better as he loosens up, but the ache remains. Francis had originally set tomorrow as a deadline to decide, then backed off that in recent days, wanting to see how he did against hitters."
Still so many questions
Comment
February 8
Denver Post
 
"Matt Holliday is gone. Brian Fuentes left. Jeff Francis is hurt. And, for good measure, manager Clint Hurdle's dugout seat might as well be a Bunsen burner. So, this is the morning after the year after their first World Series appearance, the Rockies awakening with a percussive hangover. After stumbling to a 74-win season, the Rockies spent the past four months overhauling their coaching staff, reshaping their roster and pledging to return to the staples that made them baseball's favorite wet-nosed mutts during Rocktober. "Our execution was something we were terrible at last year," first baseman Todd Helton said. "It really doesn't matter why. We have to be better." A win-or-else vibe ..."
Rockies' Francis might consider exploratory surgery if shoulder doesn't improve
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February 5
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said pitcher Jeff Francis might undergo exploratory surgery early in spring training on his ailing left shoulder but expressed hope Francis could avoid that medical step which would sideline him for the bulk of this season. Jim Lindell, the agent for Francis, told ESPN.com that Francis has set Feb. 19, nearly one week into spring training, as a deadline to determine whether he'll need surgery on his inflamed shoulder, which hampered him last season and has kept him from throwing off a mound this winter. "I know it's somewhere in the beginning of spring," O'Dowd said of a deadline for surgery, "because you don't want to run the risk that he's going to miss ..."
O'Dowd: Not so fast on Francis surgery
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February 5
Denver Post
 
"General manager Dan O'Dowd labeled "premature" today a Feb. 19 surgery deadline set by former ace Jeff Francis. Francis' agent Jim Lindell told ESPN.com that the left-hander will decide by that date whether to have potentially-season ending exploratory surgery on his shoulder, which hasn't responded as well has he would have liked to rest and a cortisone shot. "We all know at some point and time, whether it's Feb. 19 or not, that we will need to make a decision," O'Dowd said. "But I think it's premature. I have been around a lot of players in my career, where they break through scar tissue, and they are fine." Francis continues throwing and plans to face hitters in Tucson before ..."
A bigger Fowler set to compete for CF spot
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January 29
Denver Post
 
"Talent doesn't always have a timetable. So while Ryan Spilborghs will get the first crack to start in center field for the Rockies this year, it's too early to rule out Dexter Fowler. Fowler showed up at Coors Field last week much thicker than when he left last September. He has added 10 to 12 pounds of muscle, the byproduct of intense training in Florida alongside Rockies prospects Eric Young Jr. and Greg Reynolds. "I wouldn't count out the kid. When you have young players (like) Dexter, you never know when they are going to pop," general manager Dan O'Dowd said. Fowler, a 6-foot-4 switch hitter, batted .335 at Double-A Tulsa and performed well for the U.S. Olympic team. However, with his ..."
Pain stifling Rockies pitcher Francis
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January 27
Denver Post
 
"Limbo is not the place Jeff Francis wants to be, especially with spring training a mere 18 days away. But that's where the Rockies' lefty starter finds himself. He admitted Monday that his ailing left shoulder, while showing slight signs of improvement, will likely prevent him from opening the regular season as part of the starting rotation. How long he might be out no one knows. "I won't be on the same timetable as the other guys, but at this point I plan to be ready some time during spring," he said. "Whether I'll be pitching at the start of the season for the Rockies, I don't think that's looking very good. It's a day-to-day thing. Some days it feels really good and a lot better than ..."
Rockies joining Benson viewing party
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January 22
MLB.com
 
"The Rockies are one of at least seven teams who will spend Saturday in Phoenix looking at veteran pitcher Kris Benson, who finished last season in the Minors healthy after having missed 2007 with a shoulder injury that required surgery. In addition to the Rockies, Benson, 34, will be watched by the Dodgers, D-Backs, Rangers, Indians, Padres and Cardinals, and a few other teams are considering attending, his agent, Gregg Clifton, said Thursday morning. The Rockies have spent the offseason building rotation depth, and could be looking for one more pitcher to add to the mix. The Rockies have also expressed interest in another experienced right-hander, Josh Fogg, a member of the rotation that ..."
$1.3 million divide between Atkins, Rockies
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January 21
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Third baseman Garrett Atkins and the Rockies found themselves $1.3 million apart on a 2009 salary after the sides exchanged arbitration figures Tuesday. Forty-six players went through that process, with Atkins' $7.95 million request the third highest. First baseman Ryan Howard of Philadelphia filed for $18 million and Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder is seeking $8 million. The Rockies countered with a $6.65 million offer, leaving a midpoint of $7.3 million. That could represent a potential settlement area in negotiations. If the sides fail to reach agreement, the case would go to a three-person arbitration panel, which would pick the club's or the player's figure. Asked whether a ..."
Iannetta accepts bid to play for team USA
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January 10
Denver Post
 
"While Brad Hawpe is mulling an invitation to play for team USA in the second World Baseball Classic, Chris Iannetta has already caught on, according to multiple baseball sources. Iannetta accepted a big to play for the American club, representing another milestone in his rise from prospect to cornerstone of the Rockies' future. Iannetta had to put together a great spring just to make the Rockies' team. By May, he was the starter. And by season's end, he had put together arguably the finest season ever by a Rockies' catcher."
Marquis set to become a Rockie on Tuesday
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January 6
Denver Post
 
"Right-handed starter Jason Marquis could officially become a Rockie as soon as Tuesday. MLB.com and Chicago-area media reported today that the trade that has Marquis coming to Colorado in exchange for reliever Luis Vizcaino is likely to become official on Tuesday. Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd wouldn't confirm the trade, saying that there are still "some issues to be resolved." The Rockies have liked Marquis for some time and envision him as a solid fourth or fifth starter. The move would help the Cubs free up some salary for free agent outfielder Milton Bradley, who reportedly has agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal. That deal is contingent on Bradley passing a physical later ..."
Marquis deal close; Cubs clear payroll for Bradley
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December 31
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Cubs appear close to clearing a major hurdle in their efforts to sign switch-hitting outfielder Milton Bradley. Sources confirmed Tuesday night that the Cubs and Rockies are close to a trade that will send pitcher Jason Marquis and most of his $9.875 million contract to Colorado for embattled reliever Luis Vizcaino. The deal, which is not expected to be announced before next week, would include at least $875,000 in cash going to the Rockies. Balanced against the guaranteed $4 million remaining on Vizcaino's contract, that would allow the Cubs to shed $5 million of Marquis' 2009 salary -- about what the Cubs hoped to save in trading the final year of Marquis' three-year, $21 million ..."
Rox have deal in place for Marquis
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December 31
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies are going to swap a relief bust for rotation depth. The Rockies and Cubs have agreed in principle on a deal that would send Luis Vizcaino to Chicago for starter Jason Marquis, according to multiple baseball sources. The deal, first reported by ESPN, likely won't become official until next week. The Rockies made the math work to get a starter they have coveted for a month, while removing a setupman who asked to be dealt at season's end after expressing unhappiness with his role. The Rockies will ship the $4 million remaining on Vizcaino's deal for the $9.875 million left on Marquis' contract. The Cubs are expected to eat around a $1 million on Marquis' contract, leaving the ..."
Rockies cautious on trading Atkins
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December 19
Rocky Mountain News
 
"With Ian Stewart ready for his big-league opportunity, the Rockies have what could be a key bargaining chip for a major offseason deal with incumbent third baseman Garrett Atkins. The Rockies have put Atkins trade talks on hold in part because the message they got from him this offseason has been positive. He wants to stay in Colorado, and past indications that he was ready to leave were attempts at gallows humor that were given too much credibility. More than anything, though, the Rockies have to be realistic. It is difficult to deal Atkins because they don't know what their major 2009 need will be, and they likely won't start to get an answer to that question until they are deep into ..."