Chris Iannetta News: Pro Sports Daily

Improved Iannetta is keystone to Rockies' success

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February 10

Denver Post

"Last November, when I was still a Rockies beat writer, I opined that catcher Chris Iannetta was the one player who must improve significantly in order for the Rockies to win the National League West in 2010. With Yorvit Torrealba gone, I feel even more strongly about that, regardless of how much newcomer Miguel Olivo contributes. Rockies pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Tucson on Feb. 18. Beginning that day, Iannetta must become a leader. He needs to take charge of the pitching staff. As for his power at the plate, this is what I wrote back in November: "I think Iannetta is the one player who could turn the Rockies into a team every bit as dangerous as the Phillies." ..."

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 ..."

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."

Iannetta's bat supplies power surge against rays

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June 18

Denver Post

"Say this for Chris Iannetta: When he connects, good things happen. Of the catcher's 28 hits this season, 16 have gone for extra bases. Wednesday against the Rays, Iannetta doubled and scored a run in the second. He led off with a solo home run in the fourth, his ninth homer. In a pinch. Seth Smith hasn't gotten much playing time lately, but he continues to deliver off the bench. With his pinch-hit single in the seventh inning, Smith has reached base in 14 of 26 plate appearances this season. For his career, he's batting .355 (22-for-62) as a pinch hitter."

Iannetta limps off in sixth with strained hamstring

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May 24

Denver Post

"Chris Iannetta's Saturday night began with a bang and ended with a limp. In the sixth, the catcher rounded third, looking to score from second on Garrett Atkins' single. But Iannetta pulled up lame after straining his right hamstring. He was immediately pulled from the game, replaced by Yorvit Torrealba. Iannetta is officially listed as day-to-day, but a hamstring injury is especially tough on a catcher, so a trip to the disabled list appears likely. There were indications late Saturday night that Paul Phillips, 32, would be called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs to serve as the Rockies' second catcher. Phillips has spent time in the majors in each of the last five seasons. Flying ..."

Iannetta says power surge not planned

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May 7

Denver Post

"Chris Iannetta hit a game-winning grand slam Monday night. Tuesday night, he clubbed a solo homer into the second deck at San Diego's Petco Park. Given the heavy night air, that's no easy task. His six home runs lead major-league catchers, but Iannetta swears he's not a home run hitter. "I just go out there and try to find the barrel and hit line drives," he said. "The day I start trying to hit home runs is the day I won't get any results. I can't do that. Pitch location and all of the other things dictates home runs." After a terrible start, Iannetta is slowly starting to come on. Though he was hitting just .200 for the Rockies entering Wednesday, he's made his hits count. After beginning ..."