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Chris Iannetta News & Rumors

Angels get catcher Chris Iannetta from Rockies for Tyler Chatwood
December 1
Los Angeles Times
 
"Jerry Dipoto "checked off two boxes" on his winter to-do list with his first trade as Angels general manager Wednesday, adding catching depth and a player with a strong on-base percentage with his acquisition of Chris Iannetta from the Colorado Rockies. But did he add another item by sending 21-year-old right-hander Tyler Chatwood to Colorado for Iannetta, a 28-year-old with a .357 on-base percentage in six big league seasons? The Angels don't have much depth beyond their big league rotation, and they parted with one of their top two pitching prospects in Chatwood, who struggled with his command in 2011 but showed much promise with his 95-mph fastball and big overhand curveball."
Rockies trade Iannetta to Angels for young starting right-hander
December 1
Denver Post
 
"It was one of those lonely moments late in September, the Rockies long a stranger to relevance. Chris Iannetta looked around the clubhouse and predicted there would be several new faces next spring as management looked to acquire pitching. Wednesday, he became the latest asset used to rebuild the rotation, traded to the Angels for 21-year-old starter Tyler Chatwood. The deal came together quickly after the Rockies agreed on a two-year, $6.4 million contract with free agent Ramon Hernandez? to assume starting catching duties. Chatwood, a right-hander, dives into the pool of starting rotation candidates after going 6-11 with a 4.74 ERA with the Angels last season."
Rockies' Iannetta on trading block; Prado on radar
November 30
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies' desire for a nip-and-tuck makeover tilting toward a roster shakeup is reflected in their aggressiveness in trade discussions with other teams. With the winter meetings approaching next week, the Rockies remain hopeful of finding common ground with Atlanta on infielder Martin Prado?, while casting nets in all directions for starting pitching. In talks with the Angels, the Rockies offered catcher Chris Iannetta, asking for 21-year-old pitcher Tyler Chatwood, who was 6-11 with the Angels last season. Rival executives said Colorado is seeking multiple players in return for Iannetta, including at least one big-leaguer."
Rockies Trade Rumors: Chris Iannetta Being Looked At By Pittsburgh, Cleveland?
July 23
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"So it begins. Well, continues. As the 2011 MLB Trade Deadline draws near, Catcher Chris Iannetta is being asked about by a couple of teams: the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Indians. Pittsburgh has had nothing but woes with their backstops. Ryan Doumit hit the DL earlier this season, which was the first blow, given his decent batting numbers (113 wRC - suggesting he's about 13% above the average batter). Chris Snyder looked similarly solid (116 wRC ) before undergoing back surgery. Pittsburgh traded for Boston's Michael McKenry (the same as the one who used to play for the Sky Sox) and has played 7 different catchers this season alone. Cleveland's situation is less dire,"
Iannetta fired up to start anew
April 1
Denver Post
 
"Chris Iannetta will wake up today as the Rockies' starting catcher — again. Whether he eventually loses the job — again — remains a concern. Last season, Iannetta earned the starting job before being surpassed by Miguel Olivo. Two years ago it was Yorvit Torrealba who took over. This spring, Iannetta was the clear choice to start at backstop, with veteran Jose Morales his backup. Other options this spring were Matt Pagnozzi, who was dropped to Triple-A, and Mike McKenry, who was traded to Boston last week. "I struggled a little toward the end of 2009 and tried to change a bunch of things. And when I struggled some last season, I tried to change a bunch again," Iannetta said Thursday. This"
Iannetta's role this year bigger than home state
February 16
Denver Post
 
"What, you think, in this age of sabermetrics and Internet overkill, you've heard just about every crazy number or quirky fact that Major League Baseball could possibly produce? Try this one on for size: The Rockies have a starting pitcher and starting catcher who call Rhode Island home. Rhode Island? Yes, Rhode Island, the state that's smaller than the Rockies' new spring training facility. Chris Iannetta and Jason Hammel live about 20 minutes away from each other in the Ocean State and worked out together this offseason. "Our relationship has really gone to a new level," Hammel said. "It's almost like a marriage. We've learned what buttons to push when we're kind of feeling down." Hammel"
Rockie's Iannetta taking steps to avoid misery of 2010 job
January 8
Denver Post
 
"Miguel Olivo, last year's starting catcher, is in Seattle. Yorvit Torrealba, the previous incumbent who nearly returned this winter, landed in Texas. Shades of gray have become black and white: Chris Iannetta is the Rockies' starting catcher. Again. The owner, manager and general manager have said as much for two months. For the first time this offseason, Iannetta acknowledged the designation, albeit with cautious optimism, in an interview Thursday. "I am taking nothing for granted, to be completely honest with you," Iannetta told The Denver Post. "I am going to camp to win the job. Saying you are the starter now - ultimately, that just means it's the case going into spring and maybe"
Tracy: Iannetta, Olivo to share time at catcher
March 17
Denver Post
 
"When Yorvit Torrealba defected as a free agent, the prevailing opinion was that Chris Iannetta would take ownership of the catching position. But with roughly three weeks left in spring training, Rockies manager Jim Tracy acknowledged it will be a time-share situation with Miguel Olivo. At least initially. "I can tell you this: They are both going to play," Tracy said. "I am not using the word 'platoon.' But they are both going to play." Iannetta and Olivo are having strong springs. Iannetta is hitting .375. Olivo is batting .444, with five RBIs. Both have been starters in their career: Iannetta in 2008 and part of 2009 and Olivo last season with the Royals. "I want to play and he wants to"
Improved Iannetta is keystone to Rockies' success
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
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
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
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
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
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
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"