THURSDAY, 7:51am: The Rockies' initial offer to Berkman was low, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. It appears Berkman is looking for $8-10MM, tweets SI's Jon Heyman. Rosenthal notes that if Berkman were to sign with Oakland, he would spend some time in the field.
WEDNESDAY, 6:50pm: The Rockies are aggressively pursuing free agent outfielder Lance Berkman, writes Troy Renck of The Denver Post. Renck writes that the slugger will likely get offered more money elsewhere but his preference to return to the National League helps Colorado's chances. Berkman recently said that there are eight teams interested in him this winter.
While the 34-year-old slugger won't rule out being a DH, he says that he is still capable of playing either first base or corner outfield. Berkman has not played the outfield since 2007 but claims to have made a full recovery from the arthroscopic knee surgery he underwent in March.
In 122 games for the Astros and Yankees last season, the five-time All-Star hit .248/.368/.413 with 14 homers in 481 plate appearances.
If by Rockes, you mean Dodgers, then I am excited.
Platoon with Helton at 1B?
Seems like an odd place to land to me when he can probably get more playing time somewhere else
1. Its the RockIes not the Rockes
B. Isnt Lance Berkman a FA first baseman?
Thats what I was thinking. I dont see the Big Puma squeezing into that outfield…
He may play some RF to spell Smith against tough LHP…assuming that Berkman remembers how to hit them himself. But point taken, he’s primarily a 1B.
Berkman would be like…a Brad Hawpe-esque butcher in the corner OF spots
LOL, I never said he’d be a _good_ fill-in OF…
As an Astros fan, I have seen many games when ol’ Fred Flintstone would pull in some great catches in his spot starts in right/left. He is no Jim Edmonds out there at his age, but can still play a serviceable outfield.
As an Astros fan, I have seen many games when ol’ Fred Flintstone would pull in some great catches in his spot starts in right/left. He is no Jim Edmonds out there at his age, but can still play a serviceable outfield.
In other words, as long as he’s platooning with Helton, he isn’t hitting because he’d be hitting right handed anymore…He is going to have a -14.0 UZR in the OF?
Isn’t someone like Ty Wigginton a better option for the Rockeis at this point?
I like this signing. Rockies are making some big moves this off-season.
oops reply fail
They haven’t signed him yet.
Wow that was a curveball. He seemed like a lock for Oakland.
Not to be “that guy” – but you spelled “Rockies” without the “i” in the title.
Find this move surprising. Figured the Rockies would go with one of the lesser 1Bs on the market to platoon with Todd Helton.
Don’t be a hero. Nobody likes a hero.
True.
Paper Lace even wrote a song about not being a hero, go figure.
What’s the big deal? Obviously you know that it’s the Rockies…
Well atleast he was respectfull about it, not “OMG, your writers are lazy, can’t spell simple words right!!11!!!1!1” like i’ve seen here many times.
Because this place strives to be professional and I’m sure the writers appreciate it. At least he did it politely, and someone should have pointed it out.
I suppose. whatever.
Should be able to hit well in Coors.
Dodgers will swoop in and get him. 1 year 10 million.
Ummm…. This article say the Rockies just signed him……..
What part of “pursue” don’t you get?
The article has been updated, it originally said the Rockies were close to signing him.
Even then, close to signing does not equal signed. So any team can still swoop in.
ok
Why would you even bring up the Dodgers? So random. Did you not read? It doesn’t say Rocks aggressively pursuing Berkman, but Dodgers right behind. Donk
You are probably the biggest troll on this forum.
trollo trollo trollo trollo trollo….
thump…
gutterr ball.
If by Rockes, you mean “team who always finishes dead last.” The “rock” of the division so to speak, then I suppose the Pirates are an…interesting fit.
We always finish dead last? Really? I seem to remember going to the playoffs 2 of the last 4 years and going to the WS in 2007 (Sweeping the D-Backs and Phillies on the way). How are we last.
It was a joke. Rockies was misspelled Rockes.
Well, the “we” he was talking about is the Pirates, and they’re last in quite a few ways.
Bingo.
you guys want him playing in the outfield? haha đŸ™‚
Thats what I’m wondering. I didn’t think he was still a capable everyday OF. If he’s just platooning with Helton then I don’t understand it. Oakland is offering an everyday job at 1st with decent money and a chance to re-establish himself.
Maybe Oakland feels their close to getting Dunn but we just don’t know or maybe he really wants to stay in the NL and face NL pitching or maybe has a weak spot for the Rocky Mountains lol….but your right this doesn’t make all that much sense. Even if Oak was out, I’m sure he would still find a starting job somewhere.
Daric Barton is at 1st. Berkman would probably be asked to DH 90% of the time with some spot starts at 1st and RF.
Daric Barton is at 1st. Berkman would probably be asked to DH 90% of the time with some spot starts at 1st and RF.
I don’t follow the Rockies closely, so I’m probably wrong, but it seems like an odd place for him.They’ve got Helton at 1st and it doesn’t make sense to play him in the outfield for a full season and I don’t see him becoming a full time pinch hitter, so where does he fit?
I assume he’ll platoon with Helton and play some RF when a lefty is on the hill. Rockies had two declining first basemen last year, may as well have two for this upcoming year….
This IS an odd place for him. If this is true, then I suspect Carlos Gonzalez will take over CF and leave Spilborghs and Fowler as 4th OF/depth/Seth Smith’s platoon partner. Offensively, this would make a pretty scary OF versus RHP.
I would much rather have Wigginton, who could play 1B and 3B and hit RHP better.
Uh oh, headline change…..
And also, there is now a better chance of Adam Dunn signing with the A’s I’m guessing, which I’m very happy about.
yea i hope so as well. i’m scared though, eek. please sign dunn
This move is crazy! Berkman can’t play the outfield. He can hit and he needs to go to a team that he can play everyday or he can go to the american league and DH some.
Pure speculation on my part…this might mean that Helton is retiring, or at least willing to accept a role as a PH/part-time player.
Very doubtful.
Very doubtful.
this is laughable. Lance Berkman playing in Denver’s spacious outfield is a joke to baseball.
A bit OT, but I would LOVE to see an outfield of Berkman(LF), Carlos Lee(CF), and Garret Anderson(RF). Preferably on the 2011 Phillies club….
That was clever.
Headline has just been changed to : “… aggressively pursuing Berkman”
What’s funny is that they’ve changed the headline, but still haven’t fixed the typo….lol.
Are typos really that serious? I get the idea of what they’re saying and its still the best place to get all your rumors.
Are typos really that serious? I get the idea of what they’re saying and its still the best place to get all your rumors.
Jeez they have been off with a lot of headlines lately. “Aggressively pursuing” is much different than “closing in” or whatever it was before. Oakland is aggressively pursuing him too…
Maybe it’s just me, but I refreshed three times and the headline still says “Rockes Aggressively Pursuing Berkman.” Unless Webster pulled a fast one on me and switched the meanings to the phrases “aggressively pursuing” and “signed,” I fail to see how this is a done deal. Lol
15 minutes ago, the headline stated that the deal was (nearly) done – was revised thereafter.
Ah, I see. Thanks for the heads up. Late to the party as usual. Lol
Really, you missed the dictionary convention? Man…what a weekend. As they say, however, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Probably not the greatest of ideas to hold the convention in Vegas, for this reason. Lmao
No, now what happens in Vegas, ends up on Facebook.
Slightly OT, but this is the 3rd or 4th article that has needed major revision in the last day or so…
I still was really hoping the Yankees would offer him arbitration.
He may have accepted meaning that we would be stuck paying him around $15 mil. I guess we could’ve had a gentlemens agreement that he would’ve declined so we could get a type b comp pick like we did w/ Vazquez though.
I don’t see Berkman going to Oakland. He already states that he wasn’t to return to the National League and play on the field. But I also don’t see him go to the Rockies…
that he wasn’t or that he wants?
Changing his profession to meat salesmen? I think he is still capable of DH-ing at the least.
O’Dowd for the first time in the history of my fandom is really impressing me. Berkman is an awesome move. A few more pieces Danny
First time? He has been down right impressive since 06.
First time? He has been down right impressive since 06.
Rockies and dodgers making Alot of moves so far. I know it’s early but I take those two As my favorite for the western division just by the moves they made so far
What moves has Colorado made? They resigned Tulo and De La Rosa, but that puts them in the exact same situation as last season. Unless I am forgetting someone, they haven’t made any other signings.
But… But… They traded Clint Barmes too!
addition by subtraction can’t be understated in this case
addition by subtraction can’t be understated in this case
What does that even mean? That is impossible. Addition by addition.
But… But… They traded Clint Barmes too!
Felipe Paulino is a good get for a dude like Clint Barmes. But yeah, I think it only seems like the Rockies have made a lot of moves because these signings have been in the last couple days. Your point stands.
Felipe Paulino is a good get for a dude like Clint Barmes. But yeah, I think it only seems like the Rockies have made a lot of moves because these signings have been in the last couple days. Your point stands.
Only because you despise the Giants. Make predictions based on serious evaluation and not by your bias. I’ve seen most of your posts and if you want to be taken seriously, be objective. Seriously how can the Giants not be favorites to win the NL West.
I’m a definite Rockies fans (and i admit i am bias towards them) and have been impressed by the moves both the Dodgers and Rockies have made but how can anyone go against the WS Champs (esp. so early in the offseason), their the champs for the reason.
I don’t like it. They need a RH bat to hit those pesky lefties. Berkman couldn’t even find the RH batters box. I would rather have Wiggington or Hall in that role, but more preferably Napoli or Willingham.
Interesting how more posts on this thread have been about a single innocent type rather than the Rockies interest in Berkman…
I really like this move if it goes through. Helton will need more rest and Berkman can play RF in a pinch and give Helton rest at first. Granted, I would like Wiggington better or even a trade for Willingham from Washington. We shall see what happens. I think they will make some minor deals to shore up some issues and we will be in contention in the NL West next year for sure.
I was hoping my D’Backs could grab Berkman lol..
I’m not sure why the D’Backs would want him – they have a very capable rookie slugger in Brandon Allen who was stuck in LF last year because LaRoche was at 1B. Allen should fill the 1B vacancy nicely.
I don’t see Berkman playing the outfield to be honest. Weird fit.
As an Oakland A’s fan I hope the Rockies DO sign Berkman. Memo to A’s G.M., Billy Beane — Why in the world are you pursuing Berkman ??? At age 34 he’s way over-the-hill. Your “genius” must be wearing thin, Billy. Go after & SIGN H. Matsui & Jim Thome — they’ve still got some “pop” left in their big bats. Berkman doesn’t !!!
I am going to guess that Spandemonium does not have a job…
Berkman has played plenty of outfield. 1b for the Astros belonged to Bagwell so he had to play outfield. Believe it or not, Berkman played cf for the Astros for a while at MMP. That’s kind of laughable now. He could play a corner spot, but he’s not going to win any defensive awards.
I think O’Dowd better go down and walk around that outfield ar Coors before he seriously commits to having Lance Berkman trying to run around out there.
Berkman can’t cover as much ground as Brad Hawpe at this point, and Hawpe was no longer good enough to play here.
Considering the money that he’s likely to get, this seems nonsensical to me. The only way to make this work is if Helton is going to retire and convert the remainder of his contract to a deferral like he did with part of it last winter and Berkman can take over at 1B.
Dont the Rockies already have Jason Giambi for that backup 1B role?
Berkman, as a born-again Christian, probably has mutual appeal on a character basis with many in the Rockies organization. Seems like it’d be a stetch to say that THIS is what would motivate a deal…but it might be something that goes unreported.
Hey look, Berkman is a border line hall of famer but he should be a back-up 1bmen and a DH in the American league. Oakland is perfect for him.
When I first read that — “Berkman is a border line HOF’er” — I did a double-take, but you’re right. A few more good years, and Berkman would at least sniff HOF consideration.
If the A’s want him, though, they’re going to have to offer Berkman way more (in terms of money and years) than anyone else. Colorado provides Berkman something Oakland does not: the possibility of showing he’s worth a three-year, $10M+ contract NEXT offseason. While it may not necessarily be true for all hitters, Oakland is perceived as a place hitters come to die (look what Oakland did to Matt Holliday). So, in order to entice Berkman to come to Oakland, they will basically have to offer him the “one-year come-rejuvinate-your-career” contract & the “three-year ride-off-into-retirement” contract, all in one package.
Assume the Rockies are offering Berkman something like a one-year, $5-8M deal (with an option, or not). Berkman will look at that contract and say: “I can get five to eight mill this season, and playing for the Rockies — in their park, with their young hitters around me — I’ll produce enough to sign a three-year, $35-40M deal next offseason.” The same offer, or even a better one, from the A’s won’t get it done because Oakland doesn’t have the young offensive stars and the friendly home park that Colorado does… so, Oakland doesn’t offer Berkman the chance to resurrect his career and sign that “ride-off-into-retirement” deal. Which mean, the A’s need to offer him both deals in one offer: something like four-years, $50M.
If the A’s want Berkman, they have to give him his nest egg.
When I first read that — “Berkman is a border line HOF’er” — I did a double-take, but you’re right. A few more good years, and Berkman would at least sniff HOF consideration.
If the A’s want him, though, they’re going to have to offer Berkman way more (in terms of money and years) than anyone else. Colorado provides Berkman something Oakland does not: the possibility of showing he’s worth a three-year, $10M+ contract NEXT offseason. While it may not necessarily be true for all hitters, Oakland is perceived as a place hitters come to die (look what Oakland did to Matt Holliday). So, in order to entice Berkman to come to Oakland, they will basically have to offer him the “one-year come-rejuvinate-your-career” contract & the “three-year ride-off-into-retirement” contract, all in one package.
Assume the Rockies are offering Berkman something like a one-year, $5-8M deal (with an option, or not). Berkman will look at that contract and say: “I can get five to eight mill this season, and playing for the Rockies — in their park, with their young hitters around me — I’ll produce enough to sign a three-year, $35-40M deal next offseason.” The same offer, or even a better one, from the A’s won’t get it done because Oakland doesn’t have the young offensive stars and the friendly home park that Colorado does… so, Oakland doesn’t offer Berkman the chance to resurrect his career and sign that “ride-off-into-retirement” deal. Which mean, the A’s need to offer him both deals in one offer: something like four-years, $50M.
If the A’s want Berkman, they have to give him his nest egg.