The Rockies are looking for versatile right-handed hitters and have been in contact with the agents of Russell Martin, Jeff Francoeur and Ty Wigginton, reports FOXSports.com's Tracy Ringolsby. Martin is already drawing significant interest since being non-tendered by the Dodgers yesterday, though only Colorado could re-unite him with manager Jim Tracy. With the Rockies set on Chris Iannetta as their regular catcher, Martin might want to sign for a team that gives him a clearer path to a starting job behind the plate. If he isn't set on catching, however, Martin would find plenty of at-bats in Colorado spelling Ian Stewart and Todd Helton at third and first, respectively, against left-handed pitching.
The Phillies and Royals have also shown some interest in Francoeur, but Ringolsby notes that the Rockies would have Francoeur play some first base as Helton's backup. Francoeur has played only in the outfield in his career and is the least-versatile option of the three players. If he were to struggle playing first, the Rockies could find themselves still in the market for a reliable backup corner infielder once the season began.
Wigginton has been linked to the Rockies already and could fit right in as a right-handed bench bat. The Orioles are the only other club known to have an interest in Wigginton this winter, but it seems like he'd have more opportunities for playing time in Colorado.
Dayton! Do something!
Don’t worry he’ll get Francoeur.
With Jose Lopez in the fold I fail to see how Ty Wigginton makes any sense at this point.
Russell Martin as the backup at 1B and 3B is laughable with his hip being questionable.
Oddly enough, Francoeur probably makes the most sense in this group of players IF he can play a little 1B from time to time. He’s never done that, though, so asking him to learn that position on the fly at the big league level seems a pretty odd choice to make.
The one thing Jeff would offer is a nice mix and match possibility in the outfield with Smith and CarGo hitting from the left side, Francoeur and Spilborghs from the right, and Fowler as a switch-hitter. Tracy would have a lot of options in that scenario.
Why would Wiggi have more playing time in COL? On the Os they have a DH and openings at 3B and 1B, both of which Wigginton has played.
I agree with this thought. Seems to me that with Lopez and Helton and Stewart around that Wigginton would have a lot more opportunity back with the O’s.
i love how russell martin turned himself morbidly obese, only for his offense to get even worse. congrats to the hambeast
i lol’ed at this comment but he actually put on muscle and it still didnt work.
How are the Cardinals not in on Ty Wigginton?? He would be a great back up 3rd and bench guy.
Francoeur? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That is all.
Oh god. Just sign Berkman, Martin would be alright. Stay away from Francoeur for the love of God.
Berkman isn’t very effective against LHP anymore. He hasn’t been since at least 2008, if not 2007.
Francoeur posted a .300/.363/.442 line against LHP in 2010 and a .344/.356/.521 slash against lefties in 2009. For his career it’s .299/.343/.481 so he’s been pretty consistent.
If they got him to platoon against lefties, then I’d say Francoeur would be not too bad an option. And he would certainly be less expensive than either Martin or Berkman.
But if Berkman can’t hit lefties again this year… Go with Glaus. His big RH bat would fit in very nicely, plus he can hit both lefties and righties. Given that he was hurt last year setting himself up as a utility guy at the corners and PH late in the game could help him land a nice cushy DH job some where else.
I think the Rockies have been mentioned as possibly interested in Glaus.
If he can still play a little 3B (maybe once a week) and also fill in at 1B to spell Helton 2-3 times a week then I’d say he makes a lot of sense.
Martin never played for Jim Tracy, it would be the first time if he signed with the Rocks.
That is correct. He didn’t get called up until 2006, Grady Little’s 1st year as manager. Tracy’s last year in L.A. was 2005.
Any ABs given Franceour would likely be taken away from Ryan Spilborghs or Seth Smith. And both are much better players.