Steve Foster of InsidetheRockies.com reports that the Rockies have signed 21 players to one-year contracts. Some of the more recognizable names include Chris Iannetta, Greg Smith, Ryan Spilborghs, Matt Murton and Franklin Morales.
Rockies Rumors
Odds & Ends: Contraction, Pudge, German, Jays
Links for Monday…
- Squawking Baseball talked to Braves exec John Coppolella about the salary arbitration process as well as various topics about the team.
- The Marlins renewed their remaining players, including Cameron Maybin and Matt Lindstrom. The Braves signed 10, including Yunel Escobar.
- Bill Madden of the New York Daily News wonders if contraction will be considered during negotiations for the next Basic Agreement.
- Justin Murphy of Seamheads.com talked to Brian Bannister, as did Joe Posnanski of the Kansas City Star.
- MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro talked to various sources who expect Ivan Rodriguez to wind up a Marlin, though that’s based on opinion rather than insider knowledge.
- We forgot to mention that the Royals designated Esteban German for assignment to make room for Juan Cruz. Rany Jazayerli liked the Cruz signing. My opinion: Cruz has great stuff and upside, but he has a ways to go before being considered a top setup man.
- Blue Jays president Paul Beeston says the team will go over slot in the draft for the first time, according to Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail (hat tip Drunk Jays Fans).
- Tracy Ringolsby and Jack Etkin, formerly of the Rocky Mountain News, can now be found at Inside The Rockies.
Odds And Ends: Rockies, Manny
A few links for Saturday afternoon…
- Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post spoke with Rockies owner Dick Monfort and heard that the team has confidence in GM Dan O’Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle even though they haven’t received extensions.
- Steve Buckley of the Boston Herald is tiring of the negotiations between Manny Ramirez’s camp and the Dodgers.
- Speaking of those negotiations, Barry Bloom of MLB.com says there are no new developments as of mid-day Saturday.
Olney: Rockies Aren’t Panicking
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Rockies feel they can fill their starting pitching void from within.
"This is the best depth we’ve had since I’ve been here," said Bob Apodaca, the Rockies’ pitching coach.
With Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Marquis, Jorge De La Rosa, Franklin Morales, Greg Reynolds, Jason Hirsh and Josh Fogg all in camp, there’s no reason to rush out and grab a free agent arm.
"They’re really deep," the injured Jeff Francis said Thursday. "I mean, there’s what, six guys going for the fifth starting spot? So I’m not going to stand here and say they’re not going to miss me, but I’m also not going to say that they’re not going to be OK without me because there’s a lot of talent out there and there’s guys that can step in and fill some holes."
Jeff Francis Likely Out For Season
According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis will have exploratory shoulder surgery on Wednesday and is likely out for the season (Tracy Ringolsby says it’s a torn labrum). Renck adds that the team’s acquisition of Jason Marquis was made with this possibility in mind.
The Rockies still have Marquis, Aaron Cook, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jorge de la Rosa, Greg Smith, Jason Hirsh, Matt Belisle, and Josh Fogg as probable starters.
Rockies Sign Randy Flores
Troy Renck reported it on Tuesday, but now it’s official. The Rockies have signed left-handed reliever Randy Flores to a minor league contract.
Flores will earn $600K this season if he makes the team. He appeared in 43 games for the Cardinals in ’08, posting a 5.26 ERA before undergoing shoulder surgery near the end of the season. He probably won’t be ready for Opening Day.
Rockies, Randy Flores Agree To Terms
According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies have agreed to terms with left-handed reliever Randy Flores on a minor league contract worth $600K.
Along with the deal comes an invitation to spring training. The Rockies had discussed adding Joe Beimel, but Flores was clearly the much cheaper option. The 33-year-old posted a 5.26 ERA in 43 appearances for the Cardinals last season and a 4.25 mark in 2007.
Rockies Non-Roster Spring Training Invitees
The Colorado Springs Gazette has a list of the Rockies’ non-roster spring training invitees. The club will audition seven pitchers, three infielders, four outfielders, and five catchers. Here they are, in all their glory:
RHP Matt Belisle, INF Christian Colonel, OF Chris Frey, C Edwin Bellorin, LHP Cedrick Bowers, INF Luis Gonzalez, OF Matt Miller, C Michael McKenry, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, INF Jonathan Herrera, OF Dan Ortmeier, C Paul Phillips, RHP Matt Daley, OF Scott Podsednik, C Wilin Rosario, RHP Josh Fogg, C Sal Fasano, RHP Brandon Hynick and LHP Glendon Rusch.
Pitchers, catchers, and those participating in the World Baseball Classic are scheduled to report to spring training on Friday, February 13.
Rockies Sign Sal Fasano
According to MLB.com’s Thomas Harding, the Rockies signed catcher Sal Fasano to a minor league deal. Harding also lists the team’s other 18 non-roster invitees.
O’Dowd: Rockies Have Turned Page On Beimel
As Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports, the Rockies are no longer interested in free agent lefty Joe Beimel. MLBTR covered this last week, but it seems to be a bit more official now.
"It’s highly unlikely that we would sign him," Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said Monday. "We’ve turned the page and moved on."
The Rockies already have the left-handed Alan Embree on their roster and another lefty, Glendon Rusch, was given a non-roster spring training invitation. The Phillies are still on the lookout for a left-handed bullpen arm and could become suitors for Beimel.
