Monday at the Winter Meetings

December 7th, 2009 | by wutae3 |

While no major moves went down in baseball, the Rockies made a few moves that should strengthen the team for next season. While they may seem minor to people around baseball, the Rockies made all the right moves on Monday. Let’s hope the trend continues for the rest of the week.

Betancourt accepts Rox salary arbitration

Maybe he decided to come back to the Rockies because he was hamstrung by being a Type A free agent. Or maybe he enjoyed his time with the Rockies last season. Either way Colorado is happy he decided to come back. The Rockies answered their biggest offseason question on the first day of the Winter Meetings.

Marquis declines Rox salary arbitration

While it was no surprise to anyone in the organization, Jason Marquis and the Rockies will part after one season. Marquis had a hell of a first half of the season for the Rox last season. He was one of the main reasons the Rockies entered the All-Star break in contention. The good news out of the departure of Marquis – the Rockies will be compensated with a draft pick between the first and second round in 2010.

Outfield a little less crowded

The Rockies sold the rights of Matt Murton to a Japanese team, the Hanshin Tigers. While the move might seem irrelevant, it clears up a spot on the bench for Ryan Spilborghs. There had been rumors circulating the Rox might consider trading Spilly. However, with Spilborghs being the only right-handed bat in the outfield, he will be back with the Rockies next season. Spilly is the type of player every team needs. He is a great teammate that keeps the team loose. His contributions may not always be in the box score but he is an important part of this team.

Spilly

Locking up the future

The Rockies have been discussing long-term deal with Huston Street and Clint Barmes. On Monday, Dan O’Dowd stated that they are also trying to lock up Chris Iannetta. The Rockies have faith that Iannetta will rebound after a disastrous 2009 campaign and regain his hitting form. Iannetta is one of the key players that the Rox need to step up next season if they want to make a push to the World Series.