Preparing for the Winter Meetings

In terms of movement and anticipation, no offseason compares to the MLB.  While the NFL Draft has become a show in itself, the Hot Stove League is full of drama and excitement.  The Colorado Rockies usually do not make a lot of noise during the offseason.  However, last season Colorado traded away a franchise player, Matt Holliday.  Don’t expect any big moves from the Rox this offseason.  The owners don’t want to reach too deep into their pockets.

Colorado expects to return the core of their team next season.  There are a few holes the Rox hope to patch up during the Winter Meetings.

1. Set-up Man: Rafael Betancourt has until tomorrow to accept the Rockies $5 million arbitration offer.  Reports are he is still mulling whether he wants to come back to the Rockies or join another team.  The Phillies and Red Sox have interest in signing him.  If Betancourt does not resign with the Rox, LaTroy Hawkins could be targeted for the late inning role.
2. Lefty in the ‘Pen: The Rox need another left hander in the bullpen.  Joe Beimel did a good job last season after being acquired at the trade deadline.  The Rox would like for Beimel to return but will look around for a cheaper option before deciding on a player.
3. Rotation Depth: Jason Marquis is all but gone.  However, Jeff Francis will return next season and join Ubaldo Jimenez, Aaron Cook and Jorge De La Rosa in the rotation.  Jason Hammel pitched well enough last year to be the front runner for the final spot.  The Rox will target a cheap option to add depth.  History shows the Rockies will target a veteran or a player who was hurt or struggled last season.  Options right now include Noah Lowry and Justin Duchscherer.
4. Right Handed Bat: With Garrett Atkins not expected to return, the Rockies will need to add another right handed bat to their bench.  The Rockies have depth in the outfield so they will most likely target a player who can play the infield.  Bobby Crosby was mentioned as a possible target but not much has been mentioned as of late.  Orlando Hudson could also be a possibility but not till after the free agent market cools.
5. Infield Depth: The Rockies are looking for a player who can play the corner spots in the infield.  Chad Tracy has been mentioned as a possible candidate but the Rox have enough left handed bats on the team.  Another name being floated around is former Rockies player Jamey Carroll.  However, the market for Carroll has seemed to heat up over the past few weeks.  The Rockies would also like to bring back Jason Giambi as long as he doesn’t find a DH role on an AL team.
6. Backup Catcher: The Rockies plan is to have Chris Iannetta enter the spring as the starting catcher.  Colorado hopes to bring back Yorvit Torrealba as the backup.  However, the Rockies do not want to pay Torrealba a lot.  The Rox will look for other options for now.  A name that has floated around has been Brian Schneider.  Colorado has already resigned Paul Phillips and could give him a shot at the job.

While most of these moves aren’t exciting, Colorado feels they have a strong core in place.  They also know that the core they have went to the playoffs last season.  The moves Colorado makes this offseason will mostly focus on role players who can strengthen their bench and add depth to their roster.

Tags: Aaron Cook, Bobby Crosby, Boston Red Sox, Brian Schneider, Chad Tracy, Chris Iannetta, Colorado Rockies, Garrett Atkins, Jamey Carroll, Jason Giambi, Jason Hammel, Jason Marquis, Jeff Francis, Joe Beimel, Jorge De La Rosa, Justin Duchscherer, LaTroy Hawkins, Matt Holliday, Noah Lowry, Orlando Hudson, Paul Phillips, Philadelphia Phillies, Rafael Betancourt, Ubaldo Jimenez, Yorvit Torrealba