Carroll likely headed to Indians

By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published December 7, 2007 at 12:45 a.m.

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The Rockies are set to trade infielder Jamey Carroll to the Cleveland Indians for a minor league player. They just have to decide which player.

While the Rockies were finalizing the details for the departure of Carroll, they also were emerging as the most viable alternative for free-agent second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, whose attempts to return to Philadelphia have stalled.

The trade of Carroll would seem to assure Clint Barmes of the utility infield role and make rookie Jayson Nix the top in- house candidate to fill the second base vacancy created by the loss of free-agent second baseman Kazuo Matsui to Houston.

But the Rockies could add to the candidates by signing Iguchi or David Eckstein, about whom they've had internal discussions.

The Rockies have stuck to their plan of refusing to give more than a two-year guarantee, which has kept them from serious talks with Eckstein.

Iguchi has adjusted his demands because the Phillies, the only other team currently showing interest, have focused on a two-year offer plus an option. San Diego and Milwaukee have been mentioned in connection with Iguchi.

The Phillies want Iguchi to play third base, but agent Rocky Hall said Iguchi's preference is second base. That would seem to work to the Rockies' advantage, but Hall said Japanese players have reservations about taking positions previously played by countrymen.

Iguchi is working out at third base in his native Japan this winter.

More than the positional issue, the Phillies face a hurdle because they released Iguchi at the end of the 2007 season, in accordance with the three-year contract he originally signed with the Chicago White Sox. A released player cannot re-sign with his former team until May 15, a rule the Phillies were hoping to circumvent on grounds the contract was signed with the White Sox.

But Major League Baseball has advised the Phillies it is unlikely such an appeal will be allowed, according to an MLB source. The Phillies would be willing to have Iguchi spend the first six weeks of the season playing third base at the minor league level, but whether he would agree is questionable.

Carroll, who is guaranteed $2.3 million in 2008, was the Rockies' starting second baseman in 2006. He returned to a utility role in 2007, and there were indications he was uncomfortable with the idea he might not get an everyday opportunity in 2008.

The Rockies originally appeared ready to acquire right- hander Sean Smith from the Indians, but complications arose and the teams are expected to talk today to determine other compensation.

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