Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

Rockies invite Podsednik to spring training

Tracy Ringolsby and Jack Etkin

Published February 6, 2008 at 12:45 a.m.

Text size  
Podsednik battled injuries the past two seasons.

Podsednik battled injuries the past two seasons.

Related Stories

More Colorado Rockies

More stories »

Three years ago, Scott Podsednik was the catalyst for the offense that helped the Chicago White Sox win the World Series. But the past two years, he has battled injuries.

Now, the Rockies will try to help Podsednik resurrect his career. They officially announced Tuesday that Podsednik agreed to a minor league contract and is among 22 nonroster players who have been invited to the Rockies' spring-training camp.

That group also includes right- handed pitcher Victor Zambrano, who, like Podsednik, agreed to a minor league contract and will be trying to get his career on track after major elbow surgery.

A career .272 hitter with 224 stolen bases, Podsednik has stolen 40 or more bases in four of his past five seasons. Limited to 62 games last season with the White Sox, when he was on the disabled list twice, Podsednik, who turns 32 next month, hit .243 with a .299 on-base percentage and 12 stolen bases in 17 attempts.

"We are looking to create depth and wanted to add a speed guy," general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "There are no guarantees. It will be tough to crack our club, but we will give him an opportunity."

With Willy Taveras set as the starting center fielder, Podsednik will battle with Cory Sullivan for the backup center field job.

Podsednik's deal includes a $750,000 salary if he makes the team and the right to leave the organization at the end of spring training if he doesn't.

Ryan Spilborghs also is an extra outfield candidate, but he is a right-handed hitter - Podsednik and Sullivan bat left-handed - and is more of a corner outfielder.

Zambrano, 32, will be stretched out to start in spring training but also can pitch long relief. He underwent surgery in May 2006 to have a ligament replaced in his right elbow, a torn flexor tendon repaired and bone spurs removed. Zambrano split last season between Toronto and Baltimore, going a combined 0-3 with a 10.17 ERA in 13 games, including four starts.

"He's fully healthy and has been pitching in the (Venezuelan) winter time and we feel like he's hopefully back from his arm issues of the past," assistant general manager Bill Geivett said.

Zambrano, whose base salary will be about $750,000 if he makes the Rockies, threw more than 100 pitches in a recent start in Venezuela, where he went 3-3 with a 5.58 ERA in nine games, including eight starts for Magallanes.

Command has been an issue for Zambrano, who has averaged 5.1 walks per nine innings and 6.7 strikeouts during his career. He is best known for being a central figure in a regrettable trade by the New York Mets. They acquired Zambrano from Tampa Bay for left-hander Scott Kazmir in a four-player deal July 30, 2004.

The Rockies' list of nonroster invitees to spring training includes former first-round draft choices Greg Reynolds, a starting pitcher taken out of Stanford in 2006; Casey Weathers, a reliever taken out of Vanderbilt in June; and shortstop Chris Nelson, a Georgia high school player selected in 2004.

Rockies nonroster invitees The current list of 22 nonroster players who have been invited to spring training by the Rockies. (Subject to change.)

* Infielders (4): Christian Colonel, Marcus Giles, Matt Kata, Chris Nelson.

* Pitchers (11): Alberto Arias, Micah Bowie, Darren Clarke, Chris George, Brandon Hynick, John Koronka, Zach McClellan, Greg Reynolds, Sean Thompson, Casey Weathers, Victor Zambrano.

* Outfielders (4): Sean Barker, Dexter Fowler, Joe Gaetti, Scott Podsednik.

* Catchers (3): Michael Rose, Michael McKenry, Neil Wilson.