Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

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

Hot stove news: Twins, Rockies talk Atkins; Angels could be in mix

By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published November 6, 2008 at 8:47 a.m.
Updated November 6, 2008 at 8:47 a.m.

Text size  

Poll

Who are the Rockies most likely to trade this offseason?


Overheard at the general manager meetings:

* Minnesota would seem to have the team with the talent reservoir to deal for Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins, but the teams only have had initial talks. If the Angels sign free agent CC Sabathia, which is his preference, they could step into the Atkins talks by offering left-handed pitcher Joe Saunders or right-hander Ervin Santana.

* Dodger general manager Ned Colletti said he offered free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez a contract that ranks in annual average value behind only the 10-year, $275 million deal Alex Rodriguez signed with the Yankees. The deal is believed to be a two-year, $50 million package.

* The agents for Rockies closer and free agent Brian Fuentes reportedly put a four-year, $44 million proposal on the table to the Mets. Executives with Cleveland and St. Louis indicated they would be interested only in a one-year or two-year deal.

* Yankees officials say the Rockies received permission to talk with Greg Colbrunn about their hitting coach job. Colbrunn has been hitting coach for the Yankees Low-A Charleston (S.C.) affiliate the past two years.

* The Rockies plan to resume interviews for coaching positions Friday, with Triple-A Colorado Springs manager Tom Runnels, a candidate for third base or bench coach, among those on the schedule.

* Right-hander Brad Penny could be an interesting candidate for the Rockies if he decides to sign a one-year deal to try to rebuild his long-term value. The Dodgers are paying a $2 million buyout on his $8.75 million option. Penny, sidelined at the end of the season (shoulder strain) was 6-9 with a 6.77 ERA in 942/3 innings , the least productive year of his career. He is 6-1 with a 3.92 ERA in 11 career starts at Coors Field.

Comments

  • November 6, 2008

    10:23 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Rocks2009 writes:

    I love the idea of Joe Saunders for Atkins as long as Ian Stewart plays up to his abilities for a full season and Helton comes back as a Tony Gwynn Hybrid. Joe Saunders is a good young and most importantly ground ball pitcher that would be perfect for coors field. I like Ervin Santana but I worry about his ability to keep the ball on the ground, he's a strike out pitcher which is good but historically records a lot of outs through the fly ball. I think that might be deadly when coors field warms up next year. As for Minnesota, certainly a lot of good young pitching on that team that kept them afloat even with the loss of Santana. I'm under the impression that Baker would be a bad fit but i'm open to most of their other young starters, although if they go this route I would prefer they get two young pitchers because these pitchers are not dominators but they just get the job done.

    What I would prefer is move either Holiday or Atkins for pitching but do not move both or your gutting your lineup and closing the window for another run in 2009.

    One last note:PLEASE sign Penny if for no other reason so he won't show up on some NL West team and rip our heart out.

  • November 7, 2008

    4:12 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    LockeRobster writes:

    I'd be thrilled if they could get Saunders or Santana for Atkins. It would REALLY be good if they could find a way to get Howie Kendrick (2B) in the mix somehow, too.