Dave Veres Hopes for Comeback with Rockies

by Russ Oates on Jan 4, 2007 7:46 AM MST in Rockpile

Yep, at the age of 40 former Rockies pitcher Dave Veres wants to make a comeback and Dan O'Dowd is listening with interest. It's a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training, which probably means he won't make the team. Age really isn't on his side.

That left-hand reserve hitter is none other than, wait for it, Alexis Gomez of the 2006 AL Pennant-winning Tigers. So much for Erstad or Mabry, but outside of Gomez's playoff performance I'm not looking forward to him as a reserve.

Jerry Weinstein was named the head coach of Modesto. He was previously an assistant coach at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He was also the director of player development for the Dodgers before that.

Tracy Ringolsby also updates us on a few changes in the minors: Former Angels and Marlins closer Bryan Harvey will be the pitching coach at Ashevlle, Duane Espy (reassigned earlier in the season) will be the hitting for Casper and Tony Diaz will be the head coach there, as well.

Update [2007-1-4 15:16:30 by Russ in NY]: Here is a complete rundown on the coaches in the minors for the Rockies this season.

Bill Schmidt was promoted to vice president of scouting.

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HUH? Alexis Gomez?

Ok, depth and a LH hitting guy is always nice to have extra of. But he's a 28 year old who couldn't break into the overloaded Royals team. Didn't see this one coming. Not sure what this says about what the Rockies think of Jeff Salazar or Cory Sullivan as LH hitting guys off the bench.

Dave Veres at 40 will be very lucky to get to pitch in the minors, and hip replacement surgury. But that's the beauty of a minor league contract...no risk.

Still no word from Brian Lawrence yet. He's one I really want to see get a contract for us...and not SF or San Diego...just in case. Also I see Jamey Wright is still on the Free Agent list

by Redhawk on Jan 4, 2007 9:08 AM MST reply actions

Jamey wont be back

antime soon. He didn't really help himself by dogging the Rockies with negative comments after signing with the giants. Also, he sucked.

InToddwetrust

by InToddwetrust on Jan 4, 2007 9:15 AM MST reply actions

Not so sure about Lawrence

According to his agent, he has offers from 7 teams, none being from the Rockies. Most likely, one of those teams will offer him a guaranteed major league contract which I don't believe the Rockies (looking to add depth according to O'Dowd) will do.

by lgh77 on Jan 4, 2007 10:28 AM MST reply actions

Off Season nuttyness

With all the off season nuttiness of overpaying pitchers, I can see some one giving Lawrence a guaranteed major league contract. Not that he should get one...but many teams may look at $1 million for a one year contract for any pitcher the same way the Rockies would look at a minor league contract. That is "That's nothing"

by Redhawk on Jan 4, 2007 11:52 AM MST up reply actions

Eeessh...

That's a surprise. Not a happy birthday surprise, more of "hey look a quarter" surprise. Suppose that I was right about them wanting infield help, not that it matters. In that respect the move makes borderline sense, because Alexis Gomez won't cost a lot, will play some decent defense and won't be a complete zero with the bat. Not bad for the last spot on the bench really.

If Veres has anything left, it's worth checking. At the worst he can add a little fire to the bullpen race, maybe make sure that a couple of pitchers come in ready to go. At the best he's a decent set-up man. And as we saw last year, we need at least some options for the pen.

by MattTheRock on Jan 4, 2007 10:31 AM MST reply actions

How disappointing

This is the left-handed bat O'Dowd was seeking?

Alexis Gomez.... really?

He's worse than Sullivan.

R you in?

by malakian on Jan 4, 2007 10:59 AM MST reply actions

I do agree...

At some point, we'll have to realize that we are the Rockies. We all got really ahead of ourselves yesterday dreaming of moves that we could make, that would make sense for the team, and could be regarded as strong signings. This is a marginal signing that I tried to spin the best I could, but it's nothing special by any means. I'll be interested to see exactly what the contract is, because anything over the league minimum is a waste.

Is it time to start worrying that Hurdle gives Gomez playing time over Tulo, or should we wait until Spring Training?

by MattTheRock on Jan 4, 2007 2:56 PM MST up reply actions

Gomez contract.

My guess would be a non-guaranteed $500K-$600K. Gomez is out of options as well, increasing the likelihood of him making the team.

Possible bench on opening day?

C Torrealba
2B/3B Carroll
2B/SS/CF? Barmes
RF/LF/1B Baker
LF/CF Gomez

R you in?

by malakian on Jan 4, 2007 3:25 PM MST up reply actions

sort of interesting

Sullivan- .267 BA .321 obp .402 slg- 27
Gomez- .272 BA .318 obp .388 slg- 28
- Did we just sign a carbon copy of Cory Sullivan or what?
Here's my vote for fifth outfielder
Spilborghs- .287 BA .337 obp .431 slg -27

To hell with the lefties

by RandyMann on Jan 4, 2007 7:08 PM MST reply actions

Re: Sully as PH

The Rox would have been foolish to think that Sullivan would have been an acceptable lefty pinch-hitting option off the bench, if for no other reason than he strikes out way too much. I don't like the idea of guaranteeing Gomez a roster spot, but as far as lefty PHs go, we could have - and have (Piedra, anyone?) - done worse.

Die-hard Rockies fan. On the bandwagon since 4/2/93. Not giving up my seat. EVER.

by Franchise26 on Jan 5, 2007 12:54 AM MST up reply actions

I agree....

Spilborghs has shown that he can hit in AA, AAA and now the majors. I would bet that given the opportunity, he would hit near .300 with a ton of doubles. I'd bet given time to adjust to the majors, he'd hit better against righties than either of the other options--in fact, last year he was pretty close--especially if you value slugging%.

Spilborghs .267/.322/.438--.760 OPS
Sullivan .285/.332/.394--.726
Gomez .287/.340/.414--.754

by DenverBears on Jan 5, 2007 9:41 AM MST up reply actions