Sunday Rockpile: Arbitration Deadline #2; More Winter Meeting Previews

by Rox Girl on Dec 7, 2008 8:41 AM MST in Rockpile

So today it will become official that Brian Fuentes will turn down the Rockies offer for arbitration and seek opportunity elsewhere. The Rockies will get two draft picks in compensation when he does. Arizona's expected draft haul next year keeps getting smaller, with Brandon Lyon expected to accept his team's offer dropping what was looking like seven bonus picks a few weeks ago to just four. Lyon accepting would help Arizona's bullpen, which had been looking like a weak point, but it will also limit the Diamondbacks to $5 million to $6 million to spend for the rest of their needs.

The Rockies, meanwhile, aren't expected to be major players in the winter meetings. Tracy Ringolsby paints a much more realistic picture of the available players for trade than the Thomas Harding article linked by Russ last night, probably the key news is that the team intends on re-signing Scott Podsednik in the wake of a potential Willy Taveras trade. Also, the aritcle makes it pretty clear that Garrett Atkins won't be traded this winter, since Kevin Slowey, Joe Saunders or a similar pitcher won't be made available given the way Atkins' bat has declined the last couple of seasons. Local products Josh Bard (if Torrealba is traded) and Will Ohman are also listed as possible targets.

Patrick Saunders' overview in the Post places Joe Beimel at the center of the Rockies attention, but in a blog post Troy Renck points out that Beimel has other suitors and the Rockies aren't a favorite to land him.

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Because

the time has passed and I have not heard anything to the contrary, not that I was expecting to, I feel it is safe to say Fuentes is gone.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." ~Rogers Hornsby
JFK

by jrockies on Dec 7, 2008 10:12 PM MST reply actions

The Case for RJ

While with Fuentes gone, it will be a top priority to find a lefty to stick in the pen, we can’t forget the need to solidify the starting rotation. With Cook, Francis, and Ubaldo set, we have two spots left. While Greg Smith and De La Rosa could both be candidates to fill a position, they could also both add lefty depth to the pen. Even though Randy Johnson will have a high price tag and several other teams interested, he is exactly who we need. Greg Reynolds demonstrated he could use more time in the minors. The Big Unit won’t be looking for a long term deal. This would allow the Rockies an opportunity to give Reynolds more time to develop. RJ will also take pressure off Cook, Francis, and Ubaldo. Johnson will put butts in the seats – especially in pursuit of 300. People will be much more enthusiastic to see him over someone like Aaron Heilman. Hopefully Morales will be ready for another shot at the bigs. Johnson, Cook, Jimenez, Francis, Morales. Rinse and Repeat.

by jefe_13 on Dec 7, 2008 11:20 PM MST reply actions

I wouldn't mind

RJ around for a year or so. I just really don’t believe Randy would decide to play his final year(s) with the Colorado Rockies…

by Resolution on Dec 8, 2008 6:38 AM MST up reply actions

Willy Nilly Spilly

Everyone’s talking like Willy’s as good as gone, but is anyone interested? Why not keep him to lead off on the days that he’s healthy, and move Spilly to left? Not if, but when Willy’s out with a sore leg, you can add one of Seth Smith, Carlos Gonzalez or Dexter Fowler to the mix.

by jefe_13 on Dec 7, 2008 11:26 PM MST reply actions

Several teams are interested, apparently

With the Nationals making the biggest waves recently, but I still think the best fit is with the White Sox. As Renck says this morning, we shouldn’t expect a lot back. One thing’s for certain. Even if we do wind up keeping Willy, I do not want Taveras leading off, even when he’s healthy. He simply creates too many outs in the slot that gets the most opportunities to make his speed and baserunning worth it.

by Rox Girl on Dec 8, 2008 4:42 AM MST up reply actions