Baseball free agency has begun and the Colorado Rockies' seven free agents have hit the open market. Those seven players are pitchers Joe Beimel, Jorge De La Rosa, Octavio Dotel and Jeff Francis, infielders Jason Giambi and Melvin Mora and outfielder Jay Payton.

While the Rockies would like to sign Jorge De La Rosa to a new deal, DLR's reported desire for a five-year deal after Ted Lilly's three-year, $11 million per season contract has likely priced the Rockies out of his range. Jeff Francis and Melvin Mora remain good bets to rejoin the team, with the former competing for a spot at the back of the rotation and the latter entering a utility role but stalking Ian Stewart at third base.

Jason Giambi turns 40 soon and still wants to play, but it most likely will not be for the Colorado Rockies. Jay Payton received a call-up in September, but the Rockies have other, younger options such as Cole Garner to play a reserve role for the Rockies throughout the season. A minor league contract could be a possibility.

Reliever Joe Beimel has expressed a desire to return to the Rockies, but the emergence of Matt Reynolds and the rise of Rex Brothers could send Beimel elsewhere.

Let the whirlwind begin!