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Rockies Targeting Ramon Hernandez?

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Rockies are actively pursuing catcher Ramon Hernandez, formerly of the Cincinnati Reds. Hernandez is a Type B Free Agent, reclassified from Type A this offseason, and will not cost the Rockies a draft pick to sign.

Rosenthal adds that new Angels GM Jerry Dipoto is interested in longtime Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta. One can only hope that the Rockies would demand a solid return for their backstop. Despite being a controversial character, given his generally quiet demeanor and low batting average, Iannetta has posted a.235/.357/.430 line in a Rockies uniform. His value has dropped, however, as his bat has cooled since a strong 2008 campaign, but Iannetta has posted a respectable .225/.349/.423 line since 2009.

Hernandez, 35, has posted similar OPS figures to Iannetta, namely a .280/.348/.413 line since joining the Reds, and would be a favorable stopgap should the Rockies not be confident in top catching prospect Wilin Rosario's ability to stick in the majors in 2012.

Per Fangraphs, Iannetta was a 3.3 WAR catcher in 2011, while Hernandez was worth 2 WAR.

Depending on the sticker price on Hernandez and the return from the Angels on Iannetta, this could be a very solid move for Colorado.