Even for a young team, losing can get old. With the Rockies subletting the National League West basement, they are interested in trading (Preston Wilson), promoting (Dan Miceli) and signing (Eli Marrero) to reinforce their roster.
Trade rumors have shadowed Wilson since the winter meetings. The Washington Nationals have continually called and were close to completing a deal for an outfielder Tuesday – but not for Wilson. A bid to acquire Florida’s Juan Encarnacion was snuffed when disgruntled Washington pitcher Zach Day was diagnosed with a broken right arm.
The Rockies have inquired about Day and outfielder Ryan Church, but with Washington unable to absorb any of Wilson’s remaining $12 million salary, Colorado has chosen to remain patient. Several contenders could make a run for a big bat the next two months, including Baltimore, Atlanta, the White Sox and Florida.
“I don’t worry about it until somebody tells me it’s time to go,” Wilson said Wednesday.
The Rockies will look internally for relief help, taking a pass on pursuing Danny Graves and Matt Herges. Miceli, in extended spring training, is first in line for a promotion – ahead of right-hander Scott Dohmann – if he pitches well during his upcoming assignment in Triple-A Colorado Springs.
“Danny is the next guy we will look at,” Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said. “We want to go back to Scotty, but he has to pitch better. He was doing well, then he reverted to his (old form).”
Miceli can opt out of his contract June 25, leaving the Rockies a small window to take a peek at him after he builds arm strength.
The Rockies have coveted Marrero since he was a prospect with the Cardinals. His versatility is an asset at Coors Field. He played outfield and first base for Kansas City this season, hitting .159 with four home runs. The Royals designated Marrero for assignment Tuesday, leaving them 10 days to trade or release him.
Fuentes’ new pitch
That Brian Fuentes is the Rockies’ closer can be traced to his slider. For the first time in nine years, he has gained command of the pitch, adding this weapon to a fastball and changeup.
“They would always want me to throw it before, but it always is a fine line. This isn’t a learning league; you come up here to get guys out,” Fuentes said. “It’s come around now, and I am embracing it.”
Fuentes credits veteran catcher Todd Greene for encouraging him to use the pitch and slow his delivery.
“He usually never shakes me off, and he threw it in situations where he normally wouldn’t and had success,” Greene said. “It’s a great pitch because he can use it against righties and lefties.”
Footnote
That covered art outside Coors Field will be revealed today. The Rotary Club of Denver will dedicate “The Player” statue at 11 a.m., honoring the late Branch Rickey and the Rotary’s 100th year of service. The Rotary of Club of Denver presents the Branch Rickey Award annually each November to major-leaguers who exhibit strong community involvement and serve as role models.
