By Troy E. Renck
Denver Post Staff Writer
New York – The bullpen may not be the only place where the Rockies add a new reliever. Fox Sports Rocky Mountain is in deep discussions with Jerry Dipoto about working on the team’s telecasts next season.
Dipoto, a former Rockie, serves as the club’s pro scouting director, a job he accepted last November. George Frazier has served as the Rockies’ TV analyst for eight seasons, and FSN recently picked up his option for 2006.
“Anything that we do with Jerry will include George,” FSN producer Kenny Miller said Saturday night. “We love Jerry and certainly would like to see what kind of role we could get him in.”
Miller said negotiations were ongoing. Dipoto filled in for Frazier on six broadcasts this year, paired with play-by-play man Drew Goodman. Dipoto also handled some postgame duties for FSN during the 2001 season before leaving to work as a scout for the Boston Red Sox.
“I would look forward to any future involvement with FSN or the Rockies,” Dipoto said. “At this point, I am the scouting director of the Rockies. Nothing else is written in stone.”
Dipoto went 12-12 with a 4.21 ERA and 36 saves with the Rockies from 1997-2000. His career ended prematurely in the spring of 2001 because of a neck injury.
LEADING MEN: When Clint Barmes returned to the lineup in September, the order’s top spot was waiting. Manager Clint Hurdle appreciated his power. Barmes, however, has fallen off a bit, a slump that coincided with Cory Sullivan’s electric surge. As such, Hurdle will enter the winter with an open mind concerning his leadoff hitter.
“I am not set on anything,” Hurdle said.
Sullivan lacks power, but Hurdle said he would be evaluated on runs scored and on-base percentage.
“Batting second is more comfortable for anyone with Todd Helton hitting behind you. But I like leadoff, too,” said Sullivan, who will attempt to add 10 pounds muscle this winter. “The main difference is that you take more pitches.”
FOOTNOTES: The Mets will honor catcher Mike Piazza today with a video tribute. Piazza will be a free agent at season’s end and is expected to sign with an American League team. The Los Angeles Angels have emerged as the early favorites. … Mike Moye, Mike DeJean’s agent, met with general manager Dan O’Dowd during the road trip, but no progress was made on a new contract. … The club has thus far been unable to land a job in winter ball for catcher JD Closser.
