Last winter. During the season. A few days ago. Todd Helton’s opinion has never changed. He views a strong bullpen as the most important element of the Rockies’ roster.
Helton was pleased with the return of veteran reliever Mike DeJean, hoping it’s the start of a productive offseason for a team trying to climb back into contention in the National League West.
“Mike is one of the reasons we did better (in the second half),” Helton said. “That’s an important piece, but it’s just one. I would be disappointed if we don’t do more.”
Armed with about $9 million to spend, general manager Dan O’Dowd is taking a more aggressive approach in free agency. Unlike the past three years, when the Rockies were relegated to waiting until December to pursue inexpensive reinforcements, O’Dowd has blanketed agents with calls, identifying key players.
“They are just preliminary conversations, letting them know that you are interested,” O’Dowd said.
On Monday, he spoke with Pedro Astacio’s representative. Astacio is among a group of starters on the Rockies’ short list, which includes Arizona’s Shawn Estes, Detroit’s Jason Johnson, San Diego’s Rick Helling and Dodgers swingman Elmer Dessens.
Footnotes
Jerry Dipoto accepted a position as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ director of pro scouting Monday, reuniting him with GM Josh Byrnes, with whom he worked in Boston. The Rockies wanted Dipoto as part of their TV broadcasts, but his preference was to remain in the game. …
With Tommy Lasorda’s growing influence on Los Angeles owner Frank McCourt, Rockies assistant GM Bill Geivett’s name has surfaced as the Dodgers fill out their front office staff. Geivett worked in Los Angeles before joining the Rockies. O’Dowd said the Dodgers have not asked for permission to speak with Geivett. “He would be difficult to replace,” O’Dowd said. …
A wild card in the Rockies’ bullpen remains former closer Chin-Hui Tsao. He’s ahead of schedule after major shoulder surgery, according to O’Dowd, and could be a factor early in the season.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
