Indian Wells, Calif. – The world champion Chicago White Sox contingent arrived in a black Hummer. The Boston Red Sox sent four lieutenants. The New York Yankees, on the verge of re-signing Hideki Matsui, were shadowed by a battery of Japanese reporters.
But on the first day of the general managers meetings Monday, it was the Rockies walking around like they owned the place. That’s because they do. Vice-chairman Dick Monfort bought the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort with his sister 11 years ago.
“It was in bankruptcy,” Monfort said of the swank hotel that features an autographed 1997 Rockies’ Don Baylor jersey in the bar, “and our bid was accepted.”
In this convergence of executives, player agents and free-agent rumors, money is the operative word. The Rockies have $9 million to spend for upgrades, but as they seek outside help they will officially begin preliminary talks on a multiyear deal for closer Brian Fuentes.
“It’s something that had been mentioned; now we are going to explore the situation,” said agent Rick Thurman, who could meet with the Rockies as soon as today.
Even broaching the idea signals a strategic shift for the Rockies, who have not given a multiyear contract to a reliever since Gabe White in 2000. Following a trend, White, after receiving a three-year, $7 million deal, dissolved and was traded a year later.
“The difference is, we feel Brian is unique,” O’Dowd said. “I can’t say enough about his character.”
Fuentes has been the Rockies’ best reliever two of the past three seasons and emerged as one of the National League’s best closers last season. The lefty converted 31-of-34 saves, earned an all-star berth and posted 91 strikeouts in 74 1/3 innings.
“That they are even considering it is flattering,” Fuentes said Monday.
Fuentes is first-time arbitration-eligible and in line for a big raise. The Rockies have identified bullpen upgrades as a top priority and have contacted the agents for Brian Meadows, Chris Hammond and Julian Tavarez.
Their first move was to re-sign Mike DeJean, who functioned as Fuentes’ primary setup man in the season’s second half.
“He’s a horse,” Fuentes said. “I am excited he’s back.”
Rivals on, off field
The Rockies’ are finding competition from rivals in their pursuit of starters Shawn Estes and Pedro Astacio. The Los Angeles Dodgers joined the Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks in expressing interest in Estes, who won 15 games for Colorado in 2003. The Padres view Astacio as an ideal fifth starter if he’s willing to come back at about $1.5 million.
Colorado is expected to meet with the agent for Elmer Dessens, a top target, later this week.
Footnotes
Greeley West High School graduate Tom Runnells is expected to take over as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox manager, replacing Marv Foley, who will become a roving instructor in the organization. … While interested in trading for J.C. Romero and Damaso Marte, the Rockies added another left-hander to the bullpen mix, signing Steve Colyer to a minor-league deal. Colyer last pitched in the big leagues in 2004 with Detroit. … New Padres third baseman Vinny Castilla will be in San Diego today for a medical exam. “I look for him to be a role model for our young Hispanic players, and certainly he will be a draw for our fans,” Padres GM Kevin Towers said. “Other than Fernando Valenzuela, he’s the probably the most popular player in Mexico.”
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5457 or trenck@denverpost.com.
