Indian Wells, Calif. – With Jason Jennings, there would be no hesitation. The Rockies pitcher considers his international experience the most intense games of his life.
“I would definitely play for my country again,” Jennings said Sunday, recalling his days with Team USA.
While Jennings probably won’t be given the opportunity, the Rockies’ Todd Helton, Jeff Francis and Sunny Kim will be asked to participate in the 16- team World Baseball Classic tournament in March. However, before preliminary rosters are announced next month, concerns regarding the inaugural tournament must be addressed.
Devoting more than four hours to the topic Tuesday, major-league general managers discussed pitch counts, playing time and reporting dates, among other issues, eager to create safeguards for their franchise’s most prized investments.
They did not talk about the issue with reporters, though, agreeing to allow Jimmie Lee Solomon, baseball’s vice president of operations, to serve as their mouthpiece.
“It was lively,” Solomon said.
Pitchers are a primary concern, specifically their limits, roles and injury risk. Padres president Sandy Alderson will chair a technical committee to establish guidelines.
“Pitch count was an issue,” said Paul Archey, baseball’s vice president of international baseball operations. “But there will be starters who will be used as relievers.”
Archey said piecemeal rosters will be released in a few weeks and a TV deal could be in place today. The tournament is March 3-20, and the preliminary games in the states will be split between Florida and Arizona, with the Diamondbacks’ ballpark and the Giants’ spring training site set for three games apiece.
The Angels will stage second- round games in Anaheim with San Diego’s Petco Park hosting the championship game.
Of the 16 countries, only Cuba has not officially committed, though Archey said “we are confident they will play.”
Hawpe staying put
In search of Larry Walker’s replacement, the Cardinals have inquired about the Rockies’ Brad Hawpe. Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said he has no interest in a deal.
“We are committed to him,” O’Dowd said of Hawpe.
Grim on Grissom, Conine
The Rockies’ chance of signing Marquis Grissom or Jeff Conine nose-dived Tuesday. Agent Eric Goldschmidt said Grissom intends to play next season, and there is no “shortage of interest” from contenders. Conine is expected to re-sign with Florida.
Eric Young filed for free agency, but the Rockies are not likely to pursue him, giving the first crack at a reserve job to Ryan Shealy, who is trying to make the conversion from first base.
Footnotes
The Rockies were encouraged by Brian Fuentes’ agent’s reception to an offer of a two-year deal with an option. Talks will continue. … Even with the Royals pressing hard, the Rockies remain the favorite to land reliever Elmer Dessens since they are open to a multi-year deal. They will meet with his agent today. … If Japanese catcher Kenji Jojima signs with the Mariners, the Rockies will make a run at Seattle backup Yorvit Torrealba.
Troy E. Renck can be reached
at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
