Rockies, Fuentes’ agent line up talks today
Consider it evidence of progress. The Rockies are expected to meet with Brian Fuentes’ agent today at the winter meetings in attempt to strike a deal.
Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said that the “parameters are in place,” but terms of a third year, likely a club option and a potential deal breaker, must still be negotiated. Based on past comparables Keith Foulke and Danny Graves in the arbitration process, Fuentes would be in line to receive a two-year, $6.5 million contract. A third year would take the left-hander up to free agency, thus requiring a huge salary boost.
“I have a feeling it’s going to get done,” Fuentes said. “There are no hidden agendas. They know me and I know the organization.”
Familiarity figures to define who will pitch in front of Fuentes as the market booms for starting pitchers. With Paul Byrd (Cleveland) signing for an average of $7 million per year Sunday and Shawn Estes and Pedro Astacio eyeing multiyear deals, the Rockies’ chances of a landing a free agent are nosediving.
O’Dowd has extended a one-year offer to Byung-Hyun Kim, who isn’t prepared to sign until his value is established. Tony Armas Jr. remains a viable target.
Major League Baseball doesn’t plan to disclose its World Baseball Classic rosters until the first week of January, but the Rockies figure to be well-represented. There are indications the American team will include Todd Helton and Fuentes.
Three Coloradans place at King of Mountain
Three Colorado racers placed at the King of the Mountain Professional Skiing and Snowboarding World Championships on Sunday at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
Aspen’s Casey Puckett won the men’s ski title, beating Tomas Kraus of Czechoslovakia. Tyler Shepherd of Boulder, a late addition after Saturday’s national open qualifier in Crested Butte, placed fourth.
Denver’s Ursula Smith earned fourth in the women’s snowboarding competition. Julie Pomagalski of France won the division.
