It is a reflection of a bullpen’s volatile nature that on the same day Brian Fuentes makes Rockies history Jose Acevedo will become a footnote.
Fuentes avoided arbitration, agreeing to a two-year, $5.5 million contract, the first multiyear contract the Rockies have given a reliever since 2000. The Rockies’ closer will make $2 million next season and $3.5 million in 2007. Fuentes converted 31-of-34 saves last season and is the first Rockies reliever to earn an all-star berth.
“To be with any team that thinks highly enough of you to get a multiyear deal is nice,” Fuentes said Monday.
Acevedo, 2-4 with a 6.47 ERA, briefly surfaced as an important reliever before a right groin strain knocked him out from May 30 to July 17. He will be non-tendered today, making him a free agent. The move leaves the Rockies with 38 players on their 40-man roster, wiggle room to pursue starter Pedro Astacio and expected non-tender Junior Spivey, whom Colorado views as a utilityman.
Astacio declined arbitration Monday, leaving him free to negotiate with the Padres until Jan. 8, the same window Byung- Hyun Kim has available with the Rockies.
If San Diego signs Brett Tomko, there might not be room for Astacio. Astacio’s agent, Stephen Schneider, acknowledged having ongoing discussions with the Rockies.
Miller’s time
The Rockies named Jim Miller minor-league pitcher of the year, while Matt Miller won minor-league player of the year. Jim Miller posted 34 saves in Single-A Modesto and Double-A Tulsa, and Matt Miller hit 30 home runs for Single-A Asheville.
“We feel Jim has a chance to be an impact late-inning, big-league reliever and (Matt) can be a legitimate corner outfielder with power in the majors, and you don’t say that about a lot of guys,” Rockies assistant general manager Bill Geivett said.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
