As an infield utility man, Junior Spivey would look good in a Rockies uniform.
Now he’s available. Tuesday, as expected, Spivey was not tendered a contract by Washington. And although the Rockies are interested, getting him to Colorado remains an iffy proposition, in large part because Luis Gonzalez is penciled in as the Rockies’ starting second baseman.
“Ideally, Junior would still like to be able to find a starting job at second base,” agent Dave Stewart said Tuesday. “He’s athletic and still young.
Spivey, who turns 31 next month, hit .232 with seven homers and 24 RBIs last season, but was an all-star with the Diamondbacks in 2002.
Others interested include the Cardinals, Padres and Rangers.
As the second wave of baseball’s free-agency season heats up today, the Rockies remain hopeful they can pick up a starting pitcher. Byung-Hyun Kim, because of his age (26 ) and arm angle, is the team’s first choice, but he will not be re-signed if he doesn’t travel from South Korea for a face-to-face meeting with team officials regarding his role. The Rockies have until Jan. 8 to reach a deal.
With Pedro Astacio considered a longshot to return to San Diego, Colorado continues discussions about bringing back the former ace. The Rockies also are expected to inquire about Ryan Franklin, nontendered by Seattle.
Outfield plans
While Colorado will consider signing a veteran outfielder to a minor-league contract, general manager Dan O’Dowd said the club is committed to giving Choo Freeman (center field) and Ryan Shealy (right) first crack at reserve roles. Shealy, a converted first baseman, has lost 20 pounds in offseason training.
“(Manager) Clint (Hurdle) doesn’t want to turn (Cory) Sullivan and (Brad) Hawpe into platoon players,” O’Dowd said. “So we are going to give Choo and Ryan an opportunity rather than fill that role with a veteran who might be miserable when he doesn’t play as much.”
Denver Post staff writer Troy E. Renck contributed to this report.
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
