The Rockies want to add utilityman Willie Harris but had not struck a deal as of Saturday night.
While Colorado remains a favorite to sign the 27-year-old, details on a base contract need to be ironed out.
Harris has targeted the Rockies from the moment he was nontendered by the world champion Chicago White Sox on Dec. 20. He said he believes Coors Field – where speed and versatility have greater value – would amplify his skills, and likes the organization after years of playing against the Rockies in spring training. A conversation with manager Clint Hurdle reinforced his preference.
“Willie thought Clint was very candid,” agent Daryl Buford said. “He called me after they talked and said he really liked him and was even more positive that’s where he wanted to go.”
Harris projects as a utilityman, spelling Luis Gonzalez at second and Cory Sullivan in center field, while providing a much-needed stolen-base threat from the leadoff spot.
“He can cause problems on the bases, lay down a bunt, be a Juan Pierre type of guy when he’s in there,” Rockies pitcher Jason Jennings said.
Colorado continues to search for a right handed-hitting reserve outfielder – Brian Jordan and Richard Hildago are available, but Dustan Mohr is not considering a return – and will troll for a starter to sign on a minor-league contract.
The Rockies remain interested in adding a multiple-inning reliever and are in contact with the agents for Brian Meadows and Shigetoshi Hasegawa.
“Meadows is still a possibility (to sign with Colorado),” agent Danny Horwits said. “(GM) Dan (O’Dowd) and I will talk some time this week.”
Leskanic in TV role
Former Rockies reliever Curtis Leskanic said Saturday he will be involved with coverage of the team for Fox Sports next season. Leskanic auditioned during the first week of December. He is expected to do studio work, while joining the Rockies’ broadcast team of Drew Goodman and George Frazier in the booth on occasion.
“I’ll being doing something in some capacity,” said Leskanic, who retired after winning a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2004.
Fox Sports officials have been looking to involve an ex-Rockie in the broadcasts and nearly hired Jerry Dipoto before he accepted a front-office position with the Arizona Diamondbacks in November.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
