The Rockies signed pitcher Josh Fogg on Thursday, swaying him with opportunity over money. Although Washington and Cincinnati were prepared to offer bigger contracts, the security of a 40-man roster spot and the wide-open competition for the fifth starter’s role brought the right-hander to Denver.
“I really liked what they are building and the type of people they are doing it with,” Fogg said. “It’s something I wanted to be part of.”
The 29-year-old will compete for a starter’s role with Zach Day and Sunny Kim, while also serving as a bullpen candidate. Fogg, who signed a guaranteed contract worth $450,000, was considered a core member of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ rotation entering last season, going 33-31 with a 4.70 ERA in his first three years.
However, he struggled in 2005, winning just five games and posting a 5.05 ERA. He lost his rotation spot and was not offered arbitration in December, making him a free agent. His contract is worth $850,000 if he spends one day on the 25-man major-league roster this season.
Footnotes
The Rockies released right-handed pitcher Ryan Speier, out for the season after shoulder surgery, and re-signed him to a minor-league contract. … The Rockies are looking at signing former Arizona pitcher Mike Gosling. … The Rockies would like to add a veteran utilityman during spring training and will watch Jamey Carroll’s situation in Washington.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
