The Rockies are ironing out the details on a one-year contract with reliever LaTroy Hawkins, who would fill their void for an eight-inning setup man.
Hawkins, who is working out in Texas with Rockies pitcher Jason Jennings and Twins center fielder Torii Hunter, went 3-3 with a 4.48 ERA last season in Baltimore.
“It looks like we are going to get something done,” agent Larry Reynolds said this afternoon. “But it’s not quite done yet.”
Manager Clint Hurdle indicated Thursday that he had no plans to begin the season with Ramon Ramirez and Manny Corpas as the bridge to closer Brian Fuentes. He believes both have the potential to fill that role, but felt it unfair to burden them with that responsibility in the beginning of the season.
The Rockies were burned two years ago when going young in the bullpen as Scott Dohmann, Ryan Speier and Chin-Hui Tsao all struggled during the team’s dismal start.
Colorado considered trading for Hawkins last summer, but couldn’t find a match. The Orioles wanted first baseman Ryan Shealy and Colorado offered outfielder Jeff Baker. Shealy eventually landed in Kansas City for pitchers Jeremy Affeldt and Denny Bautista and Baker is more entrenched in Colorado after a terrific September.
“Hawkins is a good guy,” said Jennings. “He had said that the Rockies were one of the teams that were interested.”
The White Sox and Cleveland Indians had also pursued Hawkins. The 33-year-old is expected to receive a $3.5 million salary with a mutual option for 2008. Colorado is also attempting to bring back left-hander Tom Martin and last year’s setup man Jose Mesa. Both have been offered contracts, but are gauging market interest before agreeing to come back.
Footnotes
The San Diego Padres addressed their need for a utility player, re-signing Geoff Blum to a one-year, $900,000 contract today. He can make another $200,000 in incentives based on plate appearances. … Tampa Bay signed former Rockies outfielder Dustan Mohr to a minor-league contract. … As part of Kaz Matsui’s contract, the Rockies must provide a translator during spring training and the regular season. … Ramirez was not prevented from pitching in winterball. There was some talk that the Rockies might ask him to shut it down based on his heavy workload last season. … The Rockies have ushered many of their top prospects, including Ian Stewart, to Denver for the winter development camp. Stewart is expected to begin some outfield work this season given Garrett Atkins’ lock on third base in the big leagues. … The Rockies have continued preliminary discussions with Atkins on a long-term contract, but are not close to an agreement.
