Former Rockies starting second baseman Luis Gonzalez is heading to Japan, pending a physical, and starting pitcher Brian Lawrence is awaiting a Rockies’ contract offer to pursue a second chance to play in the National League West.
The Rockies have sold Gonzalez’s rights to the Yomiuri Giants, who agreed to a one-year contract with the 27-year-old worth about $1 million, according to agent Alan Nero.
However, the deal won’t become official until Gonzalez passes a physical, a process that could take a few days because the Venezuelan native must secure a visa to travel to either the United States or Japan for the exam.
“Bottom line, this is a great opportunity for him and his family,” Nero said Saturday.
The Giants have potential openings at second base and the outfield, both spots at which Gonzalez excelled in 2004 and 2005, before injuries and ineffectiveness sabotaged last season. Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd hoped for resolution this week.
Barring injury, Gonzalez was unlikely to make the Rockies in spring training given the glut of utility infielders (Jamey Carroll, Clint Barmes and Omar Quintanilla).
Gonzalez’s exit could free a roster spot for Lawrence. The right-hander has serious interest in signing with the Rockies. He will throw again for scouts Monday. The Mariners and Padres have made contract offers, said agent Page Odle, but Colorado has not.
“But we have some good interaction going on with the Rockies,” Odle said. “(Colorado) does make a lot of sense for him.”
Catcher Javy Lopez is expected to sign Monday. Only a portion of his contract would be guaranteed.
Footnotes
The Rockies believe outfielder Darin Erstad will sign elsewhere, possibly with the Oakland A’s, ending their pursuit…. Despite being offered more money by Colorado, veteran reliever Chris Reitsma signed with the Mariners for family reasons.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
