The Rockies could find out Thursday if starter Brian Lawrence accepts their counter-offer. Seattle, however, has emerged as the slight favorite, while Pittsburgh promised to make a new proposal Thursday. After losing out on reliever Chris Reitsma to the Mariners, Colorado continues pursuing bullpen depth, including free-agent Rudy Seanez.
Seanez, a one-time Rockie, pitched well for San Diego in 2005, before struggling last season in Boston. Colorado is also talking to one other available right-handed reliever about a minor-league deal. As it stands, Brian Fuentes, LaTroy Hawkins, Jeremy Affeldt and Tom Martin appear set in the bullpen, with competition and undefined roles for promising young pitchers Manny Corpas, Ramon Ramirez, Taylor Buchholz and Denny Bautista.
If Lawrence goes elsewhere, the Rockies are expected to attempt to add another starter for depth. They have expressed previous interest in Bruce Chen and Ramon Ortiz.
Former Rockies pitcher Chin-Hui Tsao has agreed in principle on a major-league contract with the Dodgers for $450,000. The Dodgers plan to use him as a reliever.
