Injuries and ineffectiveness led to a nip and tuck of the bullpen. The relief corps could soon undergo a facelift with the return of Ramon Ramirez and LaTroy Hawkins and the pursuit of potential free agents Dan Kolb and Ron Villone.
Ramirez, barring a setback today in Triple-A, will return on Tuesday. Hawkins pitches today and Tuesday in Colorado Springs and could then rejoin the team.
“I will be back soon,” Hawkins said. “I can’t even watch the games. I get too nervous. But I just know my arm feels a lot better now than it did.”
Kolb, in Triple-A with the Pirates, and Villone, pitching for the Yankees in the minor leagues, both have outs in their contracts early this week. They can become free agents if not promoted. The Rockies expressed interest in Kolb recently, and they attempted to sign the left-handed Villone last month before he rejoined the Yankees. Sky Sox left-hander Josh Newman has also entered the mix of potential replacements with a strong start.
Zach McClellan, Alberto Arias and Denny Bautista, who have minor-league options, and Tom Martin all struggled over the past week. The bullpen entered Saturday with a 4.94 ERA, allowing 19-of-38 inherited runners to score.
“We have to get some people to stabilize the bullpen besides (Manny) Corpas and (closer Brian) Fuentes and (Jeremy) Affeldt,” manager Clint Hurdle said.
Trade winds on Kim
Byung-Hyun Kim, seeking a change of scenery, is expected to change agents to Scott Boras. Kim turned in another solid outing Saturday for the Sky Sox – six innings, two earned runs – that, coupled with the addition of Boras, could help facilitate a trade. The Rockies would have to eat a chunk of Kim’s $2.5 million salary in order to move him.
Progress for Lopez, Matsui
A program has been mapped for second baseman Kaz Matsui and starter Rodrigo Lopez. Both will begin rehab assignments this week. Lopez will take awhile as he rebuilds arm strength. Matsui, whose disc injury bothers him only when he runs, expects a shorter stint.
“I would like it to be one game,” Matsui said with a smile. “I want to help the team again.”
Footnotes
A name to keep an eye on: Chris Burke, recently demoted to Triple-A by the Astros. The Rockies have been poking around for more offense and attempted to acquire Burke over the winter. He can play second base or the outfield. Houston has always been reluctant to give him up, but might be tempted now that he’s struggling. … The Angels are hunting for a bat and have been linked to Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford. They also have interest in Brad Hawpe and Jeff Baker – comparable value might be pitcher Joe Saunders – and third baseman Garrett Atkins. To even listen, young starter Ervin Santana would have to be involved. … The Sky Sox have benefited from the rehab stints. Their recent win streak moved them out of last place for the first time since August 2005.
