Miami — The Rockies remained quiet as Major League Baseball’s trade deadline passed, unable to acquire a reliever to supply bullpen help.
“We would have liked to make a big splash, but people were offering us coal and wanting gold nuggets in return,” Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said.
“To do that would have been inconsistent with how we’ve done things the last two to three years. We didn’t want to get someone we hoped would help us. It had to be somebody that clearly made us better.”
But the trade deadline didn’t go quietly. Boston agreed to a deal in principle for Texas closer Eric Gagne.
A Red Sox official speaking today said the deal is finalized and involves the Red Sox sending multiple prospects to Texas. Those prospects will include centerfielder David Murphy.
The Rockies spent much of today trying to add a bullpen arm, focusing on St. Louis’ Troy Percival and Pittsburgh’s Salomon Torres. As of 1 p.m. MDT, the Rockies were still trying to work out a deal for a reliever, but the short suppply and high demand had created a difficult trade market.
The Tigers and Twins have both called the Rockies about Triple-A shortstop Clint Barmes, but Detroit is involved in a much bigger developing deal for Pittsburgh’s Jack Wilson that might include Torres or Damaso Marte.
The non-waiver trade deadline is 2 p.m. MDT.
The Rockies face the Marlins today beginning at 5 p.m.
Troy Renck can be reached at trenck@denverpost.com or 303-954-1301.
