Yorvit Torrealba and Matt Herges returned to Denver today for physicals, multiple sources told The Denver Post, the final hurdle to both ultimately re-signing with the Rockies. The deals could be announced as soon as Thursday.
It’s impossible to overstate the significance of these moves as Colorado reshapes its roster this winter. It will leave second base as their only glaring hole if Kazuo Matsui, as anticipated, signs with the Cubs or Astros.
Torrealba consistently delivered clutch hits in the playoffs and earned the respect of the entire pitching staff with his game-calling ability. He is expected to sign a two-year deal for approximately $7 million with an option year. There’s no concern that his right shoulder will sabotage a deal, because, The Post has learned, he did not fail a physical with the New York Mets as widely believed 10 days ago.
Herges became one of the bullpen’s most reliable performers over the final two regular-season months and during the playoffs. He went 5-1 with a 2.96 ERA, and his three-inning outing against the San Diego Padres in the wild-card tiebreaker helped the Rockies earn only their second-ever postseason berth. When the winter began, the Rockies had hoped to bring back Herges on a one-year deal for around $2 million. With the recent windfalls of free-agent relievers, it’s unclear if the Rockies had to increase their offer to keep him. The Rockies also remain interested in re-signing setup man LaTroy Hawkwins.
Reached this afternoon, Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd declined comment on Herges and Torrealba.
