Nashville, Tenn. – While the Rockies await word on whether Aaron Cook will accept their three-year, $30-million contract extension, talks aren’t progressing with LaTroy Hawkins and a Colorado official denied any interest in Red Sox reliever Julian Tavarez.
Hawkins would like a two-year deal to return to the Rockies. The Rockies declined his $3.75-million mutual option after the season. Hawkins, whose comfortable in a variety of bullpen roles, is determined not to take a paycut after posting a 3.42 ERA in 62 games.
A source close to Hawkins said that the Rockies have spoken again with agent Larry Reynolds, but have not made a firm offer. The Rangers have strong interest in the right-hander and are offering a one-year deal with an option. The Tigers have had spoken with Reynolds, but they are sorting out their payroll flexibility after acquiring Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis.
The Rockies are actively pursuing a late-inning reliever to pair with Matt Herges and Brian Fuentes. Talks have been positive regarding free agent Shawn Chacon, who has indicated he would be open to a bullpen role with Colorado. The Rockies have had past interest in Boston’s Tavarez, but a source confirmed today that they have had no talks about the former Rockie.
Cook is mulling over the Rockies’ contract offer and could make a decision in the next couple of days. The contract is comparable to the $33-million extension Cleveland gave Jake Westbrook last season.
