NASHVILLE, TENN. — While popular veteran Jamey Carroll appears to be on the verge of being traded, the Rockies continue to work on bringing second baseman Tadahito Iguchi to Colorado.
Carroll, the spunky infielder who became a fan favorite with his hustle and slick fielding, wants to be traded so he could get more playing time. A trade with either the Cleveland Indians or Cincinnati Reds could happen soon. However, a source with direct knowledge of the deal denied a report that the Rockies were trading Carroll to Cleveland for minor league pitcher Sean Smith.
Carroll’s departure would likely open the utility infielder spot for Clint Barmes. It also would give rookie Jayson Nix a chance to grab the starting second base job should the Rockies not acquire a veteran. Carroll has a $2.3 million guarantee and the money the Rockies would save by trading him could go toward acquiring Iguchi or investing in veteran arms for the bullpen.
The Rockies’ search for a veteran second baseman no longer includes veteran Mark Loretta.
“It looks like Mark is going to remain with the Astros,” Loretta’s agent, Bob Garber, said this afternoon after a final meeting with the Rockies.
That leaves Iguchi as the top candidate to become the Rockies’ new second baseman. Former Cardinal David Eckstein is viewed as a darkhorse candidate.
“Iguchi is a player we like very much, but we’ve said that all along,” manager Clint Hurdle said today before flying back to Denver.
Although big stumbling blocks remain – namely, money and length of contract – agent Rocky Hall replied “absolutely” today when asked if Colorado was still in the running for Iguchi. Iguchi is looking for Kazuo Matsui money. The former Rockie got three-years, $16.5-million to sign with Houston.
The Rockies won’t offer that, nor will they go beyond a two-year deal. But then, they may not have to. A blockbuster offer hasn’t materialized for Iguchi and Colorado is attractive because it is the only team pursuing him primarily as a second baseman. Other teams with interest include Giants, Phillies and, to a lesser degree, the Dodgers.
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
