The Rockies are on the verge of acquiring right-handed reliever Luis Vizcaino, one of their prime offseason targets.
Although general manager Dan O’Dowd could not confirm that the Rockies have signed Vizcaino, he did say “we’re getting really close.”
The Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates showed the most interest in the reliever, but the Rockies’ offer of a longer-term contract tipped the balance.
Vizcaino, 33, emerged as the Yankees’ primary setup man last season, going 8-2 with a 4.30 ERA in 77 appearances. He struck out 62 and walked 43. In each of his three previous seasons, his ERA was 3.75 or lower.
Both the Mets and Yankees reportedly wanted him initially, but they found the cost too high. He turned down salary arbitration from the Yankees.
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
