As they look to put a bow on their roster before the baseball’s winter hibernation period, the Rockies continue talking with the agent for pitcher Victor Zambrano and appear to have passed on starter Kris Benson.
Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd would like to add the right-handed Zambrano on a minor-league deal to compete for either a rotation spot or a swing role in the bullpen. Assistant GM Bill Geivett has pursued Zambrano, encouraged by the pitcher’s work in the Venezuelan winter league. Zambrano has made five starts, averaging six innings per outing. He’s 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA.
“We are having discussions but I wouldn’t characterize it as close to signing yet,” agent Peter Greenberg said. “It might be a good spot for him. We still have to see if we can work out some details.”
Zambrano went 0-3 with a 10.17 ERA in 13 games last season with Baltimore and Toronto. He owns a 45-44 career record.
The Rockies have long been listed among those teams interested in Benson, who missed last season after arm surgery. He threw 60 pitches in a workout for clubs on Monday in what his agent Gregg Clifton called a “great workout.” However, Clifton doesn’t see Colorado as a viable suitor at this point. The Rockies guaranteed Kip Wells around $3 million last week.
“I don’t think the Rockies are in on (Benson) anymore,” Clifton said.
Footnotes
While the Rockies appear comfortable staying in-house with their second-base job, other teams are adding some depth. The Yankees signed Nick Green to a minor-league contract. And the Cardinals signed D’Angelo Jimenez to a minor-league deal, which calls for a $600,000 salary in the majors. … Reliever LaTroy Hawkins’ contract is final with the Yankees. He will make $3.75 million. Per Yankees’ custom, there are no incentives. … Catcher Javy Lopez, who was in camp with the Rockies last year, will make $750,000 if he makes the Braves’ roster.
