This time of year, even with spring training lurking around the corner, contract negotiations take on their own pace depending on the player. All five Rockies eligible — Matt Holliday, Brian Fuentes, Garrett Atkins, Brad Hawpe and Willy Taveras — filed for salary arbitration Wednesday. If no agreement is struck by today, the sides have to exchange salary figures.
At that point, a hearing is scheduled where an arbiter determines which figure to assign for the player’s salary. The Rockies have only had two hearings in club history, with Dennys Reyes in 2003 and Sun-Woo Kim in 2006. Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd admitted earlier this week that number could double this year because of the talent and the financial gaps in negotiations.
While the Rockies are still trying to find common ground with their arbitration crop, several other teams completed contracts with a number of players. A look at the notable signings obtained by The Denver Post:
–The Diamondbacks avoided arbitration with pitcher Juan Cruz, signing him for $1.9 million.
–The Marlins signed free agent starter Mark Hendrickson — the Rockies had interest in the left-hander — to a one-year, $1.5-million deal. He can make an additional $500,000 if he starts 30 games. Florida also avoided arbitration with catcher Matt Treanor, giving him a one-year, $705,000 contract.
–Baltimore finalized a contract with Jeremy Guthrie, a pleasant surprise last year after plucked from the waiver wire. He will receive $770,000 in the majors.
–The Mets signed Jose Valentin, their former starting second baseman, to a minor-league deal. He will make $1 million if he makes the big league team.
