TUCSON — The ring will be a reminder of what was and what could have been. LaTroy Hawkins never wanted to leave the Rockies, but when the players receive jewelry commemorating the franchise’s first National League championship during opening weekend at Coors Field, the reliever won’t be there.
In December, he joined the New York Yankees on a one-year deal for $3.5 million, $475,000 more than the Rockies offered.
“I’d love to be there when they get those rings,” Hawkins said. “It would have been the most exciting moment of my career.”
Hawkins braced for his exit after the Rockies declined his $3.75-million club option. The club offered a $25,000 spike. Hawkins turned it down.
“It was hard because I really appreciated the way that (manager Clint) Hurdle and (pitching coach Bob) Apodaca used me there after I got hurt (in April),” he said.
He was surprised when the Rockies signed his replacement, Luis Vizcaino, to a two-year deal for $7.5 million.
“I was in Aruba when I heard about it. I was like ‘Wow.’ I mean, wow!” Hawkins said. “But you can’t let it become personal. This is a business.”
Footnotes.
Right-hander Kip Wells, competing for a spot as the fourth or fifth starter, pitched Tuesday with uneven results. In five innings against Diamondbacks minor leaguers at Tucson Electric Park, Wells allowed three earned runs on four hits, including a solo home run. . . . Victor Zambrano fared poorly in a minor-league game against the D-backs. He threw 87 pitches over five innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits. . . . The Rockies play Arizona today at TEP, with Ubaldo Jimenez getting the start. . . . After getting Tuesday off, the Rockies resume their spring schedule today against the Diamondbacks at TEP.
