As expected, the Rockies parted ways with speedy center fielder Willy Taveras on Friday night.
The club nontendered Taveras when it concluded it could not trade him before Friday’s 10 p.m. MST deadline to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players.
The Rockies did tender offers to third baseman Garrett Atkins, second baseman Clint Barmes, starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa and relievers Taylor Buchholz, Huston Street and Jason Grilli.
The Rockies also decided to not tender a contract to infielder Jonathan Herrera, 24, who made his Major League debut in 2008 and hit .230 (14-for-61) with three RBIs in 28 games for the Rockies.
The moves leave the Rockies with 38 players on the 40-man roster.
Taveras is now free to shop for a new team. The Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals have expressed an interest.
Taveras led the majors with 68 stolen bases in 2008, but he wasn’t the dynamic offensive player the Rockies hoped he’d be. He hit just .251 with a .308 on-base percentage, not nearly good enough for a leadoff man.
When the Rockies report to spring training Feb. 13, Ryan Spilborghs will be their No. 1 center fielder with prospects Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gonzalez competing for playing time.
