Alan Embree was signed to bolster the Rockies’ bullpen, not save it.
However, his one-year, $2.25-million contract provides protection if he becomes Colorado’s closer, a role that currently features Huston Street and Manuel Corpas as top contenders. According to contract details obtained Tuesday by The Denver Post, Embree can earn an additional $800,000 for games finished, beginning at 40 and stopping at 55.
Embree’s deal contains a $3-million club option for 2010, with a $250,000 buyout. Per the language of his deal, Embree can void the option and receive the buyout if he chooses. Also, the Rockies have agreed not to offer Embree salary arbitration at the end of either season if he earns Type A free agent status.
While the Rockies have added left-handers Embree and Glendon Rusch, they are still seeking bullpen depth. They have continued talks for hard-throwing right-hander Derrick Turnbow and remain strongly in the mix for free-agent starter Tim Redding. Left-handed reliever Will Ohman, originally on the Rockies’ radar, is being pursued to varying degrees by the Rays, Mets, Indians, Orioles and Braves.
With baseball’s offices preparing to shut down for a week for the holidays, more players are finding homes. Former Rockie Greg Norton signed a one-year, $800,000-deal to stay with the Braves, Houston added starter Clay Hensley on a $550,000-minor-league deal, the Nationals signed center fielder Corey Patterson ($800,000) and pitcher Jorge Sosa ($850,000) to minor-league contracts and the defending champion Phillies agreed with right-hander Gary Majewski on a $650,000 minor-league contract.
Rockies winter development camp set
Continuing a tradition that has accelerated the careers of everyone from Garrett Atkins to Ubaldo Jimenez, the Rockies will hold their annual winter development camp for many of their top prospects Jan. 6 through Jan. 23 at Coors Field.
Topping the list are left-hander Franklin Morales, whose strong finish and fastball command in the Venezuelan winter league encouraged team officials, and newly acquired outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Other members of the club’s 40-man roster attending include: pitchers Samuel Deduno, Shane Lindsay, Ryan Mattheus and Esmil Rogers and infielders Hector Gomez, Chris Nelson and Eric Young Jr.
The last two No. 1 picks, Christian Friedrich and Casey Weathers, who is recovering from elbow surgery, will attend along with Jhoulys Chacin, arguably the team’s top pitching prospect.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
