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.
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 Atlanta, Houston added starter Clay Hensley on a $550,000 minor-league deal, Washington signed center fielder Corey Patterson ($800,000) and pitcher Jorge Sosa ($850,000) to minor-league contracts and defending champion Philadelphia agreed with right-hander Gary Majewski on a $650,000 minor-league contract.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
