ATLANTA — A poor start has left Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd open to all options to improve his roster.
But a trade is the least likely scenario.
“At this point, you would be trading an undervalued player for another undervalued player,” O’Dowd said. “One player is not going to get us out of this.”
With the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets seeking a bat, rumors have begun to circulate about struggling third baseman Garrett Atkins. According to opposing executives, Atkins must hit better to attract interest. The Indians’ Mark DeRosa has emerged as a popular trade target, particularly by the Brewers and Mets, who have lost starters Rickie Weeks and Carlos Delgado to injuries.
The Rockies will receive reinforcements in their pitching staff over the next two to four weeks with the return of starters Greg Smith and Franklin Morales and relievers Ryan Speier and Taylor Buchholz.
“I have been in this situation before here with the Rockies and with the Indians,” O’Dowd said. “The only way out of it is to work hard. There’s no magic dust to spread.”
Grilli returns to Detroit.
Reliever Jason Grilli, who became a whipping boy for Tigers fans during his time there, returns to Detroit today for the first time since he was traded to the Rockies last April. He is prepared for a chilly reaction.
“I am sure there will be boos and hisses,” Grilli said. “But I have a lot of great memories from playing where my dad played and wearing his number.”
Grilli got into the crosshairs of Tigers manager Jim Leyland after he was traded. Leyland took exception to some of the right-hander’s comments after he left, words that Grilli said were taken out of context.
“I am still perplexed by that, how I got thrown under the bus,” Grilli said.
Footnotes.
Lost in Atkins’ struggles is the fact that Ian Stewart, save for more power, hasn’t done much better. Stewart hasn’t started the past two games and is 2-for-17 on the road trip. . . . Clint Barmes extended his hitting streak to six games. He also walked for the fifth time this season. . . . The Phillies claimed Triple-A reliever Steven Register, who was placed on waivers to make room for Joel Peralta on the 40-man roster.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
