After failing to come to an agreement on a two-year contract, the Rockies declined catcher Yorvit Torrealba’s 2010 option Friday, making him a free agent. The reasons were financial, not personal, so there remains a decent shot that Torrealba will return if he doesn’t find what he wants on the open market.
“He would love to go back, and we have agreed to stay in touch,” agent Melvin Roman told The Denver Post. “The way we left it, there’s still a chance of that happening.”
The Rockies held a $4 million option for next season but chose to exercise a $500,000 buyout. The team discussed a multi-year deal with Roman as a way of decreasing Torrealba’s salary next season. They have had similar talks with top setup man Rafael Betancourt, who has a $5 million option that must be picked up by next Sunday.
In 2007, Torrealba became a free agent, and after the Mets backed out of a three-year deal, the catcher returned to the Rockies. A similar scenario could play out this time. The Rockies have protection in Chris Iannetta, who opened last season as the starter but was unable to shake an offensive slump.
The reason that the Rockies want to reduce Torrealba’s salary is simple: it makes him more affordable if he doesn’t start, and secondly, Iannetta, who has not been promised a starting job, is due a big raise as a first-time arbitration eligible player.
If Torrealba doesn’t return, the club has depth with Paul Phillips. They are expected to designate him for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot this week and then re-sign him to a minor-league deal.
Following the kidnapping and return of his son last summer, Torrealba took over the starting job and morphed into the club’s top hitter with runners in scoring position. Torrealba, who batted .291 with two home runs in 213 at-bats, also helped tutor Latin players such as Franklin Morales and Carlos Gonzalez.
On hold.
The Rockies have discussed a multiyear deal with Betancourt that would lower next year’s salary. The club has approached Huston Street about a multiyear deal and is open to the idea for Clint Barmes and Jorge De La Rosa.
Reliever Alan Embree joined Torrealba in filing for free agency after the club declined his $3 million option, paying a $250,000 buyout.
The club has been busy, signing relievers Matt Belisle and Randy Flores earlier this week.
“I am excited about the opportunity and the team’s chance of making another World Series run,” Flores said.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
