Free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba still might return to the Rockies, but if he doesn’t the team has a backup plan. Colorado signed Paul Phillips to a minor-league contract Friday, providing a veteran to pair with Chris Iannetta.
“I still have a shot at being the backup, and I love the team,” said Phillips, who will make $13,000 a month in the minors and $450,000 for the season if he’s on the major-league roster.
Phillips made a strong impression on manager Jim Tracy in June, particularly with the way he prepared starting pitchers. Phillips hit .311 with one home run and nine RBIs in 45 at-bats. The Rockies thought so much of him they nearly traded Torrealba before bringing him back to the active roster.
Phillips returned to Triple-A and received a September call-up. The Rockies haven’t given up on bringing back Torrealba, who turned down a two-year, $4.5 million offer.
Footnotes.
The Rockies made their additions to the 40-man roster in advance of the Rule 5 draft next month. The additions are right-handed pitchers Alberto Alburquerque, Edgmer Escalona, Juan Nicasio and Chaz Roe and catcher Michael McKenry. . . . The Rockies released their spring training schedule Friday, with the first game March 4 on the road in Tucson against Arizona.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
