The Rockies have developed a contingency free-agency plan if they are unable to sign relief pitcher Rafael Betancourt.
Their target is right-hander LaTroy Hawkins, a key member of the team’s 2007 bullpen.
The Rockies are not expecting Taylor Buchholz, the club’s setup man in 2008, back until midseason. He missed all of this past season after undergoing elbow ligament surgery in June.
“We certainly aren’t going to rush him,” Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said. “I wouldn’t expect him back until he’s pitching back-to-back days and snapping off breaking balls and feeling no discomfort.”
Manuel Corpas will be in the mix for a bullpen role, but must earn a setup job. He is working out at the team’s academy in the Dominican Republic, and will pitch for 4 to 6 weeks in Dominican winter ball.
The Rockies will learn Monday if Betancourt accepts their arbitration offer. They can still sign him if he doesn’t, but they will likely move in another direction. The Rockies remain high on Hawkins, who posted a 2.13 ERA in 65 games for the Astros last season.
The Rockies are also showing interest in Oakland’s Justin Duchscherer.
Utility options.
Manager Jim Tracy said Friday the team would be open-minded about adding a right-handed-hitting utility man to create a more balanced lineup against left-handers. He didn’t mention names, but the club has expressed interest in free-agent third baseman Mark DeRosa and second baseman Orlando Hudson.
Hudson hit .293 against left-handers last season with a .361 on-base percentage, compared to Clint Barmes’ .245 and .314. De Rosa slugged 10 home runs off left-handers.
Hudson, who lost his starting job with the Dodgers in September, is much more likely to fall into the Rockies’ price range. Barmes, whom the club has offered a multiyear deal, could be a key figure in a utility role if Hudson signs with the Rockies.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
