INDIANAPOLIS — The Rockies threw a strike on the first day of the winter meetings as reliever Rafael Betancourt accepted salary arbitration.
Fortifying the bullpen was the Rockies’ top priority, and Betancourt’s return on a roughly $5 million salary provides a premier setup man.
“When you get to those last nine outs, you need reliability. And Rafael helps give us that,” manager Jim Tracy said.
While the Phillies and Red Sox were interested in Betancourt, the Brewers made the strongest run at the reliever, according to a major-league source.
But at this juncture no team was prepared to pay Betancourt’s acquisition price and surrender a first-round draft pick per his Type-A free-agent status.
“We just wanted to make sure we exhausted all opportunities,” agent Scott Pucino said.
Betancourt turned down a two-year, $7 million offer last month, and his agents would like to revisit that proposal. Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said discussions on a multiseason deal would begin from scratch.
Rockies’ players have been pulling for Betancourt’s return since the season ended. Acquired from Cleveland on July 23, the 34-year-old posted a 1.78 ERA in 25 1/3 innings with Colorado, capped by a dramatic road save against the Giants on Sept. 16. Many players reference that night as the point when they knew they would reach the postseason.
“It’s great to have him back,” catcher Chris Iannetta said.
Catching and bench are also items on the agenda. The Rockies have expressed interest in free agent Rod Barajas as they cover all bases in the event that Yorvit Torrealba leaves. Torrealba’s agent is not scheduled to meet with the Rockies until midweek. Regardless of whom the Rockies’ bring in, Chris Iannetta isn’t going anywhere. Colorado expects Iannetta to rebound next season offensively.
“In no way have we lost confidence in Chris,” manager Jim Tracy said.
In their search for a utility player, the Rockies have called about Nick Green, a former Red Sox. He hits right-handed and is capable of playing multiple positions.
Winter wonderland
The Rockies have been encouraged and impressed by Jhoulys Chacin’s strong showing in winterball. He is scheduled to make one more start before resting for spring training. Esmil Rogers and Franklin Morales also have thrown well in winterball. Morales has been working as a reliever, his anticipated role with the Rockies, though the door hasn’t been closed on him starting. Samuel Deduno was shut down in winterball with forearm tightness as a precaution. It’s not considered serious.
Footnotes
Reliever Casey Weathers, who missed all of last season with elbow surgery, performed well in the instructional league and should not have any restrictions when spring training begins. Former Rockie Dan Miceli has joined agent Tom O’Connell’s company.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
