Pudge Rodriguez has never played an inning for the Rockies. Neither has Ramon Hernandez. But in many ways, they hold the key to whether Yorvit Torrealba returns to the Rockies.
Torrealba is seeking a two-year, $6 million deal, according to major-league sources, while the Rockies have offered $5.6 million. Both sides have talked optimistically that the gap can be bridged, but they have alternatives (San Francisco and the Mets for Torrealba, Miguel Olivo for the Rockies).
Rodriguez signed a two- year, $6 million deal with the Washington Nationals this week, and Hernandez returned to the Reds in November on a $3 million deal with a vesting option for $3.25 million in 2011. Those contracts helped boost Torrealba’s value.
Torrealba hit .488 with runners in scoring position for the Rockies last season and was praised for the way he handled the pitching staff.
The Giants are pursuing Torrealba for a one-year deal. Torrealba is scheduled to travel to New York next week to resolve his pending grievance with the Mets, which could ignite talks on a new contract if the Mets are unable to agree to terms with their primary target, Bengie Molina.
Atkins’ stay to end.
Garrett Atkins will be non-tendered today, making him a free agent. Atkins lost his starting job to Ian Stewart in the first week of June. Baltimore is believed to be interested.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
