Pudge Rodriguez has never played an inning for the Rockies. Neither has Ramon Hernandez. But in many ways, they hold the key to whether catcher Yorvit Torrealba returns to the Rockies.
According to information obtained this morning, Torrealba is seeking a two-year, $6-million deal, while the Rockies have offered $5.6 million. Both sides have talked optimistically that a gap can be bridged, but each side has alternatives (San Francisco and the Mets for Torrealba; Miguel Olivo for the Rockies).
Which brings us back to Rodriguez and Hernandez, whose contracts are determining the market price. Rodriguez signed a two-year, $6-million deal with the Washington Nationals this week. And Hernandez, who was out hit by his backup in Cincinnati, returned to the Reds in November on a $3 million one-year deal with a vesting option for $3.25 million in 2011.
Torrealba hit .488 with runners in scoring position for the Rockies last season and was praised for the way he handled the pitching staff down the stretch.
Though the Giants inquired about Detroit’s Gerald Laird, they are pursuing Torrealba on a one-year deal. And 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 deal if they are unable to agree to terms with primary target Bengie Molina.
In other Rockies news, Garrett Atkins will be non-tendered Saturday, making him a free agent. Atkins struggled last season, losing his starting job to Ian Stewart in the first week of June. But it’s hard not see some team being interested. Over the past five seasons, Atkins ranks 20th in major league baseball in RBIs. Baltimore is believed to have interest.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
