The Rockies continued to add depth Sunday, agreeing to a one-year, $1.3 million deal with Melvin Mora to serve as a utilityman and a right-handed pinch hitter.
Mora’s agent, Eric Goldschmidt, confirmed the deal, saying it is pending a physical. Rockies manager Jim Tracy was looking for a specific type of player after the club brought back Jason Giambi, who delivered several big hits for the Rockies but plays only first base.
“Versatility is the key term,” Tracy said last week. “We needed a guy who can play a couple of spots.”
The Rockies believe that aptly describes Mora, who turns 38 on Tuesday. He is primarily a third baseman and can be used to spell Ian Stewart if he again struggles against left-handed pitching. Mora also will take groundballs at second base, where he could push Clint Barmes for playing time.
“Melvin wants to play for a contender,” Goldschmidt said, citing Mora’s long postseason drought with Baltimore.
Colorado shifted its focus to Mora after Orlando Cabrera accepted the Reds’ $3 million, one-year contract to be their starting shortstop.
A two-time all-star, Mora hit .260 with eight home runs and 48 RBIs last season.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
