Yorvit Torrealba’s strange offseason adventure is close to ending in the same division, but a new location.
Unable to come to terms with the Rockies, the catcher has agreed in principle on a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres. Agent Melvin Roman told The Denver Post today that the deal is not done. But ESPN is reporting that Torrealba has agreed to a one-year, $1.25-million deal with a $500,000 buyout, pending a physical.
For two months following the Rockies’ division series loss to the Phillies, it appeared that Torrealba would return. He hit .477 with runners in scoring position last year, regaining the starter’s job from Chris Iannetta over the final two months.
“He deserved it. I knew why he was out there,” said Iannetta recently. “From day one, we understood the situation. We both wanted to play. But it was real professional. We were real good friends and talked everyday. I wish him the best.”
The Rockies went back-and-forth in negotiations in December. Eventually, the sides had settled on the parameters of a two-year, $6-million deal, but they could not agree on how the money would be allocated.
Talks ceased just before Christmas and the Rockies aggressively pursued Miguel Olivo. They signed him to a one-year, $2-million deal with a $500,000 buyout with a club option for $2.5 million that vests if he catches 110 games.
Footnotes
Free agent reliever Todd Wellemeyer is considering signing with the Rockies, though the Giants appear to be the favorite to land him. Colorado would add him on a minor-league deal.
…The Rockies will also be among the clubs watching free agent Noah Lowry throw. They are considered a longshot to land him given his lack of success at Coors Field.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
