With one shopping day until Christmas, the Rockies found a sense of relief. And no, it didn’t involve Carlos Gonzalez.
While they continue to talk with their star outfielder about a long-term contract extension, the Rockies added depth in their bullpen Friday, acquiring Matt Lindstrom from the Astros in exchange for two minor-leaguers.
Lindstrom addresses two specific needs. Not only does he give the team another late-inning option to accompany Rafael Betancourt and Matt Belisle, the hard-throwing right-hander provides protection if Huston Street falters.
Lindstrom opened last season as the Astros’ closer, compiling 21 saves before the all-star break. He struggled in the second half, saddled with a 7.50 ERA as he was supplanted by Brandon Lyon.
The Rockies expect Street to bounce back after missing nearly half the season with injuries. Street has altered his offseason throwing program in hopes of remaining healthy. Betancourt and Belisle were reliable last year, but neither has excelled as a closer.
Lindstrom was bothered by back stiffness in the second half, limiting his effectiveness.
The 30-year-old Lindstrom is a classic power pitcher, with a repertoire that resembles Betancourt’s. When healthy, Lindstrom throws a fastball in the mid-90s and complements it with a hard-biting slider. He struggles with high pitch counts, leading to too many hits.
Lindstrom will make roughly $2.5 million in salary arbitration, making him a bargain given the current relief market.
Colorado shipped Single-A starter Wes Musick and Dominican right-hander Jonnathan Aristil to Houston.
Before the Lindstrom acquisition, Rockies fans were buzzing about a false Venezuelan report of a seven-year, $80 million deal with Gonzalez.
The Rockies have tried multiple times this winter to sign Gonzalez to a seven-year contract that would buy him out of three free-agent seasons.
Therein lies the rub. Agent Scott Boras has never surrendered free-agent years for a star position player, preferring to let the open market determine a client’s value.
The framework for a deal with Gonzalez is in place, with the Rockies expected to continue talks until spring training begins.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
