Rockies | Chris Nelson has plenty of competition

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:10:01 -0800

Colorado Rockies 2B Chris Nelson will be competing with 2B Jonathan Herrera, 3B Brendan Harris, 3B Brandon Wood, 3B DJ LeMahieu, 2B Eric Young Jr. and 3B Jordan Pacheco in spring training for a spot as a utility infielder this year behind 2B Marco Scutaro.

Manager Jim Tracy pointed out that Nelson's back hip was drifting into pitches last year, which made it tough for him to get inside the inside pitches and keep from being jammed. "I got exposed a little bit last year with fastballs in, with me coming up trying to take everything to right field," Nelson said. "Guys are a little smarter and they saw that. They started jamming me, coming in more. This offseason, I just worked on the inside pitch while still staying consistent away."

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding

Rockies | More on Matt Belisle

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:09:13 -0800

Colorado Rockies RP Matt Belisle's 2014 option is worth $4.25 million and includes a $250,000 buyout.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Associated Press

Rockies | Matt Belisle terms

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:27:31 -0800

Colorado Rockies RP Matt Belisle will earn $4.35 million in 2013, plus his option extension for the 2014 season. He is making $3.775 million this season.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: CBSSports.com - Danny Knobler

Rockies | Matt Belisle re-signs

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:02:46 -0800

The Colorado Rockies re-signed RP Matt Belisle to a two-year contract extension Friday, Feb. 3. The deal includes a mutual option for the 2014 season. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com

Rockies | Jorge De La Rosa hid elbow injury

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:20:31 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Jorge De La Rosa (elbow) admitted he hid a left elbow injury last season, toughing it out through eight more starts. "It was real cold that day in Pittsburgh, and I felt something in my arm," De La Rosa said. "I said it was a blister and they took me out of the game. I told them I would be OK. But I was not. It was weakness. The next day, I felt pain when I woke up." He is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected to throw his first major league pitch until late May or sometime in June.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding

Rockies | Tyler Chatwood to compete for rotation spot

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:18:35 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Tyler Chatwood will compete for a starting spot in the rotation in spring training, and he is definitely a candidate to work out of the bullpen.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Mitch Canham signs

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:39:41 -0800

The Colorado Rockies signed free-agent C Mitch Canham (Padres) to a minor league deal Friday, Jan. 27.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: Baseball America - Matt Eddy

Rockies | Carlos Gonzalez admits he wasn't ready

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:46:24 -0800

Colorado Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez said he wasn't ready the way he should have been for the 2011 season. "I didn't prepare myself the way I should have. I wasn't ready," said Gonzalez, who showed up at spring training heavier than was expected a year ago. "It was a big difference from 2010. It was difficult to do anything - to train and work out without all the attention and (media) always asking me questions. I forget what I was doing. This winter, it was a lot easier to be normal. I don't miss the craziness."

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Jorge De La Rosa to throw bullpen sessions

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:57:03 -0800

Colorado Rockies trainer Keith Dugger said SP Jorge De La Rosa (elbow) will be allowed to throw bullpen sessions all spring. He will then stay in extended spring training before going on a rehab assignment.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Rafael Betancourt contract terms

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:35:22 -0800

Colorado Rockies RP Rafael Betancourt's two-year deal will give him $8.5 million, with guarantees totaling $4.25 million. He will make $4.25 million in 2013 and a mutual option for the 2014 season was added with a $250,000 buyout. Betancourt can make an extra $200,000 for 55 games finished. He can also make $50,000 each for 40 and 45 games finished, $150,000 for 50, $200,000 for 55 and $250,000 for 60 games finished if his options are exercised in '13 and '14.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Associated Press

Rockies | Marco Scutaro to bat second

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:29:44 -0800

Colorado Rockies 2B Marco Scutaro is expected to start at second base and bat second in the batting order this season.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: ESPNBoston.com - Gordon Edes

Rockies | Marco Scutaro acquired from Boston

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:15:04 -0800

The Colorado Rockies have acquired INF Marco Scutaro from the Boston Red Sox, in exchange for SP Clayton Mortensen. The Rockies, who reportedly picked up Scutaro's entire $6 million salary for the 2012 season, are expected to play him primarily at second base.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Boston Globe - Nick Cafardo

Rockies | Justin Turner a possibility

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:25:32 -0800

The Colorado Rockies are still looking to trade for a second baseman, but a guy like New York Mets 2B Justin Turner is much more likely than Boston Red Sox SS Marco Scutaro at this point.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Unlikely to trade for Marco Scutaro

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:51:35 -0800

The Colorado Rockies are unlikely to swing a trade for Boston Red Sox 2B Marco Scutaro. The Red Sox don't have a quick fix at shortstop if they were to trade Scutaro away this season.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Kevin Slowey traded

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:09:43 -0800

The Colorado Rockies traded SP Kevin Slowey to the Cleveland Indians Friday, Jan. 20, in exchange for RP Zach Putnam.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: FOXSports.com - Jon Paul Morosi

Rockies | Two pitchers being dangled

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:22:23 -0800

Now that the Colorado Rockies have acquired so much starting-pitching depth this offseason, general manager Dan O'Dowd is reportedly dangling SPs Jason Hammel and Kevin Slowey in order to gain a position player or two.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: ESPN.com - Jayson Stark

Rockies | Rafael Betancourt has contract extended

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:34:29 -0800

The Colorado Rockies and RP Rafael Betancourt agreed to a contract extension Thursday, Jan. 19. The team picked up a mutual $4.25 million option for 2013, and added a club option for 2014, according to multiple sources. The deal is pending a physical.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Tyler Matzek feels worst is behind him

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:33:48 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Tyler Matzek had a second straight disappointing season in the minors in 2011, but he feels the worst is behind him. "I am about two months ahead of schedule in my throwing program," Matzek said. "A lot of (stuff) hasn't gone my way, but I am still young. I know I can get outs if my mechanics are right." Matzek has focused on his stride direction and not hooking his arm behind his body in his delivery.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Wilin Rosario worked with former backstop in DR

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:33:18 -0800

Colorado Rockies C Wilin Rosario worked with former Major League catcher and New York Yankees C Tony F. Pena in the Dominican Republic for a couple of days during the offseason. "He helped me with my target and where to set up my glove," Rosario said. "I always like talking to people who have played the game for a long time. You can learn and get better."

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Drew Pomeranz thinks struggles will help him

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:24:07 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Drew Pomeranz said Thursday, Jan. 19, that he believes his struggles last September will ultimately help him. He learned to pitch without his best stuff, working with a fastball which was clocked at 90 mph, rather than the 95 mph he showed in spring, and a sloppy curveball. "My fastball was cutting and moving. It's not about (velocity). I thought I did well under the circumstances and that only helps my confidence," Pomeranz said.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Todd Helton expects to be ready for ST

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:23:42 -0800

Colorado Rockies 1B Todd Helton (back) has nearly mirrored last season's workout routine. His back still has good days and bad days, but he said he "will be ready in spring."

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Esmil Rogers adds cutter

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:52:35 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Esmil Rogers has added a cut fastball to his repertoire to help him win a spot on the roster in spring training.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Jordan Pacheco drops weight

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:52:12 -0800

Colorado Rockies C Jordan Pacheco has dropped from 205 to 195 pounds since he will no longer be catching on an everyday basis.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Alex White healthy

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:51:39 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Alex White's (finger) right middle finger is fully healthy and the tendons are strong. White and pitching coach Bob Apodaca had philosophical differences in the way to attack hitters last year, but the two have ironed out their issues in the offseason.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Carlos Gonzalez in good shape

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:51:15 -0800

Colorado Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez is lighter and stronger after working out hard this offseason. "There's no comparison. I feel like I did going into the 2010 season. I am hungry." Gonzalez addressed his move back to left field. "The best thing that can happen to me is Dexter (Fowler) playing 162 games. I will be prepared to play all three positions, but it's better if I stay in one spot."

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Jorge De La Rosa throwing

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:50:51 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Jorge De La Rosa (elbow) has resumed throwing off a mound. "They have told me to take my time, that they aren't going to rush me. But I believe I can be back in the big leagues in May," De La Rosa said.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Juan Nicasio ready to compete

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:50:29 -0800

Colorado Rockies SP Juan Nicasio (neck) is ready to compete for a rotation spot in spring training this year. He will soon throw to live hitters without use of an L screen protecting him.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | More on Dexter Fowler

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:09:30 -0800

Updating previous reports, Colorado Rockies OF Dexter Fowler has added seven pounds and shed 4 percent of his body fat this offseason.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Jamie Moyer signs

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:53:45 -0800

The Colorado Rockies signed free-agent SP Jamie Moyer (Phillies) to a minor league deal Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Rockies | Dexter Fowler working hard

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:22:13 -0800

Colorado Rockies OF Dexter Fowler has been training in Las Vegas with SS Troy Tulowitzki and 1B Jason Giambi this offseason, and Fowler has already added seven pounds of muscle and improved his bench press from 185 pounds to 260 pounds. "This is the best I have ever felt with the weight I have gained," said Fowler. "I can't wait until spring training. I can't wait until the season starts to help turn things around." He worked extensively to correct his left-handed swing last summer, and he is focusing on improving his first-step quickness this winter.

Comment (0) | Share: | Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck