As free-agent catcher Javy Lopez prepares to join the Rockies, the club is discussing utilityman Luis Gonzalez’s potential exit to Japan’s Yomiuri Giants.
Lopez is expected to sign Monday, ending the club’s winterlong pursuit of the former all-star. Talks progressed rapidly this week and manager Clint Hurdle has spoken directly with the player. General manager Dan O’Dowd said Friday the deal “was close to being done.”
Lopez would receive a 40-man roster spot, but only a portion of his contract would be guaranteed as he competes with rookie Chris Iannetta and Yorvit Torrealba in spring training.
Adding depth has defined this week. After being led to believe that target Darin Erstad will sign elsewhere, the Rockies agreed in principle with outfielder Alexis Gomez and offered a minor-league deal to Karim Garcia.
Gonzalez has seen his status change dramatically over the past year. He entered last year as the starting second baseman. However, he injured his wrist during the season’s first series, quickly lost his job to Jamey Carroll, was optioned to the minor leagues and nearly traded to the New York Mets last summer.
With Carroll and Clint Barmes capable of filling a utility role, Gonzalez faces an uphill challenge to make the team. That has prompted the Rockies to enter talks with the Yomiuri Giants about selling the infielder’s rights.
“We are in discussions, but won’t know until next week if something is going to happen,” O’Dowd said.
Earlier this offseason, the Diamondbacks dispatched infielder Andy Green to Japan. He received a guaranteed $810,000, which would leave a more accomplished player like Gonzalez in line for around $1 million, more than doubling his Major League Baseball salary.
The Rockies lost out on reliever Chris Reitsma today, as the Seattle Mariners signed the right-hander to a one-year, $2.05 million contract with a club option for 2008. Agent Mike Paolercio said the Rockies offered more money, but that Reitsma wanted to be closer to his family home in Calgary.
“We were giving the Rockies serious consideration,” said Paolercio.
Colorado still remains firmly in the mix to land free-agent starter Brian Lawrence, and is considered the favorite by opposing executives. He is scheduled to throw for scouts again either Monday or Tuesday in San Diego.
Footnotes
The Rockies plan on ramping up negotiations – or in the case of Matt Holliday, beginning negotiations – with their remaining arbitration-eligible players this week. They are currently considering only one-year deals for the group, which includes Jeremy Affeldt, Cory Sullivan and Josh Fogg. … Rockies and pitchers report on Feb. 15.
Staff writer Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
