The Rockies' top priority entering the winter meetings was acquiring a left-handed reliever. They came away with one by agreeing to a free agent contract with durable Alan Embree, who turns 39 next month.
Embree received a one-year deal with a mutual option. Financial terms weren't immediately disclosed. At the meetings, the Rockies made an effort to acquire right-hander Aaron Heilman from the Mets. However, talks ended when the Rockies refused to part with reliever Huston Street or center fielder Dexter Fowler, and Heilman was traded to Seattle in a three-team deal that sent reliever J.J. Putz to the Mets.
Embree likely will team with Glendon Rusch to give the Rockies two left-handers in a their bullpen. Lefty Brian Fuentes declined arbitration and became a free agent. The Rockies offered him a two-year deal, but Fuentes is expected to sign a richer contract elsewhere, with St. Louis, Detroit and the Los Angeles Angels pursuing him.
The Rockies have offered Rusch a $750,000 on a minor league deal so they can clear a roster spot for him later. That's a $100,000 cut from last year, when he was released by San Diego in May and signed by the Rockies. Rusch has indicated a desire to re-sign with the Rockies after going 5-5 with a 5.15 ERA in 35 games, including nine starts.
Embree gives the Rockies the left-handed setup man they have lacked since Fuentes regained the closer role in late April after Manuel Corpas faltered. Embree began his career in the Cleveland organization when Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd was the Indians' farm director.
