The Rockies' offseason began with a bang when they dealt Matt Holliday to the A's for LHP Greg Smith, RHP Huston Street and OF Carlos Gonzalez. At the start of 2009, Colorado was on the verge of acquiring RHP Jason Marquis from the Cubs to provide depth in the rotation.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The team could make changes in center field and at second base, and it has options in house, but that thinking could be adjusted if a speed guy could be added. ARRIVALS: RHP Huston Street (trade with A's), LHP Greg Smith (trade with A's), OF Carlos Gonzalez (trade with A's), LHP Alan Embree (free agent from A's).
DEPARTURES: LF Matt Holliday (traded to A's), CF Willy Taveras (non-tendered, signed with Reds), LHP Brian Fuentes (free agent, signed with Angels).
FREE AGENTS: OF Scott Podsednik, RHP Livan Hernandez, C Adam Melhuse, RHP Matt Herges.
The Rockies are expected to attempt to re-sign Podsednik as a backup but with the plan of getting him more playing time, which is feasible now that Taveras has been non-tendered. Podsednik missed 23 games with a fractured left pinkie and ended up with a mere 162 at-bats in 91 games. Herges' option was declined.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 3B Garrett Atkins, LHP Jorge De La Rosa, RHP Jason Grilli, RHP Taylor Buchholz, 2B Clint Barmes, RHP Huston Street.
Atkins and Street figure to land nice raises in arbitration.
IN LIMBO: 3B Garrett Atkins could be the next young veteran to follow LF Matt Holliday out of town. Ian Stewart would take over permanently if Atkins is dealt.
MEDICAL WATCH:
1B Todd Helton had arthroscopic surgery Sept. 30 to repair a bulging disk in his lower back. He should be at full strength for spring training.
C Yorvit Torrealba was feeling strong at the end of the season after arthroscopic surgery in early September on his left knee. He was playing winter ball in his native Venezuela in December, and his knee was fine.
LHP Greg Smith underwent surgery Oct. 24 to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. He was expecting a two-month rehab.
