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. Colorado later added 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), RHP Jason Marquis (trade with Cubs).
DEPARTURES: LF Matt Holliday (traded to A's), CF Willy Taveras (non-tendered, signed with Reds), LHP Brian Fuentes (free agent, signed with Angels), RHP Luis Vizcaino (traded to Cubs), RHP Matt Herges (free agent, signed minor league deal with Indians).
FREE AGENTS: RHP Livan Hernandez, C Adam Melhuse.
Hernandez performed poorly in eight starts for Colorado last season.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 3B Garrett Atkins.
Atkins is seeking $7.95 million, while the Rockies are offering $6.65 million.
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.
