Among the 46 players who exchanged salary figures with their clubs, only two filed for a higher amount than Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins. 

--Left shoulder inflammation, which made 2008 a forgettable season for LHP Jeff Francis, has bothered him this winter, limiting his offseason activity and ensuring he will be behind other pitchers when spring training begins next month. 

Ryan Dempster's getting flak in his country for declining to play in the World Baseball Classic. 

Ryan Dempster's getting flak in his country for declining to play in the World Baseball Classic. 

Ryan Dempster's getting flak in his country for declining to play in the World Baseball Classic. 

Ryan Dempster's getting flak in his country for declining to play in the World Baseball Classic. 

Ryan Dempster's getting flak in his country for declining to play in the World Baseball Classic. 

Ryan Dempster's getting flak in his country for declining to play in the World Baseball Classic. 

Ryan Dempster's getting flak in his country for declining to play in the World Baseball Classic. 

When the winter began, Colorado Rockies infielder Garrett Atkins figured his next move might be more than just a trip across the Coors Field diamond from third to first base. 

Among the 46 players who exchanged salary figures with their clubs, only two filed for a higher amount than Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins. 

--Left shoulder inflammation, which made 2008 a forgettable season for LHP Jeff Francis, has bothered him this winter, limiting his offseason activity and ensuring he will be behind other pitchers when spring training begins next month. 

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. 

Among the 46 players who exchanged salary figures with their clubs, only two filed for a higher amount than Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins. 

--Left shoulder inflammation, which made 2008 a forgettable season for LHP Jeff Francis, has bothered him this winter, limiting his offseason activity and ensuring he will be behind other pitchers when spring training begins next month.