MLB Trade Deadline: Rockies Avoid Fire Sale As Deadline Passes

There seemed to be only two ways that the trade deadline's final few days could go for the Rockies as it approached, considering the lowly state of the team at this point in the 2012 season. People were expecting either a complete and full on fire sale, or nothing much to happen at all.

With the deadline now at its end, the Rockies set themselves into the latter option. Other than some minor moves including a trade that sent Marco Scutero to the San Francisco Giants, there wasn't much movement for the Rockies compared to some other lower-tier teams like the Cubs and Astros.

The biggest rumors coming up to the deadline involved reliever Rafael Betancourt, who had been heavily linked to plenty of teams including the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees.

Trades are not barred after July 31, but teams are only allowed to trade players after they have passed through waivers. That leaves guys like Jason Giambi on the trade block, but probably shuts the door on the chances of moving guys like Betancourt.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

Rockies Rumors 2012: Jon Heyman Sees Jason Giambi, Ramon Hernandez As August Trade Candidates

The MLB trade deadline is only a couple days away, but the Colorado Rockies could still deal a couple of players in August. As Jon Heyman of CBS Sports writes, catcher Ramon Hernandez and first baseman Jason Giambi both fit the profile of the kind of player that's typically traded in August.

Heyman lists 25 players that could be considered trade candidates for August, when players can only be dealt if they pass through waivers without being claimed by another team. That removes most useful players from the market, but it does leave some decent options that may simply be overpaid or superfluous to their present team.

Hernandez and Giambi both fit that bill, as veteran players that could be useful to certain teams at the right price. Heyman notes that the Rockies were willing to eat a portion of Hernandez's salary to send him to the Mets, but it wasn't enough to convince New York to make a deal.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

Rockies Trade Rumors 2012: Rafael Betancourt Drawing Interest From Orioles, Yankees, Athletics And Others

The prized Colorado Rockies reliever RHP Rafael Betancourt is the subject of the latest MLB trade rumors. According to Troy Renck of The Denver Post, the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics have all expressed interest in the 37-year-old closer.

Betancourt currently owns a 3.00 ERA and 2.93 FIP with 17 saves, his fourth-straight season under a 3.00 FIP. The Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves had also shown interest in Betancourt earlier in July, and Rencke suggests the Los Angeles Angels and Chicago White Sox -- teams looking for bullpen help -- may also consider Betancourt a target.

He is currently in the 3rd year of a 4-year contract he signed with Rockies in 2009 -- a contract that included a 5th year mutual option. Betancourt is earning $4 million this season and $4.25 million in 2013 and in his 2014 option.

Head over to Purple Row for more news and notes on the Rockies.

Rockies Trade Marco Scutaro To Giants For Charlie Culberson

The Colorado Rockies made a trade on Friday night, sending Marco Scutaro to division rival San Francisco Giants for Charlie Culberson.

MLB Trade Rumors: Texas Rangers Interested In Acquiring Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez, According To Report

According to FOX Sports reporters Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, the Texas Rangers are interested in adding an impact outfielder in the near future, and the Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez is near the top of their list.

Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez, who could ultimately succeed Hamilton as the Rangers' No. 3 hitter and everyday left fielder, would be the ideal solution. He is at or near the top of the Rangers' outfield wish list for 2013, sources say. Gonzalez won the batting title two years ago, ranks sixth among NL hitters in OPS and is signed to a reasonable contract through 2017.

Related: Rockies Rumors: Marco Scutaro Drawing Interest From Nationals, Giants, Rangers And More

For now, though, the Rockies are unwilling to consider any deals for Gonzalez. Dexter Fowler is also unavailable, according to Rosenthal and Morosi.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

Rockies Rumors: Marco Scutaro Drawing Interest From Nationals, Giants, Rangers And More

The Colorado Rockies are out of the playoff race and have certainly become willing sellers heading into MLB's July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but finding the right deal for veteran talent will be key for the franchise. Marco Scutaro has been solid for the Rockies during 2012 -- posting a .271/.324/.359 line over 411 plate appearances -- and now that he is in the last year of his contract contending teams could find his versatility and short-term financial impact appealing for the stretch run.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals, Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics have all expressed interest in acquiring Scutaro, and now it's about which team can meet Colorado's needs for (a) a solid prospect or (b) a fringe prospect along with some financial relief.

Here is what Heyman had to offer on Scutaro as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches:

With the coveted Cuddyer all but certain to stay, the most likely trade candidates (in order of likelihood to go) are Marco Scutaro, Jason Giambi, Rafael Betancourt, Matt Reynolds and Jonathan Herrera.

The Rays, Nationals, Giants, Rangers and A's are all among teams believed to show interest in Scutaro, who probably won't go until deadline day. The Rockies would like either a bona fide prospect back, or a fringey one with the acquiring team paying all of Scutaro's contract.

The organization's move to acquire Jonathan Sanchez hasn't done much to inspire the confidence of the fans, but if Colorado can get a solid prospect for Scutaro that might start to turn the tide of public opinion.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

Ramon Hernandez Rumors: Rays Check In On Rockies' Catcher

The Tampa Bay Rays have "sniffed around" on Colorado Rockies catcher Ramon Hernandez recently, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Hernandez has struggled this year, but the Rays have gotten absolutely miserable performances this summer from their present catching options.

While he's battled some injuries, the 36-year-old Hernandez has played pretty poorly when he's been able to get onto the field. Over 124 plate appearances this season, Hernandez has batted .200/.244/.348 with four homers, although he's partially the victim of an abnormally low .200 BABIP.

The Rays have used Jose Molina, Chris Gimenez and Jose Lobaton behind the plate this season, but they're still searching for a solid option. While none of those guys was expected to be great at the plate, they've all been particularly bad this season.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

Jonathan Sanchez To Make Rockies Debut On Monday Vs. Diamondbacks

On Friday morning, the Colorado Rockies traded veteran pitcher Jeremy Guthrie to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for 29-year-old lefty Johnathan Sanchez, and on Monday Sanchez will make his Rockies debut when Colorado takes on the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to Trey Scott of MLB.com. Sanchez struggled mightily in the American League in 2012 -- posting a gaudy 7.76 ERA over 53.1 innings with the Royals -- but he has been a bit better in the National League over the course of his career.

In his six years as an NL pitcher, he managed to produce a more respectable 4.26 ERA over 708.0 innings, so perhaps his shift back via trade will reinvigorate his MLB career. The first chance to find out will come on Monday.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

Rockies Trade Jeremy Guthrie To Royals For Jonathan Sanchez

The Colorado Rockies traded veteran pitcher Jeremy Guthrie to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Johnathan Sanchez on Friday, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports. Guthrie is 33 years old and he posted a 6.35 ERA over 90.2 innings in 2012 during his time with the Rockies.

Source: #Rockies starter Jeremy Guthrie traded to #Royals for Jonathan Sanchez.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 20, 2012

Meanwhile, the Royals recently designated lefty Jonathan Sanchez for assignment after the 29-year-old stumbled his way to a 7.76 ERA over 53.1 innings with the major league team. As Rob Neyer of MLB Nation points out, the Royals are likely still kicking themselves for trading for Sanchez in the first place:

Just to review:

1. Last winter, the Royals traded Melky Cabrera for Jonathan Sanchez.

2. Melky Cabrera leads the planet in hits.

3. Jonathan Sanchez leads the planet in really terrible pitching.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

Rockies Rumors 2012: Nationals Have Scouted Wil Nieves

The Washington Nationals have scouted Colorado Rockies catcher Wil Nieves this season in anticipation of a possible trade, as Troy Renck and Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post report. The veteran catcher spent three seasons playing in D.C., so his familiarity presumably appeals to that organization.

At the moment, the 34-year-old Nieves is on the disabled list with a right turf toe injury. When healthy, he appeared in 16 games with Colorado this season, hitting .298/.333/.402 with one home run over 51 plate appearances. The backstop is generally appreciated for his ability to handle pitchers and play the position, though, so any offensive production is gravy.

From 2008 through 2010, Nieves appeared in 199 games with the Nationals, seeing more playing time in Washington than he's seen in any organization before or since. The catcher's offensive woes showed, though, as he hit just .244/.293/.315 with five homers over 617 plate appearances with the Nats.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

Rockies Rumors 2012: Red Sox, Braves 'Keeping A Close Eye On' Rafael Betancourt

The Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves are "keeping a close eye" on Colorado Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt as the trade deadline nears, according to Troy Renck and Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. The 37-year-old would be one of the better relief pitchers available on the market this summer.

Over 35 appearances this season, Betancourt has posted a 3.18 ERA with 34 strikeouts and nine walks in 34 innings. Working as a full-time closer for the first time, he's saved 15-of-19 possible save opportunities in the first year of a two-year contract that pays him $4.25 million annually.

Currently, the Red Sox are using Alfredo Aceves as their closer while the Braves continue to trot out dominant 24-year-old Craig Kimbrel. Either way, Betancourt would likely return to the set-up role that he filled for so many years if a deal takes place.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

Marco Scutaro Rumors: Tigers, Pirates, Rangers Express Interest In Infielder

The Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Texas Rangers have all expressed interest in acquiring infielder Marco Scutaro from the Colorado Rockies, according to Troy Renck and Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. Scutaro is one of many trade candidates for the Rockies as they look to sell during a disappointing summer.

Even though he's 36, Scutaro can still provide value as a utility infielder capable of handling both shortstop and second base. His .275/.329/.367 batting line is below-average considering that he plays half of his games in Coors Field, but his numbers were better with Boston in 2011 and there's a lack of middle infielders on the market right now.

In Detroit, Scutaro could potentially take over at second base, while he would primarily see time at shortstop in Pittsburgh given the presence of Neil Walker. The Rangers would use Scutaro in a utility role given the quality of their starters across the infield.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

Rockies Rumors 2012: Ramon Hernandez No Longer In Triple-A, Possible Trade Coming?

Colorado Rockies catcher Ramon Hernandez is no longer with Triple-A Colorado Springs, leading to speculation that he could be activated and traded soon, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Hernandez has been on the disabled list with a hand injury, but it appears that the Rockies are ready to activate the veteran backstop.

Ramon hernandez no longer in AAA. Expectation has been will be activated and potentially traded

— Troy Renck, Rockies (@TroyRenck) July 13, 2012

Signed to a two-year contract before the season, Hernandez has struggled with injuries and poor performance during his first few months in Colorado. One of the better offensive catchers in baseball during 2010-2011 with the Cincinnati Reds, his struggles have led to rookie Wilin Rosario taking over as the starter behind the plate.

The New York Mets have been one team to reportedly show interest in Hernandez, although it's unclear how close the Rockies might be to a deal with any team.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

MLB Trade Rumors: Mets Reportedly Interested In Rockies Catcher Ramon Hernandez

Barring a Rocktober to end all Rocktobers, the Colorado Rockies are almost certainly out of playoff contention in 2012. Thus, the second half of the season will likely be filled with rumored trades, as Colorado may look to flip some of its veteran pieces to contenders for young talent. One player who could be sent packing is catcher Ramon Hernandez, who could be of use to various contending teams and will likely cede much of his playing time to the young Wilin Rosario.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, one team that is already eyeing Hernandez is the New York Mets. Per Fangraphs' version of WAR, the Mets have had the fourth worst group of catchers in the National League, and Hernandez could certainly be an upgrade for them at that position. Sherman also notes that Hernandez was signed by current Mets GM Sandy Alderson as an amateur when the latter held the same position with the Oakland Athletics.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. For more baseball coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.

2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Marco Scutaro Available At 'High Price'

The Colorado Rockies have all but been eliminated from postseason play. After finishing in fourth place in 2011, they have now sunk to fifth in the NL West with a 31-51 record.

As such, the Rockies may have a few valuable trade chips they can offer to franchises looking for a trade deadline upgrade. Among their hot commodities is 2B Marco Scutaro, who joined the team in a trade during the 2012 offseason. But according to Jon Morosi of FOXSports, interested parties beware -- the asking price is not small:

Marco Scutaro is available, source says, but price remains high -- for now. #Rockies

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 6, 2012

Scutaro is currently hitting .283/.334/.382 for the Rockies, and he has the ability to play either shortstop or second base.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. Head over to Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish for more news and notes from around the league.

MLB Trade Rumors 2012: Rockies Could Deal Jason Giambi, Marco Scutaro And Jeremy Guthrie Soon

The Colorado Rockies are tied with the Chicago Cubs for the worst record in Major League Baseball (31-51) as of July 6, and even if that changes slightly the playoffs are beyond a pipe dream for Colorado. For that reason, veterans like Jason Giambi and Marco Scutaro know they have to be prepared to change teams before the MLB non-waiver trade deadline on July 31. Troy Renck of The Denver Post asked Giambi and Scutaro about the possibility of being traded, and both men offered predictably professional answers about loving Colorado but being prepared for anything.

Perhaps more interestingly, Renck lists Giambi, Scutaro and Jeremy Guthrie as the veterans most likely to be dealt. He thinks Giambi could be traded for "a marginal prospect, then return over the winter" as a free agent and added the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Texas Rangers could be interested in Scutaro as a super utility player. He also had this to say about Guthrie:

It's hard, however, to see a scenario where the Rockies keep [Guthrie]. Even if it's just salary relief - he's owed roughly $4 million - Guthrie could be moved, though Juan Nicasio's setback and Jhoulys Chacin's injury cloud things just a bit as the Rockies still need to fill out a rotation.

Toronto had interest a few weeks ago, but has cooled. Guthrie could become a consolation prize for the teams that don't land high-priced trade targets Cole Hamels, Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster or Wandy Rodriguez.

Can the Rockies turn this sour season into a few solid additions for the future? With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the answers will come soon.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. Head over to Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish for more news and notes from around the league.

2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Rockies Say Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer Are Untouchable

It's becoming increasingly likely that the Colorado Rockies sell off some pieces near the trade deadline this year, but they won't be trading outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd says that both players aren't being discussed in any possible deals this season.

As O'Dowd explained to Heyman, the Gonzalez rumor was born out of a single call of interest from Nationals GM Mike Rizzo. The Nationals have long been in search of possible fits for their outfield, but O'Dowd told Rizzo that Gonzalez wasn't available and things never went any further.

O'Dowd also mentioned that the club has received heavy interest in Cuddyer, but there's no interest in making a deal for the veteran. The Rockies signed Cuddyer to a three-year contract over the offseason, and Heyman suggests that teams simply won't offer the necessary talent to impress Colorado.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. Head over to Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish for more news and notes from around the league.

2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Rockies Not Eager To Trade Jeremy Guthrie

The latest update from Ken Rosenthal suggests the Colorado Rockies are not terribly interested in trading SP/RP Jeremy Guthrie, who was recently moved to the bullpen. Despite his 6.34 ERA and 6.33 FIP, Guthrie has improved out of the bullpen and the Rockies leadership wants to wait for the perfect fit before considering a trade:

Guthrie is durable and bounces back quickly, so the Rockies’ current position is that they will trade him only if a team offers them talent or salary relief; Guthrie still is owed more than $4.5 million.

The Rockies currently sport a 27-44 record -- the third worst in the league, ahead of the worst record, the Chicago Cubs, by only 3 games. Sitting at 15.0 games behind the first place Los Angeles Dodgers (43-30), the Rockies playoff hopes have all but ended, making them of the few sellers in the upcoming trading deadline.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. Head over to Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish for more news and notes from around the league.

Jeremy Guthrie Demoted To Bullpen; Rockies Will Use 4-Man Rotation

On Tuesday, the Colorado Rockies decided to move struggling RHP Jeremy Guthrie from the rotation to the bullpen. The Rockies will move forward with a four-man rotation and starters will be on a 75-pitch limit.

Rockies going w 4 man rotation. Guthrie in pen. Starters on 75 pitch limit

— Troy Renck, Rockies (@TroyRenck) June 19, 2012

Related: Troy Tulowitzki Injury: Lingering Injury Stumping Doctors, Still No Timetable For Return

Guthrie was told of pen today. Said ready to pitch in that role. Starters told of plan after Guthrie meeting

— Troy Renck, Rockies (@TroyRenck) June 19, 2012

As a starter, Guthrie was 3-6 with a 7.02 ERA in 59.0 innings. The Rockies have been shopping him to other teams in recent days, and it's unclear exactly how much this is going to change the team's ability to shop him around. Bullpen arms, obviously, have slightly less tradability than starters.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. Head over to Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish for more news and notes from around the league.

2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Rockies Talking With Several Teams About Jeremy Guthrie

The Colorado Rockies have made it known that they're willing to part with RHP Jeremy Guthrie, and on the heels of Monday's report that the Blue Jays have shown interest comes this from Troy Renck:

Toronto not only team calling on Guthrie. Told there as many as four interested. Clubs see him as bounceback guy once out of Coors Field

— Troy Renck, Rockies (@TroyRenck) June 18, 2012

Related: Rockies Trade Rumors 2012: Colorado Talking To Toronto About Deal For Jeremy Guthrie, According To Report

Coors Field has been quite friendly to hitters this season and Guthrie has had trouble pitching there all year; in five starts at home, he has a 9.53 ERA and has given up nine home runs. On the road, his ERA is a more respectable 4.70.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. Head over to Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish for more news and notes from around the league.

Rockies Trade Rumors 2012: Colorado Talking To Toronto About Deal For Jeremy Guthrie, According To Report

The Colorado Rockies are actively shopping starter Jeremy Guthrie, and according to a report from Ken Rosenthal, they have had discussions with Toronto about an exchange.

While no deal appears imminent, the teams have discussed an exchange that would send Guthrie to the Jays, according to major-league sources.

The Jays likely would assume a significant portion of Guthrie’s remaining salary – just under $5 million – in exchange for a lesser prospect, possibly Double A first baseman Mike McDade, sources said.

Related: Rockies Vs. Tigers Final Score: Colorado Falls 5-0 In Series Finale

Much like his team, Guthrie has really struggled in 2012; he has a 6.91 ERA in 56 innings of work, with 28 strikeouts and 21 walks. Those numbers may make it hard for the Rockies to get a decent return for Guthrie.

Guthrie, a nine-year MLB veteran, is in his first season with the Rockies. Prior to coming to Colorado, he spent three seasons with Cleveland and five seasons with Baltimore.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. Head over to Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish for more news and notes from around the league.