As was reported yesterday, the Colorado Rockies targeted free agent Ty Wigginton during the start of the Winter Meetings. Ken Rosenthal now reports that the Rockies and Wigginton are close to a contract:
Source: #Rockies close with Wigginton. Will be RH bat off bench. #Orioles #MLB
Ken Rosenthal
Ken_Rosenthal
As the right-handed bat off the bench, Wigginton would fill the role Jason Giambi did for the Rockies in 2010. Also, he would be able to play at the infield corners and at second base if the need arose. It is also possible he could platoon with the left-handed Todd Helton, who needs more time off to be effective, at first base.
Wigginton hit 22 home runs in 2010 for the Baltimore Orioles, but a .312 on-base percentage puts him in Garrett Atkins territory, who had a .308 OBP in his final season with the team.
If this deal gets done, the Rockies will still need to add one more bullpen arm and find a backup catcher for Chris Iannetta.
[UPDATE] Tracy Ringolsby tweets that the deal is for two years and $7.5 million with an option for 2013.