The Colorado Rockies have agreed to a two year contract with starting pitcher Jason Hammel, avoiding an arbitration hearing for both parties and giving Hammel security for the next two seasons.
Hammel is the favorite for the fifth starter role entering the 2011 baseball season, after being a regular in the Rockies’ rotation the previous two seasons. The Rockies obtained Hammel via trade from the Tampa Bay Rays prior to the 2009 season in exchange for prospect Aneury Rodriguez, and he has been a consistent starter for the club during that time. The two year deal gives the Rockies cost certainty for the next two seasons, and it gives Hammel a guaranteed contract until 2013, when he becomes a free agent for the first time.
Details have not yet been announced, but this contract leaves Colorado with only Ian Stewart as arbitration eligible without a signed agreement for the 2011 season.
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