The Hot Stove hasn't really kicked into gear yet, but the Colorado Rockies are at the center of multiple rumors. Along with Martin Prado, the Rockies have been mentioned as one of the teams most closely connected to free agent infielder Jamey Carroll.
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN has mentioned that a "mystery team" is close to a multi-year contract with Carroll, and Jon Morosi has specifically mentioned the Rockies as the team in contact with Carroll's agent. If you connect the dots, it makes quite a bit of sense for both sides.
The Rockies have made it very clear that second base is a priority for their club heading into 2012. After receiving poor production from several candidates in 2011(including Jose Lopez, Jonathan Herrera, and Chris Nelson) and with free agent Mark Ellis receiving some interest on the open market, the Rockies are shopping for a quality free agent. Since there is no MLB-ready second baseman prospect within the Rockies system, it makes sense to find a free agent for a multi-year deal.
Carroll, 37, is a familiar face. He was an integral part of the 2007 "Rocktober" run to the World Series, and has resurrected his career as a solid regular. Last season, he hit .290 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and has carried at least a .355 OBP the past four seasons with an above-average glove.