The Colorado Rockies have been impressed with the emergence of third base prospect Nolan Arenado following his season at High-A Modesto and his postseason romp through the Arizona Fall League. The Rockies now believe he can contribute early in 2012 and are looking to move Ty Wigginton, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
Wigginton has a $4 million salary for the 2012 season and would need to kick in half a million dollars for his 2013 option buyout, but Renck believes the Rockies would be willing to absorb most of that. Wigginton was a disappointment in 2011, hitting .242/.315/.416. He struck out 18.8 percent of the time and often failed to come up with big hits in key situations.
Renck indicates the team would prefer to bring in a veteran third baseman to help make Arenado's transition to the majors easier. But if Arenado can win the job outright during spring training, bringing in a veteran like Kevin Youkilis would only work if he plays a bunch at first base, which Renck indicates would happen.
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