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2011 MLB Rumors: Colorado Rockies Interested In Jonny Gomes?

It's been known for a while now that the Colorado Rockies aren't totally satisfied with Seth Smith as their primary left fielder, and they've been putting out feelers to find an upgrade. According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the team is expressing interest in free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes as part of that search.

We've previously heard about interest in the likes of Grady Sizemore, Michael Cuddyer and Martin Prado, but Sizemore appears to be near a new deal with the Cleveland Indians, Cuddyer is looking for a long-term deal and it's unclear what the Braves want in return for Prado. So for now, they may be setting their sights a bit lower.

Acquiring someone like Cuddyer or Prado would likely mean relegating Smith to a back-up role, even though he's been a very good hitter against right-handed pitching for most of his career. With a .882 career OPS against right-handers, he's perfectly adequate as one half of a strong left field platoon. The Rockies likely view Gomes as the other half to such a plan, given that he's got a .879 OPS against lefties during his career.

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