The Colorado Rockies, coming off a disappointing 73-89 record in 2011, have been looking to upgrade their pitching staff, which sported a 4.43 ERA -- 2nd worst in the NL. According to Troy Rench of the Denver Post, the Rockies had attempted to enter the fray for left-handed SP Gio Gonzalez, but the asking price -- four top prospects -- exceeded Colorado's wishes.
Gonzalez has since been shipped to the Washington Nationals for a slew of top-tier prospects. The Rockies have meanwhile kicked the tires of veterans Hiroki Kuroda and Joe Saunders, but again, they appear priced out of both free agents' expectations.
Unless the market for starters cools considerably, the Rockies appear best suited for acquiring righty SP Wade Davis from the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Renck. The 26-year-old Davis had a down year for the Rays, pitching 184 innings of 4.45 ERA, 4.67 FIP ball, but sports a team-friendly contract and the ceiling of a former top prospect.
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