Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that left-hander Joe Beimel isn't likely to return to the Rockies.
"We have kept in touch with the Rockies, and I would love to come back. But at this point I don't see it happening," Beimel wrote to Renck in a text message. Beimel, who turns 33 in April, posted a 4.02 ERA in 26 games after being acquired from the Nationals in July, but the Rockies appear set with Randy Flores and Franklin Morales as left-handers out of the bullpen. According to Renck, the veteran southpaw would like to find a guaranteed major league deal, but he may be waiting a while as he did before signing with the Nationals last March.
Jeff Francis told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick Tuesday that his left (throwing) shoulder no longer causes him pain or discomfort.
Francis is spending the next several days at the Rockies' Dominican training facility in order to prepare for the start of spring training. "I feel good," Francis said by phone. "I'm not thinking about the injury anymore, which is nice. Last summer was a grind mentally more than anything." The left-hander struggled to a 5.01 ERA in 24 starts in 2008, but is just a few years removed from the 17-9 record and 4.22 ERA he posted back in '07.
Rockies signed OF Alex Escobar to a minor league contract.
The Rockies also signed outfielder Bronson Sardinha and right-hander Chris Gissell. All receive invites to Spring Training. Escobar, a former top prospect of the Mets' organization hasn't appeared in the majors since 2006 as a member of the Nationals. He batted .257/.318/.387 with six home runs and 31 RBI in 230 at-bats for Triple-A Columbus (Nationals) in 2008, but was out of baseball last season.
Rockies signed 1B Josh Phelps to a minor league contract.
He'll also be invited to Spring Training. Phelps, who turns 32 in May, hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2008 with the Cardinals. He's useful in that he carries an 859 career OPS against lefties, but unless he wants to pick up the catcher's gear again, he doesn't offer much versatility for a squad that figures to carry Todd Helton and Jason Giambi.
Rockies signed infielder Melvin Mora to a one-year, $1.3 million contract.
Mora is expected to serve as a backup at multiple infield positions for the Rockies this season. The 37-year-old hit .260/.321/.358 with eight home runs and 48 RBI in 450 at-bats last season as the starting third baseman for Baltimore. His days of carrying fantasy value are surely through.
ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports that the Padres are "on the verge" of a one-year deal with free agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba.
Torrealba batted .291/.351/.380 with two homers and 31 RBI last season for the Rockies. He was reportedly on the Mets' wish list after they lost out on Bengie Molina, but that club may be strapped for cash. The 31-year-old is likely to share time behind the plate with Nick Hundley in San Diego.
Rockies signed C Robby Hammock to a minor league contract.
Hammock, 32, hasn't appeared in a major league game since 2008 and hit just .190/.292/.214 that year for the Diamondbacks. He will have a tough time cracking the Rockies' 25-man roster at any point this year.
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