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Colorado Rockies Inside Pitch

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Updated Dec 11, 2009 6:00 AM ET
     
 
Reliever Rafael Betancourt accepted the Rockies' offer of arbitration, making him a signed player and assuring the club of the return of a key bullpen piece in 2010.

Because he was a Type A free agent, Betancourt likely was going to run into a huge obstacle had he opted to go on the market. Namely, clubs interested in signing Betancourt would have been reluctant to part with a first- or second-round draft pick. That's a substantial price to pay for a setup man, even one as effective as Betancourt, 34.

The Rockies acquired him from the Indians on July 23 for minor league pitcher Connor Graham. In 32 games with the Rockies, Betancourt went 3-1 with a 1.78 ERA along with five walks, 29 strikeouts and 17 hits in 25 1/3 innings and provided a dependable bridge to closer Huston Street.

Betancourt turned down a one-year deal with an option for a second year and a two-year offer with an option for a third before accepting the Rockies' offer of arbitration. Now that he is under the Rockies' control, either the sides will negotiate a deal -- and a multi-year deal is still possible -- or his salary will be set at an arbitration hearing or in the negotiating process after salary figures are exchanged.

The Rockies did not exercise their $5 million option for 2010 on Betancourt, who made $3.35 million in 2009. He could earn slightly less than that amount if the arbitration process runs its course with the Rockies. The dollars aside, Betancourt's return is a boon to the Rockies bullpen.

"When you get to those last nine outs, you need reliability," manager Jim Tracy said. "And Rafael helps give us that."

Had Betancourt departed, the Rockies had a two-year, $7.5 million deal in place for right-hander LaTroy Hawkins, who played for Colorado in 2007 and received that same contract from the Brewers.

Tagged: Rockies

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