Colorado Rockies Notes, Quotes

--C Yorvit Torrealba was still being pursued by the Rockies, who were trying to bring back the free agent to share time with C Chris Iannetta, 26, whom the Rockies believe will improve after a disappointing 2009 season and become their regular catcher.

The Rockies have offered a two-year, $5 million contract to Torrealba, 31, who wants to return to Colorado, where he has played the last four seasons, but is seeking a two-year, $6 million deal. Torrealba made $3.75 million in 2009, the final season of a two-year contract, and pocketed a $500,000 buyout when the Rockies didn't exercise their $4 million option for 2010.

The Rockies are prepared to move on with C Miguel Olivo, one of the players they have targeted if a deal can't be reached with Torrealba.

General manager Dan O'Dowd said of the Torrealba negotiations, "They keep trying to find exactly what they want. We are talking to other guys. And we would certainly talk to them before we did something. But at some point in time, we are going to have to make a decision."

--RHP Jason Marquis declined the Rockies' offer of arbitration, as expected. Because he is a Type B free agent, the Rockies will receive an additional pick between the first and second rounds of the amateur draft in June for the loss of Marquis, 31, who is seeking a multi-year deal rather than a one-year contract that would have resulted from the arbitration process.

--RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, in manager Jim Tracy's view, likely will be the Rockies' 2010 Opening Day starter, followed in the rotation by LHP Jeff Francis, RHP Aaron Cook, LHP Jorge De La Rosa and RHP Jason Hammel. Francis missed the entire 2009 season after undergoing shoulder surgery in late February but threw simulated games at the end of the season and pitched in the instructional league without any arm problems.

--RHP Manuel Corpas made his winter-ball debut Dec. 8 in the Dominican Republic by pitching a perfect inning for Escogido. Corpas pitched twice after June 18, his last appearance coming July 20. Four days later, Corpas underwent surgery to have bone spurs removed from his right elbow, and he required a subsequent operation after developing an infection in the elbow.

--INF-OF Eric Young Jr. is expected play second base, his natural position, left field and third base next season as the Rockies try to maximize his value with versatility. With Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler able to play center field, the Rockies don't envision the need for Young to play there even though he has had some experience at that position. It will be interesting to see how Young handles third base, given his below-average arm.

--The Rockies are searching for a right-handed hitter who can play first and third base for their bench and have interest in, among others, Melvin Mora, Robb Quinlan, Chad Tracy and Fernando Tatis.

--OF Matt Murton's contract was sold to the Hanshin Tigers in the Japanese Central League. Murton, 28, hit .250 with five doubles, one homer and six RBI in 29 games for the Rockies last season. At Triple-A Colorado Springs. Murton hit safely in a franchise-record 29 consecutive games while batting .324 with 12 homers and 79 RBI. The move will benefit Murton financially and means the Rockies are committed to Ryan Spilborghs as a right-handed hitting reserve outfielder.

BY THE NUMBERS: .608 -- Slugging percentage for OF Carlos Gonzalez in 194 at-bats after the All-Star break, when he hit .320 with a .380 on-base percentage along with 10 doubles, five triples, 12 homers and 24 RBI.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "The best message I can send to him is that if we had a game tomorrow, he would be hitting fifth." -- Manager Jim Tracy on RF Brad Hawpe, who was a first-time All-Star last season but had a poor second half and started just the first of four Division Series games.