RockieBill
09-02-2001, 06:11 PM
O'Dowd has initiated contract discussions with agents representing right-handed relievers Jay Powell, Dan Miceli and Jose Jimenez. He has also opened talks with utility player Terry Shumpert.
Powell, Miceli and Shumpert can become free agents after this season. Jimenez will be eligible for salary arbitration. The top priority may be Powell, who has a 2.39 ERA in 26 appearances for the Rockies since he was acquired two months ago in a straight-up deal for Ron Villone. Since Jimenez has gone down with a sore shoulder, Powell has gone 5 for 5 in save opportunities with 11 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.
Shumpert has been with the Rockies since August 1998, giving him the fourth-highest seniority on the team. He is hitting .268 with three home runs, 17 RBIs and 13 stolen bases this year, but almost as importantly, he has proven he can play an adequate left field as well as second base.
Powell, Miceli and Shumpert can become free agents after this season. Jimenez will be eligible for salary arbitration. The top priority may be Powell, who has a 2.39 ERA in 26 appearances for the Rockies since he was acquired two months ago in a straight-up deal for Ron Villone. Since Jimenez has gone down with a sore shoulder, Powell has gone 5 for 5 in save opportunities with 11 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.
Shumpert has been with the Rockies since August 1998, giving him the fourth-highest seniority on the team. He is hitting .268 with three home runs, 17 RBIs and 13 stolen bases this year, but almost as importantly, he has proven he can play an adequate left field as well as second base.