Toy Cannon
02-06-2005, 11:12 AM
Bullpen opportunity for Tsao includes shot at closer
By Troy E. Renck
Denver Post Staff Writer
Catcher Charles Johnson and reliever Chin-Hui Tsao are bound by opportunity. Johnson wants one elsewhere and Tsao will get a chance to become the Rockies' closer.
Agent Scott Boras has informed Tampa Bay that Johnson would approve a trade without a contract extension, leaving the Devil Rays responsible for only $750,000 in salary. While Tampa Bay moves slowly, a potential fit with an unknown National League team also has surfaced.
The Dodgers are a possibility. They attempted to acquire Johnson in July and will enter camp with the combination of David Ross and Paul Bako, backups during their careers. Johnson, who played 102 games for the Dodgers in 1998, would prefer to be traded before spring training.
Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle delayed a planned discussion with Johnson about his role to allow more time for the trade scenarios to play out.
"Charles is not going to be frozen out (in camp), but we will let him know again that he's third on the depth chart," Hurdle said.
Unless the Rockies trade for Boston's Byung-Hyun Kim - "That's something we are still on," O'Dowd said - Tsao figures to play a prominent role in the bullpen. O'Dowd said Tsao will be instructed to throw his slider more - a pitch that hasn't been as sharp since elbow surgery in 2001- to give him more weapons as a closer.
Tsao returned to Taiwan in November but only recently completed his 12-day military obligation because of several delays.
Wilson making progress:
Trade rumors haven't ruined Preston Wilson's rehab. The veteran outfielder is running on a treadmill and hitting regularly, leaving him on track to open spring training without limitations.
Wilson, who had his left knee operated on twice last year, was limited to 58 games in 2004.
"Preston understands the Rockies' situation and would welcome a trade to a contending club but he hasn't asked for one," agent Bob Bry said. "He's focused on getting healthy."
Contracts signed:
Rockies pitcher Shawn Chacon signed a $2.35 million deal Friday with $275,000 in incentives. Chacon will make $50,000 for 170, 180, 190 and 200 innings pitched and will receive $25,000 for 26, 29 and 33 games started.
The Rockies also signed outfielders Brad Hawpe ($317,000 majors, $103,408 minors) and ($317,000, $84,280), third baseman Garrett Atkins ($317,00, $84,080) and pitchers Allan Simpson ($318,000, $151,485) and Chris Narverson ($316,000, $52,600).
By Troy E. Renck
Denver Post Staff Writer
Catcher Charles Johnson and reliever Chin-Hui Tsao are bound by opportunity. Johnson wants one elsewhere and Tsao will get a chance to become the Rockies' closer.
Agent Scott Boras has informed Tampa Bay that Johnson would approve a trade without a contract extension, leaving the Devil Rays responsible for only $750,000 in salary. While Tampa Bay moves slowly, a potential fit with an unknown National League team also has surfaced.
The Dodgers are a possibility. They attempted to acquire Johnson in July and will enter camp with the combination of David Ross and Paul Bako, backups during their careers. Johnson, who played 102 games for the Dodgers in 1998, would prefer to be traded before spring training.
Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle delayed a planned discussion with Johnson about his role to allow more time for the trade scenarios to play out.
"Charles is not going to be frozen out (in camp), but we will let him know again that he's third on the depth chart," Hurdle said.
Unless the Rockies trade for Boston's Byung-Hyun Kim - "That's something we are still on," O'Dowd said - Tsao figures to play a prominent role in the bullpen. O'Dowd said Tsao will be instructed to throw his slider more - a pitch that hasn't been as sharp since elbow surgery in 2001- to give him more weapons as a closer.
Tsao returned to Taiwan in November but only recently completed his 12-day military obligation because of several delays.
Wilson making progress:
Trade rumors haven't ruined Preston Wilson's rehab. The veteran outfielder is running on a treadmill and hitting regularly, leaving him on track to open spring training without limitations.
Wilson, who had his left knee operated on twice last year, was limited to 58 games in 2004.
"Preston understands the Rockies' situation and would welcome a trade to a contending club but he hasn't asked for one," agent Bob Bry said. "He's focused on getting healthy."
Contracts signed:
Rockies pitcher Shawn Chacon signed a $2.35 million deal Friday with $275,000 in incentives. Chacon will make $50,000 for 170, 180, 190 and 200 innings pitched and will receive $25,000 for 26, 29 and 33 games started.
The Rockies also signed outfielders Brad Hawpe ($317,000 majors, $103,408 minors) and ($317,000, $84,280), third baseman Garrett Atkins ($317,00, $84,080) and pitchers Allan Simpson ($318,000, $151,485) and Chris Narverson ($316,000, $52,600).