TUCSON — While Franklin Morales eliminated any doubt Tuesday that he belongs as the Rockies’ fourth starter, the question over the team’s fifth outfielder lingers.
Scott Podsednik was signed to challenge Cory Sullivan for the spot, with a decision likely to be made today. Podsednik has shown speed — 10 stolen bases — and the ability to lead off (.520 on-base percentage) if Willy Taveras struggles with injuries again.
Multiple National League scouts said Rockies officials told them Podsednik had made the team. Manager Clint Hurdle said there was nothing to announce yet. He praised Podsednik when asked how much defensive versatility would influence the choice.
“One of the things we wanted to check with Scott was if he could go to the corners and play them. As far as breaks and jumps he gets as clean a break as anyone,” Hurdle said. “His foot speed is evident.”
Podsednik will make $750,000 if on the team. He can ask for his release if he’s not added to the roster by Saturday.
Sullivan, a favorite among teammates for his personality and defense, will make $1 million, but can be optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
“I did exactly what I wanted, which was build toward the end and be ready to go on March 31,” Sullivan said. “If (a demotion) happens, there’s nothing I can do. I think my body of work speaks for itself.”
Cabrera-Holliday link.
Miguel Cabrera’s seven-year, $140 million extension with the Detroit Tigers provides a glimpse into Matt Holliday’s value. Cabrera is four years younger, but the two have similar offensive numbers and big-league service time.
“I don’t know if I am comparable or not, or how it will affect me,” Holliday said. “I am happy with my two-year ($23 million) contract right now.”
Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said Tuesday that Cabrera’s negotiations won’t influence the team’s discussions with Holliday.
He did, however, refer to the $100 million figure as a threshold that would likely have to be met.
“There will be certain things that we can do in our market and certain things we can’t do. Eventually we will make a very competitive offer. If that’s not good enough, we understand,” O’Dowd said.
The length of the contract figures to be the biggest hurdle.
Footnotes.
Morales allowed four runs in five innings Tuesday, showing Hurdle better “downhill plane and a sharper breaking ball and changeup.” . . . The Rockies plan to release Marcus Giles.
