NewsContreras, Beimel file for free agency
Rockies' late-season additions join Fogg, Herges on market
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com
11/09/09 9:30 PM EST
DENVER -- Right-hander Jose Contreras and left-hander Joe Beimel, both late-season additions to the Rockies' bullpen, each filed for free agency on Monday. Colorado can still negotiate to retain both, but will have to bid against other teams. Also filing for free agency were veteran pitchers Josh Fogg and Matt Herges, who spent time with Triple-A Colorado Springs and the Rockies. Herges also pitched with the Cleveland Indians last season. Contreras struggled while with the Chicago White Sox, going 5-13 with a 5.42 ERA in 21 starts before the Rockies acquired him on Aug. 31. Contreras pitched well in two starts, but suffered a hamstring injury during his second. After returning, he posted a 1.23 ERA in five outings covering 7 1/3 innings as a reliever. He gave up one run in two relief innings during the Rockies' 3-1 National League Division Series loss to the Phillies. Manager Jim Tracy said Contreras could be a successful reliever but noted that the veteran has earned the right to seek work as a starter. Beimel talked to the Rockies last winter but signed with the Nationals. However, the Rockies acquired him for Minor League pitcher Robinson Fabian at the Trade Deadline. Beimel went 0-1 with a 4.02 ERA with the Rockies, and 1-6 with a 3.58 ERA overall. Beimel appeared three times and was not charged with any runs in two-thirds of an inning in the NLDS. The Rockies could be in position to replace Beimel if he signs elsewhere. They signed left-hander Randy Flores to a one-year contract, and last season found success using left-handed prospect Franklin Morales in relief. Fogg, a starter for the Rockies in 2007, went 0-2 with a 3.74 ERA in 24 relief appearances in 2009, after beginning the season at Colorado Springs. Herges, who also pitched for the Rockies in 2007, went 2-1 with a 3.55 ERA in 21 games with the Indians and, after a brief stint in Colorado Springs, went 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in nine games with the Rockies.Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
