Rich Aurilla

[DBAHO]

Mayb no Nomar for the Dodgers? From the Denver Post,

The Rockies, like many Christmas shoppers, are trying to stretch their dollars this holiday season. In turning outfielder Jay Payton into Jeromy Bur- nitz, they have created payroll space to pursue shortstop Rich Aurilia.

 

"At first look, he was way off in the distance; now at least he's in view," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said Sunday afternoon. "It might be a possibility because we are in a better position."

 

Burnitz, a free agent, took an 89 percent cut and accepted a one-year deal with a base salary of $1.25 million with a $250,000 buyout. He earned $11.5 million with the Mets and Dodgers last season, when he hit 31 homers.

 

"There wasn't a lucrative market for me, but of course having the chance to play every day in Colorado weighed heavily in my decision," Burnitz said. "Money wasn't the top priority."

 

The $2 million difference between Burnitz's contract and what Payton rejected provides cash to enter the Aurilia bidding.

 

"Well, they have to step up from where they have been financially," agent Barry Axelrod said Sunday when asked how the Rockies could be taken seriously.

 

Aurilia, whose suitors include Toronto, Detroit, Los Angeles and Texas, contingent on the Alex Rodriguez deal, has offers on the table for $3.5 million a season. Deivi Cruz, who has a more reasonable price tag and hit 14 homers a year ago, remains in the mix.

 

Aurilia, Axelrod also clarified, isn't opposed to playing in the American League or on artificial turf.

 

"When I asked him what was most important to him in a new team, he said, 'Winning,"' Axelrod said. "That's his biggest concern after the success he's had with the Giants."

 

The Rockies own one playoff berth in franchise history and have finished above .500 only once in the past six seasons. But there is a factor working in their favor. Aurilia is open to a one-year deal in hopes of restoring his value. He hit 13 homers last season while missing time because of appendicitis and an eye problem that has been corrected.

 

"He knows that his stock is down a bit, and there might not be a better place than Colorado than to put up numbers," Axelrod said. "But again, the money has to be there. We aren't going to sign any Vinny Castilla contracts."

 

Castilla, a third baseman, facilitated his return to the Rockies by agreeing to a $500,000 base salary in 2004 with $1.6 million in deferrals paid without interest from 2015-30.

 

Like Castilla, Burnitz was motivated to work out a team-friendly deal because of his desire to play in a hitter's park, and his previous relationship with Hurdle and general manager Dan O'Dowd. Burnitz has $250,000 in incentives - $83,333 for plate appearances at 550, 600 and 650 - and a $225,000 assignment clause if he's traded.

 

"He's always been an intense competitor with a passion for the game," said Hurdle, who worked with Burnitz in the Mets farm system. "He falls along the lines of (Todd) Helton, (Larry) Walker and even Dante (Bichette), hitters that I have spent an extreme amount of time with.

 

"The balance he brings to our lineup, three through seven, even eight, it has the potential to be as potent as we have ever had here."

 

Looper, Politte on wish list

 

The Rockies are pursuing relievers Braden Looper and Cliff Politte. They want to add another right-handed power arm, and both fit the description. Politte struggled last season as Toronto's closer but can reach 97 mph on his fastball. Looper worked as the Marlins' closer until the final week of last season, and became expendable when the club signed Armando Benitez. Hector Almonte, late of the Expos, has been discussed.

 

Free agents Turk Wendell and Dave Veres also are being considered.

 

Fassero for starters

 

After their success in reviving Darren Oliver's career, the Rockies are considering taking a flier on well-traveled lefty Jeff Fassero. Fassero, who has worked primarily as a reliever the past few years, would be given a shot to make an inexperienced rotation. The Rockies also have targeted Pedro Astacio and Rick Helling.

 

Footnote

Scott Elarton expects to sign a one-year, $475,000 minor-league contract today, which will become a major-league deal when a 40-man roster spot opens in spring training.