Goodbye, Fuentes

The Rockies arrived at the Bellagio Resort on Sunday expecting their career saves leader, Brian Fuentes, to make official his desire to leave as a free agent. The club offered Fuentes arbitration, hoping a tight economy would lead him to accept. But Fuentes is entering his free-agency year at a time when multiple clubs -- the Angels, Indians, Tigers, Marlins, Cardinals and Mets, and possibly the Brewers and Padres -- are looking for closers.

Despite this offseason, which will see them lose Fuentes and already has seen them deal outfielder Matt Holliday to the Athletics, the Rockies have done a decent job maintaining players. Pitchers Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis and Manuel Corpas (the heir apparent as closer), shotstop Troy Tulowitzki and right fielder Brad Hawpe have signed multiyear deals in recent offseasons. And expect the Rockies to give serious consideration to offering a long-term deal to third baseman Garrett Atkins, who appears more willing to accept than he was when he quickly rejected an offer two winters ago. Atkins currently is blocking former No. 1 pick Ian Stewart, but Stewart can play other positions. Also, Atkins can shift to first base if veteran Todd Helton's back problems continue to keep him off the field.

-- Thomas Harding