Rockies build left-handed relief depth

By signing Alan Embree to a one-year, $2.25 million deal with a mutual option for 2010 and Glendon Rusch to a Minor League deal, which would pay $750,000 if he makes he Majors, the Rockies have addressed their left-handed bullpen situation. Now, do the Rockies go after a righty reliever.

Out of the Winter Meetings, the Rockies said they would take a look at former Brewers closer Derrick Turnbow, and the Denver Post mentioned Thursday evening that the Rockies continue "dialogue" with him. The Rockies already have a chance to be formidable from the right side, but adding Turnbow certainly can't hurt.

The Rocky Mountain News on Thursday night delved into the reasons the Rockies are holding onto third baseman Garrett Atkins: Atkins has been more positive than ever about wanting to stay with the Rockies, being open to a multi-year deal that could extend into his free-agent eligibility. Also, the Rockies are uncertain of how first baseman Todd Helton's surgically repaired back will hold up until late in Spring Training, and Atkins is the best option to move into his position. But, the paper noted, the need for a front-of-the-rotation pitcher -- one Atkins could net in a trade -- could become acute if Jeff Francis' ailing left shoulder isn't 100 percent. Francis spent time on the disabled list and was shut down during the final weeks of 2008.

-- Thomas Harding