Rockies Sign Embree

[love_that_reefer]

As one lefty is poised to leave the Colorado Rockies' bullpen, another is reportedly set to join it.

The Denver Post and MLB.com reported that left-handed reliever Alan Embree has agreed to a one-year deal with the Rockies. Former Rockies closer Brian Fuentes, also left-handed, has many free-agent suitors and is expected to sign with another team.

Financial terms weren't disclosed in either report.

Embree, who will be 39 when the 2008 season begins, appeared in 70 games for the Oakland Athletics last season, compiling 18 holds in 61 2/3 innings. He was 2-5 with a 4.96 ERA.

Embree's deal reportedly won't be officially announced until after Thursday's Rule 5 draft.

With Fuentes departing, the Rockies are expected to use either Manny Corpas or the newly acquired Huston Street in the ninth-inning role.

Could be a Matt Herges-type signing. Embree will be a 6th or 7th inning guy. Decent signing given their financial constraints.

[realmofotalk]

I'm dumbfounded that they're not even trying to re-sign Fuentes. Even with his struggles in 2007, he's proven that he's the best late inning pitcher they've ever had.

[love_that_reefer]

They can;t afford him plus they have Street and Corpas to close.