By Troy E. Renck
Denver Post

Familiarity with the region and the Rockies' genuine interest from the beginning led starter Brian Lawrence to agree in principle Sunday on a one-year deal with a club option, according to his agent.

Lawrence, 30, was born in Fort Collins and still has relatives in the area. His desire to return home and a full-court press by Rockies assistant general manager Bill Geivett and special assistant Marcel Lachemann trumped bids by Seattle, Pittsburgh and San Diego. Lawrence will compete for one of two wide-open spots in the rotation behind Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis and Rodrigo Lopez.

"Brian is from there, he wanted to pitch in the National League West and the Rockies were the first on him during this process," agent Page Odle said. "It meant a lot to Brian that they were there during all his workouts."

With Lawrence in the fold, the Rockies will increase their pursuit of reliever Dan Kolb. Not having a 40-man roster spot available could hinder their chances. The team also likes Rudy Seanez as a fallback plan, but Seanez is progressing in talks with the L.A. Dodgers.

Lawrence, 30, sat out last season in Washington after undergoing shoulder surgery. From 2001-05, the right-hander was a workhorse for the Padres, logging 934 innings and compiling a 49-61 career record with a 4.11 ERA. The club option provides the Rockies protection if Lawrence takes longer than expected to recover.

"We love the intangibles," manager Clint Hurdle said recently. "He may not be in tiptop shape for a few months, but he competes."
That last line's gotta make Rockies fans feel good about themselves. As if the rotation isn't bad engough.