Byline: Tracy Ringolsby News Staff Writer
The Colorado Rockies put philosophical concerns aside Friday and made free-agent pitcher Kevin Brown a six-year contract offer.
But there's one thing the Rockies can't change - their distance from Brown's off-season home in Macon, Ga.
Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Kevin Malone indicated Friday that could become a major obstacle for teams trying to lure Brown.
The Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles joined the Rockies in making six-year offers on Friday. St. Louis Cardinals officials are scheduled to meet with Brown's agent, Scott Boras, today.
The Cardinals were considered to have the edge on the other finalists because of St. Louis' proximity to Macon, and the fact Brown prefers to remain in the National League. However, the Cardinals ownership has been hesitant about Boras' demand for a six-year deal.
The Rockies initially expressed similar concerns, but made the concession when it came time to make an offer, according to sources close to the negotiations.
Rockies owner Jerry McMorris declined to discuss the offer, but indicated there was room to make adjustments in the financial aspects. It did not seem likely, however, the Rockies could add a seventh year, which Boras indicated Friday might be what it takes to sway Brown.
`We didn't present it (as a take-it-or-leave-it),'' McMorris said of the Rockies' offer, ``and (Boras) didn't indicate to us any finality . . . He said he would take our offer under advisement and discuss it with his client. He will do the same with some other teams and get back to us.''
Boras, in Nashville, Tenn., where major league officials have resumed the winter meetings after a six-year hiatus, said a decision is near.
``It could some together as soon as (today) and certainly Sunday,'' Boras said. ``All the clubs in it are in it for six years. I feel excited for Kevin because I think he is going to get what he wants as a team and contract structure.''
The Rockies weren't sitting idly, waiting for word from Boras. After making their offer, the Rockies renewed conversations with the Toronto Blue Jays about a trade for right-hander Roger Clemens.
Clemens, who lives in the Houston area during the off-season, has made the Astros No. 1 on his list of prospective teams, and indications on Friday were the New York Yankees had stepped up their efforts to acquire him. While New York isn't anywhere close to Houston, the Yankees have won two of the past three world championships and are in the American League. Clemens has said his lone remaining goal in baseball is to win a world championship. He also is comfortable in the AL, where he has spent his entire major league career.
The right-hander did indicate to the Blue Jays, however, that he would consider the Rockies, according to sources close to the Blue Jays.
``I think we're still alive,'' McMorris said. ``We'd like to bring Roger and his family and (agent) Randy Hendricks to Colorado to meet face to face and show them our story.''
McMorris admitted, however, the pursuit of Clemens is complicated by having to work out a trade with the Blue Jays ``as well as where Roger would like to be and his financial situation.'' Clemens was given the right to request a trade in the contract he signed with Toronto two years ago, but also has the right to approve the team that obtains him, setting the stage for him to renegotiate his contract.
The Rockies could intensify their pursuit of Clemens if they fail to sign Brown.
And right now, general manager Bob Gebhard is cautious in assessing the chances of adding Brown.
``(Boras) obviously didn't say, `What a wonderful offer, we've got a deal,' '' Geb-hard said. ``We'll just have to wait and see what he decides.''
Malone, meanwhile, began to soften his optimism on the Dodgers' chances.
A week ago Malone said he did not believe geography would be a factor. On Friday he admitted, ``As we move closer and closer to making a decision, I think the reality of distance has become a real issue. It's my hope that in future years all of the free agents are from Southern California.''
With Atlanta declining to get involved in the bidding for Brown, Baltimore and St. Louis are the two bidders located closest to Macon. The Orioles, for whom Brown pitched in 1995, are AL members, however.
