Ryan Spilborghs a free agent, but could still return to Rockies

9:47 PM, Dec 12, 2011   |    comments
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DENVER (DP) - Clarity arrived with an outfielder Monday, but it wasn't Michael Cuddyer. The free agent is leaning toward staying with the Minnesota Twins on a three-year deal. The Rockies are prepared to go three years, but ownership appears reluctant to extend a $30-million offer.

A decision was made on Ryan Spilborghs, the team electing to non-tender the veteran outfielder, making him a free agent. Spilborghs, 32, has been with the Rockies since they drafted him out of Cal-Santa Barbara in 2002. General manager Dan O'Dowd said he has not closed the door on Spilborghs.

"He could return on a major-league deal depending on how other things shake out," O'Dowd said.

The Rockies are attempting to add a middle-of-the-order bat. They have been aggressive in their pursuit of Cuddyer, but must exceed the Twins' $25 million bid to even have a chance of landing him.

"There's no update," O'Dowd said.

Read more of Troy Renck's story in The Denver Post.

(Copyright 2011 The Denver Post)