Read More: Michael Cuddyer (RF – COL), Seth Smith (RF – COL), Chris Heisey (LF – CIN), Colorado Rockies

With the addition of free agent Michael Cuddyer, the Colorado Rockies have some flexibility in the outfield. The signing could lead the Rockies to try to deal Seth Smith for pitching depth, writes Fox Sports’ Jon Paul Morosi. Morosi goes over some of the best potential fits for Smith; among them are Cincinnati, St. Louis, Seattle, Oakland and Atlanta.

Cincinnati. The two teams have had trade dialogue this off-season, although it’s not clear how seriously they have discussed Smith. He would be an ideal platoon partner in left field with Chris Heisey.

Smith, who hit .284/.347/.483 with 15 home runs and 59 RBI in 2011, could earn up to $3 million in arbitration, according to Morosi.

For more coverage of all things Denver sports, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage of the Rockies, visit Purple Row. For more updates on the MLB Hot Stove, check out Baseball Nation.

Read More: Ramon Hernandez (C – COL), Chris Iannetta (C – ANA), Wil Nieves (C – ATL), Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers

The Colorado Rockies shook up their situation at the catcher position this offseason, trading incumbent starter Chris Iannetta and signing Ramon Hernandez to be his replacement. As part of that shake up, they’ve decided to bring in some additional depth in the form of veteran backstop Wil Nieves. According to MLB’s official transaction page, the Rockies and Nieves have agreed to a minor league contract, presumably with an invite to spring training included.

Nieves, 34, spent last season with the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting .140/.189/.180 over 54 plate appearances. He’s never really been an effective player at the MLB level, as his career WAR of -1.5 indicates that he’s worse than a replacement-level player. That evaluation may underestimate his defensive value, but it’s hard to justify keeping any player on a roster when his career batting line is .221/.268/.289 over the course of 823 PA’s.

For more coverage of all things Denver sports, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage of the Rockies, visit Purple Row. For more updates on the MLB Hot Stove, check out Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish.

Read More: Brad Lidge (P – PHI), Philadelphia Phillies, Colorado Rockies

Earlier in the offseason, there was speculation that the Colorado Rockies might pursue veteran relief pitcher Brad Lidge, especially after the Rockies traded Huston Street. And according to an update from Troy Renck, the team has begun talking with Lidge’s reps:

The fact that Lidge grew up in Colorado and owns a home in the state may give the Rockies an edge in negotiations.

Lidge pitched in just 19.3 innings for the Philadephia Phillies in 2011, striking out 23 and walking 13. In his 10-year major league career, Lidge has a 3.44 ERA, 223 saves and 789 strikeouts in 594 innings pitched.

For more coverage of all things Denver sports, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage of the Rockies, visit Purple Row. For more updates on the MLB Hot Stove, check out Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish.

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies and free agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer have agreed to a three-year deal worth about $30 million.

CBS Sports and the Denver Post first reported the deal Friday morning.

The former Minnesota Twins star is the first big-time free agent the Rockies have signed since 2000, when they brought in pitchers Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle for a combined $172 million.

Cuddyer, who hit .284 with 20 home runs and 70 RBIs last season, also was pursued by the Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners.

Cuddyer brings a big bat and a veteran presence to Colorado, where general manager Dan O’Dowd has talked about changing the clubhouse culture after a disappointing 2011 season.

With Cuddyer’s arrival, Seth Smith could return to a reserve role or serve as trade bait.

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies and free agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer have agreed to a three-year deal worth about $30 million.

CBS Sports and the Denver Post first reported the deal Friday morning.

The former Minnesota Twins star is the first big-time free agent the Rockies have signed since 2000, when they brought in pitchers Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle for a combined $172 million.

Cuddyer, who hit .284 with 20 home runs and 70 RBIs last season, also was pursued by the Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners.

Cuddyer brings a big bat and a veteran presence to Colorado, where general manager Dan O’Dowd has talked about changing the clubhouse culture after a disappointing 2011 season.

With Cuddyer’s arrival, Seth Smith could return to a reserve role or serve as trade bait.

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