Jamey Carroll two years ago signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an unheralded utility man, and ended up one of their best hitters and most versatile player. Carroll, now a free agent, has drawn interest from the Colorado Rockies, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post:
[Carroll] was a pillar on the 2007 playoff team, and would help with the attitude adjustment that general manager Dan O'Dowd seeks. Carroll is a winning player, unselfish and would fit snugly in the No. 2 spot in the order. The question is, can the Rockies afford a hitter with no power?
Renck speculates Carroll could command a contract similar to the two-year, $8 million deal signed by Omar Infante with the Florida Marlins last year, and at that price could be too rich for Colorado. Carroll made $3.85 million in base salary in 2010 and 2011 combined with the Dodgers plus another $600,000 in contract bonuses.
Carroll hit .290/.359/.347 in 146 games in 2011 with the Dodgers while playing both second base and shortstop. He turns 38 in February. Carroll is one of 10 Dodgers free agents this offseason. The club re-signed outfielder and first baseman Juan Rivera on Thursday to a one-year contract worth $4.5 million.
For other Dodgers offseason news and notes, be sure to read True Blue LA.