The Colorado Rockies reportedly are close to signing rising star Troy Tulowitzki to a record-breaking extension.
The Denver Post is reporting that Colorado and its starting shortstop have agreed to a parameters of a six-year, $30 million contract. It would be the largest extension ever given to a major league player with less than two years experience.
The Rockies have scheduled a press briefing for Wednesday, presumably to announce the signing. The deal is contingent on Tulowitzki passing a physical, which
is expected to be completed on Wednesday, according to person
familiar with the agreement who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of
anonymity because the deal hasn't been announced.
The previous record extension for a player with less than two years in the majors was the six-year, $23.45 million contract that outfielder Grady Sizemore signed with the Cleveland Indians in 2006.
Tulowitzki finished two votes shy of winning the 2007 NL Rookie of the Year Award, which went to the Brewers' Ryan Braun.
The Rockies phenom had a spectacular rookie season, hitting .291 with 24 home runs and 99 RBIs and helping Colorado reach the World Series for the first time. Besides flourishing at the plate, Tulowitzki excelled with his glove, posting a .987 fielding percentage -- best in the major leagues.
On Friday, the Rockies agreed to a two-year, $23 million contract with NL MVP runner-up Matt Holliday. The deal buys the Rockies more time to try to
work on a long-term arrangement with the All-Star outfielder.
Holliday, the National League MVP runner-up, hit .340 last
season with 137 RBIs. He also had 36 home runs and led the NL in
hits (216), total bases (386) and doubles (50) as he helped the
Rockies to their first pennant.
Colorado also agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder
Willy Taveras that was worth $1,975,000. Taveras can make $150,000 in
performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 500, 550 and 600 plate
appearances.
The Rockies have also targeted pitching this winter, signing
Mark Redman and Kip Wells to one-year deals and reliever
Luis Vizcaino to a two-year deal. In addition, the team gave starter
Aaron Cook a $30 million, three-year contract extension and
re-signed reliever Matt Herges.
Colorado brought back catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who was a
stabilizing influence behind the plate for the pitching staff last
season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.