December 15, 2008 The AP reports that left-handed reliever Alan Embree was guaranteed $2.25 million in his one-year contract with the Colorado Rockies. Embree has a $2 million salary next year, and the deal contains a $3 million team option for 2010 with a $250,000 buyout.
Our View:Embree was 2-5 with a 4.96 ERA in 70 games last season for the Oakland Athletics, who declined a $3 million option. The 38-year-old left-hander has played on nine major league teams including Oakland.
December 13, 2008 Reliever Alan Embree signed the deal he agreed on with the Colorado Rockies, according to The Sports Network.
Our View:The deal is for one year with a mutual option. The 39-year-old lefty threw 61.2 innings and struck out 57 while walking 30.
December 10, 2008 Alan Embree has agreed to a one-year deal with the Rockies, according to ESPN. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View:The deal won't be officially announced until after Thursday's Rule 5 draft. Embree was only given a one-year deal, namely because he is 39 years old.
December 9, 2008 The Rockies are nearing an agreement with free agent Alan Embree on a one-year deal, according to the Denver Post. An American League West scout who watched the 38-year-old extensively last season said his arm strength remains a plus — he was hitting 92 to 94 miles per hour. Embree's signing is not expected to be finalized until Friday after the Rule 5 draft.
Our View:The lefty went 2-5 with a 4.96 ERA in 70 games for Oakland last season. It was an 11th-hour decision for the A's not to offer him arbitration last week.
December 1, 2008 The Athletics are likely to offer Class-B free agent Alan Embree salary arbitration, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View:The club has some interest in bringing him back, so there is less risk if he decides to accept the arbitration offer. If he signs with another MLB team, Oakland would acquire a draft pick. Embree is on the Rockies' list of targets among lefty relievers.
