Rockies Extend Betancourt

The Rockies are quite fond of the right-handers in their bullpen. They just gave Rafael Betancourt an extension and now have him, Matt Lindstrom, Matt Belisle, and Huston Street locked up through 2012. This off-season, Betancourt, Lindstrom and Belisle were all given multi-year deals, even though they were already under the team’s control.

Since coming to the Rox in 2009, Betancourt has been a very good setup man. He was instrumental in Colorado’s 2009 playoff run and had a nice season last year. Rafael’s best attribute is his control. Last season, he only walked eight in sixty-two innings. According to the team, Betancourt is a solid clubhouse presence and a team leader. While relatively new to Colorado, Betancourt is no youngster. He turns 36 in April. However, the Rockies don’t seem concerned with his age.

The Rockies recently designated prospect Samuel Deduno for assignment and the motivation behind this move is now clear. The organization thinks Deduno’s future is as a reliever, and after these recent signings, they have no room for him in the bullpen. Since he was on the 40-Man roster, the Rox had no choice, but to release Deduno. For what it’s worth, he was picked up by San Diego.

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