Rockies Avoid Arbitration, Sign Spilborghs for two years

The Colorado Rockies are experiencing a problem for the first time in their history.  They have too much depth.

As they head into the 2010 season looking to make the playoffs for a second straight season, the Rockies have signed outfielder Ryan Spilborghs to a two-year deal worth $3.25 million according to the Denver Post.

Spilborghs was slated to be the Rockies centerfielder heading into the 2009 campaign until the team made the decision to have prized prospect Dexter Fowler make the jump from Double-A to the big leagues.  On top of losing his starting job, Spilborghs struggled through a tough season.  He hit a career low .241 with an on base percentage of just .310.

Spilborghs, however, did have his moment in the spotlight.  On August 24th, with the Rockies battling the Giants for the Wild Card lead, the righty smashed the Rockies first ever walk-off grand slam to seal the victory for the Rockies.

The move provides the Rockies with a solid outfielder who has been able to hit for average as well as power.  More importantly it gives the Rockies the glue that keeps their clubhouse together.  Spilborghs is well known for his antics and his ability to keep the team loose.

The contract buys him out of his final two years of arbitration and gives the Rockies something that they try so often to achieve, cost-certainty.

The Rockies will probably have Spilborghs be the fifth outfielder, getting playing time behind Fowler, Carlos Gonzalez, Brad Hawpe and Seth Smith.  Having Spilborghs as a fifth outfielder shows the Rockies extreme depth.  The Santa Barbara, CA native would be a starter on at least 10 teams in the league.