The Rockies have released righty reliever Justin Speier, tweets Tracy Ringolsby of Inside the Rockies. Ringolsby says that Speier will retire if he can't land a big league job, but the door is open for him at Colorado's Triple-A affiliate.
Speier, 36, signed a minor league deal with the Rockies back in January, and posted a solid 3.42 ERA with a 12/3 K/BB ratio in 13 innings this spring. The last time he was an effective big league reliever was back in 2007, when he posted a 2.88 ERA in 50 innings during the first year of the four year, $18MM he signed with the Angels.
Anaheim still owes him $5.25MM this season, which he'll add to the $20MM Baseball-Reference.com says he's earned to this point in his career.
After the incident with the Red Sox last season, Speier really hasn’t been himself. I suppose a team will give him a shot in one of their affiliates but if he didn’t want to stay with the Rockies I don’t see why he will take a Minor League Deal.
Speier was solid this spring. He’d be an upgrade in several MLB bullpens, so I expect him to catch on somewhere. (man the Rockies are loaded with depth)
shame, really like him and hope he can prove his worth somewhere else
I could see quite a few teams taking a look at him. If his spring numbers are any indication he should be able to help most bullpens. Maybe the Rays or perhaps the Cardinals?