The Rockies beat Brian Fuentes in their arbitration hearing, with the panel choosing the team’s $5.05MM figure over Fuentes’ $6.5MM. Can’t hurt his trade value.
Fuentes, a 32 year-old southpaw, is set to enter 2008 as a setup man for the first time in quite a while. Given that this is his contract year, it’s not ideal for him. He’ll get paid regardless, but I’m sure he’d prefer to hit the market with another 30 saves in his pocket. Here’s a look at the pecking order for saves on each of the 30 clubs.
The Braves were interested in Fuentes in December, but didn’t want to take on his entire salary. The Mets and Red Sox also reportedly inquired that month.
