8:07am: Wigginton's deal is for two years and $7.5MM, tweets Tracy Ringolsby of FOX Sports, including a $500K buyout on a 2013 option. Ringolsby suggests an agreement has been reached.
6:11am: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets that the Rockies are close on a deal with free agent Ty Wigginton, who will serve as a right-handed bat off the bench.
Wigginton, 33, hit .248/.312/.415 in 649 plate appearances for the Orioles in 2010. The veteran utility man saw time at first base, second base, and third base for the Orioles, and also has experience in the oufield. He'd been previously identified as the Rockies' top target for a right-handed utility bat.
The Orioles made a curious decision this summer in not trading Wigginton, as he was certain to finish the year as an unranked free agent. Rather than acquire some minor league depth or salary relief, they will instead receive no compensation for his departure.
