MLB: Braves, Rockies eyeing Capps?

Pirates eyeing Rockies short-stop prospect?

The Pirates are prepared to shop closer Matt Capps around the league this winter and the Atlanta Braves are already getting mentioned as a potential suitor.

According Mark Bowman of MLB.com, “There has also been a recent buzz that the Braves may attempt to trade for Pirates closer Matt Capps, who made $2.3 million this past season and has two remaining arbitration-eligible seasons. It’s believed the Pirates will be actively shopping the 26-year-old right-handed reliever, who hails from the Atlanta area.”

There has also been some buzz centering around Jim Tracy and the Colorado Rockies, according to sources. The Rockies showed interest in Capps last summer and could renew that interest again this winter.

In July 2009, the Rockies turned down a straight-swap of Capps for second baseman Eric Young.

One scenario the Pirates are intrigued to explore is making a play for 21 year old short-stop Hector Gomez, the Rockies #5 rated prospect. The Pirates see Gomez as a potential cornerstone at short-stop but I’m told the chances of the Pirates including enough prospects along with Capps to satisfy the Rockies is slim.

There has been speculation that Gomez is available for the right price with 25 year old short stop Troy Tulowitzki signed for the next 5 seasons.