Colorado signed the arbitration-eligible IF-S Mark Bellhorn to a $495,000 non-guaranteed contract earlier this month. While his other skills remained similar in 2003 to his 2002 numbers, Bellhorn's power disappeared this year as his G-F rose from a .79 in 2002 to 1.49 this year. The Rockies hope the 29-year-old will rebound next year, but they don't plan to rely on him as more than a backup. His upside was evident only a season ago, and I'm pleased Colorado remembers that. However, I think he's just as likely to repeat his 2003 performance as he is to return to his 2003 form.

The Rockies have also signed RHP Jason Gilfillan and IF-L Adonis Harrison to minor league deals. Gilfillan spent most of 2003 at AAA Omaha, though the Royals did give him an extended tryout in the first half of the season. While he pitched effectively in the minors this year, Gilfillan struggled with his control during his few major league outings as he's done throughout his career. I don't expect the 27-year-old to make a significant contribution to the Rockies in 2004.

Harrison's return to MLB affiliated minor league ball went well this year. He split the season between Anaheim's AA and AAA franchises after spending more than two years in the independent Atlantic League. The 27-year-old continues to display solid plate discipline, but he shows no signs of developing power. Meanwhile, his speed skills have vanished. In light of Colorado's desire to sign a second or third baseman, I don't see an immediate opening for Harrison on their bench. Nevertheless, if injury or ineffectiveness provide an opening, I believe he could be a useful reserve.

Elsewhere in the division, the Diamondbacks have signed LHP Jesse Orosco, UT-R Donnie Sadler, and C/1B-S Alan Zinter to minor league deals. Orosco remains effective as a lefty specialist, holding a .698 OOPS against left-handed batters, and Arizona fervently believes that they need someone in the pen to counter the left-handed threats in the offenses of the NL West. Consequently, I think there's a good chance that Orosco will break camp with the club. However, the Diamondbacks should pull the 46-year-old whenever a right-hander is at the plate, as he had a 1.049 OOPS against righties in 2003.

Despite continually promising plate discipline, Sadler has not hit effectively in the majors. While he could spend some time in the majors if injuries create an opening, I don't expect the 28-year-old to significantly contribute to the Diamondbacks in 2004.

Zinter possesses middling power and decent plate discipline, but I don't expect the 35-year-old to find playing time in an organization with Rod Barajas, Brad Cresse, Chad Moeller, and Robby Hammock. If he was hoping for another major league opportunity, he should have looked elsewhere.

San Diego signed Joey Hamilton, Brian L. Hunter, and Bart Miadich to minor league contracts, while claiming Henri Stanley off waivers from Houston.

Adam Pettyjohn and Rob Stratton signed minor league deals with San Francisco.