The Denver Post reports that the Rockies are close to signing catcher Chris Iannetta to a three-year contract for more than $8 million.  That’s a heafty contract for a player who is expected primarily as a backup. It breaks down to approximately $2.6 million per year whereas  the Rockies are believed to have offered expected starting catcher Yorvit Torrealba a  2-year $5.5 million contract (breaks down to $2.75 million per season).  Ianetta made $415,000 in 2009 while hitting 16 home runs, driving in 52 RBI’s and had a batting average of .228 while starting approximately half of the Rockies games behind the plate.

The Rockies are also expected to negotiate with arbitration-eligible players like Clint Barmes and Huston Street about long-term contracts.