Hernandez again caught up in trade rumors

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Throughout the offseason, reports had the Rockies willing to trade veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez in an effort to improve pitching, and the subject returned to the front burner this week when FoxSports.com became the latest to mention the deal.

But Hernandez, earning $3.2 million this year to complete a two-year contract he signed with the Rockies, has learned not to let his mood spike whenever a new set of rumors appears. His name came up in reports last year at the non-waiver Trade Deadline, with the Mets being his supposed destination. Two years ago, he was with the Reds and it seemed he was headed to the Giants in a deadline deal.

"I try to come in, play the game," Hernandez said. "I remember when I was with the Reds, it was the same thing. Am I getting traded? The last few days before the deadline, the Giants' manager told me, 'You're leaving with us. You're going back to San Francisco.' Then later on I was told I wasn't going anywhere until the end, right at the deadline. Then the Reds put me on waivers, somebody claimed me, they pulled me back out, and I didn't go anywhere.

"Thinking about it is too much of a distraction. If it happens, it's business. But I want to stay here. Rumors get you kind of crazy."

The Rockies have depth at catcher. Second-year man Wilin Rosario is the starter, the club signed Yorvit Torrealba to a Minor League contract just before Spring Training began and multi-position player Jordan Pacheco was a catcher in the Minors and has impressed the staff with his work behind the plate this spring.