Former Rockie Lindstrom recalls being traded away

DENVER -- White Sox closer Matt Lindstrom pitched for the Rockies in 2011, did well and was anticipating being in their bullpen in 2012. That all changed on Feb. 6, 2012, when general manager Dan O'Dowd called to tell Lindstrom he had been traded to the Orioles.

"I was already in Spring Training," Lindstrom said. "Had my house. Super Bowl Sunday, third quarter, Dan called. A week later, I had to be down in Florida [where the Orioles train]."

In 63 games with the Rockies in 2011, Lindstrom went 2-2 with a 3.00 ERA. The Rockies traded him and starting pitcher Jason Hammel to the Orioles for starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie.

"I did not expect it, absolutely not," Lindstrom said. "I understand how it works kind of with teams' needs. I knew the Rockies were in need of some starting pitching, and I guess the Orioles were in need of starting pitching and bullpen help, so it worked out for both teams."

The Rockies had acquired Lindstrom in December 2010 for two Minor League pitchers. It was a welcome move for Lindstrom, because he was living in a Denver suburb.

"I trained here and lived here for eight offseasons," he said. "So for me to actually get traded over here, I was elated to say the least, because I could stay at home. I put in all that hard work and expected to be on the team."