Rockies keep lefty De La Rosa for 2014
Colorado exercises option on 32-year-old starter after 16-6 campaign
When Jorge De La Rosa threw for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2004-05, he enjoyed pitching at a ballpark not every pitcher looks forward to visiting.
"I loved to play at Coors Field," De La Rosa said after his current team, the Colorado Rockies, exercised their $11 million option on the 32-year-old lefty from Mexico. "It was a ballpark I have always enjoyed. That's why my family and I are so pleased that I'll be able to pitch at least one more year with the Rockies. I would love to stay here until the end of my career."
De La Rosa has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the Rockies' rotation. He was a prime part of a remarkable staff alongside Jhoulys Chacin and Tyler Chatwood in 2013, posting a 16-6 record with a 3.49 ERA.
"I actually learned last week," De La Rosa said. "They called me and told me they decided to have me with them for one more year. I'm glad, because Chacin, Chatwood and I did a good job out there."
So good, in fact, as to help challenge the old Coors Field stigma when it comes to being a hitters' park.
"I have posted some good numbers at Coors, so that's why it boggles me a bit when they say pitchers can't be successful there," De La Rosa said. "I have thought that's something pitchers feed into their minds, and that hampers them."
Despite the fact De La Rosa was successful with the Rockies this year, he still believes he has improvements to make to reach his desired level.
"I have several things to work on for Spring Training: Throwing more strikes, holding runners more, those are points I have pending," De La Rosa said.
De La Rosa is in the final stage of a two-year deal and two options with Colorado. He is looking forward to hearing about a potential date for discussions of a contract extension.
"I think they are prioritizing talking with free agents that could come and help us out in '14," De La Rosa said. "They have secured me for this season, but I'm hopeful we can start talks soon. They know they can count on me, and I'll keep on working at my best."