The Rockies wanted to add a right-handed pitcher who can work in relief and spot start. Two most mentioned names are Elmer Dessens and former Rockies starter Pedro Astacio. The Rockies have had off-season flirtations with Dessens for several years, and indications last week are that Dessens will fit into the Rockies payroll structure but wants a two-year guarantee so he can feel some stability. Left-hander Shawn Estes, another former Rockies pitcher who was with Arizona last season, is also a candidate to fill a need for a veteran in the rotation. The Rockies would have liked to have retained Estes a year ago, but payroll considerations because of the arbitration leverage of Shawn Chacon and Joe Kennedy made it unrealistic to bid for Estes. Chacon and Kennedy were traded during the 2005 season, and the Rockies have additional payroll freedom this winter because they have unloaded contracts.