The Rockies were unable to trade center fielder Willy Taveras at this year's winter meetings, so they allowed him to become a free agent on Friday night. Taveras, who turns 27 this month, hit .251 in 133 games for the Rockies in 2008, and led the majors with 68 steals. Colorado tried to trade him to Washington this month, but talks broke down, and the Rockies decided not to tender him a contract for next season.