Denver Post: Rox could shift to Hawkins if Betancourt departs

The Rockies have developed a contingency free-agency plan if they are unable to sign Rafael Betancourt, given their conservative return date for Taylor Buchholz.

LaTroy Hawkins, a key member of the 2007 bullpen, has become a top target along with Oakland’s Justin Duchscherer.
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Manager Jim Tracy said today that his team will be open-minded about adding a piece that would create a more balanced lineup against left-handers. He didn’t mention names, but the club has expressed interest in free agent third baseman Mark De Rosa and second baseman Orlando Hudson.
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Hudson, who lost his starting job with the Dodgers last September, is much more likely to fall into the Rockies’ price range. Barmes, whom the club has offered a multi-year deal, could still be a pivotal figure in a utility role in the event Hudson falls into the Rockies’ lap.

MLB.com: GM denies Rox’s pursuit of Hudson

But O’Dowd told MLB.com that while Hudson’s name came up when the Rockies were doing their normal talks with agents, the plan is still to stay with Barmes.

“That is not anything near a front-burner issue,” O’Dowd said. “We’re very happy with Clint Barmes as our second baseman.”
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O’Dowd said if Hudson is still on the market late in the offseason, pursuing him might be a consideration, but only then.