Mohr-on and Hanging Chad

Since we're looking at trading for Dustin Mohr and Chad Tracy, here are a couple of recent comments from the web sites of the Rockies and the Diamondbacks:

The lead article today at the Colorado Rockies website was on Mohr, who we best remember for his sensation catch against the Padres in the 9th inning when he tripped over the bullpen pitchers' mound, wrenched his knee while catching the ball, costing the Giants the game when the runner scored the winning run from third base.

There's little chance of the Rockies bringing in an established talent. The challenge will come from the minor league system. Left-handed hitting Brad Hawpe struggled to start Spring Training, but he hit 31 home runs in Triple-A last year and could be ready to buck for playing time.

But Mohr's versatility helps. He could move to center if Preston Wilson is injured or dealt. Also, the Rockies like the fact that he wants to be more than a one-and-done player.

"One of the issues we really highlighted, and one of the parts of the plan we wanted to put in this winter is anything we talked about for '05 would have to have some meaning for '06 and further down the road," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said.

Maybe Mohr stays put in Colorado next year, increasing his value.

On the D'Backs website, they caught up with Mark Grace:

A four-time Gold Glove winner, former Arizona first baseman Mark Grace is tutoring Tracy this spring on the nuances of playing first. Perhaps fittingly, Tracy's swing has been likened to that of Grace, who hit for a high average with plenty of doubles and not a lot of home runs during his long career.

"He can hit," Grace said of Tracy. "This kid's going to be a .300 hitter. Honestly, I think he's going to be a lot like I was in my heyday. He's going to hit a lot of doubles. He'll hit 10 to 15 home runs. I don't want him to change that line-drive stroke. A line-drive stroke is a great thing."

He will be hard to extend, just like Grace was, if he doesn't show more power, though he could drive in runs in that lineup. He stole all of 2 bags last year, so he won't be much of a speed guy. He'll qualify at both corner positions the day after the auction.