Hammel to Rockies; Niemann takes 5th

Posted Apr 5, 2009 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Apr 5, 2009 at 01:59 PM

BOSTON—The Rays haven’t released anything official yet, but Jason Hammel just said via phone from Port Charlotte that he’s headed to Colorado to join the Rockies.

“I’m excited. It’s a new opportunity,” Hammel said. “Obviously I wasn’t getting too much of a chance to play, and there’s a logjam of pitchers. Any other team where I can go and help pitch, I’ll take it and run with it. I feel good about it.”

The deal, which is expected to bring the Rays 21-year-old Double-A pitcher Aneury Rodriguez, means Jeff Niemann will be Tampa Bay’s fifth starter and Lance Cormier will be the long man in the bullpen.

Hammel, 26, was the Rays’ 10th-round pick in the 2002 draft and he has spent his entire career in the organization, including his first full year in the majors last year when he went 4-4 with a 4.60 ERA in 40 appearances (five starts).

“I’m born and raised here,” said Hammel. “It’s a bummer to leave the guys, but I’ll also go and get a new and hopefully wonderful opportunity.”

Based on reports out of Colorado the last few days, Hammel seems destined for a long-relief spot at least initially, but he said he hasn’t talked to anyone from the Rockies yet and wasn’t sure what their plans were for him.

Updating: The Tribune can confirm it is indeed Hammel straight up for Rodriguez. We’ll be back later with thoughts from Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon when it becomes official.