Rockies, Royals Pursuing Bruce Chen

Free agent starting pitcher Bruce Chen is drawing interest from the Colorado Rockies, according to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. Colorado is also pursuing all other starting pitching options, including free agents Rich Harden and Kevin Millwood. Their toughest competition may be Chen's former team, the Kansas City Royals, and convincing the southpaw he'll survive pitching in hitter-friendly Coors field.

According to Kansas City Star's Bob Dutton, the Royals are also interested in retaining their pitcher of the year in 2011. Like the Rockies, the Royals are interested in any starting pitching they can find; evident by showing even a little interest in Carlos Zambrano.

Dutton reports Chen is believed to be seeking a two-year deal for $10 million, a reasonable price given Chen can throw 150-175 innings or so. Compared to what we've seen handed to relievers, that might actually be a bargain for the team that signs Chen. 

Chen, 34, arguably posted his best season as a starter. The southpaw posted a 3.77 ERA with a 1.98 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 155 innings of work. It'll be interesting to see how Chen, a fly-ball pitcher, adjusts to Coors field if he signs with the Rockies.