Rockies, Francis finalizing four-year contract

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Pitcher Jeff Francis and the Colorado Rockies are nearing completion on a four-year contract worth about $13 million, a deal that would include a team option for 2011. Jeff Bridich, the team's director of baseball operations, confirmed the talks but said negotiations are still under way. The amount of the deal was disclosed by a baseball official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet announced the contract. Francis' agent, Jim Lindell, didn't return phone calls seeking comment. The deal was first reported by ESPN.com. "We've had discussions," Bridich said Tuesday. "The story was leaked pretty early. No way was the club ready to announce the final deal as completed." Francis has led the team in victories last two seasons, going 13-11 with a 4.16 ERA this year, when he finished an inning shy of becoming just the third lefty to pitch 200 innings in a season for Colorado. The 25-year-old was the Rockies' first pick -- ninth overall -- in the 2002 amateur draft. He's 30-25 in his career with a 4.91 ERA, and he isn't eligible for arbitration until after the 2007 season. "He's a homegrown guy," Bridich said. "He's showed the ability to improve as a pitcher over the years. There's a lot to like about Jeff. When you come across a guy like that, it warrants a discussion. It hasn't led to a final deal." Francis became the Rockies' winningest career left-hander last season. He pitched his first career shutout at home against St. Louis on July 24, when he was perfect through five innings and gave up just two hits. Bridich said Francis' success at Coors Field isn't a factor in trying to reach an agreement. "We see him as an improving young pitcher," Bridich said. "I think that Coors Field is Coors Field. Some people think one way and some think another in terms of pitching there." AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report.