Gant: Attitude of Rockies is reason to sign

DALLAS - The Colorado Rockies did more than tell outfielder Ron Gant they were trying to win. They showed him.

Gant, who turns 36 March 2, signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract Sunday that gurantees him $2.05 million - a $1.75 million base salary and a $300,000 buyout on a second-year option. Gant said Colorado's signings of pitchers Denny Neagle and Mike Hampton within the past week led to his decision.

"If you sit down face-to-face with a bunch of people that are on the same page and say they're committed to doing what it takes to win, then they go out and do it, it plays a big part," said Gant, who batted .249 for Philadelphia and Anaheim last season.

Oakland also pursued Gant, but had room for him only if young outfielder Ben Grieve had been traded. San Francisco also pursued him.

Gant and Todd Hollandsworth will operate in somewhat of a platoon in left field, but manager Buddy Bell said he won't save the right- handed hitting Gant for left-handed pitchers. Hollandsworth also will share time in center field with Juan Pierre.

"He's perfect for our clubhouse," Bell said. "He's got a little bit of an edge to him."

The Rockies originally considered putting Gant in the cleanup spot, between Larry Walker and Todd Helton. Gant has batted .384 with five home runs and 14 RBI in 23 games at Coors Field.

"As good as it is hitting there, it could be the opposite if you don't approach it the right way," Gant said. "I'm going to go into the season with the correct frame of mind and the correct attitude and make the adjustments that I have to make to hit there."

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER: The Rockies are trying to sign another right- handed hitting outfielder, which could open the door for speedy Brian Hunter's return.

The Rockies are looking at a host of players for the job. But Hunter batted .275 with one home run and 15 steals in 72 games with the Rockies before being waived and claimed by Cincinnati.

Hunter stole 116 bases while playing for Bell at Detroit in 1997 and 1998.

With the Reds, Hunter had 40 at-bats in 32 games and batted .225 with five steals.

NO DREIFORT: It appears the Rockies' effort to sign free-agent right-hander Darren Dreifort has failed as the Los Angeles Dodgers were putting the finishing touches on a five-year, $55 million deal.

That means the Rockies are less likely to move right-hander Pedro Astacio and his $6.6 million salary for next season and $9 million club option for 2002, although that could change with an attractive offer.

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