Yovani Gallardo rumors: Rockies, Orioles, Astros reportedly still pursuing Gallardo

Yovani Gallardo rumors:  Baltimore, Colorado and Houston are still pursuing free agent righthander Yovani Gallardo, and are the "likely finalists" for the former Ranger starter, according to Chris Cotillo.

Meanwhile, Dan Duquette, the Orioles' g.m., apparently said today that Baltimore doesn't want to give up a draft pick to sign Gallardo, so who knows whether that's a smokescreen, or if Gallardo's agent is pumping up Baltimore's interest to extract more value from the Rockies or someone else.

Under the old rules, the Rangers would have a rooting interest in who signed Gallardo, since the Rangers (who gave Gallardo a qualifying offer which was rejected) would have received a draft pick from the team signing Gallardo.  Now, however, the Rangers get a compensatory pick in the supplemental first round regardless.  The only impact this signing could have would be if the Orioles or Astros instead of the Rockies signed Gallardo, since the Astros and Orioles would lose their first round choice.  As their picks are ahead of the Rangers' first round pick, the Rangers would move from #20 to #19 in the first round, in that scenario.

Unfortunately for Texas, the Rockies appear to be the favorite for Gallardo, and the Rockies' first round pick at #4 is protected, so if they sign Gallardo, Texas stays at #20.

Gallardo, who turns 30 next month, was acquired by the Rangers from the Brewers last offseason for Marcos Diplan, Corey Knebel and Luis Sardinas.  Gallardo had a very solid year for Texas, putting up a 3.42 ERA in 184.1 IP, and was instrumental in the Rangers winning the A.L. West.  However, he struggled to work deep into games in the final two months of the season, and the Rangers opted to bring back Colby Lewis on a one year deal rather than pursue Gallardo on a multi-year contract.