Hot Stove Digest: Rockies downplay interest in Yovani Gallardo

Welcome to The Stew's Hot Stove Digest, our daily rundown of MLB news, rumors and gossip for Hot Stove season. Here you'll find a recap of all the day's action and other fun stuff from around the Internet.

HOLD ON: The Rockies were strongly connected to free agent Yovani Gallardo this week, but general manager Jeff Bridach calls those reports "fairly overblown." [@psaundersdp]

PERPLEXED: Speaking of the Rockies, outfielder Charlie Blackmon says he was initially perplexed by their decision to sign Gerardo Parra. [@nickgroke]

DETAILS: Ken Rosenthal reports that Yoenis Cespedes would be eligible for a qualifying offer if he execises the one opt-out in his contract. [@Ken_Rosenthal]

PREFERENCE: Hanley Ramirez would prefer to DH, but vows to be ready to play first base. [Sporting News]

GOOD READ: Buster Olney tells us why MLB should retire Roberto Clemente's No. 21. [ESPN Insider]

STICK AROUND: Adrian Beltre would be interested in an extension with the Rangers. The sides have held preliminary discussion. [MLB.com]

AILING: Josh Hamilton recently had a cortisone shot in his surgically repaired left knee. [@JeffWilson_FWST]

HE'S IN: Joe Kelly says manager John Farrell informed him he'll be part of the Red Sox rotation. [@PeteAbe]

SHAPING UP: Evan Gattis says he's lost about 18 pounds to improve his mobility. [@brianmctaggert]

HE GONE: The Padres designated former top prospect Rymer Liriano for assignment to make room for Alexei Ramirez. [@dennistlin]

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813