ROCKIES CALL ON ELWAY EX-BRONCOS QUARTERBACK JOINS IN TALKS WITH A-ROD.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Reports

He has connected with the likes of Shannon Sharpe and Vance Johnson. Now, the city of Denver is hoping that John Elway can connect at least one more time - with Alex Rodriguez.

After meeting with free agent Mike Hampton Tuesday morning, the Colorado Rockies invited Elway to join them for a night out with Rodriguez.

Josh Byrnes, the Rockies' assistant general manager, said the principals who met with Hampton reported it was ``a very good meeting.''

According to published reports, the Rockies are prepared to offer Hampton, who pitched for the New York Mets last season, an eight-year contract. Neither side has discussed money, but most teams vying for Hampton hope to get him for $10 million to $13 million per year.

There have been reports that Hampton, who is 28 and went 37-14 the past two seasons, wants a six- to eight-year contract at $13 million to $15 million per year.

Starting pitching is the Rockies' primary focus this offseason. The Rockies will meet with left-hander Denny Neagle on Thursday and were hopeful of getting together with right-hander Darren Dreifort next week.

Neagle lives just outside Denver in the foothills community of Morrison.

The fact the Rockies play in hitter-friendly Coors Field is an obstacle to signing any high-profile pitcher. Hampton, however, has gone 4-1 in five career appearances at Coors Field, is an avid outdoorsman and reportedly is intrigued about proving that a pitcher can succeed there.

The Rockies also entered the bidding for Rodriguez - only 25 and perhaps the most coveted free-agent prize ever.

Their night out with Rodriguez was designed as a get-acquainted activity, and it was Elway, the former Broncos all-pro quarterback from Granada Hills, who figured to have a key role in the presentation.

Seattle has expressed an interest in re-signing Rodriguez, but like the Rockies, the Mariners are looking at a salary closer to $15 million per year instead of the $20 million that Rodriguez reportedly is seeking in at least a 10-year deal.

Rodriguez and agent Scott Boras already have visited with the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. The New York Mets backed out of preliminary talks with Rodriguez, saying his off-field demands were too extravagant.