The Colorado Rockies have expressed initial interest in free-agent second baseman Kensuke Tanaka, a major-league source told FOXSports.com.

However, another source indicated there is a strong possibility of Tanaka staying in Japan for the 2012 season.

Tanaka, 30, has spent the past 12 seasons with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of the Japanese major leagues. A left-handed batter, he was limited to 49 games this season because of a broken bone in his ankle but is said to be healthy now. Tanaka isn’t known for his power but posted a .335/.408/.417 line with more walks than strikeouts in 2010. He also stole 34 bases in 44 attempts that year.

At present, the Rockies have three internal options at second base: Jonathan Herrera, Chris Nelson, and Eric Young Jr.

-- Jon Paul Morosi