Well, we’re up to 259 posts, and only halfway to the Winter Meetings. So one thread for this Hot Stove time block is getting clumsy. Let’s create thread 1A and post the next wave of comments here. Jaredean – please feel free to add some cool photo like you did in the first thread. That makes me appear smarter and cooler than I really am.
Quick recap of thread 1:
1. Lots of jealousy and awe of the playoff teams and how far away we are from being at that level.
2. Some good discussion about our guys in the AFL.
3. General panic and dismay at the notion of signing Daniel Murphy.
4. Bud Black and Mike Maddux envy.
5. Me attempting to explain that Byung ho Park has some redeeming qualities (at least when compared to FAs with qualifying offers) but he’s nowhere close to Jose Abreu.
6. RMH saying PUT THE BALL IN PLAY.
Alright – carry on!
Love this quote from Thomas Harding (ostensibly about BHP):
“The Rockies might also be out, as MLB.com’s Thomas Harding doesn’t “think anything is happening there.””
This begs the question, did he really check-in with the Rox or did he pull out the “nothing is happening there” line because 9 out of 10 times its true when applied to the Rox?
Looks like the Twins “won” the BHP posting sweepstakes. So much for my Joe Mauer eliminating them from consideration logic.
I find this interesting because historically they’re a very shrewd, scouting savvy organization. They obviously see something they like.
Interesting development – Albert Pujols has foot surgery and will likely miss some of the early part of next season. In my opinion, LAA has been, and remains a “fit” for Cargo (at least from their standpoint). With Pujols missing time, the Cargo “need” should be even greater. Problem is – LAA’s Farm is not super strong (at least on the surface). I do like Sean Newcombe. Big LHed SP. Nearly Major League ready. I’d rate him as a LHed… Read more »
Jose Reyes arrested in Hawaii – domestic abuse. Wonder if there are any “release” clauses in his contract for illegal behavior.
First – I hope his wife is OK. Second – innocent until proven guilty, I get it. Third – really quick search for legal precedent in somewhat similar incidents yields the following: “Back in 2004, the Colorado Rockies’ tried to void Denny Neagle’s contract after he was charged with soliciting a prostitute. The MLBPA stepped in, and ultimately Rockies agreed to pay him $16 million of the $19.5 million left on his deal contract. In 2005, the Baltimore Orioles voided… Read more »
carp, there’s something to be said here for just moving on, waiving Reyes, who has zero value staying on the Rockies roster. Actually negative value since he displaces Story or even Adames, neither or whom I expect to make it as MLB starting quality shortstops, but both of whom (particularly Story) could prove me wrong. Reyes’ only value was trade value, and that was limited to something like “some team may take him an pay $7 million or so of… Read more »
AFL new:
Good: Tapia was 2-2 today, and his average is up to .311
Bad: The three Rockies relievers let up 9 earned runs in 1 2/3 innings.
Julian
About to go to bed and was going to comment on two of the items mentioned above. A) It looks like the Korean hitter is going to the Twins. B) Jose Reyes. As SDCarp mentioned above hopefully his wife (soon to be ex wife?) is ok. Will it give the Rockies an out? Perhaps, but just a little. The NFL players union lobbied for and got a reduced sentence for Greg Hardy and the damage he did to his girl… Read more »
Gary – my thinking is aligned with yours. This is a despicable act. I agree that it’s worse than the Neagle situation.
It’s hard to compare (contractually) to the NFL because a large percentage of their contracts aren’t guaranteed (typically). But…..I see that as a moot point. I’d say terminate contract fully anticipating a fight from the MLPA, and move on.
Keep on smokin’ in the free world Carp! Appreciate that I’ve gotten into your head with my ancient ways of looking at the game,but Bill should get credit for this one.I see no good way other than wave goodbye to Reyes.
Gary (Bill) – there’s lots of empty space in my head!
The Rockies…can’t even win during the off season. Awfully stupid and pathetic situation. …what the f is there to get so worked up about that you beat your wife, period……let alone while on vacation in Hawaii? This is similar to the Ubaldo trade where the first chance both Alex White and Drew Pomeranz had to set some good vibes for their new organization didn’t they like get DUI and public intox respectively? Who wants to start a pool for the… Read more »
Nude selfies is the in thing.
Oh you mean sexting??
Correct.Like Carp there are a lot of wide open spaces in the old noggin.
Patrick Saunders had something in the Post this morning that reminded me that MLB now has Domestic Violence policy which has been approved by the players union. MLB has power to discipline players because of this. Joe Torre is MLBs face on this issue and I presume has some or all of the disciplinary power. Numerous public service ads during WS and playoffs in which Torre says he knows it’s a big problem and a serious problem as his father… Read more »
Bill – I read the new MLB policy last night. It’s real milquetoast in my opinion. No teeth. I don’t see it helping us in a contractual sense. Unfortunately the MLBPA will probably defend Reyes to the end – and they’re virtually impossible to beat.
RE: Reyes, This is in the commish’s court. If he decides on time missed (probably not) then the Rox say a tiny bit. The union won’t make any relevant statement until the courts are thru with him if, in fact, he gets to court. With all that cash in his bank, I’m sure he can weasel his way into a reduced charge that won’t cost him any more than a small fine and lawyer fee. Rich boys rule, sigh…. Hey,… Read more »
Oops “Rox save a tiny bit”
Girls love the long ball—and so does this “girly man”.
Is there a distinction between domestic violence and a DUI? Reason I ask is I hope that Reyes gets the same fair treatment from fans, Rox org, and MLB that Helton received when he was arrested for a DUI.
I think anyone would agree there is a huge difference between striking another human being (especially if she is at a size disadvantage to you) and driving while intoxicated. There is no equivalency, though everyone should show compassion for anyone accused of a crime.
I also believe the MLB policy shows the league and the player’s union feel there is a large difference between the two as well.
You’re right, there is a huge difference. Just ask anyone who has lost a loved one due to a drunk driver.
Arenado wins another Gold Glove! Not sure anyone else was close. According to the DP he was not among the 3 finalists for MVP Award. The 3 were Harper, Votto and Goldschmidt and I’m guessing it will be a runaway for Harper. Neither Votto and Goldschmidt played for a winning team and I’m not sure if the Nats were above 500 either. But according to the stats guys Harper’s season was one for the ages. During the season Weiss commented… Read more »
In the Player Choice Awards for MVP (voted on by the MLB players), Arenado was one of the top three finalists. Votto wasn’t but of course Harper actually won.
Arenado was jobbed to not be in the finals!
GM Meetings (Nov 9-12) well underway and things are heating up.
Twins/DBacks did a swap yesterday (I like the young OFer the Twins got in the deal).
Padres get Jose Pirela from Yankees today.
OMG!!
Cargo to the Mets for Niese (SP) and Lagares (OF)!!
Not even on Rox website yet.
On first impression, I like the deal…Niese will project at a #4 for us (my thoughts only)…Lagares will be our starting CF with Blackmon in RF and Dickson in LF.
Thoughts??
Ed – I’m not buying it.
Hypothetically – the Lagares part is workable, even intriguing. 26 years old, great defender, and much needed speed. But I would want Zack Wheeler or Stephen Matz as the pitcher in return.
Ed – here’s one for you. The Braves are discussing Andrelton Simmons with an NL West Club not named the Giants. The Dodgers have that young freak of nature kid Saeger, so they dont make sense on the surface. The Braves need a big OF bat that doesn’t break the bank…….the Padres don’t have that. The DBacks have a couple of good looking young OFers and a logjam of servicable, but not great SS. So maybe. But Cargo could be… Read more »
Plus some pitching.
Last day of the GM meetings. It’s fascinating to me how much trade/FA chatter there is out in cyberspace and how little of the chatter involves the Rockies. I purposely follow at least one Beat Writer from every MLB team on Twitter. I loosely know a Marlins Beat Writer. So to some extent, I follow everyone. It’s not like all of this is accurate information. In fact – the bulk of it probably isn’t accurate. I can’t decide if the… Read more »
the Apple iPhone auto spell correct is a blessing and a curse – especially when linked with fat fingers! Please make that “no one” above.
From John Heymann (CBS Sports): “•The Rockies have again made Carlos Gonzalez available in trades, as many expected would be the case following the summer trade of Troy Tulowitzki. CarGo dominated the National League from June through season’s end after struggling with injuries in 2014 and early 2015 and undoubtedly restored an exceptional amount of trade value. Heyman speculatively listed the Orioles as a potential match when discussing Baltimore in his intro section.” This isn’t really news – although I… Read more »
Patrick Saunders just tweeted that the Rox are NOT involved in the Simmons trade with the Braves. Leave it to the Rockies to get publicity for not doing anything.
LOL – true. Simmons isn’t really a “fit” for what we need to do – but the idea of him (the best defensive SS in baseball) and NoDo on the same side of the infield is a thought that you can’t automatically pass. He’s very reasonably cost controlled through 2020 or 21 (I can’t remember the contract length). I think he’ll grow as an offensive player. Really – I expect his career to mimic Alcides Escobar’s career. Escobar has grown… Read more »
So the Halos get Andrelton Simmons. The Braves get Sean Newcombe. Note from my post earlier in this thread – he was the guy in the Halos organization that I wanted for Cargo.
I now mark LAA off my list as a potential destination for Cargo. I’m sure they’d still like to have him, but their Farm was thin to begin with. Now sans Newcombe, they don’t have enough to return for Cargo.
CarGo, to his credit, is working out and getting ready for next season as if he will remain a Rockie. That is good for Bridich as the other teams know that CarGo isn’t loafing around waiting to see what happens. And I guarantee that he won’t be as bitter as Tulo was if a trade happens.
sdcarp, I was really hoping for the CarGo-Newcombe swap. Phooey.
RMH – Cargo has always struck me as an all-around happy guy. He seems like the type that has a personality that can lift the mood of a room when he walks in. I totally agree with you regarding him not being bitter if and when he gets traded. Also…….I’m sure it’s easier for the Organization to communicate with the player and the player’s agent during the offseason. Those in-season trade deadline deals come together really quickly sometimes. My hope… Read more »
Tulo could have been traded to the 1927 Yankees and been bitter.
If the Rockies are really serious about really rebuilding and getting better for a run in 2 to 3 years than the last person you want on your team is Chris Davis who will just block the way for a young stud 1B to get on the job training. And the agent for Davis is the adorable, charming and eager to please Scott Boras. And Boras is pushing him as the very best free agent on the market because he’s… Read more »
Ding, ding, ding, ding! Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
You sir are correct.
Craig Kimbrel to Boston. Here’s what SD is getting in return via MLBTR: “There’s a significant haul going back to San Diego. Top outfield prospect Manuel Margot, shortstop Javier Guerra, infielder Carlos Asuaje, and lefty Logan Allen make up the return. All four players rated among the thirty best Red Sox prospects in MLB.com’s latest ranking, with Margot (#25) and Guerra (#76) also checking in among the top 100 prospects league-wide.” So SD gets 4 solid Prospects (one is borderline… Read more »
I believe that Nov. 20 is the date that Rule 5 eligibles must be on the 40 man roster in order to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft.
The one Rockie player that should definitely be protected is Trevor Story. There may be others but he is the one that I noticed. I can see possibly 2 players on the 40 man roster that i would not have a problem cutting loose.
Agree regarding protecting Story. We’re coming off 68, 66, 74, 64, and 73 win seasons (OUCH). We consistently suck. We have way more than 2 players that can be cut from the 40 man roster that has averaged 69 wins per season the last 5 years. Boone Logan Rex Brothers Tyler Matzek Jason Gurka Jose Reyes Wilin Rosario Rafael Ynoa Brandon Barnes Rosell Herrera Kyle Parker Trade Nick Hundley and Cargo before the 20th and possibly (depending on the return)… Read more »
How many spots do we need to protect guys who should be added to the 40 man roster?
AFL news: Freeland had another strong outing, and Tapia’s batting average is up to .338.
Freeland’s AFL season is critically important. He needed to get as many innings as possible to help make up for some of his development time lost to injury and to rebuild arm strength. After his disasterous first start……I was skeptical. But since then, it’s been “mission accomplished.”
Rockies Minor League players eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. Ryan Casteel – C,1B Ryan Arrowood – RHP Shane Broyles – RHP Tim Smalling – IF, OF Trevor Story – SS, 3B Helmis Rodriguez – LHP Yoely Bello – LHP Yonathan Daza – LF, OF Matt Flemer – RHP Carlos Estevez – RHP Austin House – RHP Zach Osborne – SS, IF Will Swanner – 1B, C Noel Cuevas – CF, OF Hamlet Marte – C, 1B Johendi Jimian –… Read more »
Damn right we better protect those guys. So that’s at least 3 we need to clear from the 40 man roster. See my post above. We can easily cull 3 from the Bad News Bears.
Where does Freeland start this coming season – Modesto or Hartford?
Seems like a half season at Modesto and a half season as a Yard Goat would be a solid season.
I think they’ll protect Estevez too. I know folks have said the scouting reports say “good fastball, live arm, no secondary pitches”, but guys like that have potential to develop and can be plucked away by another Rockies-type team — relievers are the easiest guys to keep on the MLB roster, particularly in the AL. Beyond Tapia, Story, and Senzatela is a long list of disappointments. I liked Austin House when Bridich wheeled and dealed and used a Rule 5… Read more »
You know…..you can get in trouble for confusing English and Welsh literature.
Sadly, the guy Bridich traded to get Austin House (Mark Canha) is the RHed 1b platoon-mate Ben Paulsen needs.
Oops, I should have said English (Language) Literature!
I’m just teasing!
Too obscure for a PolySci major.But I do know that Dillion Thomas is no Dylan Thomas.
Rangers get Leonys Martin from the Rangers for Tom Wilhelmsen.
This deal caught my eye because Martin was #2 on my list for the Rox to pursue “IF” Cargo is traded (Austin Jackson is #1). He was a good buy low target. The Coors Effect could have made him a nice flip at the in-season trade deadline.
I have all these ideas in my head of how to build a roster if we committed to rebuilding. I’ve mentioned Leoyns Martin and Austin Jackson as potential Cargo short-term replacements/flip at deadline candidates. Well…..we’re on the verge of being outsmarted by the Giants for another player that fits that description – Kyle Blanks. Blanks is the single largest (physically) baseball player I’ve ever seen in person (on the back fields in Peoria a few years ago in ST). He’s… Read more »
I assume that’d we have a high pick in the Rule 5 draft. Maybe this year we can find a useful player there.
Like a 25 year old, RHed 1st baseman that would go on to hit 16 HRs and have 70 RBIs in 441 ABs in a pitchers park? Oh wait, that was Mark Canha last year. We drafted him…..and traded him to the A’s…….because I guess we didn’t need a RHed 1B platoon mate for Morneau and/or Paulsen. I’m routinely astounded by how dumb we are and the decisions we make. Somehow this one has sort of flown under the radar.… Read more »
I’m going to be in Arizona next weekend and thought, “Hey maybe I can catch a game”. But it looks like the AFL is over this weekend. Is that correct. Are there any games to catch there on Thanksgiving weekend?
Must read article:
http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/troy-tulowitzki-leaves-coors/
It’s written from a fantasy perspective, but in this case, certainly applies to real life. Anyone who believes we made a mistake trading Tulo is wrong. It’s unfortunate we waited too long, but at least we did it during a local upswing during the global downswing.
Not sure I totally agree with the perspective. Yes, Tulo’s stats were down in the AL when he was traded. But the Blue Jays went from a team barely in the wild card hunt to one of the two best teams in the AL. And his bat (and the threat of his bat) and his defense allowed the Blue Jays to play Goins at 2B and all of a sudden Toronto had a great defense up the middle. I’m not… Read more »
Well – the Indians might say they got jobbed when they got Ubaldo. That trade didn’t pan out for either side. You’re correct – time will tell with the Prospects we received. But we know for sure that we unloaded a declining talent and 50M dollars (Tulos 98M-Reyes’s 48M). Because of the money, the Tulo trade can not be fully “graded” for years to come. We don’t realize the savings until 2018. Part of the final equation is seeing what… Read more »
Perfect article from PR regarding CarGo trade targets: carp, set up the CarGo lemonade stand next to the Indians hotel suite.
http://www.purplerow.com/2015/11/16/9742238/carlos-gonzalez-trade-targets-mlb-2015-offseason-colorado-rockies
RMH – I read this article (shocking – right!) when it came out a couple of days ago. I generally agree with the writers logic. I like the White Sox as a candidate more than he does. In my opinion, we shouldn’t be too focused on how many Prospects the acquiring organization in the top 100, or 150, etc. What we really need is one top 25 Prospect that is a SP, then maybe a couple of “projectable” talents that… Read more »
RMH – The writer mentions Carson Fulmer when discussing the White Sox. Honestly – I’d take Francelis Montas and Spencer Adams. Fulmer spent most of his college career as a reliever…….and I remember from this year’s amateur draft many scouts still think he’s better suited to be a reliever. Montas is just a big horse that looks durable.
I went through the top 30 prospects on the Indians Farm. I’m not as familiar with their Farm as some of the other minor league systems. Brady Aiken is typically ranked in the 3-5 range in their system. He’s the ill fated Astro’s top pick from 2 years ago. Coming off TJ surgery (the Astros were correct). I’d stay away. But…….the Indians have several more intriguing pitching Prospects in the 5-10 range in their system (including one taken just after… Read more »
Alright RMH – right on cue – Jon Heymann is reporting that the Indians are talking to several Clubs (Yankees being one) about shipping Carrasco or Salazar our for an OFer. Brett Gardner is the name he mentions with the Yankees. My fear here is the Rockies historic inability to act quickly. Cargo is a much more dynamic, impactful player than Gardner (or similar). Also – the Rox really are better served to go after multiple young pitchers from the… Read more »
It seems like Bridich would not be afraid to act quickly in general, and your scenario makes a lot of sense (as little as I know, or really care, about other organizations’ minor leaguers – thanks for giving us sketches in this department). Got to wonder if Monfort is still pulling back on the reins. I hoped that after letting go of Tulo, he would find it easier, but maybe he finds it HARDER to let go of his other… Read more »
Guys (and girls) – has anyone heard any updates on the Jose Reyes situation?
Very good article regarding (and explaining) the upcoming Rule 5 draft: http://m.mlb.com/news/article/157509810/40-man-roster-decisions-impact-rule-5-draft?topicid=151437456 Fundamentally, the player a team drafts must remain on that team’s 25 major league roster next season. There are some gymnastics that can circumvent or prolong this requirement a bit (the Braves and Daniel Winkler for example). But thinking about the basic requirement, I can (potentially) see the Rockies having space at 1B and maybe OF (if Cargo is traded). It seems like we actually have a boatload… Read more »
Little update here – the Indians did move Naquin to the 40 man roster. Even so…..given their Farm depth at CF……he’s a player (like the previously mentioned Bobby Butler) that could be coupled with a pitcher in exchange for Cargo. An OF of Naquin, Dahl, and Dickerson in 2017 is very attractive and cost controlled. Naquin actually profiles similar to Dahl. Nice power/speed combo.
So we’ll see a minimum of three Rockies roster moves today as Tapia, Story, and Senzatela are brought onto the 40 man roster prior to the rule 5 draft. As noted in a post somewhere above, we easily have at least 10 guys that can be cut free to make room.
Hopefully we’ll cut guys based on talent (or lack thereof) as opposed to contract (I.e. Boone Logan for example). But I’m convinced the Rockies don’t understand the sunk cost concept.
The Rockies DFA Ax, Wilin, Brothers, and Kahnle. Moved to the 40 man – Story, Tapia, Senzatela, and Estevez. I’m mildly (and mostly pleasantly) surprised at the DFAs. It’s good to see the Rox coming to grips with reality and a couple of “name” players. Wilin is useless to an NL team….any NL team. I predict he’ll opt for FAgency and sign a minor league contract with an AL team. Brothers isn’t close to what he once was……we can debate… Read more »
Read where Doug Fister is likely to sign with Rox –certainly seems to fit their MO
I’m not buying this either (again, at least not yet). I like Fister. He’s the second tier type FA pitcher (Mike Leake also fits this description) that the Rox might actually have a shot at if they overpay. But he’s going to have other good options.
Interesting comments on Twitter last night. First, Troy Renck (former Rockies beat writer): @TroyRenck: If #rockies going to crawl out of darkness must view prospects as commodities. DFA Rosario and Brothers? Should have traded both 2 years ago Also current Rockies beat writer Nick Groke: @nickgroke: #Rockies are in talks with several teams on more than one trade idea. But Bridich said nothing imminent: https://t.co/SMBABYs3UI First…..Renck is spot on. Players are commodities. As I like to say, Prospects are baseball… Read more »
This speaks volumes about the Rockies culture:
http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_29149230/rex-brothers-shocked-by-rockies-move
How can someone who sucked as bad as Brothers for the last two years be shocked he was released? How? Perhaps this move will send a message to a Clubhouse that desparately needs more accountability.
Hard decisions, but so far so good IMO.
Sign Doug Fister and then we can concentrate on the bullpen and other problem areas.
Coped/pasted from PR:
Of the players left unprotected, catcher/first baseman Ryan Casteel, catcher Will Swanner, and right-handed starter Matt Carasiti are the most interesting names. These players have a good chance to be selected by another team in the Rule 5 draft on Dec. 10.
I know about Casteel and Swanner and I’m ok with leaving them off the 40-man, but I’ve never heard of Carasiti. Who the heck is he and he’s good enough to be drafted in Rule 5???
RMH – I may be proven wrong (it’s not like it will be the first time!) but I don’t see any of those three being picked by another team in the Rule 5. They’re not ready to play at the Major League level……probably never will. But……part of why it’s even easier to leave Casteel and Swanner unprotected is the emergence of Dom Nunez. It’s early in the process…..but Nunez can do what Murphy, Casteel, and Swanner can’t – play defense/receive.… Read more »
Good Rule 5 primer by Jonathan Mayo:
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/157830358/top-10-prospects-available-in-rule-5-draft
If the Rox are going to commit to rebuilding, we should definitely select a high ceiling player (because we’ll struggle anyway, so carrying a talent on the roster shouldn’t be a burden for us). Read the Reymin Guduan bio. Fastball grade – 80 (scouting equivalent to 100 or A+). And…….he’s left handed. I also like the Astros OFer.
I like Louis Perdomo RHP of Cards (Cards always have good minor leaguers) and any Astros players. Astros have such a deep farm that they don’t have enough room to keep them all. So it’s like having a fire sale of six Astros players for just $50,000 each.
Thanks to PR (credited with info) here are some tidbits: Yohan Flande actually was Rockies’ third best pitcher if we go by ERA+ sabermetric. 100+ ERA is exactly average and Flande had ERA+ of 99. He was above a lot of prominent pitchers. That explains why the Rox kept him on the 40-man as he is serviceable at a minimum wage. Charlie Clobber-son signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers with invitation to ST. Chad Bettis can be counted… Read more »
RMH – if you read the comments in the article you reference, Matt Gross (Purple Row Writer) has inserted a very cool, and very telling, chart. Let’s see if I can link it correctly.
Well……..apparently I can’t! Here’s a link to the article RMH is referring to above:
http://www.purplerow.com/2015/11/22/9779166/colorado-rockies-player-rankings-yohan-flande
In the comment section, Matt Gross has a chart ranking the teams by the WAR of their #10, #11, and #12 players. Presumably Matt’s intent is to show that depth matters. The top 8 teams on Matt’s chart made the playoffs. The Rox are second to last, ahead of only the fully rebuilding Braves.
Ladies and gentlemen – sit down and take a deep breathe. We just signed Brian Schlitter:
“Schlitter holds a career 5.40 ERA with just 42 strikeouts across 71 2/3 relief innings in the majors. If he makes it up to the big club in 2016, those numbers aren’t likely to improve with the righty calling Coors Field home.”
I’ve been thinking of making my 2016 prediction 62-100. With moves like this, I may go something like 58-104.
What??? I’m thinking we’ll go 55-107.
Alright RMH – time for good news! Kyle Freeland finished his AFL season with a 2.84 ERA in 25 1/3 IP. This stat line is good – but is even more impressive when you consider Freeland got shelled (something like 6 runs in 1 inning) in his first start. Carlos Estevez finished with a 3.97 ERA in a relief role. Similar to Freeland, he got shelled in one appearance. Otherwise – he was pretty darn good as well. Of course… Read more »
Katy bar the door! The Rox trade Tommy Kahnle to the ChiSox for Yency Almonte. A tweet from Mr. Almonte: “I want to say thank you to the @whitesox for everything this season. I appreciate it all. Now to continue my career with the @Rockies” Very professional response for a 21 year old. I have no problem with this deal. Think about the chain of custody. Get Kahnle via Rule 5 and he’s actually quite productive his first year. This… Read more »
So help me out here, Carp. Do we now need to include Mr. Almonte in our 40-man roster to avoid the possibility of someone else now taking him in the Rule 5?
No Bob. Almonte isn’t eligible for the rule 5 draft yet……and even if he was, he’s not going to be picked. So he’s safe. I’m thinking he may be eligible next year (although I’m not sure of that). Keep in mind, for a Rule 5 player to actually change hands, he gas to stay on the Major League 25 man roster of the claiming team for all of the following season. So that really limits the possible players and teams.… Read more »
Thanks, Carp. I am aware that a player taken needs to be kept on the 25-man roster all season and why that would severely limit the likelihood of grabbing a player from below the 40-man roster. What I’m not up to speed on is who is protected without being on the 40-man roster for the draft. Are all non-40 players exposed or is there an eligibility factor?
Players who were 18 or younger on June 5 preceding the signing of their first contract must be protected after four minor league seasons. Players 19 and older must be protected after three seasons.
A brief on Almonte can be found on Rockies.com. He is 21 years old and will be assigned to Modesto. So I don’t think he has to be on the 40 man roster.
Well, well, well. Rox send Rex Brothers to Cubs for 18 year old Dominican LHer Wander Cabrera. Cabrera signed as a 16 year old for a 250K bonus…..which counts against the Cubs international pool. I’m mildly surprised. Brothers is arbitration eligible, so he won’t be cheap (although who are we kidding – in the big scheme of things he’s definitely not expensive – especially for the Cubs). I thought there would be a race to sign him as a minor… Read more »
Bridich so far has shown that he’s adept at removing players during the off season and still get something in return rather than nothing at all. The two moves for Kahnle’s and Brothers’ still pales in comparison to tendering an offer to Cuddyer (that he refused) which turned into Mike Nikorek.
Happy Thanksgiving RWOers! This whole Rex Brothers for Wander Dailes Santana Cabrera (maybe the coolest name ever!) trade has sent me down the road of researching the current status of Domincan baseball. This in turn has uncovered my gross ignorance on the subject. I knew that Dominican Winter League ball is a big deal. I also knew that there was a Dominican summer league. But….I didn’t know every single freakin’ MLB team has a Dominican summer league team. I thought… Read more »
Alright Denver locals – remember Kevin Gausman at Grandview HS in Aurora? Went on to LSU. Drafted 4th overall by the Orioles in 2012. Remember? Watch the Orioles very, very closely as next weekend’s winter meetings begin. They are in extreme need for OF help – regardless of Chris Davis’s situation. If they lose Davis (a FA), they’ll still be in extreme need for OF help…..and the OFer will need to swing an impact bat. We’ve got one of those.… Read more »
From Oakland A’s beat writer Susan Slusser regarding Brett Lawrie; “Slusser says the trade for Lowrie “all but ensures” the A’s will deal either Lawrie or Danny Valencia, and Lawrie “is considered the better bet to be traded.” The report adds that both Lawrie and Valencia “are drawing interest” from American League clubs. Lawrie hasn’t come close to reaching his full potential, hitting only .263/.316/.420 in his first five big league seasons, but he’ll turn just 26 in January and… Read more »
Yaisel Puig in trouble again. Bar fight in Miami. I see this as beneficial to us. We seem to be competing with the Dodgers in the “trade surplus OFer for pitching” category. Notably, the Indians and Orioles come to mind immediately. One way to look at it is Puig is a good buy low candidate. My opinion……he’s too risky. Teams don’t want to babysit. Cargo is a much better option. I also see that the Red Sox appear to be… Read more »
Really good stuff out there this AM as all the Bloggers get ready for the Winter Meetings. First, great article from the Pittsburgh perspective regarding Cargo: http://www.thepointofpittsburgh.com/crazy-pirates-trade-corner-of-carlos-gonzalez/ I like the logic the writer uses to value Cargo: “Gonzalez has two years remaining on his deal — $17M in 2016 and $20M in 2017. That’s a lot of money, but hang in there with me and I’ll get to that. First we have to decide what Gonzalez is worth. His last… Read more »
I’m OK with giving up McMahon but not Tinoco side we need volume of pitchers. Plus we don’t need Teheran now unless we are contending before 2018.
How bad is Wilin Rosario? He cleared waivers and will presumably be an Isotope in 2016. 29 teams had a crack at him. No takers.
Jordan Zimmermann to the Tigers for 110M over 5 years. Johnny Cueto turns down 6 years, 120M from DBacks. Cueto’s decision may end up being a mistake. Regardless, the Snakes are being aggressive.
Barry Bonds being considered Marlins hitting coach. I find that interesting. He might be pretty good.
Rosario going unclaimed shows how warped the salary arbitration system can be. Based on those 25 HR years, he probably would have gotten 3+ million bucks in arbitration, which is way more than anyone thinks he’s worth. So it’s back to AAA for him, the Rockies apparently deciding that it’s worth seeing if he can go on a tear in Albuquerque and restore some value. I think Rosario had the ability to decline that assignment and become a free agent,… Read more »
Ag – it’s that sunk cost concept the Rox can’t come to grip with. It’s particularly bad in Rosario’s case because they really didn’t have that much money (in the baseball “big scheme of things” world) tied to him.
I’m shocked he didn’t declare for FAgency (like Axford). Surely his Agent looked into it. As you note, the landscape for Wilin must be very bleak.
Rosario elects Free Agency.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/12/wilin-rosario-free-agency-elects.html
This makes much more sense that the original report of Rosario remaining with the Rox.
Yep, that makes sense. Rosario is not worth what he’d get in arbitration (which is why arbitration is a freaky system — shouldn’t it try to hit his market rate or some percentage of it?), but he’s worth more than a minor league contract. A horribly mismanaged Rockies career comes to a typical end: gone, for nothing.
Headline on MLBTradeRumors: “Mariners “Trying Hard” To Deal Mark Trumbo; Have Talked With Rockies” This is funny to me. I’ve thrown out at least a half-dozen potential Cargo trade scenarios. I’ve considered the Mariners…..and have even considered taking back Trumbo’s final arbitration year as a way to get even more in return. But…………the Mariners Farm isn’t particularly strong, especially in pitching. So I haven’t found an obvious match with them UNLESS they’re willing to deal Tijuan Walker. Walker is apparently… Read more »
“Big picture” follow-up to comment above.
If the Rox do the right thing and commit to rebuilding with an eye towards the contention window opening in 2019 (and even 2018 being a decent season – shot at 500)…..then there are ALL SORTS of possibilities for 2016. Trumbo and Austin Jackson are just two. The Braves snagged Jim Johnson yesterday….we fits this mold as well. “Relatively Inexpensive Guys That Need 1 Year Deals to Restore Value.”
carp, on Trumbo: I was about to scream “hell no” since he’s the worst fielder since Cuddyer … but then, well … the advanced defensive stats suggest he’s actually kind of o.k. as a first baseman only. DO NOT under any circumstances (short of a 15 inning game) ever let him play the outfield. Hey, maybe we can take some other bad contracts in exchange for Jose Reyes too.
I went to the Black Friday sale at Coors Field where everything in the store was half price. I had planned to snag an Arenado jersey, but not surprisingly they took down all jerseys and hid them so they wouldn’t lose them at half prices. 🙂 There was however lots of Rosario jerseys they were trying to get rid of. Now that he’s cleared the waivers, they might as well lower the Rosario jersey to 80% off. FWIW, I did… Read more »
RMH – I’m not a jersey type guy in general, but I have vowed to buy a Cargo jersey if he’s traded and we get a good return AND Cargo is cool about it (which I’m willing to bet he will be – at least publicly).
David Price to Boston for 217M.
Byung-ho Park to Twins for “only” 12M….plus the original posting fee. All-in-all, an economical selection that doesn’t require giving up a compensation pick.
The “big picture” here is that the AL East “arms” race for 2016 has begun in earnest. The Red Sox now have Price and Craig Kimbrel. Toronto has lost Price…..with JA Happ as the “replacement.” Baltimore is fighting (perhaps a losing battle) to retain Chris Davis and Geraldo Parra. The Yankees can’t sit this out (in my opinion). You’ve got to figure they’ll be “in” on Zack Greinke. So will the Cubs, So will the Giants. If the Yanks miss… Read more »
Trumbo to the Orioles for Steve Clevenger. Who would have thunk it. As Ag notes above, Trumbo IS basically a servicable defensive 1B (not OF). He could have been a nice platoon mate for Paulsen. To some degree, this again shows how bad Wilin really is……because you’d hope the Rox would have done Wilin for Trumbo.
Not sure what this says about Chris Davis. I still think Cargo is a fit for the Orioles if they lose Davis….independent of Trumbo.
Fun with numbers:
David Price – 7 years, 217M.
Let’s say he averages 200 IP over those 7 years, and for shits and giggles let’s assume he averages 15 pitches per inning. That’s 21,000 pitches. Or, drumroll…….$10,333 per pitch. Good work if you can get it.
Following the Rockies around the world during the winter season:
http://www.purplerow.com/2015/12/1/9819618/colorado-rockies-alex-balog-correlle-prime-australian-baseball-league-winter-updates
Alex Balog is doing very well in Australia while others are meh including Antonio Senzatela.
I’ve been watching the non-tender list (with the Rox in mind of course). One “thing” I think we need is a short-term Closer. Someone that can man the position for 2016. By 2017, I think one of the young guns, or Otto, can man the position…..well! Steve Cishek was non-tendered today by the Cards. Of course Cishek was the Marlins Closer in 13 and 14 and generally did a nice job. But he imploded in early 15, lost his job… Read more »
Jordan Lyles has a $2.975MM deal with the Rockies.
Not bad for two months a year of actual pitching!
Boy…..the shine has come off Will Middlebrooks’s star! Non-tendered by the Padres. I’d take a flier on him if the price is CHEAP. I’d stash him at AAA and have him play 1B.
Rox non-tender Johan Flande.
I see this as a calculated gamble. Clear a spot on the 40 man, bring him back on a minor league contract. I’m going to laugh if he signs elsewhere and is servicable. This smells a bit like the Daniel Winkler mis-calculation. We’ll see.
Things that make you go “hmmmmmmm:” By non-tendering Flande (?), Gurka, and Herrera – we only have 37 on the 40 man roster. This tells me a few things (I think) in the following order: 1. We’re definitely positioning ourselves to make a rule 5 pick. 2. We’re expecting to pick up multiple players via trade that will go immediately to the 40 man. So the return for Cargo should be major league ready, or very near major league ready.… Read more »
More things that make you go “hmmmmmm”
Once again – if you believe Twitter – Jeff Samardzjia has a 100M offer on the table (that’s only 10M less than Jordan Zimmermann got from the Tiggers). Most blogger types speculated Samardzjia would get 80M….but he’s long been a darling of the scouts.
So what team would put an offer on the table that’s over 20M over what’s seen as market value?
Yeah, yeah, it’s still early and all that, but … carp’s 62-100 prediction is looking pretty good. Optimistic even. This is setting up as a truly awful team. Carp, no offense, but this comment actually got a laugh out of me just because it shows how low expectations are: “Rox non-tender Johan Flande. I see this as a calculated gamble. Clear a spot on the 40 man, bring him back on a minor league contract. I’m going to laugh if… Read more »
You could have all the planets line up and all their moons as well and it still wouldn’t happen. My mantra last winter was “I will not be optimistic in the spring”. No need to repeat that this year as everyone is on the same wavelength.
I think I have a pretty good track record of coming on here and fessing up to my erroneous predictions. I’ve done that a number of times. It happens on a regular basis. That being said……I also think I’ve been correct way more than I’ve been wrong. The Rox were at a cross-roads during the 2013/2014 offseason. They should have traded Tulo then. I stated that numerous times. But we have yet to grasp the “sell high” concept. Now we’re… Read more »
Hope Bridich gets his shot and doesn’t turn into O’Dowd – smart guy, but long years with hands tied.
If Monfort is Trump’s running mate, that means Trump was nominated, and the world is in a lot more trouble than fans of teams like the poor Colorado Rockies!
Freakin Snakes snag Zack Greinke. As if we needed the NL West to get any tougher. Now our (sometime) bottom-feeder friends have an Ace!
This is when it gets fun for everyone except us Rockies fans. The Braves are licking their chops. Both the Giants and Dodgers will be all over Shelby Miller…..and the Dodgers have plenty of ammunition in their Farm to get him.
Things are about to begin moving really, really quickly.
Fact – Rockies open 2016 season April 4th in Phoenix, against Zack Greinke no doubt.
Wouldn’t it be fun if, someday, OUR team was the dark horse (when a dark horse wasn’t even rumored, that I heard of)?
That long and expensive a contract is dumb, like Price’s with the Red Sox, but it’s what has to be done these days. At least they can figure on a couple-few good years if injury is avoided.
On a serious note – if anyone needed more convincing that the Rox should go the rebuilding route – Greinke to the Snakes should be the final nail in the proverbial rebuild coffin. Greinke with Goldschmidt and that freak AJ Pollock now makes the NL West a 3-headed monster just like the NL Central. It will be interested to see if the Snakes are still going all-in for Arolodis Chapman.
Wow, enjoying the news! Samardja to the Giants, Zak to the Snakes… how exciting! What are the Rockies doing? (crickets)
I’d rather have the Denver Bears back. If you’re going to be minor league, might as well admit it. At least the Bears/Z’s tried, and often won. This outfit is a joke.
Why would the Rockies bring in Parra? I don’t get it, then again what else is new when it comes to the Rockies. I can see exchanging a left handed OF for a right handed OF on the roster for better balance, but Parra is a huge downgrade from any of the 3 OFs we have already. If you’re okay with downgrading, why not just promote Kyle Parker or someone for the full season? Even if the rookie struggles, at… Read more »
The only reason I can think of is that the Rockies have idiots in upper management. I also believe they should have traded Kyle Parker for anything they could get for him a long time ago.
Lots to digest here. Really big picture and attempting to read the tea leaves…..all signs point towards the BSCS still not coming to grips with the fact that we suck, that we WILL be bad in 2016 and 2017, and yet not fully committing to rebuilding. Instead, we’re getting a milquetoast pseudo rebuild will attempting to also field a competitive team in the meantime. Extremely flawed logic. Hopefully I’ll be proven wrong. That being said….I definitely do like Parra as… Read more »