Tonight is Game 161 of the year and the Rockies does have an impact on the playoff scenario. The Brewers (Rockies’ opponent) and the Cardinals are battling for the Central division title. St. Louis still has a one-game lead over the Brewers going into tonight when both Milwaukee and St. Louis lost Friday night. Milwaukee had a 20-4 record in September when Colorado held off the Brewers 11-7 after jumping to an early 11-2 lead. The best fans in baseball resides in St. Louis and they were cheering for the Rockies in the middle of the Cards-Cubs game.
Bud Black has done a great job in my humble opinion during the month of September after being dealt nothing by the front office. He is looking forward to 2020 season to see what works and what doesn’t work. It appears that Garrett Hampson is making a strong case to play CF when David Dahl is not available. He can also play 2B which gives the club flexibility on the roster. Sam Hilliard after being ignored all year in Albuquerque with 30 HR and 25 SB finally showed he can bring his game to The Show. He is making a strong case to play any OF position. The third player that is showing serious consideration for regular playing time next year is Ryan McMahon. Everyone is talking about how they missed keeping DJLM but they overlooked the fact that RyMac has hit just as many HRs in less playing time including a few to opposite field. He also fielded his position pretty good. His advantage is that he can play both 2B and 1B. That explains why Yonder Alonso is not getting any starts lately. A little known fact is that RyMac hits lefties and righties equally good.
The club also has clearly been taking a look at both the bullpen and rotation without the usual suspects. The rotation still has question marks with Chi Chi Gonzalex, Tim Melville, Antonio Senzatela, and Peter Lambert trying to make some kind of a statement. None of them is really standing out at this moment. My eye tests tell me they lead the majors (probably not true but…) in free passes (BB and HBP) issued, very few strike ones, and their inability to get leadoff hitters, 8-hole hitters, and pinch hitters. They can be good but they won’t be because they can’t pitch like a Kyle Kendrick (Cubs) or a Mike Davies (Brewers). They only throw around 90s but they are effective because they throw strikes without going over the middle of the plate. The pitchers also gave up more HRs than the Rockies hit themselves even in their own house.
Black also put Bryan Shaw, Jake McGee, and Wade Davis on an exiled island except for maybe one inning a week or two. If September is any indication of the future plans, Scott Oberg, Carlos Estevez, and Jairo Diaz will be at the back end of the pen with possibly James Pazos contributing. Yency Almonte and Sam Howard were given long looks in relief roles.
The goal from the RWO community is to see the front office have some balls to improve the club without signing average players to big contracts. For now it looks like the 2020 roster will be as follows:
Outfield: Blackmon (bad fielder, but invaluable bat who can hit anywhere in
the lineup), Dahl, Hilliard, Desmond or Tapia (one has to go), and Hampson backing up as 5th OF.
Infield: Arenado, Story, McMahon, Murphy (last year cuz of his stupid contract), Brendon Rodgers, and Hampson
Catcher: Wolters and either Drew Butera or Dom Nunez (Rockies is taking a long look at Butera over Nunez)
Rotation: Gray, Marquez, Freeland (those three must have good years or we’re shafted big time), the last two will be won in spring training – Anderson, Lambert, Castellani, Gonzalez, Senzatela, etc
Bullpen: Oberg, Estevez, Diaz, Pazos, Almonte (?), Howard (?), Bettis (?), Tinoco(?). I’m organizing a sit-in protest at the Rockies front office if they keep at least two out of three expensive arms (Davis, McGee, and Shaw). One is the limit they are allowed to keep and I would pick Shaw.
We will use this as the first thread of the off-season and when this thread gets a little long, I’ll put up a new post to start a new thread. Go Cardinals!
If anyone has evidence that Monfort and/or Bridich has anything to do with sign stealing….please, please, please come forward!
Hah! Now if we can link Ian Desmond and Wade Davis to it too… ok, maybe that’s asking too much.
My rumor is that Bridich was providing the pitching signs to the opponents.
Hilliard is apparently a keeper; his outfield play needs some reps to solidify. It’s sometimes a little too exciting – will he catch it? Won’t he? Hampson is CLEARLY a super-utility – have really enjoyed watching him this month. Will the owner have the guts to replace the GM? I think this is pivotal. And I wish “they” would think outside the box like carp and Bob discussed in the previous thread. Another doubtful item. I think Bettis is done,… Read more »
And keep Murphy on the bench! Another terrible signing. Let Fuentes run with the job in spring and just see what there might be with him.
New Pirates GM Ben Cherington has said that the Pirates do not regard anyone on their roster as untouchable. Should the Rockies go get Story’s buddy Josh Bell to cure their 1st base hole? Besides Daniel Murphy, Ian Desmond, Wade Davis, Jake McGee and Brian Shaw, who else should the Rockies give the Pirates for Bell?
Keeler: Will Nolan Arenado be the straw that breaks Jeff Bridich’s back? https://www.denverpost.com/2019/12/22/nolan-arenado-jeff-bridich-daniel-murphy-wade-davis-rockies-free-agency-fail-2019/
Hits the nail squarely five times over. I’d be shocked if any RWOer disagrees with this article.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, RWOers! Thanks for keeping the site alive. For whatever reason, the holidays bring me back to thinking about baseball. Interesting Tom Verducci piece about how the game has changed in the last decade — to my mind, mostly not for the good: https://www.si.com/mlb/2019/12/23/baseball-decade-in-review I’ve been a big fan of analytics in baseball, not exactly from the start, but a pretty “early adapter.” But the powers that be need to realize the new reality of how… Read more »
Merry Christmas, Ag, and to all our readers and writers and commenters who celebrate! I’m glad the site is alive, too.
Merry Christmas to all!
Referencing the Verducci article……things change, in nearly all aspects of life. Sometimes the change seems like its solely for the sake of change. Regardless, it’s incumbent on everyone (in this case – MLB) to keep up with change. I’m a big fan of the impending 3 batter RP minimum (exceptions noted) as a way to combat game time creep.
Arenado on Bridich’s bad side for … speaking the truth. A quick summary of Bridich acquisitions/signings vs. Dan O’Dowds: – Arenado: O’DOWD – Blackmon: O’DOWD – Dahl: O’DOWD – McMahon: O’DOWD – Story: O’DOWD – Gray: O’DOWD – Freeland: O’DOWD – Oberg: O’DOWD -Desmond: BRIDICH – Wade Davis: BRIDICH – Bryan Shaw: BRIDICH – Jake McGee: BRIDICH – Marquez: BRIDICH – Wolters: BRIDICH – Murphy: BRIDICH – Hoffman: BRIDICH With the exception of Marquez, Bridich’s guys are all — and… Read more »
Luhnow is suspended for 1 year.
And if I’m Mr. Monfort, I’m willing to wait for Luhnow. By the way, from what I’ve read, Luhnow isn’t the main culprit here. He was kind of the “you had reason to know this was going on and did nothing to stop it” guy. He’s kind of scummy in a NE Patriots way, but obviously it works and nice guys still do finish last.
I don’t want any scummy Patriots-way types, but I sing Amen to the rest of your excellent post
Correct – Farm System is currently crap. I’d rank it somewhere in the 25th – 30th range. Some publications may be slightly more generous. You’ll be hard pressed to find a ranking higher than 20th anywhere. Also agree regarding Luhnow, I’d take him in a heartbeat.
The Rockies are going to retire #33 in April. Bravo! I am on pins and needles for the Hall of Fame announcement Tuesday.
Bridich: I didn’t think it was possible, but here we are, less than a month from spring training, and we really are expecting ALL of Ian Desmond, Bryan Shaw, Jake McGee, and Wade Davis to report. (I just checked some of the reliable projections: Desmond projects as about 1 win UNDER replacement level; the other 3 right at replacement level. There is literally nothing worth holding on to here.) As Rockies. Bridich may be the most stubborn GM I’ve ever… Read more »
I fear it’s Dick Monfort’s cozy family loyalty thing that keeps this team stuck in the mud as well. And that’s NEVER going to shift. Nolan has said it wasn’t the trade speculation, and it is “things” (plural), but he hasn’t specified further. Saunders sheds a bit of light in his column: a meeting between JB and Nolan that turned confrontational, amid accusations of “broken promises.” I hate to hear the word confrontational, and you know whose side I’m on,… Read more »
Second half stats – I’m going here with fangraphs’ RC+, where 100 is an average hitter (and it’s adjusted for park): Hilliard 145 Nolan 136 Story 123 Dahl 108 Charlie 106 Hampson 103 Alonso 101 McMahon 99 Murphy 88 Desmond 71 Tapia 70 Wolters 42 Daza 38 Hilliard is a keeper! Still very raw – kind of an older (for his debut) lefthanded Matt Holliday. Sometimes the power doesn’t translate from AAA to the big leagues, but his does. Tapia:… Read more »
“McMahon and that elusive righty platoon partner at 1B would be a nice bridge.” McMahon hit for a higher average against LHPs than he did against RHPs. Why on earth do you want to sit him against LHPs? This is one of my problems with managers in general and Bud Black in particular that they can’t get over the LH batter against RH pitcher even when they have the stats to show it. They keep putting players in a position… Read more »
Bob K. – because reverse splits are almost always not “real” but simply small sample size effects! The correct way of viewing it is to assume that a lefthanded hitter is more effective against righties unless and until he proves otherwise. And McMahon’s 2019 was not his only season in pro ball. Minors 2017: 1.059 OPS vs. righties; .633 vs lefties Majors/minors combined 2018: .817/.682 2019 majors: .781/.785 (basically no split, but over only 150 ABs vs. lefties) And factor… Read more »
Think about this………while the Rox can’t come to grips with the concept of simple platoons, most “progressive” teams accepted platoons as gospel a half-dozen years ago and have now moved on to openers, bulk pitchers, and swing planes.
Good article in the Post, quoting outside sources such as Dan Szymborski of FanGraphs, and confirming what we all know, in layman’s terms/numbers 😉 Szymborski sums it up perfectly: “… I don’t see a willingness to change. I think it’s a general problem with the Rockies’ organization as a whole, from top to bottom. “I think you need a complete remaking of the organization. I think you need an organization that’s willing to break conventional rules of how things are… Read more »
I haven’t posted in many a year, but I read you all daily. We have 3 pitchers (Davis, Shaw, and McGee) who we owe $35.5 million for next year. We should be able to find 3 entry level payroll kids (Estevez, Diaz, Pazos, Howard, etc) who we can plug in. I think the Rox should trade the 3 expensive, worthless arms and offer to eat 2/3 of the salary ($24 million) which would save the team in the neighborhood of… Read more »
I think this is a realistic view (meaning we’ll have to pay a high chunk of their salaries and essentially get nothing in return). BIG DEAL. Even if we save 5-10M, that’s something and as you note, Estevez/Diaz/Pazos can’t possibly be worse.
Projected arbitration salaries for Rockies Players.
Chad Bettis – $3.8MM
Scott Oberg – $2.0MM
Jon Gray – $5.6MM
Tyler Anderson – $2.625MM
Trevor Story – $11.5MM
Tony Wolters – $2.0MM
Carlos Estevez – $1.2MM
David Dahl – $3.0MM
Kyle Freeland – $2.4MM
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/mlb-arbitration-salaries-2020.html
Revised projected arbitration salaries for Rockies players.
Scott Oberg – $2.0MM
Jon Gray – $5.6MM
Trevor Story – $11.5MM
Tony Wolters – $2.0MM
Carlos Estevez – $1.2MM
David Dahl – $3.0MM
Kyle Freeland – $2.4MM
Alright gang – game 6 of the ALCS. Two heavyweights. High stakes. Big money.
Both teams using an Opener.
Move along. Nothing to see here.
I haven’t been able to watch the LCS games, but from the highlights and summaries – wow! A lot of good stuff. I’ve held my tongue all season, but may I please, one last time, lament the loss of my man Deej? Good grief; what could have been, with McMahon given a full season to blossom at first base, or even move LeMahieu there.
Yeah……visualizing DJ at 1B instead of Murphy just makes you want to cry, huh??? Keep in mind, DJ played a lot of 3B (51 games) this seasons for the Yanks. 51 games @ 3B, 74 @ 2B, 35 @ 1B. The versatility the Rox feign to desire. Giving Nolan 20-25 games off a year as he ages is going to be critical. DJ could have made this a reality also. Signed for 2 years, 24M (almost identical to Murphy). 31… Read more »
Correct about zero creative or even expansive thinking. He could have turned into a top super-utility player of all time as HE ages, spelling Nolan and everybody else and himself. And to be fair, NOBODY foresaw the season he had. But he was much better than fine on our team, and if we had gotten this same season out of him? It all makes me want to cry. And if Murphy is the starter next year (of course he will… Read more »
Rockies promote Darryl Scott to bullpen coach. He replaces Darren Holmes.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/rockies-darryl-scott-bullpen-coach-darren-holmes.html
Blah – just shuffling cards from the same old deck. Color me unimpressed.
The thing that I remember was when Holmes was first hired, he said that he could fix Rex Brothers. Obviously he failed at that.
Arenado wins 7th gold glove in 7 years.
https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/nolan-arenado-2019-gold-glove-award-winner
As he should. Now, is Nick Ahmed really better than Trevor Story? Discuss.
Defensively – Ahmed is REALLY good. So is Story.
From what I read, Ahmed was slightly favored over DeJong and Story. But all 3 are really good defensively. In the old days, Story may have been given a slight edge for his offense which really should not be a factor in a defensive award.
I know the bat should not come into it, but I guess it was coloring my vision a bit
Arenado added another Platinum Glove to his collection also.
Normally I cannot stand to listen to Mad Dog Rizzo. Today was tolerable as he ripped Mike Trout as the AL MVP. In his opinion the award should have gone to DJ. He also admitted to being a Yankees fan and his east coast bias.
Rockies sign RHP Jose Mujica to a ML contract. RHP Wes Parson is DFAed to make room for him on the 40 man roster.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/rockies-sign-jose-mujica-designate-wes-parsons.html
Always a fan of picking up someone after TJ. Typically a steal if they come back strong.
Arenado Smoke: There’s a fair amount of smoke surrounding Arenado. It’s not just Jon Heyman. There appears to multiple, independent origins. I’ll still classify it as a long-shot, but it merits watching. I think discussion of the contract “opt-out” is over-stated. I can easily see a scenario where the receiving team “buys” the opt-out in exchange for adding a year on the back end of the contract. Dodgers/Yankees/Braves all make sense. I have little doubt Nolan would waive his no-trade… Read more »
I think that next year is a more likely case for an Arenado trade. I believe that is when the Rockies will start their “rebuild”. This year I believe that the Rockies are seriously looking for an Blackmon trade. If they could somehow dump Ian Desmond, Jake McGee, Bryan Shaw and Wade Davis without replacing them with other unfeasible contracts this year they might be alright for another year. I suspect that the Rockies don’t think they can afford both… Read more »
Must see YouTube TV:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCbQhKVNYkU
Larry Walker along with Derek Jeter makes the Hall of Fame!!!!!!!
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/01/derek-jeter-larry-walker-elected-to-hall-of-fame.html
Yyyyeeeeeeessss!!!!
WALK!!! Yipppeeeee and RIGHT ON!!! My all-time favorite baseball player to watch (and listen to :-))
Very nice.
Did anyone notice Jeter fell 1 vote of an unanimous decision. Someone didn’t vote for Jeter? Weird.
Larry Walker, Yeah!! I really didn’t think he’d make it, mostly because his career was a bit short and because he played in the media deserts of Montreal and Denver. Hey, maybe that finale in St Louis raised his profile enough! While the career stat line is on the edge, there’s no question that in his peak years he was a truly remarkable player – a true 5 tool guy. Glad to see it happen.
Rockies to sign Trevor Story to a 2 year extension.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/01/rockies-nearing-multi-year-contract-with-trevor-story.html
It looks like Chi Chi Gonzalez will be seriously considered for the rotation. Still a small sample, but it looks he’s overt his TJ.
Sam Hilliard over Tapia (to be DFA) because Tapia owns the MLB record for most helmets falling off head during swings. Yes, Tapia had a pinch hit GS Friday, but no thanks. Hilliard’s HR to opposite field off Josh Hader one out away from end of game beats the Tapia GS always in my book.
Chi Chi has been really good in his last 5 or 6 starts.
As for the pitchers: don’t be fooled by BABIP! Chi Chi and Melville were very lucky on balls in play in the second half: .236 for Chi Chi, .263 for Melville. They were and are replacement level. Heaven forbid they protect them on the 40 man roster. As for the relievers (again, focusing on the second half) – Diaz was very good. 2.76 FIP, and actually produced the most WAR of any Rox pitcher in the second half (a mere… Read more »
Whoa – really discouraging Letter issued to fans from Monfort/Bridich/Black.
I say discouraging because it certainly implies all will be back. Doubling down on same strategy. Not promising.
I didn’t read it that way, carp. Of course, whatever they say must be taken for what it is – spin – with a handful of salt. But Bridich refers to needed changes. Ah, who knows.
….and now I’m leaning your way, after the media session was described. I can’t believe they said “we expect X and Y to improve, we like our team/players, yada yada” AGAIN.
Here’s what makes it worse: 1. The Dodgers are the Dodgers. 2. The D-Backs extended Mike Hazen, really good GM that was rumored to be the front runner for the Boston GM position. 3. San Diego has the best Farm System in all of baseball….by a wide margin. 4. The Giants have Farhan Zaidi entering year 2 of his GM reign. Zaidi learned the trade under Billy Beane at Oakland and Andrew Friedman in LA (and Tampa before that). We’ll… Read more »
One glimmer of hope in the Monfort Letter was a cryptic comment about how they’ll be reevaluating the bullpen. “Reevaluate” better mean “DFA” for at least a couple of our aging nonperformers. I think Carp agrees with me: the way to improve the bullpen is to find talented arms who are struggling as starters in your organization or other organizations – the Ottavino way (a failed starter with the Cards), not picking up some 30-something “proven” reliever at a huge… Read more »
Keep this in mind, next season (2020), relief pitchers will have to face three batters minimum. Take a deep breathe. Think about this new rule for a few seconds. This is a big deal. I think this will change RPing as we know it. The age of the “super” reliever is upon us. Ag – you mention Hoffman. He’s got a golden opportunity next season. I think Senza should be moved to a RPer role as well. Caveat……..if the Rox… Read more »
There are exceptions to the rule. If there are two outs in the inning and the relief pitcher gets the final out of the inning by only facing one batter, the relief pitcher does not have to come back the next inning to face two more batters. The same if there is one out, the relief pitcher may only have to face one (double play) or two batters to end the inning without being required to come back the next… Read more »
Rockies making organizational changes. From MLBTradeRumors: “Thomas Harding of MLB.com confirms that the Rockies have dismissed several minor league coaches, including longtime Triple-A manager Glenallen Hill (link). Double-A hitting coach Lee Stevens and Single-A hitting coach Norberto Martin will also be let go, according to assistant general manager of player development Zach Wilson. A member of the club’s coaching ranks since 2004, Hill was previously first base coach with Colorado’s big league squad from 2007 to 2012. The 54-year-old Santa… Read more »
Interesting.
One thing that really bothered me (and I don’t believe I’ve commented on it) is what appeared to be a really down year in the Rockies minor league system, top to bottom, very few exceptions.
The Hitting Coach thing is especially interesting. Hopefully, this portends to a change in Organizational strategy with an adoption of a global, Organization wide hitting strategy ala’ the Dodgers (and many other Organizations).
It appears that it was Bridich who pushed for the opt out in Arenado’s contract.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/nl-notes-arenado-cano-mets-nats.html
RHP Julian Fernandez was taken in the 2017 Rule 5 draft by the SF Giants. He was subsequently waived and claimed by the Marlins. He spent the past 2 years on the MLB IL gaining 2 years of MLB service time. The Marlins have returned him to the Rockies.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/marlins-return-rule-5-pick-julian-fernandez-to-rockies.html
Saw this earlier today Bob.
Here’s a guy with 2 years of ML service time. Clock is ticking. I bring him to ST and audition him for the BP.
That is fine if he is healthy by then. His 2 years of service time were spent on the IL. I say leave him off the 40 man roster and hope that someone else takes him in the Rule 5 draft or just let him become a free agent.. Interesting tidbit that the Pirates are one of 3 teams that have a combined negative WAR from their pitching draftees over the past 8 seasons. Obviously there are teams that make… Read more »
Why should the Monfort’s want to change the way they do business? Rox finish 2019 6th in MLB attendance (just barely shy of 3M). This coming on the heels of last season’s 7th in MLB attendance at just over 3M. Basically…..about 100K less fans attended this season even though the team went from 91 wins to 71 wins. New TV deal. McGregor Square Project well underway. This should be a big income producer. Team valuation has probably doubled since the… Read more »
I’d add their loyalty-to-a-fault mode, whether it be to players or bad contracts or stale coaching.
RHP Ashton Goudeau doing good in Arizona Fall League.
13 IP – 4 H – 0 BB – 18 K – 0.00 ERA
https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/ahston-goudeau-rockies-arizona-fall-league
NICE!
I like this from the article:
“the Rockies eyed Goudeau as a long reliever who would work multiple innings.”
Translation – with new RP rules moving forward (and even without these rules – this is already a trend), the multi-inning (or even full inning) RPer is destined to be super valuable.
Rockies LHP Chris Rusin has chosen to become a free agent.
Chad Bettis and Tyler Anderson are rumored to be non-tendered.
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/10/22/rockies-offseason-questions-trevor-story-bad-relievers/?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=social&utm_content=tw-dprockies&utm_source=twitter.com
What a mess.
One of my many takeaways is that Tyler Anderson’s knee situation must be bad.
The other “many” takeaways is that all of this is on Bridich.
Rockies release RHP DJ Johnson.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/rockies-release-dj-johnson.html
Johnson has signed with the Hiroshima Carp.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/rockies-release-dj-johnson.html
Salt River Rafters win the AFL championship game. Rockies Ashton Goudeau pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings with one hit and 3 Ks to get the win.
I am thinking that the Rockies need to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Since he is already 27, he probably needs to be in the majors next year. He definitely needs to be in spring training 2020.
https://www.mlb.com/news/salt-river-wins-2019-arizona-fall-league-championship
Goudeau looks as tall and lanky as Randy Johnson.
The Rox have all sorts of dead wood on the 40 man. You certainly make room for this guy.
How many times have I said the Rox should look to the Ray’s and A’s as models????
Well, the Red Sox are currently looking. They’ll most likely hire Chaim Bloom (Rays VP…..he looks like he’s maybe 18 YO) as their GM this week.
That gives us:
Dodgers – Andrew Friedman (Rays)
Giants – Farhan Zaidi (A’s)
Red Sox – most likely Bloom (Rays)
These teams get it. It’s really not that difficult.
Looks like the Pirates have pretty much cleaned house. The most recent firing is GM Neal Huntington. Other firings have been team president Frank Coonelly, manager Clint Hurdle, pitching coach Ray Searage and bench coach Tom Prince. Personally I would not mind seeing Ray Searage given a special position in the Rockies organization allowing him the ability to work with development of pitchers at all levels. His latest successful reclamation project was former Rockies pitcher Jordan Lyles who is said… Read more »
You’re correct regarding Searage. He won’t be out of a job long.
Makes you wonder what kind of dysfunction is going on with the Diamondbacks when two men have been offered the pitching coach position and both have turned it down.
You’ve got to figure Joe Girardi, David Ross, and Jayce Tingler all have to put together staffs, and are in arguably better situations. So, perhaps guys are using the DBacks to gain a bit of leverage??? Who knows.
Pat Valaika has been claimed off of waivers by the Orioles. This brings the 40 man roster down to 38. More openings are still needed since at least 3 of the 5 on the 60 day IL will need 40 man roster spots. This does not include spots needed to protect minor league prospects from the Rule 5 draft.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/orioles-claim-pat-valaika.html
Tyler Anderson claimed by Giants. We’ll regret this one.
I think you are correct.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/giants-claim-tyler-anderson.html
Pirates claim Sam Howard.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/pirates-claim-sam-howard.html
Chad Bettis and Tim Melville made it through waivers and were outrighted to AAA. Bettis has already declare for free agency and Melville is expected to do the same. With the previous moves and Butera being a free agent, the 40 man roster should be at 36 once Rodgers, Gray and Oberg are reinstated.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/rockies-outright-chad-bettis-tim-melville.html
They still need to make some trades to shed some big money contracts of players that are not producing.
Jairo Diaz is also a free agent.
Important dates in 2019 – 2020 offseason.
November 20 is the deadline to protect Rule 5 Draft eligible players by adding them to the 40 man roster. December 12 is the Rule 5 Draft.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/2019-20-offseason-calendar.html
Former Rockies pitcher Matt Herges is expected to be hired as the pitching coach for the Diamondbacks.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/diamondbacks-to-hire-matt-herges-as-pitching-coach.html
Who had the Nats to win it all? Nobody, that’s who. I love when underdogs and teams who haven’t done it (ever, or in a long time) step up and take it!
The Giants have claimed RHP Rico Garcia. I found some of the comments to be spot on.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/giants-claim-rico-garcia.html
You mean like this comment (for example):
“Your suspicions are correct. They obviously know more about who THEY value more highly. My problem is not with their sticking to their valuations. My problem is that their valuations make little to no sense and they keep making the same mistakes over and over again with no consequences to the jobs of front office personnel.”
I agree Bob K
I was confident that you would agree with that comment.
Couple of items:
First – FanGraphs top 50 Free Agents:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2020-top-50-free-agents/
I don’t expect much Rockies action with this list. The one guy that fits a clear need and “might” have money for is at #27, Travis D’Arnaud.
Item #2 – also from my beloved FanGraphs – 2020 Steamer Projections: https://www.fangraphs.com/projections.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&type=steamer&team=0&lg=all&players=0 Couple of notes regarding STEAMER. First, this is NOT my favorite projection system. Second (with it being said that it’s not my favorite system), I do find it intriguing that both Gray and Marquez crack the top 30 pitchers based on WAR. I liked a lot oF what I saw in Jon Gray last season. I see one incredibly narrow path to success for the 2020 Rockies… Read more »
Carp! How the heck do you call Blackmon a black hole offensively? (Or are you speaking of Tapia, #4?)
I’m sorry, I frequently use the word “offense” when I really should say “everyday.” I think Charlie is a defensive black hole, Desmond is an offensive black hole (and isn’t good defensively either considering his athletic ability). I think our C position is an offensive black hole, and our bench is really both. Tapia confounds me. The talent is there (offensively and defensively) for Tapia. But, is the baseball IQ? So far, I say “no.”
I say give Sam Hilliard a long look in left field this spring and make Desmond an expensive pinch hitter/backup.
Trevor Story is the only Rockies player to win a Silver Slugger this year.
Here is an Offseason Outlook for the Rockies. They appear to have missed the fact that Jairo Diaz is also a free agent.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/offseason-outlook-colorado-rockies-11.html
Once again speculation on who the Rockies should trade away begins. In my opinion, the Rockies do not plan to trade Jon Gray. It just isn’t their style along with the fact that they are already short on quality starting pitching. I do believe that they will be shopping Blackmon but doubt they will get a trade done.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/trade-candidate-jon-gray.html
These two articles you’ve linked Bob K do a great job illustrating the dire straits (one of my all-time favorite bands) the entire Rockies Organization finds itself in entering 2020. No payroll flexibility. Bad Farm system. Little in the way of attractive, tradable commodities (although the Rox don’t think this way anyway). The best “prospect” (Rodgers) having to overcome a serious baseball injury.
It’s just not good.
I assume that the Rockies quietly resigned Jairo Diaz. He is no longer listed as a free agent after 2019 on Rockies Roster. All players have been reinstated from the 60 man IL. The 40 man roster is currently at 36.
Rockies sign IF Eric Stamets to a minor league deal with invite to spring training.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/rockies-sign-eric-stamets.html
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/rockies-trade-rumors-jon-gray.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
If this is true, please make me GM for a day! The Padres system is so stacked, the “right” trade with them could be the beginning of a franchise transformation. Their 2nd tier young guys (Franmil Reyes/Josh Naylor/etc) are better than anyone we have.
I have no doubt that the Rockies are getting asked about possible trades for Jon Gray. With the Rockies current shortage of quality starting pitchers, I doubt that Gray will be traded. It wouldn’t be the first time that other teams wanted a Rockies player and no trades happened. I believe that a number of teams wanted German Marquez and Kyle Freeland last year.
Agreed. Once again, way too bold for the Rockies to even consider a franchise-transforming move. However, I think they NEED to keep him.
F. Reyes now plays for the Indians (but good overall point)
That’s right – thanks RnS!
From MLBTradeRumors: “It is still tough to gauge whether the Rockies will end up pulling off some major roster moves or simply make a few tweaks. GM Jeff Bridich and owner Dick Monfort have suggested the club will need to improve largely from within, while also expressing optimism that it can do so. But we’ve heard persistent chatter regarding possible trade scenarios involving top Colorado players — much of it speculative, to be fair. Odds are, the Rox will simply… Read more »
Bridich speaks.
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/11/13/rockies-catcher-pitching-offseason-jeff-bridich/
Rockies add LHP Ben Bowden, IF Tyler Nevin, RHP Ashton Goudeau and RHP Antonio Santos to the 40 man roster.
https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/rockies-add-four-prospects-to-40-man-roster
As predicted, the Rockies do not intend to trade Gray. They are also not planning to trade Story.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/rockies-reportedly-do-not-intend-to-trade-jon-gray.html
Looks like someone is upset that the Rockies don’t intend to trade Gray or Story. There is a poll on MLBTradeRumors about it.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/mlbtr-poll-should-rockies-trade-trevor-story-jon-gray.html
ahhhhh……….Mariners trade very nice offensive Catcher Omar Narvaez to the Brewers clearing space for……………………………DRUMROLL……………………Tom Murphy to be their #1 Catcher.
Rockies trail of tears:
1. DJ
2. Otto
3. Tauchmann
4. Kahnle
5. Murphy
6. Pomeranz
7. Tyler Anderson
Argh. But one Devil’s advocate moment: should they really have stuck with Pomeranz? He seemed a bust in every way if ever there was one. Quite a nice resurgence the past several years, obviously…
1. DJ – was let go to make room for Rodgers. No one knows how that is going to work out in the long run. At least for 2019, it was a bad decision by the Rockies. 2. Otto – fulfilled his dream of playing for the Yankees. 3. Tauchmann – never lived up to his potential as a Rockie among a crowded outfield corps. 4. Kahnle – went through a lot of down years before having a good year… Read more »
I took a little break from baseball, but I’m gradually working my way back … first question for Carp (as a Rays and Padres watcher): what to make of the Hunter Renfroe – Tommy Pham (prospects going each way too) deal? I tend to like it for the Padres since Pham is much more of an OBP guy. Wouldn’t trading some power for some on base skills be a good idea for the Rockies too?
This is a deal I like for both sides (regarding Pham and Renfroe). Pham has been so good the last couple of years (he’s one of the very best “under the radar” players in baseball) that his arbitration costs will be too high for the Rays. Renfroe has prodigious power, is younger, and cheaper. I’m guessing the Rays see something in Renfroe’s approach that they can address to help his BA/OBP. Renfroe is also a really good defensive player. Finally,… Read more »
Rockies claim RHP Tyler Kinley off waivers from the Marlins. RHP Joe Harvey was DFAed to make room on the 40 man roster.
https://www.mlb.com/rockies/news/tyler-kinley-claimed-off-waivers-by-rockies
Jon Heyman says the Rockies are willing to listen to trade offers for Arenado. I recall Heyman getting in trouble last year for rumors he made up.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/12/rockies-willing-to-listen-on-nolan-arenado.html
“Listen” is a verb that means exactly that, no more. It’s easy for a sportswriter to seize on something like this and spin it (although Heyman has not said any more, either, to be fair). Bridich has said the same word, giving the explanation that when teams approach him about a player, he listens. He doesn’t plug his ears. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything at that stage. Other Team: “If you think about trading so-and-so, keep us in mind.” JB:… Read more »
Rockies sign Oberg to 3 year $13MM deal.
https://www.mlb.com/breaking-news/scott-oberg-agrees-to-deal
Another mistake. You guys and gals all know that relievers are an up-and-down bunch. Hopefully he’ll have one or two above-average seasons.
Rockies sign C Drew Butera to a minor league deal again.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/12/rockies-sign-drew-butera-to-minors-contract.html
Why? Is the market really that thin?
Rockies took no one and did not lose anyone in the MLB part of the Rule 5 Draft. They took two RH relief pitchers from the Brewers in the AAA part of the Rule 5 Draft and lost four of their own pitchers in the AAA part. “Rule 5 Draft In the Triple-A portion, the Rockies reached out to the Brewers organization for two righty relief pitchers. Nate Griep, who possesses a fastball around 94 mph and a workable slider,… Read more »
RHP Joe Harvey cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA.
Rockies sign OF Mike Gerber to a minor league deal.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/12/rockies-sign-mike-gerber.html
Rangers said to have interest in Arenado.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/12/rangers-have-interest-in-nolan-arenado.html
It’s still early and rosters are no settled, but 2020 ain’t lookin’ too promising. Here’s Clay Davenport’s early projected records (claydavenport.com) Dodgers 94-68 Padres 86-76 Dbacks 81-81 (pre-Bumgarner; that should add a couple wins) Rockies 77-85 Giants 65-97 (is this the worst team in baseball?) The shocker for me is that the Mets project as having the best record in the NL: 96 wins! That depends on pretty optimistic bounceback projections for old guys like Cespedes and Cano, but still… Read more »
I love Jeff McNeil (Mets). That kid is a baller.
And for a more amusing take on the Rockies: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2020-zips-projections-colorado-rockies/ “The team has done a lousy job developing secondary offensive talent, and they showed little interest in a meaningless stretch drive to look at some of these fringe players, like Dom Nunez or Roberto Ramos or Peter Mooney, by giving them playing time in the majors. There was no guarantee Mike Tauchman would even be good for the Yankees in 2019, but there was certainly more of a chance he’d… Read more »
Yep, if they signed ’em to a zillion dollars, they’re gonna play ’em, over taking a perfect opportunity to vet some “fringe players”
It’s not the fact that the Rockies make mistakes (all teams do), it’s the fact that they’re incapable of moving on from their mistakes.
If I were an Owner (we can all dream – right) and had a mid-League payroll (say 110-120M), I’d allocate a 10-15% “screw-up” contingency fund for my GM and encourage leadership to move on from mistakes.
I”m sure you’ve seen this by now:
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/12/braves-trade-rumors-nolan-arenado-rockies.html
This is the closest thing to a realistic, “perfect” match for both sides (meaning Atlanta and the Rox fit for a Nolan trade). There are even “rumors” on a couple of Braves sites about taking Blackmon also (I’m in Georgia this week). These (the Blackmon rumors) are just fan generated as far as I can tell.
Update via Jon Morosi (MLB Network) Twitter:
Sources: Nolan Arenado has roughly a 50/50 chance of being traded, with a half-dozen teams having checked in, as I just reported on
@MLBNetwork
. The #Dodgers are *not* the most likely destination, as #Rockies prefer not to trade Arenado in the division.
@MLB
Here’s where I am with this:
If we’re to believe the rumors, Josh Donaldson is enamored with the Nationals or a return to the Braves. This means one of these two teams (at a minimum) will be left at the alter. The NL East has turned into an arms race this off-season. If I’m the Rox – I’m scouting the hell out of these two farm systems.
Rockies want a young, dynamic, right-handed-hitting center fielder, among other players, in order to move Arenado . . . meaning Luis Robert is precisely the kind of player who intrigues them in this blockbuster scenario. Great point here by @philgrogers. https://t.co/dagY6qeDfL
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 2, 2020
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/01/morosi-5050-chance-of-nolan-arenado-trade.html
MLBTradeRumors has a Shop Arenado poll.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/12/mlbtr-poll-should-rockies-shop-nolan-arenado.html
Welcome back, Bad Old Days. It is hard for me to watch how Bridich squandered a fantastic young core of talent through idiotic free agent signings. And we’re back to the 2012-15 era now where offseason acquisition talk centers around things like “who will take our problem contracts” and “how do we deal our best player we’ve had since Tulo’s prime.” Not to mention the thrilling “who will back up Tony Wolters” where every other team in this situation would… Read more »
Rockies “investigating” trades for McGee and Shaw.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/01/latest-on-rockies-relievers.html
In other words: “Rockies desperately trying to get anyone to pay even a small fraction of McGee’s and/or Shaw’s guaranteed salaries.”
Rockies have agreed to sign IF Chris Owings to a minor league deal.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/01/rockies-to-sign-chris-owings.html
“USA Today’s Bob Nightengale says that Owings will make $1 million if in the majors. The utility player hit an embarrassing .139/.209/.233 over 66 games with the Royals and Red Sox last season.”
Horrible. Embarrassing.
This is reminding me of the offseason in the darkest days — maybe 2003-2005? — when the big free agent acquisitions were Desi Relaford, Eli Marrero, Todd Greene, and, oh … Benny Agbayani. As I’ve said before, my nom de plume is meant to serve as a cheerful reminder of Rockies fandom in those old LOL days. It wasn’t meant to be a prediction of future LOL days.
Benny Agbayani meet Kelby Tomlinson. Kelby Tomlinson meet Benny Agbayani.
Long, massive Roger Daltrey scream……Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Fun challenge for long-time fans who’ve followed the rosters closely: find me a scrap-heap acquisition who stood out and really contributed. (There may be one or more, but I sure don’t recall.)
Kaz Matsui, but only got 2007 out of him. He actually came over in a trade in bad contract for bad contract, change of scenery deal right?
Jeromy Burnitz finished up 2003 with the Dodgers hitting .204 with 13 HRs and 32 RBIs. Played 2004 for Rockies hitting .283 with 37 HRs and 110 RBIS.
His combined totals between the Mets and Dodgers for 2003 were .239 BA with 31 HRs and 77 RBIs.
Could Jason Marquis be considered a scrap-heap pickup? He was really good for a little while.
From MLBTradeRumors “The Rockies re-signed righty reliever Wes Parsons. The 27-year-old was claimed off waivers midseason from the Braves, but a dreadful MLB showing cost him his 40-man roster spot. Parsons logged a cumulative 5.45 ERA with more walks (29) than strikeouts (26) in 34.2 innings. Colorado also signed outfielder Michael Choice. The former top prospect, now 30, hasn’t logged significant MLB action since 2014. He’s spent the past two seasons in the Mexican League, but a strong 2019 effort… Read more »
Rockies sign IF Kelby Tomlinson to minor league deal.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/01/rockies-sign-kelby-tomlinson.html
Rockies to sign C Elias Diaz to minor league deal.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/01/rockies-to-sign-elias-diaz.html
LAME!
“Denver Post Rockies Retweeted
Kyle Newman
@KyleNewmanDP
·
1h
#Rockies fans, to reiterate, at tomorrow’s Fan Fest, GM Jeff Bridich will be unavailable to media. He will also not hold a formal Q&A with fans. Questions about Nolan Arenado’s future and $0 spent in free agency are left unanswered”
Booooooooooooo