Rockies Have a Solid Foundation But Would Welcome Upgrades
LAS VEGAS – The biggest question facing the Rockies as they talk trades and possible free agents is whether they really need to focus much on either area.
The Rockies are enjoying a moment of success. They are coming off back-to-back post-season appearances for the first time in their 26-year history. They did finish the 162-game regular season tied with the Dodgers for the top spot in the NL West, only to be denied the first division title in franchise history when they lost a Game 163 against the Dodgers.
And they have done it with a core of homegrown players out of a farm system that has more help on the way.
With the Major League portion of the Winter Meetings officially getting underway on Monday, here’s a look at the Rockies if the season were to open today:
CATCHING
Chris Iannetta and Tony Wolters shared the chores last year, and return, although an upgrade could be in store.
| Lucroy Laying in the Weeds? |
|---|
| After acquiring catcher Jonathan Lucroy prior to the trading deadline in 2017, the Rockies efforts to sign him to a multi-year deal last winter didn’t go far. The Rockies made an initial offer of three years and $18 million. Lucroy’s agent was looking for five years and $60 million. The difference was so big, and available catchers so limited, the Rockies quickly signed Chris Iannetta instead, not wanting to find themselves in late February, looking for a catcher with no option available. |
| Lucroy wound up signing with Oakland. It was a one-year deal for $6.5 million. He’s back on the free agent market, and while nothing serious has been discussed, the two sides have at least had contract this winter. |
ROTATION
It’s the best the Rockies have ever enjoyed. They actually led the NL starting staffs in innings pitched. And five of the six pitchers who combined to make 162 of the 163 regular-season starts (including that showdown with the Dodgers for the NL West title) were homegrown. Kyle Freeland, Tyler Anderson and Jon Gray were first-round picks. Chad Bettis was a second-round selection. Antonio Senzatela was the product of the Rockies Latin program. Only German Marquez came in a trade – from Tampa Bay – but he split the 2016 season between Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque before getting the call to Coors Field
It’s not just that they were effective in 2018, but they are young. Bettis is the elder statesman, and he does not turn 30 until April 27. The rotation compiled the second lowest ERA in franchise history (4.17). The 2009 team, which won a franchise-record 92 games, one more than last year, had a 4.10 ERA.
BULLPEN
The splurge was made on relievers a year ago. The Rockies signed closer Wade Davis, re-signed Jake McGee and brought on Bryan Shaw off the free-agent market. Now, Davis did set a franchise record with 43 saves in 49 opportunities, but he had a handfull of ugly efforts that resulted in a bloated 4.13 ERA. That, however, was nothing compared to the struggles of McGee (6.49) and Shaw (5.93) or holdover Mike Dunn (9.00).
The Rockies have lost Adam Ottavino (2.43) to free agency, which has caused a stir among fans. But remember, the life of a relief pitcher is those ugly summers followed up a season of success. It was a year ago that fans wanted Ottavino to be released, but he was under contract for another year, and the Rockies chose to ignore the nightmarish 2017 in which he had a 5.03 ERA and walked 39 batters in 5 1/3 innings.
They did, however, strengthen their bullpen with the trading-deadline acquisition of Seunghwan Oh, who had a 2.53 ERA in 25 games after he joined the team last year. They witnessed the emergence of Scott Oberg as a dominate arm in later innings, and saw a second-half revivial from lefty Chris Rusin.
A free agent could be brought in to fill a need, but there also are the likes of Yency Almonte and Jesus Tinoco, both with power arms, in the farm system.
INFIELD
Ian Desmond is the incumbent first baseman, but there also is a feeling the time has come for highly-regarded prospect Ryan McMahon to get his shot. It could be in the form of a platoon with Desmond also getting time in left field.
Highly-regarded prospect Garrett Hampson has earned his shot at second base in place of DJ LeMahieu, who has been lost to free agency. There also is a feeling that the organization’s top prospect, Brendan Rodgers could be ready by mid-season. A shortstop by trade, the Rockies like to create versatility, and he’s getting time at second and third.
Trevor Story has emerged as an All-Star shortstop, alongside All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado. Arenado is headed into his final year before potential free agency, but the Rockies would seem likely to wait until the trading deadline in July to try and get him signed to a long-term deal before considering a trade.
That would give them time to see how serious the team can be considered a contender, and the value of a potential free agent won’t be any less in late July for Arenado for a contending team that feels he can make a difference.
OUTFIELD
This is where the biggest remake will come. David Dahl has whetted the appetite. He has the tools to be the most complete player in franchise history, but there’s a big difference between potential and reality. He has the speed, range and arm strength to be middle-of-the-lineup center fielder, which would likely result in Charlie Blackmon moving to right field.
Desmond could get time in left field with prospects including Michael Tauchman, Raimel Tapia and Noel Cuevas.