[UPDATE 12.29.2011] Well, it looks like Olney and Renck are both either mistaken in their assessment of the Ross situation, or they were given incorrect information. Wednesday Saunders of the DP reported that the Ross rumors are wrong and the reason is exactly what i speculated earlier: too much depth in our outfield already.
[12.27.2011] After reducing his expectations, from 3 to 2 years, the Rockies seem to be in talks with Cody Ross. The strange thing is, after picking up Cuddyer the Rockies are flush with outfielders. Ross would be a 5th glove roving Coors expanse, which leaves Smith as a very odd man out. Even trading Smith means Ross would still have to settle for ridding the pine, given the 10+ million Cuddyer and CarGo are making, the option of them sitting ranges from extremely remote to nil. Not to mention Tyler Colvin wanting to fit in somewhere.
I don’t expect a trade like this to ingratiate the management with the fans, especially after the money spent on an outfielder (too much by many opinions) in Cuddyer. Pitching seems to be the desire from the faithful fan, along with a solid glove/bat at 2nd.
The Ross news comes from Buster Olney and seems to be echoed by Renck, adding that the Rockies have wanted Ross for a while now.
First off – site looks great! Thanks Jaredean
I hate the Cuddyer deal. Wayyyy to much money for, essentially, Ty Wiggington. Ross would have made more sense (had we not signed Cuddyer). as I think the price tag would have been lower…could be wrong on that. What do you guys think of the Cuddyer deal? Too much money, right? Or am I missing something?
Personally, i do think that it was a bit too much, especially when you compare it to the Willingham pickup. If we had gone with Willingham, a player that many have said is very comparable to Cuddy – both 33 – similar career stats, etc., we would have saved about 10 million. Is Cuddy worth the extra 3 million and change? We shall see.
One thing I think DOD and the gang really like about Cuddy is his reputation for being an outstanding guy. From what I’ve seen the guy was pretty much the Twins spokesman after games and his interviews so far with the Denver reporters has been excellent. I listened to an interview he did on 104.3 (http://tinyurl.com/7c3s8ux) and he was excellent behind the mic. I think he will make a great fit and Tulo seemed to really want him.
One other thing to look at: Cuddyer hit 20 home runs last year, with ½ of them coming at home (Target Field) which is ranked 10th most pitcher friendly park in the MLB. That should hopefully translate into a 25+ HR season this year I’d think and hope.
I like the optimism. But, at some point signing players based on character needs to produce wins, and lots of them. I can’t wait for April!
I agree Matt. I’m getting a little tired of the Rockies going after only “nice guys”. Start going after the talented guys that will help you win!
I didn’t know Ross was a “nice guy”, bless his heart. Watching him play for the Giants I thought he was a jerk.
Maybe he’s one of those guys you love as a teammate but hate as a rival….