Houston Astros World Series Champions. Great story. It’s interesting to me that the 2014 Sports Illustrated story picking the post nuclear rebuild Astros as 2017 World Champions is getting so much publicity. Everyone has reasons to adopt a team after their favorite team (Rockies) has been eliminated. I know many liked the Astros due to the flood story. Others liked the Astros simply because they hate the Dodgers and their endless $$$$. I personally adopted the Astros because of the nuclear rebuild. What a great job post Ed Wade to recognize that the Organization as a whole was flawed and needed to be rebuilt from the ground up. Nicely done.
I propose posting all things Hot Stove here. RMH/Jeem…..feel free to add a cool picture!
Rockies big picture:
- Need offense.
- Need Bullpen replacements.
- Have some significant $$$$$ coming off the books.
- Need to decide what to do with Ryan McMahon (could help address #1).
- Need to get, and keep, David Dahl healthy (could help address #1).
- Need to extend Arenado.
I’m calling this Hot Stove Phase for all things through the Rule 5 draft.
What a great World Series. It made me think about how extremely hard it is to get that far, and how much excellence is needed in all aspects of the team. It also made me think that the Rockies are farther behind than I figured. If Jon Gray becomes a bona fide ace, that’ll help. Do we think that German Marquez is next in line for “really really good?” But these teams have at least TWO ELITE aces apiece, and… Read more »
Top 50 MLB free agents and their possible signings. 19. Brandon Morrow – Rockies. Three years, $24MM. Morrow followed an interesting path to becoming Kenley Jansen’s wingman for the Dodgers in the World Series. Drafted fifth overall by the Mariners in 2006, the hard-throwing righty and Type 1 diabetic skipped the minors and spent his Mariners career being almost comically jerked in and out of late inning relief and starting roles, battling injuries along the way. Then the Blue Jays… Read more »
Bob – I made this post 11/08/2014: A name I want to throw out from this FA pool is Brandon Morrow. But not as a SP. I think he’s viable (in fact – extremely viable) if he can be convinced to go back to his relief pitching ML roots. Once considered the hardest tower in baseball (2008 – an occasional 100 mph offering) the Mariners brought him up and put him in their largely dysfunctional Pen. In fact, he even… Read more »
I remember that post. My prediction is that Morrow remains a Dodger and does not sign with the Rockies.
Remember one of my core theories – “throw enough shit at the wall….something will stick.” I get lucky every now and then.
I hope you’re correct that Morrow doesn’t come to us. He was 30 in 2014 when I wrote this. So he’ll be 34 entering next season…..and he’s still injury prone.
Another prediction is that if the Rockies give Cargo a QO, he will accept it. I seriously doubt that anyone is going to make him a $17.4 MM offer for one year and he may not get that much for a two year offer,
I was wrong, Cubs have agreed to sign Brandon Morrow.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/cubs-nearing-deal-with-brandon-morrow.html
Almonte pitched one shut out inning with one K and one BB in the AFL All Star game tonight.
Things that make you go “hmmmmm:” Tanaka (Yankees) opts “in” to remaining contract. The Yankees are probably OK with this. Cueto (Giants) also opts “in” to four years of remaining contract. Giants probably aren’t so happy with this. Cardinals have offered one Prospect (supposedly elite pitching Prospect) for Giancarlo Stanton. I find this mildly surprising. Stanton’s remaining contract (something like 12 more years and 300 million) is a huge boat anchor ala Albert Pujols. Surely the Cards are asking for… Read more »
Ian Kennedy also opted “in” to his remaining contract. This was not any surprise at all due to the poor year he had.
Rockies decline Amarista’s option.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/rockies-decline-option-alexi-amarista.html
Also, Holland formally declined his player option.
I present the 2019 version of 2017 Greg Holland…..Trevor Rosenthal, just released by the Cardinals: Rosenthal will miss most, if not all, of 2018 while recovering from Tommy John surgery so the Cards obviously didn’t want to give him a raise in his final year of arbitration eligibility. Some team might attempt to sign the former closer to a two-year deal or a one-year deal with an option, paying for his rehab in 2018 in hopes that they’ll get him… Read more »
Thank goodness Holland opted out – I didn’t want this team to get stuck with another bad contract just when we’ve gotten out from Tulo (through Reyes) and Cargo. The Stanton trade rumor is intriguing – I have to imagine that anyone putting out feelers on him has to be demanding tons of salary relief from the Marlins.
Still not out of the woods on Holland as the Rockies make him a $17.4MM Qualifying Offer. Fortunately they did not make a QO to Cargo.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/9-players-receive-qualifying-offers.html
Arenado and Blackmon not MVP finalists? Goldschmidt, Votto, Stanton instead. I’m surprised there’s two guys from noncompetitive teams since we always hear that voters discount big statistical years that didn’t do much for their teams. Maybe Arenado and Blackmon split the vote. At any rate, Blackmon ought to be right there – it really was an incredible season, and done with solid defense at a premium position.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
This just proves what hypocrites the members of the BBWA are. They did not have any problem voting for Judge as an AL MVP candidate when his home road splits are far worse than either Blackmon or Arenado. Not to mention the fact that he struck out 204 times.
Alright Bob K……….I lean on you for all things procedural. The Rox extend Greg Holland a QO, which he is expected to turn down. This means when he signs with another team, the Rox will receive a 2nd round draft pick (as opposed to 1st round under previous CBA) as compensation. Right? Or wrong? The Rox didn’t extend Cargo a qualifying offer because: A. He might have accepted. B. Even if he rejected, there is a real danger that another… Read more »
I saw Holland declined
…aaaaand I’m behind the curve here, just read through all the comments
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/259650658/mlb-qualifying-offer-rules-explained/ Under the current QO rules, if Greg Holland signs with a different team for at least $50MM the Rockies will receive a draft pick after the first round and before the Competitive Balance Round A. If the signing is for less than $50MM the draft pick will be after the Competitive Balance Round B which is after the 2nd round. Of course there is the outside possibility that Holland will sign with the Rockies or accept the QO. Accepting… Read more »
Right on! Thanks. Good stuff.
From MLB Trade Rumors; The Rockies made a qualifying offer to closer Greg Holland. They were a revenue sharing recipient and are subject to the same rules as the Royals, Rays, and Indians. Holland, too, is a borderline $50MM free agent, though he certainly figures to aim higher than that in the early stages of free agency. If he reaches $50MM+, the Rox will get a pick after the first round. If not, they’ll receive a pick after Comp Round… Read more »
From MLBTradeRumors
“The Rockies selected the contract of outfielder Noel Cuevas, per a club announcement. Acquired from the division-rival Dodgers in the trade that sent Juan Nicasio to Los Angeles, Cuevas blossomed at Triple-A Alburquerque in 2017. Across 528 plate appearances, he posted a .312/.353/.487 slash with 15 long balls and 16 steals.”
Roy Halladay dies in plane crash.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/roy-halladay-killed-in-plane-crash.html
DJ wins his second Gold Glove while Arenado becomes the first infielder to ever win 5 straight Gold Gloves to start his career.
http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/260899988/rockies-arenado-lemahieu-win-gold-gloves/
Votto and Goldy both played in extremely hitter friendly parks, no??? Yet they are not penalized. Ggrrrrrrrr.
RMH….there has always been the old meme “you have to be on a winning team.” Votto didn’t meet that either, did he? I agree, this one smells fishy. I think Blackmon and Arenado probably split votes, which contributed to this a little bit. But that’s not an excuse for all of it. FWIW….if I had a vote, I’d go Goldschmidt #1, Arenado #2, Blackmon #3. I go Arenado over Blackmon because NoDo plays a premium position defensively better than anyone… Read more »
Arenado wins the Majestic Athletic Always Game Award voted on by the MLB players. Since this award is voted on by the MLB players, I believe it means much more than awards voted on by the hypocrites in the BBWA.
http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/261043194/rockies-nolan-arenado-honored-by-players/
Arenado, Blackmon and Stanton were the final 3 for NL Best player which went to Stanton. Altuve, Arenado and Stanton were the final 3 for Best MLB player which went to Altuve who also won the Best AL player award.
Shane Broyles does good in AFL, hoping to be added to 40 man roster before Nov. 20 deadline for protection from Rule 5 Draft.
http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/261043414/rockies-shane-broyles-turning-heads-in-afl/
If the Rockies were to sign a free agent that had turned down a QO, they would lose their fourth highest draft pick. The teams that can most afford to sign free agents (Competitive Balance Tax Payors: Tigers, Dodgers, Yankees, Giants, Nationals) really do get penalized much worse since they lose their second and fifth highest draft picks and also have their International Signing Bonus Pool reduced by $1MM. The non revenue sharing teams (Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Angels,… Read more »
Too many awards. Always Game Award – huh? Best Player? MVP? Silver Slugger? Gold Glove? No doubt there are more. (Doritos Chevrolet Wells Fargo Best OBP by a Guy Over 35 Award?) They have been sprouting up like weeds as far as I can see. I do value the “voted by players” ones more highly. And I do really like the Gold Glove, and the fact that DJ won another!
And Nolan, of course! (That’s so close a lock, it barely deserves mention:)
I value Fielding Bible Award much more than GG.
Not a problem since both DJ and Nolan won both.
Blackmon gets Silver Slugger and Nolan becomes the second 3rd baseman (Mike Schmidt is the other) to get at least 3 consecutive Silver Sluggers.
Shohei Otani to be posted. From RotoWorld: No surprise here, but this makes it official. Because baseball has agreed in principle to grandfather the previous posting system, the maximum a team can spend for the right to negotiate with Otani is $20 million. Being one of the best talents to come from the country — and in some scouts mind, any country — he will easily get that from any team that’s interested. After that the 23-year-old pitcher/hitter will be… Read more »
I expect Otani to sign with an AL team so he can continue being a DH like he has been in Japan.
Offseason Outlook: Colorado Rockies
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/offseason-outlook-colorado-rockies-8.html
I normally don’t recommend reading the comment sections after these articles – but this is an exception. So very intelligent questions and responses (and “no,” I haven’t participated, so I’m not plugging myself). Nice article also.
While the media has repeatedly pointed out that Arenado has three straight 130+ RBI seasons, they really don’t express the enormity of that. How many of you are aware that during that time he has 48 more RBI’s than any other player, and only six players are within 100 RBi’s? I don’t have a database to look this up so I compiled numbers from the leaders each of these years…correct me if I’m wrong. My totals show: Nolan (393 RBI’s),… Read more »
Long gone are the days of a Hank Aaron, Mike Schmidt, or Johnny Bench trotting unemotionally around the bases after a home run, even significant ones. You just weren’t supposed to show up the pitcher and the other team. Now, especially this season, there is an outpouring of excitement by players when they connect. Even Charlie Culberson ran around the bases with his wings extended on a home run that only got the Dodgers within a run in the 11th… Read more »
I like it, Bob. Show some emotion! It’s a game! It’s fun! (I hate that stupid saying “Act like you’ve been here before.” First of all, what the heck does that mean? Second, it SEEMS to mean “don’t even smile.”)
Braves hire Weiss as bench coach and EY Sr. as 1st base coach. I wish them lots of luck when they are playing anyone other than the Rockies.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/braves-hire-walt-weiss-bench-coach.html
Wilson Defensive Player of the year awards. DJ wins at 2nd base. Tyler Chatwood wins at pitcher and Arenado wins his 3rd consecutive award at 3rd base. Since 2013 Arenado has 104 DRS (defensive runs saved). The next closest 3rd baseman is Machado with 74 DRS followed by Donaldson with 48 DRS and Beltre with 43 DRS. The only player with more DRS than Arenado since 2013 is Andrelton Simmons at SS with 144 DRS.
Arenado named Platinum Glove winner as Best NL Defensive Player at Gold Gloves ceremony.
http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/261347822/rockies-nolan-arenado-wins-nl-platinum-glove/?topicId=27118374
AA Hartford Yard Goats win Team of the Year award.
https://roxpile.com/2017/11/11/colorado-rockies-hartford-yard-goats-win-team-year-award/
In the “not surprising” department – Jerry DiPoto and the Mariners pulloff the first Hot Stove trade of note with the A’s. Mariners get Ryon Healy, A’s get a BP arm and a solid SS Prospect. On the surface, a logical trade for both teams.
Nov. 20 is the deadline to add players to the 40 man roster to protect them from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. The Rockies currently have 33 on the 40 man roster leaving a maximum of 7 players they can protect. I don’t expect them to add 7 players since they obviously will need spaces for Free Agent signings. These are the minor league players that are currently eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. AAA Shane Broyles – RHP James… Read more »
Great info Bob K – thanks.
Based on recent Rule 5 drafts, seems as though Farris and House should be protected (because relievers are popular picks and sometimes stick). Also seems like Dom Nunez should be protected (given the general shortage of productive Catchers).
All 9 players receiving QOs rejected the offers. Greg Holland is now officially a free agent and can negotiate with any team. Hopefully some team (not the Rockies) will make him an offer that he can’t refuse.
Agree….an offer over 50 million.
Rockies get pick number 38 in the Competitive Balance Round A of the 2018 draft.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/2018-competitive-balance-draft-pick-order.html
Giancarlo Stanton wins NL MVP. I guess the BBWA members are fixated on home runs. Arenado finished 4th and Blackmon finished 5th.
We’re just barely getting into the Hot Stove Rumor/Trade/FA season and I’m already encouraged about rumors associated with the Giants. I’ve heard/read Lorenzo Cain and JD Martinez linked to SF via FAgency, and Giancarlo Stanton via trade. That’s what we want gang….the Giants committed to more big contracts to aging players. One of the better rumors I’ve read is linked to the Yankees. They still have Jacoby Ellsbury’s boat anchor contract (the classic sunk cost) coupled with Clint Frazier needing… Read more »
Just a quick follow-up to my last (crazy) point here regarding Dee Gordon – or more specifically – speed to manufacture runs. I’ve read speculation from numerous sources that the rebuilding Reds might be willing to deal Billy Hamilton. By now – we know who Billy Hamilton is – and more importantly, who he isn’t. He’s a superb defensive outfielder and elite base stealer. Otherwise, he’s an awful offensive player. On a playoff caliber team, he’s a 4th OFer. A… Read more »
All Billy Hamilton needs to become a super player and greatly raise his BA and OBP is to learn how to bunt.
It’s stunning to me Hamilton doesn’t bunt more (and better). With his speed, if he bunted all 4 ABs, every game, it seems like he could push a 300 BA (substantially better than he has performed to date).
Arenado won the Best Play, Offense and the Best Defensive Player awards at the esurance 2017 MLB Awards. Bettis shared the Best Moment award with the Astros and Jameson Taillon.
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/262113824/esurance-mlb-awards-winners-announced/
Rox and Brandon Kintzler mentioned in same (rumor) sentence. We could do worse, but I prefer Mike Minor among the realistic FA targets.
Giancarlo Stanton pursuit is getting hot. From Jon Morosi regarding Stanton and Cardinals: “The two sides have been involved in discussions for weeks now, and with an actual offer on the table it appears as though their discussions could be gaining traction. The Giants have been tabbed as the “most aggressive team” in trade talks for Stanton, so it’ll be interesting to see if they come in behind and up the ante upon hearing of this. With each day, it… Read more »
Extremely intriguing, good, somewhat cost controlled Closer Alex Colome (Rays) likely to be dealt. From Tampa Bay Times: Colome is entering his first of three arbitration years this winter, so it makes sense that the cost-conscious Rays would be looking to trade him while his value is high. Slated to turn 29 next month, Colome boasts a 2.63 ERA and 129/38 K/BB ratio across 123 1/3 frames over the last two seasons as the Rays’ closer. He led all of… Read more »
FINALLY – a State Flag hat for 2018 (and it’s badass!):
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/look-mlb-unveils-2018-spring-training-hats-for-all-30-teams/
From MLBTradeRumors:
“The Rockies announced the selection of the contracts of four players: outfielder Yonathan Daza, lefty Sam Howard, backstop Chris Rabago, and righty Jesus Tinoco.”
I thought that Tinoco might be a possibility since he is only 22.
This leaves 3 open spots on the 40 man roster.
I’m really surprised James Farris wasn’t protected. I see him being selected.
Carp, I thought I was the guy with the Billy Hamilton fixation. I still think the best thing for a Coors Field team is a fantastic defensive centerfielder. Willy Taveras was that guy in the World Series year. Outfield defense bothered me last year. The metrics weren’t awful, but the bigger/more filled out Blackmon is due to be moved to RF. Dahl was going to be my CF of the future, but he’s a huge question mark now. And I… Read more »
The way I see the current situation is that Ryan McMahon can really help the Rox in 2018 (and beyond) via one of two ways. We can either play and make a significant contribution, or he can be used as the primary trade chip in something like a Billy Hamilton or Alex Colome trade (thereby directly addressing an area of need). Both Colome and Hamilton are in their arbitration years, so they’re not cheap, but they also won’t be expensive… Read more »
Hmmmmm………the Rox leave three empty spots on the 40 man, then trade a journeyman AA RPer to the Orioles for an undisclosed amount of International Slot money on the day the Braves are set to lose 12 International signings as part of the penalty given to them by MLB.
Nice…………….very nice.
The trade nearly took place yesterday and did get finalized today. And Pete Rose is no longer the only person with a lifetime ban from baseball. John Coppolella has also received a lifetime ban.
Rockies get $500K International Bonus Pool money in Konner Wade trade.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/orioles-acquire-konner-wade-from-rockies-for-international-bonus-money.html
Bob K – check my memory:
It seems as though I recall that the Rox used virtually all their “base” International money in 2017. Maybe they had 10K remaining? Then they get 500K for Wade. Another 200K from the special alotment for the Braves players. Also….was there some International money in the Miguel Castro trade?
Regardless, it seems as though there’s enough money to poach one or two of these ex-Braves Prospects.
The Rockies had about $10K remaining before the recent changes. This was pointed out due to the fact that is all they had available to make a pitch for Ohtani. They got RHP Jon Keller for Miguel Castro and no Pool money. All teams are allowed the $200K for use in signing the lost Braves prospects so that coupled with newly acquired $500K leaves them with about $710K for use in signing those particular prospects. The Braves prospects got to… Read more »
What about the lifetime ban for Shoeless Joe Jackson. Shouldn’t that have be lifted when he died in 1951?
Special rules for signing Atlanta’s lost prospects. One of the special rules is that the other clubs are allowed an additional $200K to work with in signing these prospects.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/process-for-signing-prospects-stripped-from-braves.html
From MLBTradeRumors: “The Rockies signed righty Scott McGough to a minors contract, Baseball America’s Matt Eddy reports. McGough was a fifth-round pick for the Dodgers in the 2011 draft and was sent to the Marlins as part of the Hanley Ramirez trade in July 2012. The 28-year-old has a 3.48 ERA, 8.0 K/9 and 2.43 K/BB rate over 325 2/3 minor league innings (almost entirely as a reliever) with the Dodgers, Marlins and Orioles. McGough’s only MLB experience is a… Read more »
Interesting look at signing Arenado long term.
https://roxpile.com/2017/11/25/colorado-rockies-will-the-rockies-look-to-lock-up-arenado-long-term/
Awhile back the Rockies DFAed Sam Moll and then traded him to Oakland. Recently Oakland DFAed Moll and now he has been claimed by the Pirates.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/pirates-claim-sam-moll-from-athletics.html
Holland wins NL Comeback Player of the Year award.
http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/262723526/greg-holland-named-nl-comeback-player-of-year/
From MLBTradeRumors: “Rockies have signed right-hander Chris Jensen to a minor-league pact (Twitter link). Jensen, 27, was originally Colorado’s sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft. He spent three seasons in the lower minors with the Rockies before being shipped to the A’s along with Drew Pomeranz in exchange for Brett Anderson. Jensen made seven starts and 23 relief appearances for the A’s Triple-A affiliate in 2017, and accrued an equal number of strikeouts and earned runs (56) across 84 2/3… Read more »
Parking lot at 19th and Wazee to be converted to a “stadium district”. Among other things it will contain a Colorado Rockies Hall of Fame.
https://roxpile.com/2017/12/02/colorado-rockies-will-first-rockies-hall-fame-class/
Ohtani sweepstakes down to 7 teams. Rockies are not on the list. It was said that only 3 teams did not submit the initial packages requested. Miami was one of those teams and I suspect that the Rockies were another team since the Rockies are not mentioned in any of the Ohtani suitor stories.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/shohei-ohtani-plans-to-meet-with-seven-teams.html
My #1 “realistic” RP FA target, Mike Minor signs with the Rangers. They may return him to his SP role, a mistake in my opinion.
I’ve previously noted Giancarlo Stanton to the Giants doesn’t bother me long term, perhaps even short term, because of the boat anchor contract. BUT, I don’t want to see them get Ohtani also. That would change the equation. My pick remains….Ohtani to the Mariners.
I haven’t written a comment in a while because I’m waiting to see the Rockies’ real moves. #1 on my list is extending Nado.
You better get ready to ramp up your participation Brotha…..because I think the Rox are going to be relatively active beginning with this weekend’s Winter Meetings.
Here’s my wild ass, out of left field prediction for the Rox:
Bridich pulls off a big trade with the Rays to obtain young(ish), somewhat cost controlled Closer Alex Colome. As part of the deal (to lessen the cost in Prospects), the Rox also take Evan Longoria and his contract, and move him to 1B.
Bridich on off season plans.
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/05/rockies-update-gm-jeff-bridich/
Wow!! Cubs sign Chatwood to 3 year $38MM contract.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/cubs-sign-tyler-chatwood.html
Mariners can now give Ohtani a bigger contract than anyone else due to picking up $1MM in International Bonus Pool money when they acquired Dee Gordon from the Marlins.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/mariners-to-acquire-dee-gordon.html
Nice deal for the Mariners all-the-way around assuming Dee Gordon can play CF. IMO, they already had the best shot at Ohtani, now they can offer the most $$$$. It also allows them to move very promising OFer Mitch Haniger to a corner OF spot. He was out of position in CF. I’m putting the Mariners on my “must see” list for Spring Training, 2018.
Oh man, Mike Trout is going to have a year for the ages now that Ohtani joined the Angels. Whoo hoo, I’m going to Rockies Angels game first week of spring training.
The Angels have made two big un-Angel like moves…..signing Ohtani and also the #1 ranked kid in the Braves penalty saga – Maitan.
I obviously predicted the Mariners…but in general I’m happy Ohtani isn’t in the NL West. Note NL West vs. AL West for 2018 Interleague.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Chris Iannetta back to Rox. This tells me one of Wolters/Murphy will be Iannetta’s platoon mate, and LuCroy is moving on to greener pastures.
BTW….I don’t hate this move “if” this is foreshadowing a bigger move for a prime offensive player.
I don’t mind bringing Iannetta back at all, for what is (by 2018 standards) a very reasonable contract. I also like it because there’s no way Iannetta will play more than half time, so to me it signals that Tom Murphy is still very much in their plans. (Wolters: why not as a super utility guy? He brings more to the mix than, say, an Amarista type). Ohtani: now that should be fun to watch. Please, please, Angels, let him… Read more »
How many home runs will Stanton hit with Yankee stadium as his home park?
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/yankees-marlins-reach-deal-for-stanton-still-awaiting-his-approval.html
Think about this Bob – the Yanks are looking at a batting order of Stanton, Judge, Sanchez, and Bird (my “breakout” candidate for 2018), in some order, perhaps consecutively.
No kidding. Some people are already conceding the AL East to the Yankees. Still, without pitching it probably won’t matter how many home runs they hit.
Bob – another name to remember for 2018 – “Chad Green.” Word is the Yanks are planning to transition him to the rotation. If true, watch out.
Yankees send Headley back to the Padres.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/padres-reach-deal-with-yankees-to-acquire-chase-headley-bryan-mitchell.html
Rockies’ Chad Bettis won the 2017 Tony Conigliaro Award.
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/06/rockies-chad-bettis-wins-conigliaro-award-battling-cancer/
Rockies and Cardinals are said to be pursuing Rays Alex Colome.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/cardinals-rockies-aggressively-pursuing-alex-colome.html
Hmmmm….someone earlier in this thread predicted a Colome/Longoria trade. There’s some general consensus from the baseball pundits that the Rays will be looking for 1B/OF help in their upcoming trades. Keep in mind Chris Archer is likely also available, and is the big Rays prize. I doubt McMahon/Tapia is enough to pry loose both Colome/Longoria….even with their respective salaries attached. I would do that deal in a heartbeat BTW. IMO, the Rays will do Colome for McMahon straight up. I… Read more »
Yes you did and Longoria said that the Rays have not discussed their off season plans with him.
I always liked Iannetta. I remember the total oooh-aaah when he blasted one (“when he hits it, it stays hit”)…hope he still brings that. I agree with Carp that splitting time with one of the other guys could work well. I don’t remember how he is as a defensive catcher, but he must have learned in the last few years and at least be serviceable. (One of those words that could mean Yes, good or No, not good enough.) Stanton… Read more »
According to pitch framing metrics (which in my opinion are dubious), Ianetta has improved quite a bit late in his career. Early in his career, he was generally considered a below average “defensive” catcher.
Rockies to sign RHP Bryan Shaw.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/rockies-close-to-deal-with-bryan-shaw.html
The twittisphere is saying 3 years, 9M AAV (27Mish total). Great representation of the increasing importance (and hence cost) of the Relief Pitcher. Shaw is solid, not great. Has pitched in big, big games in the last few years. Maybe Senzatela will see this and say “make me Closer, make me Closer.”
From MLBTradeRumors “Rockies GM Jeff Bridich poured cold water on some speculation surrounding his team, telling Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post (all Twitter links) and other reporters that the Rox aren’t involved in trade talks for Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna. Bridich also said that the club doesn’t have the payroll capability to shop at the very top of the free agent market for players like J.D. Martinez or Eric Hosmer. One player Colorado is involved with is Wade Davis,… Read more »
Quick side note – Tommy Hunter to Phillies, 2 years, 18M. 9M AAV – same AAV as Shaw. I rate these two guys in the same “tier” of RPers.
I don’t think the Rox over paid for Shaw…….it’s the market.
Jake McGee back on a 3-year dealio. I don’t hate it. I’m of the opinion Scott Oberg (or Gophberg as RMH likes to call him) is on the verge of being good. If I’m correct, that now gives us a really nice group of Rusin, Shaw, Oberg, McGee, Dunn for the 7th and 8th innings. If Ottovino rebounds, that’s a nice bonus. Perhaps one of Diaz/Estevez takes a step forward. Rosscup = LOOGY. Let’s get a Closer……and don’t forget that… Read more »
Now let’s get Santana at 1B. What I like best about him is low swings at pitches out of zone great BB/9 ratio.
Would u guys give up chips to get Billy Hamilton to roam CF? Or go with Tapia/Dahl/Desmond?
No! I think we’ve got enough speed (not Billy Hamilton speed) and better bats in our own guys.
Strong offer on table for Holland and they are still talking. That will be quite a bullpen haul from the winter meetings if he joins Shaw and McGee.
Shaw is a perfectly fine signing. Looks like the market rate, and he’s about as reliably solid as they come. McGee on the other hand … ugh. I hate this. He’s been in a kind of classic decline since his last year in Tampa. Sure, he’ll have his rebound months – last year, he was good for half the season. But the bad streaks will continue to outweigh the good ones. Another signing today, and a guy I was hoping… Read more »
Agreed, it’s a head-scratcher on McGee and Holland. Wonder what the Rockies were/are thinking when the things you state are plain as day. The talking heads on TV yesterday loved it, though. They were practically raving about how good the Rockies’ bullpen is, now!
You make an interesting point regarding the TV Talking Heads. I saw the same thing(s) you did. “The Rox have built a great bullpen.” I have to laugh about that a little bit. What Bridich is on the verge of doing is simply preserving the 2017 better than average bullpen. Not a bad thing mind you. Shaw essentially replaces Neshek. McGee replaces……McGee. It sounds as though Holland might replace……Holland. Rusin is still the unsung hero. Rosscup is a good LOOGY… Read more »
The Rockies do not select anyone in the Rule 5 Draft but the Giants with the #2 pick select Rockies RHP Julian Fernandez.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/2017-rule-5-draft-results.html
Rockies do make a selection in the AAA part of the Rule 5 Draft. “In the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft, the Rockies took left-hander Mitch Horachek with the 19th pick in the phase. Playing for Class A Frederick (Md.) last season, the 26-year-old native of Littleton, Colo., went 5-3 with a 3.88 ERA. He struck out 68 but gave up 58 hits in 53.1 innings on his way to a 1.54 WHIP. Opponents hit .270 against him… Read more »
Adames signs minor league deal with Marlins. “The Marlins signed infielder Cristhian Adames to a minor league contract, Antonio Puesan of Magnus Media reports (Twitter link). The deal contains an invitation to Miami’s Spring Training camp. All ten of Adames’ pro seasons have come in the Rockies organization, including 166 games at the Major League level over the last four seasons. Adames actually appeared in 121 games for Colorado in 2016, though largely in a backup infield role. Still just… Read more »
I can’t think of a better team (Miami) for a young player trying to break into the Majors to be associated with at the moment. Plenty of opportunity there.
A radical trade idea…………..Jeff Hoffman to the Yankees for CFer Aaron Hicks. Here’s my logic……..Yanks need pitching. Yanks are also up against the luxury tax threshold, so they need cheap pitching. They also just added Stanton (duh) and can’t seem to unload Elsbury. Here’s why I like Hicks – he was an extremely highly regarded Prospect (great pedigree) who struggle mightily when he hit the Majors with the Twins….to the point he was traded to the Yanks. He’s a great… Read more »
We could take this radical idea and square it……pick up Hicks and Dellin Betances????
Do any of you have an answer to this exchange with Patrick Saunders of the DP? On MLB Network Radio this morning, Stan Kasten (part-owner and president of the Dodgers) described LA’s analytics department as “25-30 people, and I really have no idea what they do, but I know it’s really important.” How does this compare to the Rockies’ department in terms of both size and top-level involvement and understanding? Patrick: To be honest, I don’t know how many analytics… Read more »
Doc – I recall on at least one occasion, and I believe twice, seeing ads on FanGraphs for position(s) in the Rockies analytic department. So, I know it exists. I’m sure it’s a (small) fraction of what the Dodgers have though.
Dodgers get below luxury tax threshold for 2018 with big trade with Braves temporarily bringing back Matt Kemp.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/dodgers-acquire-matt-kemp.html
The Braves have made several of these type trades over the last few years. I applaud their creativity, either as the originator or the participant. Kemp is obviously clubhouse toxic. Gonzalez’s back is probably shot.