Three moves Colorado Rockies should immediately make
The Colorado Rockies‘ long standing nightmare is over. Jeff Bridich is out as general manager, leading to the hope that the franchise will find someone competent to run the organization. However, given that the organization allowed him to stay after alienating, and subsequently trading Nolan Arenado, that may be a bit too much to ask for.
No matter who takes over the role, they will have a monumental task ahead of them. Star shortstop Trevor Story is set to enter free agency, as will be starter Jon Gray. Charlie Blackmon has a pair of player options, and he is likely to pick up at least the one for 2022 worth $18 million. The farm system is ranked 27th in the majors, with Zac Veen the only top 100 prospect. Add in the fact that they happen to play in the same division as the Padres and Dodgers, and there is a lot of work to be done.
Three moves for the Colorado Rockies
This does not mean that the Rockies’ situation is hopeless. Some around the league view the general manager role as a potential gold mine, one that a creative person could have a great deal of success with. As creativity has been in short supply in the Rockies over the past few years, that is a novel concept.
Let’s take a look at how the Colorado Rockies can work their way back to relevance. Here are three moves they need to make.
Extend Trevor Story
Extension talks with Trevor Story went absolutely nowhere this offseason while Bridich was in charge. One could understand why.
The status of being a franchise icon obviously did not matter before. Arenado had fit that mold, but was run out of town and traded for pennies on the dollar by Bridich. But this is a new day. And perhaps, with a new person in charge, Story would be more amenable to that conversation.
It would not hurt to try. Story has become one of the better shortstops in the game since his major league debut, posting a career .277/.342/.532 batting line in 2628 plate appearances, hitting 136 homers and 152 doubles while stealing 82 bases. He has been excellent defensively as well, saving 45 runs at short. This is a player to build around.
Trevor Story is just entering his prime. The Colorado Rockies need to make sure that does not happen anywhere else.
Pick an actual direction for the franchise
The Colorado Rockies maintained that they were not in a rebuild and that the roster they have could contend. Their actions, and the results on the diamond, say otherwise.
Daniel Murphy, back in the latter days of 2018, was the last major league free agent signed by the franchise. The team also has not finished above .500 since the 2018 season, getting progressively worse every year.
It is time that the Rockies face facts – a rebuild is desperately needed. They do have some potentially tradable players in Charlie Blackmon and Jon Gray for teams looking for a rental at the deadline. If Trevor Story does not want to discuss an extension, he would be a valuable trade chip, someone that could help restock a depleted farm system.
Yes, that would lead to a few rough years as the Rockies attempt to find a core to build around. But that would not change much, especially as they are a ship without a rudder. Having a clear direction, and a base of homegrown talent to build around, can make a major difference down the road.
The Colorado Rockies need to pick a direction. And that direction is to embrace the rebuilding process they should have started in the previous offseason.
Finding the right free agents for the ballpark
Just because the Colorado Rockies should begin to rebuild does not mean that they should avoid free agency. Instead, they need to be intelligent about the free agents they pursue.
Coors Field has the largest outfield in the majors, something necessary to keep the ball from flying out whenever anyone hits a popup. Rockies outfielders, however, have been mediocre at best defensively. Sam Hilliard has cost the Rockies two runs defensively, but he looks like Andruw Jones compared to Raimel Tapia, who has already cost the team five runs. Getting outfielders who can make contact, have excellent speed, and can go get the ball in the gaps would make a major difference.
Pitching is a known issue. Pitches just do not move as much, and curveballs are a disaster. But there are some pitches that are effective. Sliders do not lose nearly as much of their bite. Two seam fastballs, sinkers, and changeups remain relatively effective as well. This is not to say that every arm should have that specific arsenal, but adding free agents that specialize in at least two of those offerings, while having ground ball tendencies, would be a major boost.
Obviously, this is easier said than done. Others have attempted to fix the Rockies and solve the Mystery of Coors Field with varying degrees of success. But it can be done with the right people in charge and a degree of creativity. That has been sorely missed over the past seven years.
dark. Next. Rockies make right move with Bridich far too late
The Colorado Rockies are still a long way from contending. However, three specific changes to their approach could make a difference in the long term.