Colorado Rockies show unwillingness to learn from mistakes

It took far too long for the Colorado Rockies to move on from general manager Jeff Bridich. From his inability to navigate free agency to alienating the team’s greatest star in Nolan Arenado, the team had plenty of reasons to remove Bridich from his post long before they did.

Now that he is gone, it appears that the Rockies have not learned from their mistakes. The first candidate publically mentioned for the position, Ruben Amaro Jr., is essentially Bridich 2.0.

Colorado Rockies have not learned from their mistakes

Amaro had been handed a talented team in Philadelphia when he took over as general manager from Pat Gillick in November 2008. The Phillies were fresh off of a World Series title, and with a stellar core, were set to contend for years to come. While the team did reach the postseason in his first three years at the helm, the Phillies were unable to win another title.

Ultimately, the same issues that have come to plague the Rockies in recent years caused the Phillies’ downfall. Amaro signed players to unnecessary extensions, such as the disastrous Ryan Howard deal. He attempted to fix the bullpen in free agency, with moves such as handing Jonathan Papelbon $50 million, even if that signing worked out well in comparison to the Rockies’ blunders in the bullpen.

What potentially makes Amaro intriguing is his potential to rebuild a team. While he was unable to see the fruits of his labor pan out, he was responsible for drafting the likes of Aaron Nola and J.P. Crawford. Sixto Sanchez was signed under his watch, and he traded for Jorge Alfaro. He did not exactly leave the cupboard barren in Philadelphia.

Maybe that is why the Monfort’s are interested in Amaro. He is essentially the same as Bridich, who they did not want to let go, choosing him over Arenado. If they can bring on someone similar in Amaro, but with more experience in a rebuild and a slightly better track record in free agency, it makes sense for them to be intrigued.

This does not mean that Amaro is going to be the next Rockies’ general manager, or even that he would be the front runner for the position. He happens to be the only known candidate that the team is interested in. But that interest shows that ownership is not willing to learn from past mistakes as they are essentially looking at the same person to lead the front office.

The Colorado Rockies are interested in Ruben Amaro Jr. for their general manager vacancy. He would essentially be Jeff Bridich 2.0.