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Rockies outfielder Michael Cuddyer has until 3 p.m. MT today to make a decision on the $15.3 million qualifying offer extended to him by the club last week. Cuddyer could become the first player ever to accept a qualifying offer, but the feeling is that he could parlay it into a multi-year deal, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.
I don't know what is worse, to be honest with you. It seems like the years would hurt more than the money even if Cuddyer is retained at a discount. The soon-to-be 36-year-old veteran is best suited as a designated hitter at this point in his career, and in case you didn't know, the Rockies play in the National League.
Keeping Cuddyer is paramount to the team being able to win games, says MLB's Tracy Ringolsby. I don't buy that for a second; sure, Cuddy is an outstanding human being and undoubtedly brings a positive presence to the Rockies' clubhouse, but how much is that just gooey hub bub for a team that has been 78 games under .500 since his arrival in 2012?
That said, maybe the Rockies will use Cuddy's return to flip Justin Morneau, Carlos Gonzalez, a combination of the two or someone else entirely for pieces that add value to a team that is a borderline contender if everything comes together perfectly (read: no injuries).
Links
Rays Working On Hellickson Trade With NL Team – MLB Trade Rumors
The Rockies are mentioned as a possible suitor for Jeremy Hellickson, who is about to be traded, per Joel Sherman of the New York Times. Hellickson has major fly ball tendencies but otherwise fits the mold of what Colorado is looking for: a pitch-to-contact guy who doesn't walk a lot of hitters.
More to come...