Offseason moves, catching options for the Rockies, and more

Rockies Links

Path to the playoffs: NL West- ESPN

A Sweetspot blog post from David Schoenfield taking a look at how each team can reach the playoffs. For the Rockies, who are projected to finish 78-84, he lists five keys to being competitive: hitting better on the road, continuing development from young pitchers, top prospects Butler and Gray getting back on track, more games for Corey Dickerson, and 30+ stops from De La Rosa, Lyles, Matzek, and Chacin.

Colorado Rockies: Does the Front Office Even Care Anymore?- Rox Pile

More frustration with the Rockies' inactivity this offseason, especially as the rest of the division has been active. Duncan Marshall calls for action by the guys up top regarding an acquisition and asks that they focus on building a winning team rather than making profit.

Catching Options for Colorado Rockies in 2015- Rox Pile

Another one from Rox Pile on possible alternatives to Wilin Rosario. Lev Cohen considers trades for one of Welington Castillo, Jason Castro, or Carlos Ruiz. The latter could be a possible stopgap for the Rockies' highly touted catching prospect Tom Murphy.

GM Hawkins? Right has post-career plans- Rockies

LaTroy Hawkins, who will retire after the coming season, has set his sights upon a front office role. A veteran of the game, Hawkins says he is excited to learn about the working of the organization as a whole.

MLB Links

MLB Veteran, Cuddyer continues to give back at home- ABC 13 News Now

Former Rockies all-around great guy was back at home at a local baseball clinic with young kids. Some stuff about his joining the Mets here as well.

Cole diggers: 5 frontrunners in Hamels derby- MLB

The Phillies look to be a team rebuilding after dealing Jimmy Rollins, and Cole Hammels could be next in line to depart. Jim Duquette writes about five teams he thinks have the prospects, the money, and the need to go after Hammels. He lists the Red Sox, Dodgers, Padres, Cardinals, and Angels as possible candidates.

Active of late, Giants pondering next offseason move- MLB

After acquiring Casey McGehee and resigning Jake Peavy and Sergio Romo, what's next for the Giants? Per Adam Berry, Giants general manager Brian Sabean says they aren't finished yet, mentioning righty James Shields as a potential target.

Bid from unnamed team accepted for Korean infielder Kang- MLB

Shortstop Jung-Ho Kang's club the Nexen Heroes have accepted a bid from an unnamed team, thus making Kang eligible to play next season. Kang, the first position player from Korea to be posted, will be courted by the team over the next thirty days. If they can strike an agreement, the Heroes will receive a bit over $5 million. Otherwise, Kang will not be eligible to be posted until November.

New York Yankees trade Martin Prado to Miami Marlins for Nathan Eovaldi- ESPN

Former D-back Prado, David Phelps, and cash head to Miami, while the Yanks receive Eovaldi, Garrett Jones, and prospect Domingo German.

Bud Selig to earn $6M a year in retirement- ESPN

Former MLB commissioner Bud Selig, who's vacated spot will be filled by Rob Manfred, will receive $6 million annually according to ESPN sources. MLB's spokesman Pat Courtney says this number is inaccurate, but that the league will not be revealing the actual amount. Selig will be compensated in an advisory role, for an undisclosed number of years. I hope to also be paid $6 million annually. Is it too late to add to my Christmas list?

Umpires, MLB reach agreement on 5-year labor contract- ESPN

A new agreement will reportedly replace the old one, which was set to expire December 31. Both sides will need to ratify the deal next month, a deal which was the last to be presided over by Selig.