Rockies create hitting coordinator position

Rockies reveal 2015 minor league staff assignments - Rockies.com

The Rockies have gotten their housekeeping in order as they announced coaching and instruction assignments throughout the minor league levels yesterday. The most interesting part of the story is the announcement of the newly minted position of hitting coordinator, to be filled by Duane Espy. The deets:

Espy, entering his 13th season in the organization, will be in charge of implementing hitting philosophy and offensive development for players at all affiliates. Espy joined the organization as Major League hitting coach from 2003-06 under then-manager Clint Hurdle, and has since worked as a coach, manager and development supervisor in the Minor League system. Espy was development supervisor at Class A Short-Season Tri-City last season.

Presumably this will be the hitting equivalent of Mark Wiley's Director of Pitching Operations, which was implemented last year.

Stubbs played himself into right-handed asset in 2014 - Rockies.com

Drew Stubbs had a strong year in 2014, particularly against left-handed pitching and at Coors. He represents an ideal platoon player with Charlie Blackmon, as Thomas Harding points out. Regarding his future with the club, GM Jeff Bridich said in the article:

"In general, there has been interest in Drew from teams looking for very specific fits in their outfield," general manager Jeff Bridich said recently; the situation hasn't changed. "Teams see him as a fit, but he's a fit for us as well."

Because Stubbs is in his final arbitration year and likely isn't a full-time player, his potential trade value probably isn't too high. But he and Blackmon are a pretty killer duo in center field, and there's a possibility the Rockies contend in 2015. Yeah. Seriously. There's a lot of talent still on the club; just need to pick up some pitching. And a little luck on the injury front would be nice.