Colorado Rockies’ belief in contention backed by more than just words

Roster, payroll flexibility have Bridich optimistic | Rockies.com

Jeff Bridich has been making the media rounds since going underground for the last month during the Rockies managerial search. While Bud Black is a big topic of those conversations, Dick Monfort’s announcement that the Rockies are going to raise the payroll again is also a major theme.

While the Rockies have a growing young core of players, there are still some noticeable holes in the roster that may not be able to all be filled from in-house options. However, as has been discussed before, without raising the payroll there really wasn’t much room in the budget to make improvements unless the team dealt away some of their more expensive big-league talent which could possibly create new holes and not accomplish any real net improvement. The Rockies willingness to back up their belief that they are close to contending with an increase in salary is both telling and relieving.

Nolan Arenado wins 4th consecutive National League Gold Glove award | Denver Post

Nolan Arenado continues to redefine the definition of excellence at third base. Unsurprisingly, Arenado won yet another Gold Glove last night setting MLB history by becoming the first third baseman ever to win a Gold Glove in each of his first four years in the big leagues.