MLB Winter Meetings 2016: Rockies exploring options at first base

Rockies looking at big-ticket first basemen - Rockies.com
From the ongoing Winter Meetings, Thomas Harding provides a comprehensive rundown of the Rockies’ options at first base, with the big news from his piece being that the Rockies have had discussions with the White Sox about a trade for Jose Abreu, talks that started during last month’s general manager meetings. Harding also mentions the possibility of the Rockies going after marquee free agent Edwin Encarnacion to fill the spot.

Rockies trying to fill big hole at first base; expensive Mark Trumbo remains long-shot option - The Denver Post
In his article about the Rockies’ first base search, Patrick Saunders focuses on the possibility of free agent Mark Trumbo, who led baseball with 47 home runs as an Oriole in 2016. In addition to the Rockies, Trumbo is also said to be discussing a return to Baltimore.

Black sees upside in young Rox pitchers, catchers - Rockies.com
Rockies manager Bud Black talked with Harding about the team’s pitching and catching situation, emphasizing that in his opinion the keys to pitching well at Coors Field are the same as anywhere else, though mistakes are more severely punished at altitude.

Rockies’ Bud Black fields questions on Coors Field, Carlos Gonzalez’s future, filling first base - The Denver Post
Saunders also talked to Black, who said he expects Carlos Gonzalez to be in the Rockies’ lineup on Opening Day and therefore not traded in the offseason. Black also said he felt like Gerardo Parra could play some first base in a pinch, but that he views him as primarily an outfielder.

Star power: 30 players confirmed for Classic - MLB.com
MLB.com’s Chad Thornburg has a report from the Winter Meetings on the stars heading to the World Baseball Classic in March, including a pair of Rockies in Carlos Gonzalez, who will represent Venezuela, and Nolan Arenado, who will play for the USA.

Mark Melancon strikes it rich with Giants; Rockies still seeking relief - The Denver Post
One free agent who will not be coming to the Rockies is Colorado native Mark Melancon, who signed a four-year, $62 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, a price likely too rich for the Rockies, who have Adam Ottavino penciled in as closer for 2017.