Colorado Rockies GM Jeff Bridich gives further insight into his offseason moves

Happy Friday! Here are some links and notes around the Colorado Rockies for the first Friday in February. We're just days (!) away from the start or spring training. Can you feel the excitement and optimism yet?

Bullpen power, fielder versatility key to Rox plan — MLB.com

Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich chatted with Mike Petriello and Matt Meyers of MLB's Statcast Podcast and spoke about the club's winter moves, like adding Jake McGee, Chad Qualls, and Jason Motte, as well as bringing in Gerardo Parra and trading Corey Dickerson. As we've more or less assumed, Bridich seems to be looking for power arms out of the bullpen along side versatile options off the bench for his National League roster.

The Rockies' perplexing offseason — MLB Daily Dish

Matt Goldman and our friends over at MLB Daily Dish take a look at the pitching the Rockies added over the winter, and what's happening with their starting rotation heading into spring training in a few days. Despite the title of the piece, Goldman seems bullish on the Rockies contending some time soon, if only because of their array of young talent quickly coming to the Major League level.

Battle of the closers set for 10 teams — MLB.com

Of course, with Adam Ottavino injured, the Rockies are one of those ten teams. Columnist Fred Zinkie believes McGee will be the man to earn the majority of saves in Denver this summer, though it stands to reason that Motte, Qualls, and Ottavino (when he returns) will get some opportunities to close out some games, too.

Five free agents to target — Mile High Maniac

Matthew Schoettler over at Mile High Maniac takes a look at a few free agents still available around baseball that the Rockies could pick up before spring training begins. Some of them (Ian Desmond) come with more commitment and risk than others (Mat Latos), and none of this is to include a pitcher like Yovani Gallardo, but perhaps some of those names ought to be remembered should the Rockies decide to make another move before camp opens.

Padres get minors pitcher from O's for Despaigne — MLB.com

Some news from around the division here... the San Diego Padres traded away Odrisamer Despaigne to the Baltimore Orioles for a minor league pitcher (and the San Diego promptly signed relief pitcher Fernando Rodney). I love me some Odrisamer and wouldn't have minded him in Denver, but, alas.