The Colorado Rockies' bullpen could be a new take on an old model

No set roles in Rox bullpen with plenty of power arms - Rockies.com

If Jeff Bridich and the Rockies have made one thing clear this offseason -- and perhaps just one thing clear -- it is that the Rockies’ bullpen will come out guns blazing in 2016. The shift to a nearly full-fastball philosophy has been highly discussed, but the Rockies could abandon contemporary role structure as well. This particular idea has been thrown around in the past, with any number of bullpen implosions, but never before has it made this much sense.  As it stands, the Rockies could open the season with a bullpen made almost entirely of former closers and setup men. This allows for the strategic use of  the late-innings mentality to stifle rallies at any point.

Tracy Ringolsby talks to bullpen coach and former Rockie Darren Holmes about how Don Baylor’s 1995 bullpen used a similar structure to put together one of the most impressive seasons in franchise history.

Lefty Friedrich claimed by Angles - MLB.com

The Los Angeles Angeles claimed left-handed reliever Christian Friedrich from the Rockies Friday. A first-round draft pick of the Rockies back in 2008, Friedrich was the Rockies most reliable reliever in terms of health in 2015, posting an uninspiring 5.25 ERA and appearing in 68 games.

The Rockies have options if Jose Reyes is suspended- Today’s Knuckleball

Purple Row staffer and Today’s Knuckleball contributor, Nick Stephens, breaks down the Rockies’ shortstop probables in the event of a Jose Reyes suspension. Reyes, scheduled to appear in court on Opening Day over the domestic violence charges from October, could be the first to take the heat of Rob Manfred’s new domestic violence policy. The Commissioner’s ruling does not need to wait until the charges are settled in court, which could give the Rockies an idea of how their infield might look as early as Spring Training.

Best of the Rest: Top FAs need homes - MLB.com

Anthony Castrovince has an excellent breakdown of the top free agents who have yet to land deals for 2016 and beyond. Three former Rockies make the list in Dexter Fowler, Justin Morneau and Juan Uribe. Yovani Gallardo, who was involved in rumors with the Rockies, is the most notable starting pitcher still up for grabs. However, Castrovince sees a home for Gallardo in Baltimore.

Goodbye -- and I’ll see you at the ballpark - Purple Row

Yesterday, Drew Creaseman bid his farewells to the community after three years of providing consistently outstanding work for Purple Row. Drew will be missed by the staff and our readers, but we wish him nothing but the best for him as Editor at BSN Rockies. A great opportunity for an even better writer and human. Follow the link if you missed his letter to you all, or if you’d like to read it again and get all misty-eyed. Thanks for everything, Drew!

Here’s who’s going to win the Super Bowl, according to the Mets - Cut4

A handful of New York Mets were not too keen on their fellow men in orange and blue when asked who they think will win the Super Bowl. Manager  Terry Collins had high praises for Broncos QB Peyton Manning, but ended up siding with the Carolina Panthers. Travis d’Arnaud was the only Met to give his vote to Denver, citing Broncos fan friends as his inspiration.