Should the Rockies pursue Adrián González?

Colorado Rockies: Could Adrian Gonzalez be a fit at first base? | Rox Pile
Saturday saw a salary dump trade that would have been a blockbuster deal in 2012 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. LA sent first baseman Adrián González, infielder (and old friend) Charlie Culberson, and two veteran starters in Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy to the Braves in exchange for outfielder Matt Kemp. For the trade to occur, it was necessary for González to waive his no-trade clause, which he did on the condition that he would be subsequently released by Atlanta to test his luck on the open market. On Monday, González received his official release, and now we’re connecting the dots on the possibility of a fit with the Rockies.

Rox Pile undertook an analysis of how González could fill the void at first base for the Rockies. Some very good points were raised, which made me question my initial “Stay far away!” line of thinking. González is coming off a very poor year, but injuries likely played a role. 2017 marked career-worsts for A-Gon in ISO, wOBA, slugging percentage, and all three versions of WAR. The only nice thing about his 2017 was his 69 wRC+.

On the other hand, Gonzalez also dealt with a .280 BABIP, a not insignificant margin below his career .317 mark. If he can get his back healthy and his BABIP plays a more favorable role, I don’t think it’s unthinkable to see something like Gonzalez’s .288/.359/.488 career slash return in 2018. For the Rockies to sign him, I personally would probably prefer a minor-league deal, but I think he’s probably shooting for an MLB deal currently, and has a good likelihood achieve it (though that’s purely my speculation). A-Gon turns 36 in May, and I’m not convinced that he will provide a clear upgrade over Ryan McMahon or from what Mark Reynolds provided in 2017. We’ll see how things play out. Lend your opinion in the poll below!

GM Jeff Bridich says 2018 Rockies capable of winning World Series | The Denver Post
During Friday’s press conference to officially announce the signings of relievers Jake McGee and Bryan Shaw, Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich was asked if the Rockies would win the World Series in 2018. It was a “Yes” from Bridich, and Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post has the full quote in his article.

Around Baseball

Jordan Lyles signed to one-year contract; Travis Wood DFA’d | Gaslamp Ball
In 2017, Jordan Lyles sported a 6.94 ERA in 46.2 innings pitched for the Rockies. After he was subsequently designated for assignment, he latched on with the San Diego Padres and gave up 9.39 earned runs per average regulation game in 23 innings. Ten of these innings came against the Rox, in which Lyles allowed 11 earned runs. Despite his struggles, the Padres have decided to bring back the 28-year-old on a one-year $750K contract, with a club option for the 2019 season. Gaslamp Ball has further details, and a suggestion that the Friars may see “untapped potential” in Lyles.

Red Sox re-sign Mitch Moreland to 2-year deal | MLB Daily Dish
Another name from the first base market came off the board on Monday as the Red Sox re-signed Mitch Moreland to a two-year deal. There was never any reported interest in Moreland from the Rockies after he turned in roughly league-average offensive numbers with Boston in 2017.

Mets analysis: Wilpons need to be more transparent about payroll, offseason moves | Newsday
Finally, Marc Carig of Newsday wrote a damning column on the ownership of the New York Mets and their refusal to be transparent about their financial situation. It truly is an incredible article that is well worth a full read.