For the first time in recent memory, the Rockies entered the MLB trade deadline season as clear buyers. Fortunately for the Rockies it turned into a buyer’s market, with talented moving for far less than one might expect. Sure, if you wanted long-term controlled talent like Jose Quintana, you were going to have to pay for the privilege. But if you needed a rental player for the final push to the playoffs? Blue light specials everywhere.
The Rockies took advantage of this market by scooping up right-handed reliever Pat Neshek from the Phillies for a few prospects that are mostly blocked in the system. Two days later they brought in catcher Jonathan Lucroy from the Rangers in hopes that he rebounds from his current dreadful season, and all it cost was a player to be named later (sorry, not this one). Many assumed the Rockies would continue to make more moves, but apparently general manager Jeff Bridich was content to get his shopping done early.
While it was certainly refreshing to see the Rockies active (in either direction) at the trade deadline, because it was a buyer’s market, their division and wild card rivals were also busy making moves. The Los Angeles Dodgers, not content with merely winning every game but desiring to embarrass their opponents, acquired former Cy Young Award runner-up Yu Darvish from the Rangers as well as mediocre relievers Tony Cingrani and Tony Watson. The Diamondbacks added outfielder JD Martinez from the Tigers and shored up their bullpen with David Martinez. The Cubs (who are now the favorites to win the NL Central) made a slew of moves and the Brewers did what they could to reinforce their bullpen in hopes of keeping their playoff dreams afloat. With the Brewers fading over the last few weeks, perhaps they are more content to aim to contend in the coming few years; the Cubs’ additions make it unlikely anyone will take their division crown away.
Suffice it to say the Dodgers come out looking like even more of a juggernaut, further putting the idea of a Rockies division title in 2017 to bed. That leaves Arizona. The Diamondbacks, who already had an impressive cache of talent in the lineup, replaced an injured and disappointing Yasmany Tomas with Martinez. There’s will be a scary lineup to face in a one-game playoff. And really, at this point, that’s what this all comes down to: which of the two NL West rivals can do enough over the last two months of the season to secure the first Wild Card and home field advantage in the one-game winner-take-all.
The Rockies had some weaknesses heading into the trade deadline and they’ve addressed two of the more readily fixable ones: right-handed relief, and catcher. While Carlos Gonzalez remains the most glaring hole in the lineup, there are plenty of outfielders to fill in if/when the Rockies decide to bench him. Trevor Story has picked it up so far in the second half, at least somewhat allaying concerns about whether he should be replaced. And while starting pitching is always helpful in the stretch run and playoffs, the Rockies are actually in a position where they may have too many starters when Chad Bettis is in game shape.
Acquiring Pat Neshek and Jonathan Lucroy addresses felt needs for the Rockies right now and, because they are both free agents at the end of the year, inserting them into the 25-man roster doesn’t change much of the long-term outlook for the team. And all they had to give up was Jose Gomez, pitchers J.D. Hammer and Alejandro Requena, and a player to be named later. That’s four prospects, only one of whom actually made our PuRPs list, to real address weaknesses that will help the team push for the first wild card spot.
Poll
Did the Rockies do enough at the trade deadline?
This poll is closed
-
44%
Yes; improved the bullpen and the lineup, exactly what we needed
(220 votes) -
35%
No; the bullpen needed more help
(172 votes) -
6%
No; the lineup is too top heavy right now
(34 votes) -
13%
No; too many rookies in the rotation right now
(65 votes)
Poll
How would you grade the Pat Neshek trade?
This poll is closed
-
60%
A
(270 votes) -
35%
B
(160 votes) -
2%
C
(9 votes) -
0%
D
(3 votes) -
0%
F
(2 votes) -
1%
Incomplete
(6 votes)
Poll
How would you grade the Jonathan Lucroy trade?
This poll is closed
-
33%
A
(151 votes) -
42%
B
(188 votes) -
15%
C
(68 votes) -
2%
D
(10 votes) -
0%
F
(2 votes) -
6%
Incomplete
(28 votes)
Poll
How would you grade the Rockies' trade deadline?
This poll is closed
-
15%
A
(67 votes) -
65%
B
(288 votes) -
15%
C
(68 votes) -
2%
D
(11 votes) -
0%
F
(3 votes) -
0%
Incomplete
(3 votes)