Inbox: Are Rusin's contributions undervalued? | MLB.com
Pitching will be the big question for the Colorado Rockies as they try to hang onto a playoff spot in these final two months of the season. Thomas Harding offers answers to a few of these questions, mentioning that the Rockies still might look at adding a reliever through a trade during August.
As for what pitchers might be available, that subject has been covered in a number of places since the July 31 trade deadline passed.
And as for whether Chris Rusin is undervalued, the answer to that reader’s question is no, and not everybody has to be underrated or overrated. Chris Rusin is appropriately rated.
The 12 biggest MLB trade chips in August and their best fits among contenders | CBS Sports
For all the pitchers mentioned in here with potential fits, the Rockies are only mentioned as a fit for one of them: Bud Norris. You could take the logic of them being a fit, however, and apply it to other relievers that might be available if you expanded this list (more on that in a second).
As for Norris and whether he could be a good trade target, the answer is maybe? Say it again and say it everyday: relievers are weird and unpredictable. Norris has done a nice job converting to the bullpen, but it’s anybody’s guess how he could help the Rockies in the playoff race.
I guess the question you ask yourself is whether he’s better than Scott Oberg. At that point you might feel more strongly about the Rockies trading for help.
Top 25 August Trade Candidates | MLB Trade Rumors
Here’s a longer list of potential targets for the Rockies, with an interesting one right at the top if they wanted to go bigger (relatively speaking) in a deal: Jim Johnson of the Atlanta Braves. There are some other pitchers to look at and think about possible deals, including an old friend alert in Matt Belisle of the Twins.
Colorado Rockies: Why having potential Game 163 at Coors Field is a must | Rox Pile
If we allow ourselves to dream on a Wild Card game if things hold in the standings, it would be the Rockies vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks. Home-field advantage would certainly be a factor, as Brady Vernon points out here. For my part, I just think it would be fun to see Coors Field hopping for that game, especially with how the players have talked about the home crowds this season.
Instant Reaction: Freeland dinged up, Rockies win anyway | BSN Rockies
The pieces will potentially continue to move in the starting rotation after Kyle Freeland left Friday’s start early with a groin injury. Jake Shapiro has updates and reaction from manager Bud Black on that and the rest of Friday night’s action.