Rockies’ Todd Helton, on Hall of Fame ballot for first time, likely faces uphill climb to Cooperstown | The Denver Post ($)
The 2019 Hall of Fame ballot was revealed on Monday and as expected, Colorado Rockies’ great Todd Helton received his name on the ballot for the first time. Helton joins the likes of Roy Halladay and Mariano Rivera as other players who retired in 2013, and thus became eligible for their first inclusion on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2019. Helton’s offensive prowess truly stands out from many of the others on the ballot, but he unfortunately will likely get docked for playing at Coors Field, as fellow Hall of Fame candidate Larry Walker also has. Walker and Helton are among six players on the ballot to have produced a wOBA of .400 of greater in their careers, along with Lance Berkman, Barry Bonds, Edgar Martínez and Manny Ramírez. Kyle Newman of The Denver Post breaks down the full details on Helton’s case for the Hall.
Colorado Rockies: Could Michael Brantley make sense in the outfield? | Rox Pile
For the past several seasons, the Rockies have boasted a surplus of left-handed hitting outfielders— something that has been both a blessing and a curse at times. With Carlos González and Gerardo Parra entering free agency this offseason, the lefty-heavy outfield will thin out a bit. While the most exciting name on the free agent market to match that description is Bryce Harper, a less expensive option exists in Michael Brantley. Brantley has established himself as a provider of surplus value, when healthy. Fortunately for Brantley, he was healthy in a contract year, slashing .309/.364/.468 and providing 3.6 bWAR in 2018. Kevin Henry of Rox Pile explores more of how he fits on the Rockies’ roster.
“ROCKY MOUNTAIN VIBES” TO BE NEW TEAM NAME | MiLB.com
The Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, will be moving to San Antonio for the 2019 season, leaving room for a new minor league team in Colorado. On Monday, it was announced that the Rocky Mountain Vibes will be the Pioneer League affiliate of the Brewers for the upcoming season, continuing to play their games at Security Service Field, the former home of the Sky Sox.