Inbox: Do Rox need big move for WS push? | MLB.com
In his latest Inbox, Thomas Harding answers some lingering offseason questions from Rockies fans, and the focus of his attention is specifically on the lack of moves being made by Jeff Bridich and the front office. One participant asks Harding why the Rockies are reluctant to trade prospects in order to “win now,” and another wonders if a move will be made to add a catcher still or if Jeff and Co. plan to “stand pat.”
There’s also a comment about the Rockies lack of moves being attributed to saving money for Nolan’s long-term contract extension. Harding’s answer is a little unclear, but seems to suggest the front office has held off on offers to free agents—like Yasmani Grandal—to tie more money into an offer for Nolan. Trust me, I’m as on-board as it comes for extending Nolan, but if reports of MLB’s profit increases are true, the Rockies should have no problem spending on a valuable player for their lineup in 2019 while keeping Arenado long-term.
Analyzing every big offseason move (thus far) | MLB.com
Mike Petriello of MLB.com takes a walk down memory lane and discusses all of the memorable (and not so memorable) offseason moves that have taken place so far leading up to the 2019 season. While the media is focused on superstars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado still being team-less this winter, we shouldn’t forget that Wild Card contenders like the Cardinals and Mets have been busy strengthening their squads.
The Rockies lone move on this list is of course the Daniel Murphy signing. Like Mike notes, it’s a move that should significantly improve the offensive production coming out of the first base position for this club—they were the 2nd worst group of hitters last year. Murphy will bring his career slash line of .299/.344/.458 to spacious Coors Field and add some much needed offensive output to a lineup that struggled to hit well for much of 2018.
Colorado Rockies: What a Nolan Arenado trade to the Yankees could look like | Rox Pile
As we all know, there has been a great deal of talk and buzz about the Yankees organization reportedly being interested in trading for Nolan Arenado, to the chagrin of the Rockies faithful. With Nolan’s free agency looming, anything is still possible, but Patrick Saunders had this bit of news to share yesterday:
Regarding those rumors coming out of NY about #Yankees #Rockies trade for Nolan Arenado... I’m told there is no substance to them. Far fetched.
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) January 19, 2019
Well that’s good to hear. Regardless, Rox Pile’s Noah Yingling wanted to take a closer look at what a Nolan-to-New-York trade might look like. Noah suggests Miguel Andujar, who finished 2nd in AL ROY voting, as the primary return, with Gleyber Torres and Greg Bird as secondary pieces who could fit in the Rockies lineup.
Personally, I like his idea of adding Clint Frazier, who has been a highly touted outfield prospect in his career, with Andujar and Bird. Torres is a great talent, of course, but would be blocked by Trevor Story at SS, and the Rockies already have McMahon and Hampson ready to compete for the 2B job. Frazier would add a talented, young RH bat to an outfield crowded with lefties, as he’s slashed .304/.360/.522 in his major league career vs. LHP.
Blake Street Ball TV: Bud Black’s impact on the Colorado Rockies | Rox Pile
Lastly, Luke Mullins discusses Bud Black’s tenure with the Rockies so far, how it has impacted the franchise, and if he could go down as one of the club’s best managers. It’s important to remember that Arenado isn’t the only vital member of this team who desperately needs a contract extension in 2019, with Black entering the final year of his 3-year deal, as well.
Might as well start talking about possible offers for Black, too. What do you all say? If you’re extending Bud Black, how many more years would you offer him and for how much money?