Ownership reportedly “pleased” with Bill Schmidt, but are fans?

The 2021 season is winding down. As it does, the Rockies presumably are preparing to officially begin their search for a new GM. It’s an exciting change that could mark the beginning of a new era for Rockies baseball.

Some names of current and former baseball executives where thrown around earlier this season, but as of late, no names have come up in reports besides current interim-GM Bill Schmidt. The latest coming on Friday:

This further confirms what we’ve heard from Rockies beat reporters for a couple months now. It appears Schmidt’s four month audition for the role is earning him more and more consideration. So much so, that right now, it feels like he’s the unquestioned favorite to land the job.

Ownership has a better behind the scenes look at exactly how Schmidt has run things than anyone else but the results of his work are visible by everyone. The notable transactions under his leadership that officially began on May 3rd are:

May 7th– Selected the contract of INF/OF Connor Joe from Triple-A Albuquerque

Originally a Jeff Bridich minor league signing, Schmidt made Connor Joe his first addition to the 40-man roster without seeing Joe take a single at-bat for the Isotopes.

May 24th– Claimed INF Rio Ruiz off waivers from Baltimore, DFA’d INF/OF Bret Boswell

Ruiz struggled in just over 100 plate appearances with the Orioles slashing a .167/.250/.300 line to that point. With minor league options remaining on his deal, claiming him gave the Rockies some more infield depth and a cheap look at a young player.

July 11th– Drafted OF Benny Montgomery eighth overall

The selection of the promising outfielder out of high school has been mostly well received by scouts and fans alike. Montgomery recently became Colorado’s second prospect to be listed in MLB’s Top 100 prospects at 97 just as he begins his first professional season.

July 28th– Acquired RHPs Noah Davis and Case Williams from Cincinnati for RHP Mychal Givens

The lone trade completed under Schmidt’s watch saw Colorado reacquire their 2020 fourth round draft choice Case Williams. Givens was due to hit free agency this offseason, so the front office decided to secure a return for the veteran reliever.

July 29th– Purchased RHP Ashton Goudeau from Cincinnati

Goudeau was claimed by the Rockies back in April but was DFA’d and claimed again by the Reds in May. Colorado wanted him back so they ponied up some cash to reacquire him.

August– Began talks with RHP Jon Gray on a contract extension

Not a transaction but certainly a notable development. Both Gray and the front office have been public about their desires for him to remain a member of the Rockies. This was before Gray hit the IL for the second time this season with forearm issues, and there have been no updates on the negotiations since. It’s unclear if the injury has affected those negotiations in any way.

What’s most defined Schmidt’s job performance this year, is what he didn’t do. He did not move any one of Trevor Story, Jon Gray or C.J. Cron at the trade deadline. If/When Story leaves for another team this offseason, the Rockies will only receive a compensatory draft pick. If Gray or Cron decide to bolt, the Rockies will likely be left with nothing to show for.

It’s a very small sample size, but it’s the same sample size that ownership will base it’s decision off and it’s what ownership is reportedly “pleased” with. With all of Schmidt’s decisions laid out and nothing drastic likely to happen in the final weeks, what do you think of his work? Grade him here and sound off with your thoughts on Schmidt and the Rockies below.

★ ★ ★

Rockies’ Larry Walker: From hockey wannabe to baseball Hall of Famer | The Denver Post ($)

On Wednesday, Larry Walker will finally be inducted in Cooperstown. Patrick Saunders takes a look back at how a kid from Canada who initially wanted to be a hockey star became a Hall of Famer.

‘Learn from it’: Rox see mixed rookie debuts | MLB.com

Yesterday, we got to see not just one but two rookie pitchers make their MLB debuts. Ryan Feltner got roughed up and it began with the very first pitch he threw that ended up in the right field seats. Julian Fernández had a clean and impressive first inning that saw him top out above 102 mph but also got knocked for three runs midway through his second inning. Both rookies will now try to learn from this as they continue to mature at the big league level.

On the farm

Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 4, Oklahoma City Dodgers 1

The Isotopes play sound baseball on both ends to defeat the Dodgers in Oklahoma City. The Albuquerque pitching staff holds the Dodgers to just four hits and give up only one walk. Starter Frank Duncan allowed just one run in six innings while the bullpen nearly threw a perfect final three innings. Both Taylor Snyder and Nick Longhi each went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Double-A: Hartford Yard Goats 5, Reading Fightin Phils 4

On the east coast, the Yard Goats hold on to defeat the Fightin Phils after scoring all five of their runs in the first inning. Manuel Melendez had a 2-for-4 day with a two out RBI. Both Willie Abreu and Michael Toglia each went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk. Peter Lambert completed his first rehab start with Hartford, going 2 ²⁄₃ innings and allowing one run while striking out five.

High-A: Spokane Indians vs Tri-City Dust Devils (Cancelled, COVID-19)

Low-A: Fresno Grizzlies 7, Stockton Ports 1

Out west, the Grizzlies slug their way to a commanding win over Stockton. Five different players recorded multi-hit games. Bladimir Restituyo led the way with three hits including a two-run home run in the sixth inning, his third of the season. Joe Aeilts went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two walks. The pitching staff for Fresno was also just as good. Starter Mike Ruff threw four shutout innings allowing just one hit. The bullpen finished off the game allowing just one unearned run.

★ ★ ★

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