In all likelihood the Colorado Rockies will not make the postseason this year, even if their record says they’re mathematically in contention with over 60 games to play. And that means one major headache for general manager Jeff Bridich.
The Rockies are in no man’s land when it comes to the trade deadline. Colorado’s record is not bad enough where the team has to sell and the record is not quite good enough where the team should be actively looking for pieces that can help the club win right now.
Bridich needs to decide whether to build for the future or build for the present, and that largely centers around outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon.
The problem with selling Gonzalez and Blackmon is that they’re both critical to Colorado’s outfield rotation. The Rockies already got rid of one outfielder in Corey Dickerson during the offseason, and there is no guarantee that Gerardo Parra is going to be as productive as he was prior to his injury when he comes back.
And while many talk about the Gonzalez and Blackmon’s offensive production, the Rockies would miss their defensive prowess just as much. In a stadium like Coors Field, you need top-end defensive outfielders, and that’s what those two can bring.
Colorado did make a move to bring up David Dahl this week, but he is young and unproven at the major league level. It seems like the Rockies would be taking too big of a risk selling proven veterans who can handle the big outfield at Coors Field.
If Colorado decides it has to sell somebody, it should be Jorge De La Rosa. Serious contenders always need veteran pitching, and De La Rosa’s contract is up at the end of the season. Colorado’s pitching staff is in the midst of a youth movement, and De La Rosa is expendable. Bridich should try to get something for De La Rosa since he will probably not be part of Colorado’s future plans.
Bridich and the Rockies are in a difficult position as the deadline approaches. The bottom line is that there is no need to make a major move given the direction this organization is headed. Also, cash is not a concern. If Colorado pulls the trigger on a major move, it will not be money motivated.
The Rockies need to try to find compensation for De La Rosa. As for any other major moves, the club needs to just continue to grow with what they have.
For more on the MLB trade deadline, checkout the podcast below …
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