The Colorado Rockies continue to make moves, just not the ones fans were hoping for.
Confirming #Rockies signing Parra for 3 years $27.5 MM. Option for $12 MM
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) January 12, 2016
If there’s one thing the Colorado Rockies need, it’s not left-handed hitting; it’s left-handed pitching — pitching in general, really. After bringing in Gerardo Parra, the Rockies outfield is now a little full, with Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson all expecting heavy playing time, too.
Maybe, though, this is a sign that the Rockies are looking to deal some of their offensive talent for pitching.
The #Rockies now have a surplus of outfielders after signing of Parra, which could lead to a potential trade of Cargo or another OF.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 12, 2016
#Rockies have 4 LH-hitting OFs on 40-man roster: CarGo, Blackmon, Dickerson, Tapia. (Paulson, too, in theory.) Trade must be coming.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 12, 2016
Cargo is my favorite Rockies player. Total class dude. But with signing of Parra, they HAVE to trade Cargo for pitching. Have to.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) January 12, 2016
In fact, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports and the MLB Network, the Rockies are already engaged in talks with the team Parra just left.
Source: #Orioles, #Rockies engaged in "ongoing trade talks" on Colorado outfielders. Rockies have surplus following Parra deal. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 12, 2016
If the Parra signing does lead to a big-time deal for pitching talent, then this all would make sense. Until then, though, Parra isn’t much more than a mediocre talent, hitting just .267 with a .709 OPS over the last three seasons.
The sad truth is that no signing matters unless Colorado is bringing in some top-line pitching talent, too. Until then, it’s going to be hard for Rockies fans to get excited about much of anything.