As we approach pitchers and catchers report dates, let’s take a look back at the Rockies offseason. Well…nothing really happened. In mid-December, Jeff Bridich (Rockies GM) and the front office began listening to trade offers for All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado. It created chaos and frustration amongst Rockies fans across the country to ask questions, “Why we would trade the best defensive thirdbaseman in the game, not to mention the face of the Rockies organization!?” After a hiccup in the 2019 season for the Rockies, people and the media are suggesting that the Rockies should begin rebuilding by trading Arenado. As a Rockies fan, why do we need to rebuild? Do we need to? I’d say not now, no. We just did that a couple years ago! After failing to reach the playoffs in 2010 and 2011, the Rockies decided to go that route, although it took several years to get through it until Bridich came on and eventually traded Tulowitzki. Yes, the Troy Tulowitzki deal to Toronto did help us in the long run, but that doesn’t mean we trade Nolan now. We are not in rebuilding mode yet. The Rockies are confident with the lineup they have and the pitchers they have. This upcoming season is key on whether we keep or potentially trading Arenado.
If the Rockies decide to trade Nolan down the road, it could happen as early as late July at the Trade Deadline…if…the Rockies are not having a good season and failing to reach the postseason. However, if the Rockies end up having a good record going into August and are a playoff potential team, then we could possibly see Nolan hang around longer in the purple pinstripes. We did see that Nolan was reportedly upset with the team earlier because of them not going out and getting good players in the free agent market. Fingers crossed folks. I’m sure most Rockies fans would agree that this was probably one of, if not, the worst offseason in Rockies history. Thankfully, we have only 24 hours until that ends! Rockies pitchers and catchers report on February 11 in Scottsdale. The first game of the spring is a couple weeks away against the rival Diamondbacks. There will for sure be Opening Day roster battles in left field for Colorado with players like Hilliard, Tapia, Desmond, etc.
This offseason, Kyle Freeland reported that he changed his windup a bit and made it more original instead of the long pause in his delivery. Hopefully that helps him regain his composure after a bad 2019 season. David Dahl and Story are expected to have great seasons. Baseball is back baby!
– Rockies Now
