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Bridich’s 2016 strategy: ‘Keep group together’
- Updated: October 2, 2016
DENVER — A review of the crucial days near the non-waiver Trade Deadline leaves the Rockies not with answers, but with questions in the front office and from the clubhouse as they attempt to become a true postseason team.
With the Rockies 40-48 at the break, general manager Jeff Bridich resisted calls — especially from other clubs — to trade off expensive or experienced players and turn attention to the future. But between then and July 31 — the eve of the Deadline — the Rockies backed Bridich’s strategy by going 12-5 to move into clear contention.
The Rockies didn’t trade for reinforcements. They didn’t change their minds and become sellers, either. But ultimately, the lack of options in the bullpen and their inability to cover for injuries — areas that existed even when the team was playing well — led to a sixth straight sub-.500 season.
Within the coming days, Bridich and manager Walt Weiss will decide whether to go forward together. Regardless, what happened in 2016 raises a question that can be answered only by future decisions: Will the Rockies always try to win on homegrown depth, or will the time come to make bold moves?
This year, there were circumstances that could be argued for or against the decision to stand pat.
Two days before the Deadline, star rookie shortstop Trevor Story suffered a season-ending left wrist injury. A second bout with back problems cost the team pitcher Tyler Chatwood for the second half of August, and first baseman Mark Reynolds was lost twice after Aug. 1 because of broken bones in his left hand. Add to that the fact the Rockies were using their organizational depth and didn’t have it to trade for bullpen help.
The offseason moves — the trade for lefty Jake McGee from …
