- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Rox have solid nucleus to build around for ’17
- Updated: October 3, 2016
The Rockies enter the offseason with a solid homegrown roster that pushed into contention just after the All-Star break before faltering, primarily due to bullpen struggles. This puts them in good position for 2017, but it also leaves them at a crossroads.
The club announced on Monday morning that Walt Weiss decided not to pursue a return for a fifth season as the Rockies’ manager. Weiss’ contract expired at the end of the regular season.
This is also a club that hasn’t participated in recent big-name free agency — with most of the veteran acquisitions being character guys — and has chosen to trade mainly for players on the cusp of the Majors. As a result, the Rockies struggled at first but now have a lineup worthy of a contender to go with a talented starting pitching staff.
• Rox poised for more after season of growth
At the non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Rockies chose not to deal their veterans, but they also couldn’t swing a deal to augment what they have. Do they continue the current roster plan, or is there a big expenditure that can shock the process further?
Here is a look at where the Rockies stand heading into the offseason.
Arbitration eligible: 3B Nolan Arenado, CF Charlie Blackmon, RHP Tyler Chatwood, LHP Jake McGee, RHP Jordan Lyles
Free agents: LHP Jorge De La Rosa, INF-OF Daniel Descalso, C Nick Hundley, LHP Boone Logan, OF Ryan Raburn, 1B Mark Reynolds
Rotation: For years, the call has been for the Rockies to sign a veteran, but success has been scant. The 2016 rotation struggled in April and didn’t finish strong, but in May, June and July the club received upper-echelon work from De La Rosa and Chatwood, who were acquired before they were established, and homegrown products Chad Bettis, Jon Gray and Tyler Anderson. All but De La Rosa, 35, are assured to return.
There are opportunities for Jeff Hoffman — ranked by MLBPipeline.com as the club’s No. 2 prospect — German Marquez (No. 6), who received limited work at season’s end, and Antonio Senzatela (No. 8), with whom the team was careful because of a shoulder issue. Denver native Kyle Freeland (No. 7) and lefty Harrison Musgrave (No. 25) are on the cusp. Behind them, Peter Lambert (No. 11), Ryan Castellani (No. 12) and Yency Almonte (No. 19) had solid years that could put them on the big league radar.
Bullpen: The moves that didn’t work will be tough to correct. Righties Jason Motte and Chad Qualls were barely usable because of injuries and ineffectiveness, and they are due $8.75 million next season at the end of two-year contracts. It would be difficult to swing trades. McGee struggled because of a knee injury and the subtle delivery changes that occurred upon his return, but it makes sense to give him a …
