Bridich sees CarGo, Blackmon as key cogs

DENVER — Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich made clear that he does not look at outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Charlie Blackmon as bait in his efforts to improve the roster.

It’s easy to view Gonzalez and Blackmon as possible candidates to be moved. The team’s needs in the bullpen and at first base, an outfield that has homegrown talent rising to the Majors, and the interesting and expensive contracts of right fielder Gonzalez and center fielder/leadoff man Blackmon add up to a combination that ignite Hot Stove talk.

But even with the departure Monday of Walt Weiss as manager, Bridich is presenting the Rockies as a picture of hope and stability, with Gonzalez and Blackmon illustrating both.

“Depth for me in the outfield is a good thing for us,” Bridich said in an interview near season’s end. “There’s positional versatility. There are guys with options. That’s a huge strength for us. I really like our outfield.”

The market doesn’t figure to be teeming for Gerardo Parra, who dealt with a .253 batting average and a left ankle sprain that wouldn’t heal — and is guaranteed $19.5 million over the next two years (including a $1.5 million buyout on a $12 million club option for 2019). And late callups David Dahl, Raimel Tapia and Jordan Patterson are the types of talents the Rockies tend to hoard.

So Hot Stove convention points to Gonzalez, owed $20 million next season to end his contract, and Blackmon, who made $3.5 million in 2016 …

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