Rox see improving ‘pen, first base as top priorities

DENVER — Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich acknowledged Tuesday the team has talked to free-agent closer Mark Melancon and lefty reliever Mike Dunn in an effort to improve what was the weakest part of the club in 2016.

Melancon, a Colorado native, earned 98 saves over the last two seasons with the Pirates and Nationals, while Dunn had 103 strikeouts in 96 1/3 innings for the Marlins over the same period. Both are highly sought relievers — Melancon has been linked to the Giants in recent weeks — and pursuing them shows that the Rockies are serious about improving the Majors’ worst bullpen in ’16.

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“That is a priority for us, yes,” Bridich said. “As usual this time of year, it’s any or all of the above that we’re looking at.”

Bridich also said the Rockies are just beginning to determine how best to pursue their biggest offensive need — a productive first baseman.

During the recent General Managers Meetings, conversations with other clubs revealed that if the Rockies want to add a solid Major Leaguer via trade, it would cost them. The Rockies saw a parade of prospects make solid debuts, such as outfielders David Dahl and Raimel Tapia, catcher Tom Murphy and pitchers Tyler Anderson, Jeff Hoffman and German Marquez.

Bridich said he has never made a player “untouchable,” but the return had better be special if he’s to be convinced to trade young talent.

“I’m a …

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