Rockies GM Jeff Bridich would consider trading prospects for pitching, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post writes. “When I say we’re open to whatever, I mean it,” says Bridich. “I don’t think we’ll ever be in a ‘sell the farm’ mode. I don’t think that’s a wise decision for us. But you have to be open minded to things that can improve your ballclub.” Of course, it’s possible for a retooling franchise to judiciously trade minor leaguers for big-league talent without dramatically changing its long-term outlook, as the Phillies showed earlier today when they acquired Jeremy Hellickson for a pitcher still in short-season ball. So it might not be wise to read too much into Bridich’s comments. He does note, however, that the Rockies are monitoring both the trade and free agent markets, and that it might be easier for the team to find upgrades via trades at this early point in the offseason. Here’s more from the NL West.
- The Giants are doing “background preparation” on David Price, ESPN’s Buster Olney tweets. The Giants are, presumably, far from alone in that regard, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they continued to be connected to Price until the free agent ace picks his next team — the Giants are expected to bid for top talents this offseason, particularly pitchers.
- The Padres have hired Doug Bochtler to be Andy Green’s bullpen coach, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune tweets. Like Green, Bochtler was previously with the Diamondbacks organization — he served as a pitching coach for the Kane County Cougars, the D-backs’ Class A affiliate. Bochtler spent parts of six seasons in the big leagues, pitching in relief for the Padres from 1995 through 1997 before heading to the Tigers, Dodgers and Royals.
I can smell a Julio Teheran to Colorado deal looming in the air.
Wouldn’t Colorado likely want a ground ball pitcher? Teheran has one of the highest fly ball rates amongst all pitchers in the majors: 40.4% over past 3 years, ranking him 17th.
I just don’t see that as a great option for 81 games at Coors a year.
A starting pitcher doesnt make 81 starts a year by the way. He might start 10-15 times at coors?
Haha. Didn’t consider that. Thanks for pointing that out.
Either way, wouldn’t they want a ground ball pitcher?
Julio Teheran, though it is a limited sample, has done pretty well at Coors. Regardless, he’s one of the better options for them to consider. I could definitely see a deal coming together if the Braves were to shop him. Arenado would be nice, but the Braves would have to give more.
They’d have to give ALOT more for arenado. He’s basically untouchable
I’m not sure any GM would be comfortable with the price tag Arenado will command.
Crazy because I was thinking Giants send Christian Arroyo and a few b level pitching prospects to Atlanta for Teheran. They might try and pry away Susac too. Either way, Atlanta could deepen SS depth with near ready MLB talent in Arroyo with Aybar freeing up. Arroyo blocked by the good infield now and Giants would cover a second pitching need and control Teheran till about 2020.
Short of the Rockies moving in the fences and moving to a ball similar (or identical) to the NCAA ball, I don’t see how anything could help the Rockies build a legitimate team in Coors Field. I don’t care what your philosophy is or how well you execute, I don’t believe the laws of physics allow for MLB to be played at a competitive level in that stadium as it is currently constructed. Humans can do many things, but they cannot defy the laws of physics.
Wrong. They’ve done it before. In fact, they’ve been to the World Series more recently than about half the teams in baseball.
When was the last time the Rockies were in first place back to back years?
Making the world series once when everything goes your way isn’t good enough. Things should not have to break absolutely perfectly in your favor in order to win. The rockies have the biggest homefield disadvantage in north american professional sports, and unless they do something radical to address this, they will never be a competitive team.
I am not saying anything remotely controversial, the Rockies themselves have stated the same thing. Their former GMs have said this, former players. I am sure their current GM would say this too if you have him alone and being honest. The most optimistic thing anyone could say about the Rockies in Coors Field is that “nobody has figured it out.” I believe, and there is very solid, scientific evidence backing this up, it is physically impossible to succeed in MLB in Coors Field in the current circumstances. They need to do something radical to fix this, or ultimately they will have to either decide to accept their fate or move to a different city.
Arenado plays on the same team as Gray, Sale, Bumgardner, Posey, Trout, and Goldschmidt. It’s called the Untouchables.
Bryce Harper would like a word with you.
Machado too
Machado also
Bumgardner. Who are you? Harold Reynolds?