The Rockies surprised most everyone when they signed Ian Desmond to a five-year, $70MM contract. But eyebrows really shot up when the team said that it intends to utilize the shortstop-turned-center fielder at yet another new position: first base.
While there’s little reason to suspect that Desmond isn’t capable of handling the position defensively, it’s a bit of an odd fit. Desmond has settled in as a solid-but-not-great hitter who contributes quite a bit on the bases, making for an offensive profile that isn’t substantially better than a variety of other players who are presumably available for much less money. His real value lies in the fact that he can do those things while also playing premium defensive positions.
It’s debatable just how good of an outfielder Desmond will be going forward, as his initially strong metrics slipped over the course of the 2016 season. He could probably still contribute all over the infield, too, as he retains the athleticism and arm strength that made him a quality shortstop in the not-so-distant past. (The miscues, alas, probably mean he won’t again play short unless a mid-season need arises.) That versatility led some to suggest that Desmond could sign as a Ben Zobrist-type, everyday utility player.
To be fair, Colorado could plan to keep Desmond at first for just a single season, shifting him back to the outfield in 2018. And the team could value the fact that he’d represent an option elsewhere if there’s an injury. But free-agent contracts are signed primarily for the contributions that a player provides in the early years of a deal, and it’s arguable that Desmond will represent a fairly middling overall option at first, which is traditionally the realm of quality batsmen who simply can’t field other positions.
Of course, the Rockies also still possess a seeming glut of left-handed-hitting outfielders. Desmond makes a good bit of sense as a right-handed outfield piece to join that mix, with one pre-existing player being cashed in via trade. Both Charlie Blackmon and David Dahl can handle center; Carlos Gonzalez is still viewed as an everyday corner piece; and Gerardo Parra was signed to be a heavily-used fourth outfielder. All four hit from the left side, as do other potential MLB options such as Jordan Patterson and Raimel Tapia.
So, whatever the team’s true intentions, it remains plausible to imagine that a trade will open up a move of Desmond to a corner outfield spot, with the Rockies adding another player (or multiple players) to play at first. The free-agent market remains chock full of possibilities. Mark Trumbo and Mike Napoli could be signed as everyday options, though only the former has clearly been linked to Colorado. We’ve heard of at least some interest on the Rox’ behalf in Chris Carter, who might conceivably take the lion’s share of the work while being paired with a lefty bat. Brandon Moss, Logan Morrison, Pedro Alvarez, and Adam Lind could represent left-handed platoon options, with any number of righties joining them to face opposing southpaws. Luis Valbuena and Trevor Plouffe are primarily third basemen, but could also represent fits. (Highly-regarded prospect Ryan McMahon could also be a factor at some point; the left-handed hitter only just turned 22, and didn’t exactly dominate at Double-A last year, but could conceivably be ready later in 2017.)
There are trade possibilities, too, whether or not that might come in a hypothetical swap involving one of the outfielders. Colorado has explored a deal for White Sox slugger Jose Abreu, who would represent a major acquisition. His teammate, Todd Frazier, is surely also on the blocks, and could conceivably be shifted across the diamond from third, though that’s pure speculation. It’s hard to see any other established regulars being made available at this stage; the Padres’ Wil Myers, for example, would probably only be dealt at a tremendous price. And other quality, controllable pieces likely wouldn’t be available unless the Rockies were willing to part with Dahl or a top prospect. But part-time options — most notably, perhaps, Matt Adams of the Cardinals — could well be had for a modest return.
Given the lay of the land, what’s your best bet as to how the Rockies end up filling their first-base job in 2017? (Answer options randomized; app users can weigh in here.)
TheMichigan
They signed Desmond to be a 1B so he will be a 1B where else would they put him?
sidewinder11
In the OF would be the best option, as long as they trade either CarGo or Blackmon for pitching.
Dock_Elvis
CF/LF/SS…any position he’s actually played and has more offensive value.
jayceincase
I refuse to believe that the endgame is for Desmond to play first. However, if they don’t come off of their asking price for Gonzalez or Blackmon, they may have no other place for him. A number of free agent first basemen could be fun too watch in Colorado.
Dock_Elvis
Whatever it would take to land Abreau might take the prospects that could be better used to go after a front end rotation piece…which they definitely need. But Abreu would be incredible driving balls into the Coors gaps.
I just can’t believe that Desmond is their only intended move. I have to think they are looking for a 1B, and Desmond frees them to deal. They’ve apparently checked in on Marcus Stroman, and they’ve been linked to Kevin Gausman for a long time. Can’t rule out Jose Quintana or a Tampa starter.
I’d have to say some of their approach is in whether they land Greg Holland. Should that happen they’ll likely go below the Trumbo threshold, which wouldnt be the worst thing…and they might address the rotation with someone like Drew Smyly.
As of right now..signing a 1B is the key to freeing up Desmond and allowing for a trade. If they get even league average numbers from their staff…they’ll be a threat.
cmlosiewicz
Problem is they want too much in return for CarGo and Blackmon. Pitching starved Baltimore isn’t giving up a guy like Gausman. 4 years of team control and potential through the roof for 2 years of a 31 year old CF or 1 year of a 20 mil player that can’t hit outside of Coors? not gonna happen.
davbee
Then the O’s don’t get Blackmon or Cargo, simple as that.
chesteraarthur
Oh yes, i’m sure you know exactly what is going on in the rockies front office….
Neither of those players are as valuable as gausman, especially not cargo. The rockies should trade him if they get any sort of decent offer
pd14athletics
CarGo might not be able to get 1/20 as a free agent right now. Him and Carlos Beltran had very similar stats last year and Beltran just got 1/16. Sure CarGo is better in the field, but he’s also still below average defensively and more injury prone. Though both played in great hitters parks last year, CarGo did it in the #1 hitters park.
So sure maybe as a FA right now maybe CarGo gets that 1/20. But that team wouldn’t give up a Stroman or Gausman on top of that. Either CO gives up other players in the deal or is eating a chunk of that salary.
Dock_Elvis
Rockies have a pretty strong system to package with Gonzalez or Blackmon…I wouldn’t anticipate a 1-1 deal. At this point their holding I believe the #5 prospect in SS Brendan Rodgers….or maybe they deal Story if they think Rodgers is close. Im not going to speculate on specifics other than that the Rockies probably could get atleast one significant deal done. Ive mentioned it other places…but I see them attempting a deal like KC did in acquiring James Shields.
chesteraarthur
Rodgers ended the season in A-ball, so I think they need story for at least another year (unless they play desmond at ss until/if Rodgers is ready)
Dock_Elvis
That’s likely. He’s probably a stretch for 2017…but depends on how hes hitting and where they are in the standings. At this point I think he’s going to be a better hitter than Story…itll eventually press the middle infield situation. But yeah..not likely 2017.
start_wearing_purple
Sigh, the phrase “Who’s on first…” always has to be answered the same way:
“What?”
“No, What’s on second.”
jleve618
I don’t know.
start_wearing_purple
Third Base.
Sky14
Yes, very disappointing that’s not an option in the poll.
jdgoat
Anyone else other than Cargo will be dumb by Colorado
chesteraarthur
stick cargo at 1st, move desmond to of.
OCTraveler
FA Trevor Plouffe would be a quick fix and provide depth at 3b
Jeff Todd
Yeah I meant to add him and Valbuena. Just did.
NineChampionsips
Dahl & Tapia go to the ChiSox in a package for Abreu.
OF – Desmond, Blackmon, CarGo
IF – Arenado, Story, LeMahue, Abreu
PROFIT?
chesteraarthur
Too much from Rox
SuperSinker
I don’t get the attraction to Abreu. Why not just sign Napoli.
milkman
Sign Chris Carter, trade Blackmon for a solid LHP while he is on top, move Desmond to the OF., then sign another pitcher over the offseason. Main priority is pitching for this club, Carter would be great over there to hit in all the young studs. They don’t need a prized slugger at first, they have plenty of them. Like a broken record in Denver, they need pitching.
Brixton
Except no one is gonna give up a top pitcher for Blackmon (theres no demand for him anymore), and there is no one good left to sign
ducksnort69
My guess is that what they were offered was not to their liking, but a lot of teams would give up significant talent for Blackmon.
Dock_Elvis
Absolutely…and thats why I see a 1B signing opening them to deal for a starter. Desmond has that utility value for them to allow a few moves.
pd14athletics
Anyone see a fit with Oakland – Blackmon for SP? Maybe even Dahl?
Dock_Elvis
Maybe Sonny Gray..dont know
NineChampionsips
Dahl would be great depending on the cost. Oakland’s got a bevy of young arms who might interest Colorado.
Dock_Elvis
I see Colorado signing more of a controllable vet starter…they have their own young arms.
milkman
or even sign Carter and hold on to CarGo and Blackmon until someone needs them at the deadline
Dock_Elvis
Its not totally crazy to think the Rockies might actually be buyers at the deadline….nice young staff…but they need another arm.
Brixton
Vince Velasquez and Tommy Joseph for David Dahl, Peter Lambert and Miguel Castro.
1. Blackmon CF
2. DJL 2B
3. Arenado 3B
4. Cargo RF
5. Story SS
6. Desmond LF
7. Joseph 1B
8. Wolters/Murphy C
Dock_Elvis
I think Velasquez is a closer, and Rockies might have that in Otavanio. Not sure they need to deal like that…just go get Matt Adams and keep Dahl around.
chesteraarthur
Too many injury issues with VV
Dock_Elvis
As a starter….but someone will make him a backend guy. I just dont think you give up much for that. If they are dealing prospects they need to be looking frontline starter. Unless maybe they spend on Holland and want to go get a 2-3ish guy
chesteraarthur
yeah, exactly. You don’t trade that package for an unproven closer, you trade that for a guy you think is a young starter.
Dock_Elvis
Ive played over quite a few scenarios. If they sign Holland…that’ll likely drop them down in the Carter or maybe down to Matt Adams territory….and then maybe they deal with Tampa. Im not sure if Chris Archer can be pried away…but thats the kind of guy you might flip a prospect for….Smyly secondary. I think Quintana is going to be expensive.
lesterdnightfly
Chris Archer for a prospect…??!!??
Indeed you have “played over a few scenarios”. But evidently they’re not based in reality.
lesterdnightfly
p.s. If I were Holland and looking for a deal to recapture my value, Colorado would be at the bottom of my list.
davidcoonce74
Chris Archer would require Colorado to part with a significant prospect haul, but that is the guy they should be targeting if they’re trying to contend. He’s really good and seems like the type who could pitch well in Coors.
Dock_Elvis
Yeah…nice response…should read further i didnt say a prospect….dont respond if youre gonna be jerky like that. No call for being snidy. Im not going to speculate and create some 10 inch comment post. Bad enough that it takes so much scrolling to get past all the smack talk
Dock_Elvis
A few years ago Tampa dealt James Shields and Wade Davis for Wil Myers and Mike Montgomery. I believe the Rockies have the system to make a major deal if they should so choose. Right now Brendan Rodgers is the #5….Rockies want to sign a 1B…they could deal from almost anywhere on the MLB roster or from prospect depth.
Dock_Elvis
He’s had some homer hiccups….but I like the 10/9 K rate.
Chefno2
Desmond will stay at 1B, but Blackmon and Ryan McMahon will be traded to Red Sox for Bradley, Eduardo Rodriguez, Henry Owens and either Vasquez or Swihart therefore solving COL need for a SP, C and maintaining CF position.
Brixton
Why would the Red Sox do that if they believe in JBJ.. If JBJ is an ,800 OPS guy, hes just as good as Blackmon because defense and the Coors effect
Chefno2
Blackmon in 2016 at Home: 68G .335avg .399obp .540slg .939ops 12hr.
Away: 75G .313avg .363obp .563slg .926ops 17hr.
Bradley in 2016 at Home: 80G .299avg .378obp .518slg .895ops 12hr.
Away: 76G .234avg .319obp .453slg .772ops 14hr
Blackmon in 2016 not a Coors effect. Bradley is a Fenway effect, and could do same in COL. Agree though that Blackmon is beneath Bradley in defense, 4.5 compared to -10.4 UZR. However, Benintendi could slide over to CF. Looking over teams the Red Sox really only made sense in a Blackmon trade since Rockies would require a MLB SP.
All in good fun.
SuperSinker
Have you looked at how Blackmon accomplished what he did on the road? And whether things like his road BABIP or HR/FB% look in any way sustainable? You aren’t paying for past production.
Dock_Elvis
Tom Murphy might be a very solid catcher for Colorado. He has excellent power.
AddisonStreet
Naw, I don’t think so, kid.
Chefno2
“I’m a man! I’m 40! I’m not a kid!”
Dock_Elvis
Oklahoma State football fan as well.
badco44
Mr alcediner123…buddy you need to smell what your shoveling
JFactor
The Rockies are so incredibly poorly ran it’s no longer comical.
Dock_Elvis
That system is working now..but yeah ownership is questionable…but so is KCs
Cam
Only the Rockies would take an average offense outfielder with shortstop experience, from a market saturated with first baseman, and pay him 70mil to play first.
I don’t know if this smokescreen while trying to trade an outfielder to make room, is legit. They might just be incompetent.
Chefno2
Shamalan Twist: They trade Arenado at deadline then go onto win World Series.
EndinStealth
I think they thought they could get a load for Blackmon. Figure they’d sign Desmond trade Blackmon and be sitting pretty. Just other teams wouldn’t pay their outrageous asking price.
bush1
Not to mention they had to give up the highest unprotected pick, 11.
Get in the Hawper
Desmond will age better than Trumbo Alvarez Napoli or Bautista
I was skeptical at first but adding more diverse players is smart, he plays multiple positions, he’s fast, plays hard, steals bases. He is far from one dimensional which makes his signing to a long term deal more palatable.
SuperSinker
It only makes sense to add players with significant financial commitments if there’s a clear pathway to maximize their value over the course of the contract.
mohoney
Why would Chris Carter need a platoon partner? Last year, he had an .808 OPS against left-handed starters and an .826 OPS against right-handed starters. For his career, he has a .790 OPS against left-handed starters and a .770 OPS against right-handed starters. A 20-point drop in career OPS against same-handed pitching is not significant enough for me to sit a guy 3/4 of the season.
Dock_Elvis
That’s what I was thinking…but also thought maybe against tough righties.
Doc Halladay
I’m purely speculating here but if you look at the FA timeline, could it be possible the Rockies signed Desmond with the assumption that a Blackmon for Stroman trade was a done deal(or at least really close)?
Desmond’s signing was unofficially announced on December 7 and shortly after that, it was reported that the Jays and Rockies were discussing a Stro for Blackmon deal. It’s entirely possible the Jays-Rox talks were further along than what’s been made available and it wasn’t until I believe the 8th or 9th that it came out the Jays were uncomfortable in a 1v1 swap.
It would explain the complete lack of actual movement out of the Rockies in regards to acquiring an actual 1B since they have more OF than actual spots to play them at. Adding a 1B now would further clog the situation(plus they can’t exactly ‘promise’ everyday playing time) and luckily for them, the 1B market has stalled for most of the winter, buying them time to figure out their situation.
Dock_Elvis
I dont think blackmon for stroman was ever getting done 1-1. I really view it as a process.
lesterdnightfly
Anchoring the versatile Desmond to 1B, where he’ll be around league average or worse production-wise, makes no sense.
So Bridich will do it anyways.
Lifted Mind
Todd Helton
Colemania87
Tigers should send Boyd and K Rod for Blackmon
A'sfaninUK
Massive ripoff by Detroit, no way in hell Colorado says yes
Colemania87
Yeah, you’re right… just a pipe dream on my part!
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Dude KRod is pushing 40. The tigers would need to give up a lot.more for Blackmon.
A'sfaninUK
Can they just do Dahl, Hoffman, Pint & Marquez for Quintana & Abreu and get it over with?
JFactor
Well that’s not enough if you are Chicago, so no
Dock_Elvis
Start adding Story or Rodgers…Rockies want to go serious….they might have the system
SuperSinker
Colorado’s only chance to get good, cheap pitchers is to draft or trade them. Trading viable talent away for a 1st basemen doesn’t make sense in a market saturated by slow moving sluggers.
Dock_Elvis
Sign the slugger…deal for pitching.
Strauss
Colorado has NOTHING to give the white sox for either of their players.
A'sfaninUK
Strauss you are absolutely, categorically, unequivocally WRONG. The Rockies have so much its not funny. The teams match up perfect on a prospect-star trade
JFactor
And who is the headling prospect that the White Sox are starting this around?
They don’t have that 75 million surplus value prospect to even start the conversation.
Maybe Dahl? Maybe?
And that’s no where close to enough of a start. They need 2-3 guys of Dahl’s value
chesteraarthur
Brendan Rodgers is a for sure top 10 and probably top 5 prospect
SuperSinker
The Rockies definitely have enough prospect currency to land an impact player. Just a matter of how much they want to hemorrhage their farm system.
Dock_Elvis
That’s not true….Rockies have a system to relatively deal with anyone.
Priggs89
Couldn’t be more wrong. And that’s coming from a fellow Sox fan.
ducksnort69
I take them at their word and think he plays 1st as stated.
daveineg
Carter doesn’t need a platoon partner. He hit 29 HR off of RHP in 2016. Playing half his games In Coors he’ll hit 45-50 HR. He hit 2 there last season in 13 ABs. Will he strike out a lot? Sure but the trade off with that kind of power is acceptable, They can always stick Parra in there for a game here and there against a tough RHP, but Carter needs to play essentially every day. He might be the most undervalued bat out there.
bush1
The Desmond signing for that money is just ridiculous. Considering the Rockies also have to give up the 11th pick it’s flat out embarrassing.
bush1
Good thing they signed Parra last year. They definitely need him…..
El-Mo
Rockies need pitchers with control Q fits too perfect- Dahl, Tapia, Hoffman and Rogers for Quintana and Fraizer done and done
BillGiles
Horrible deal for Colorado.
El-Mo
Lose Hoffman throw in Murphy, bam done now that was a negotiation.
BillGiles
Maybe if the Rockies got Rodon or Fulmer also
Priggs89
You could convince me to throw in Fulmer if there’s another lesser-known prospect added from the Rockies. Rodon isn’t going anywhere unless the Sox get blown away by an offer.
Da Mailman
How about the Pirates…Josh Harrison and a prospect
aff10
Josh Harrison for what? He seems not to fit anything that Colorado’s looking for
BillGiles
The Rockies should trade for Rodon instead of Quintana, much more upside
chesteraarthur
From what i’ve seen/heard the white sox aren’t looking to deal him
Priggs89
That makes no sense for the White Sox unless the Rockies are going to give up their entire farm, which they wouldn’t for Rodon.
soxfanjose
This coming from a sox fan, if you guys want quintana we are open for business. here we go perfect deal, rodgers,pint,tapia, and murphy and we have a deal. now lets say its abreu, rodgers and pint. and maybe murphy.
BillGiles
Sale was less costly and better. That is silly
BillGiles
Quintana is not Randy Johnson or Steve Carlton or even Chris Sale
soxfanjose
he would be your ace right now. he is currently our number 1 guy. he was 1b to sales 1a. he was an allstar and wouldve had more wins had we scored more runs for him. he was constantly picthing into the 7th and 8th innings either down1-0 or up 1-0. for all of those games he had no decisions for him. probably wouldve had 20 wins or so. Plus its 4 more years of him. not just a rental. he was a top 10 picther in all of baseball and has been the last few years.
0scar
As i’ve said before, the Sox and Rox actually match up for a trade. In my opinion, a fair trade would be Quintana and Frazier for Rodgers, Pint and Tapia
soxfanjose
yeah they do but more would have to be included in that trade especialy if you are getting 2 all stars from us.. rodgers, tapia, and pint are enough for quintana. perhaps inculding blackmon in that deal would be perfect.
Get in the Hawper
Oscars deal looks fair
Priggs89
Agreed.
-coming from a Sox fan
soxfanjose
Thats called being a desperate sox fan. lol. you have to learn to play the market right. With fraziers market braves have already inquired about him for 3rd base. They need a power bat in the middle. You can get something from him. Maitan, alex jackson and austin riley.
SuperSinker
Why would the Braves trade highly viable talent away for 1 year of Frazier?
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Story to 3rd
Desmond to SS
Arenado to 1st
Call up someone for 2nd
Dock_Elvis
LaMehieu is there. He hit .348 with a .416 obp in 2016. He’s signed through 2017.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
I forgot about him. Another dumb move by Jim Hendry. That was such a lopsided trade that the Rockies one as soon as it was announced. Tyler Colvin didn’t do much for the Rockies but he won a ring for the giants in 2014.
To be far when you get basically stabbed by a flying broken bat at 30mph. You’re probably gonna have issues for the rest of your career
Dock_Elvis
Took quite awhile for LaMehieu to pan out…but he’s a straight .300 hitter over two full seasons. He’s playing in Coors, so who knows.
SuperSinker
Why would you move the best 3rd basemen in baseball defensively off of 3rd base?