After making several bullpen moves and addressing their catching situation, the Rockies have had a quiet run-up to camp. It has long been wondered, though, whether the organization might yet add another player, particularly given the ongoing lack of clarity at first base. Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports on the state of affairs as camp opens. Ian Desmond says he has been left with the impression he’s “mostly” going to be utilized in left field, seemingly leaving youngster Ryan McMahon with the inside track to commanding regular time at first. But the market still includes quite a few other possibilities, so it certainly seems premature to count the club out from another move. Saunders notes that the Rox have not had recent discussions with Mark Reynolds, it’s worth noting. Perhaps it is also still possible to imagine the addition of an outfielder, with Desmond then being asked to slide back to first, though it’s all still guesswork at this point.
Here are some more links from the western divisions:
- With so much trade chatter surrounding the Giants over the winter, several players now in camp with the organization saw their names circulated in rumors over the winter. Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle discusses the winter of uncertainty with second baseman Joe Panik and a few other players. As for Panik, a phone call from GM Bobby Evans in the midst of the Giancarlo Stanton saga helped put his mind to ease, though he also notes that he and his wife would have been devastated to leave San Francisco and the Giants organization.
- Mariners prospect Kyle Lewis recently underwent an unexpected second knee surgery, as Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports. The hope is that the 22-year-old, who was taken 11th in the 2016 draft, will be ready to begin preparing for the season in earnest before the end of April. GM Jerry Dipoto emphasized that this particular surgery is only a clean-up, expressed some hope that it’ll be “the final step to getting him healthy,” and credited Lewis for his hard work. Of course, it’s also the latest in a long line of problems with the joint, as Divish documents in a post that’s essential reading for fans of the Seattle organization.
Players want to play for the Giants and have for years. There is a lot of criticism of their acquisitions and mockery of bringing back former players. I, for one, find the Pablo Sandoval return infuriating. But that is part of an overall philosophy. Players like it there and, apart from Giancarlo Stanton and Adam LaRouche, free agents want to come there. Retired players become coaches and broadcasters frequently. They run a business but don’t do so entirely impersonally.
There’s exactly zero evidence for this and every team’s fan base (well, maybe other than the Marlins’ and currently the Rays’) thinks that.
Did you miss the part of the post where Panic would be devastated to leave the Giants? Did you see the story where Melancon recruited Tony Watson to the team? Marvin Bernard announces the games in Spanish. Orlando Cepeda (may he have a speedy recovery) has a food stand by the bleachers.
I didn’t say they were the only team. But your zero evidence comment is asinine.
Except in the giants case it’s true. There are former players everywhere in the organization. The giants rarely miss out on free agent targets. They are one of the top teams, and have a history of paying for past results, which motivates older guys on cheap deals. The giants have been the underdogs who won 3 world series and somehow are still the underdogs. Aside from the outrageous housing market the weather is unbeatable and it’s generally a very pleasant place to be. The giants have a well documented cult like following across the country. Other teams have similar attributes, but certainly not all the other teams.
I can’t wait to watch MadBum strikeout Giancarlo Stanton to close out game 7 of the World Series this fall.
Long, long, long wait. I do, however, admire your imagination.
Unfortunately I agree.
Feel bad for Lewis, hopefully this is what gets rid of what had been causing pain in his knee rather than being a setback.
I’m still a fan of Rockies signing Danny Valencia. They were not particularly good at hitting left handed pitching last year. Danny would definitely help with that. Being about to play both infield and outfield corners helps justify his spot as the 4th and final guy on the bench (with Murphy, Valaika, and Parra or Tapia).
Desmond’s their 1B platoon guy. And they have a couple really good prospects ready to play in OF and who don’t need platoon help. If they sign another hitter, it will be on a minors deal just for insurance. Maybe Morrison, but he’s far better than Valencia.
Valencia is a known clubhouse disease, I’d steer clear if I were the Rox. Just stick with McMahon.
When Panik is healthy, he’s pretty good. hits for average and OBP, with decent defense
Better than decent defensively
More like gold glove winner
Gold glove caliber. Most underrated 2b in the mlb
Would like to see Rockies add a bat not named Valencia or Reynolds.