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Rockies, Weiss Nearing Multiyear Extension

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The Rockies and manager Walt Weiss are closing in on a contract extension, team owner Dick Monfort told Troy Renck of the Denver Post. The deal will be for multiple years and should be finalized by the end of next week, according to Renck.

In his first season as their manager, Weiss, a former Rockies shortstop, managed the team to a 74-88 record. The team enjoyed its status as a surprise contender in the first half but faded down the stretch. As Renck reminds, Weiss was initially helping the Rockies' search committee before quickly becoming a candidate himself. This past season was Weiss' first as a Major League manager. Late in the season, he told Renck:

"There's an expectation around here now, I can sense. Guys are expected to compete at a certain way and at a certain level. That's starting to become the standard. I have really enjoyed the way the guys have fought down the stretch, especially as the season got away from us and we weren't in the race. Usually the true colors show then."

It's been a newsworthy week for the Rockies already, as the team exercised Jorge De La Rosa's option yesterday and are expected to pursue a long-term deal with him this winter as well.

Rockies Expected To Talk Extension With De La Rosa

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Earlier today, the Rockies exercised their 2014 club option on left-hander Jorge De La Rosa. That decision will keep De La Rosa under contract for a very reasonable $11MM, but Troy Renck of the Denver Post tweets that the Rockies may have eyes on keeping him in Denver longer, as the two sides are expected to discuss a multiyear deal in the offseason (Twitter link).

Renck elaborates (via Sulia), opining that Colorado should be aggressive because De La Rosa is one of few successful pitchers in franchise history who have expressed interest in remaining in Denver despite the hitters' paradise that is Coors Field.  De La Rosa likes pitching for the Rockies, and his preference is to stay there, according to Renck.

De La Rosa, who will turn 33 next season, pitched to a 3.49 ERA with 6.0 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in his first year back from Tommy John surgery.  He was also comfortable at high altitude this year and allowed a lower OPS at home (.695) than on the road (.746).  However, his lifetime body of work doesn't quite jive with those numbers.  For his career, the left-hander owns a 4.70 ERA with 7.6 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9.  

As MLBTR's offseason outlook for the Rockies explains, Colorado has a great deal of question marks in their rotation beyond De La Rosa, Tyler Chatwood, and Jhoulys Chacin.  Locking De La Rosa up beyond 2014 would help stabilize their rotation over the next few years.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Rockies Exercise 2014 Option For Jorge De La Rosa

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The Rockies announced, via Twitter, that they have officially exercised their $11MM club option on Jorge De La Rosa for the 2014 season.

The move comes as no surprise, given De La Rosa's strong 2013 season. In his first full season since 2011 Tommy John surgery the 32-year-old De La Rosa pitched to a 3.49 ERA with 6.0 K/9, 3.3 BB/9 and a 47.3 percent ground-ball rate in 167 2/3 innings.  De-la-rosa-jorge

De La Rosa's strikeout rate is down quite a bit from its peak levels, but perhaps that's to be expected given his proximity to Tommy John surgery; his average fastball velocity checked in at 91.1 mph in 2013 — two full miles an hour slower than when he averaged 93.3 mph from 2009-10. In spite of his decrease in punchouts, it's hard to argue with his results. Fangraphs valued his contribution at 2.9 wins above replacement, while Baseball-Reference pegged him at 4.3 WAR.

De La Rosa's agent, Paul Cohen of TWC Sports, originally negotiated a two-year, $21.5MM contract that contained a $11MM player option for a third season. De La Rosa exercised that option after pitching just 10 2/3 innings last season while recovering from his surgery. In doing so, he triggered a clause that gave the Rockies a club option for a fourth year at the same $11MM rate.

De La Rosa figures to front a pitching staff that will also include right-hander Jhoulys Chacin and Tyler Chatwood based on their own success in 2013, but beyond that, there's little certainty in the Rockies' rotation. Pitching should once again be a major offseason priority for director of Major League operations Bill Geivett and GM Dan O'Dowd. Colorado's current internal options include Drew Pomeranz, Juan Nicasio and Chad Bettis. First-rounders Jonathan Gray, Eddie Butler and Tyler Anderson are all on the horizon as well, though each will require more time in the minors before being ready to join Colorado's rotation.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Offseason Outlook: Colorado Rockies

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The Rockies were bit hard by the injury bug in 2013 and found themselves reeling after a hot start to the season.  Now, they’ll look to bolster their lineup to make that springtime success last all year long.

Guaranteed Contracts

Arbitration Eligible Players

Contract Options

Free Agents

On May 1st, the Rockies were in the NL West driver’s seat with a 17-11 record after a hot start to the year.  Things eventually petered out from there – the Rockies finished in fifth place at 74-88 – but it was a taste of what could be for the Rockies when they’re firing on all cylinders.  Everyone deals with injuries over the course of a 162-game season, but Colorado had some of the worst luck of anyone in 2013.  The top of their order was a mess as Carlos Gonzalez (played just 110 games), Troy Tulowitzki (126), and Dexter Fowler (119) all missed significant time.  Closer Rafael Betancourt was also out of commission for much of the year, a big letdown on the heels of a strong 2012.

The Rockies aren’t just keeping their fingers crossed for good health though.  They’ll have to go shopping this winter for upgrades in multiple areas and fixing the bullpen is at the top of the list.  Rockies relievers had a combined ERA of 4.26, the worst in the National League.  Betancourt’s health woes were certainly a factor, but far from the only one.  Wilton Lopez regressed sharply after a career year in Houston and even though one would be inclined to pin that difference on the move to Coors Field, his home/road splits in 2013 were mostly similar.  Setup man Matt Belisle (4.32 ERA, 7.6 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 in 2013) hasn’t looked like the same guy who signed a two-year, $8.1MM deal two offseasons ago and no one would be surprised if the Rockies gave him his $250K buyout rather than bring him back for $4.25MM next year.  There are also a handful of arbitration eligible relievers with varying levels of uncertainty about their future this winter in Mitchell Boggs, Manny Corpas, and Josh Outman.

Part of the bullpen’s problem was that Colorado relievers were simply overworked.  The starting five (particularly the backend) was unreliable, forcing the pen to toss a National League high of 555 2/3 innings.  The Rockies can comfortably roll with Jhoulys Chacin, Jorge De La Rosa, and Tyler Chatwood at the top of the rotation, but they’ve got a lot of question marks beyond that.  Juan Nicasio, who is arbitration eligible as a Super Two this winter, pitched to a 5.14 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9 in 31 starts last year.  If they open up the wallet a little bit, guys like Roberto Hernandez will be on the open market for the taking.  If they dig a little deeper and are willing to lay out a deal with plenty of incentives, they could get creative and get in the mix for Tim Hudson who, as MLBTR learned last week, is about a month away from returning to full health.  One notable caveat here – it’s impossible to say what kind of deal Hudson will fetch given all of the variables in play.  The question marks are there, but starting pitching is thin all over baseball.

The Rockies were actually decent in terms of power last season but they don’t have a lot of big bats they can count on.  Healthy seasons from Tulowitzki and CarGo are a must but Bill Geivett & Co. are going to seek another slugger.  A healthy Corey Hart would provide some pop (and versatility in the field) at a lowered price after missing all of ’13, but he wants to stay in Milwaukee and he’s willing to take a discount to make that happen.  Mike Napoli will also be out there and if the Rockies want to get creative, they could sign him and dangle Wilin Rosario on the trade block.

Hoping to see a mile-high blockbuster this winter?  Things tend to change pretty quickly when the hot stove gets warmed up, but it doesn’t sound like Colorado is going to put Gonzalez or Tulowitzki on the block.  Last month, Troy Renck of the Denver Post heard from club officials that the possibility of either one getting moved is very small and the likelihood of both getting jettisoned is nil.  

If they have a change of heart, however, those stars could bring them an awful lot in return.  Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports sees the Rangers as a logical partner thanks to their young pitching and middle infield surplus.  In this hypothetical, Jurickson Profar would supplant DJ LeMathieu or Josh Rutledge at second base and eventually go to the other side of the bag if Tulo is shifted to a different position.  Rosenthal hears that CarGo is more likely to be moved than the shortstop and it’s worth noting that he has some serious fans in the Mets’ front office.  

Fowler could also serve as trade bait if someone is willing to roll the dice on him, but it would thin out their outfield if they don’t bring in a reinforcement there.  As it stands, right fielder Michael Cuddyer is ticketed to replace Todd Helton at first base, which likely means that either Charlie Blackmon or Corey Dickerson will get to play everyday.  It’s hard to see them starting together in 2014 – Blackmon’s defense (particularly in center) leaves much to be desired and Dickerson is entering his sophomore year.

In a recent letter to season ticket holders, owner Dick Monfort noted that Cuddyer’s move to first base opens the door for the club to go out and get a big bat in right field.  If Monfort is as serious about bringing a championship to Denver as he says, he can spend the necessary dough to get someone like Shin-Soo Choo or Carlos Beltran.  If the Rockies want to spread the cash around a little bit more, they’ll find a quieter market for Nelson Cruz.  One thing to keep in mind, however, is that they can always change course and keep Cuddyer in the outfield if they find a quality first baseman at a good value.

The Rox have a lot of holes to fill but last season’s hot start, however brief, proved they can be competitive in the NL West and have a puncher’s chance at the playoffs.  

Rockies Rumors: Cespedes, Weiss, Cuddyer

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Here's a look at the latest out of Denver..

  • Troy Renck of the Denver Post sees Yoenis Cespedes as a name for Rockies fans to file away this offseason.  The A's like to think outside of the box and could consider deals for the slugger.  One of Cespedes' main drawbacks is that he misses chunks of time, but the Rockies have solid depth with Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson.
  • Rockies owner Dick Monfort met with his front office staff last week and no major changes are expected, Renck writes.  Small changes could see assistant GM Bill Geivett assume more traditional GM duties.  Manager Walt Weiss' contract situation should be resolved soon, with the possibility that he receives a multiyear deal, or a one-year deal with a club option.
  • Monfort wrote a letter to season ticket holders pledging to do everything he can to win a championship, Renck writes.  Within the letter, Monfort noted that Michael Cuddyer will likely take over for Todd Helton at first base, creating "an opportunity to fill (right field) with a big bat."

Arbitration Eligibles: Colorado Rockies

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Matt Swartz has developed a very accurate model that MLBTR uses to project arbitration salaries, as explained in this series of posts. We've heard from many MLB teams and agencies that reference the projections in their work.  The Rockies are next in our series.  Estimated service time is in parentheses, and estimated 2014 salary follows.

Lopez took a step back in 2013, but at $2.2MM the Rockies are still expected to retain him.  Nicasio made 31 starts this year, and while he wasn't great, he figures to stick around.  Outman and Herrera both had solid campaigns and are secure.

Boggs began the season as the Cardinals' interim closer in the wake of Jason Motte's injury, but was optioned to Triple-A by May.  He bounced up and down after that, and was traded to the Rockies in July for international bonus money. Boggs struggled at Triple-A for the Rockies and made only nine appearances with the big club.  "I would like for that to be here because I feel it’s a good fit," Boggs said of the Rockies and returning to a late inning role, to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in September.  Boggs is no sure thing to be tendered, but given his low projected salary and past success, I lean toward the Rockies giving him another look next year.

Corpas, 30, has served as the Rockies' closer at various times in his career and found his way back to the organization on a minor league deal in January.  He wound up making 31 appearances for the big club, but will probably be deemed expendable.

Assuming Lopez, Nicasio, Boggs, Outman, and Herrera are tendered contracts, the Rockies are looking at an estimated $8MM for five arbitration eligible players.

Quick Hits: Byrd, Angels, Mariners, Ripken, Weiss

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The Reds could have claimed outfielder Marlon Byrd, who the Pirates acquired in August, but they passed on the chance, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports notes (on Twitter). Byrd was owed near the league-minimum salary and was in the midst of a solid year, and it was well-known that the Reds' division rivals in Pittsburgh needed an outfielder. The Reds had waiver priority, and thus could have blocked the Mets from trading Byrd to Pittsburgh. But they didn't, and he homered against them in their 6-2, season-ending loss to the Bucs Tuesday night. The primary purpose of claiming Byrd would have been to block the Pirates from getting him, but it's worth noting, too, that the righty Byrd could have been quite helpful for the Reds tonight against Bucs lefty starter Francisco Liriano, who baffled the Reds' lefty-heavy lineup with sliders. Here are more notes from around the big leagues.

  • The Angels still haven't dismissed GM Jerry Dipoto or manager Mike Scioscia, and that might be an indication that both will still be with the team in 2014, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times writes. The Angels' massively disappointing season and reports of conflict between Dipoto and Scioscia have led to reports that one of them might depart at the end of the season, but so far that hasn't happened. Scioscia is owed around $27MM over the next five years, and Dipoto is under contract through next year.
  • Mariners Chairman/CEO Howard Lincoln is expressing confidence in GM Jack Zduriencik, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. After a recent series of poor seasons and the abrupt departure of manager Eric Wedge, the Mariners appear to be in disarray. But Lincoln says that firing Zduriencik would lead the organization in the wrong direction. "I know how frustrated the fans are. No one is more frustrated than I am," he says. "But we have to be patient and stick with the program we have invested so much in. We can't switch horses, change gears, whatever you want to call it now. That's not a good idea." Lincoln also says the Mariners have received inquiries from plenty of potential managerial applicants, even though Zduriencik's questionable status might appear to make the Mariners' managerial job an undesirable one.
  • Former Orioles great Cal Ripken Jr. isn't tipping his hand about whether he might be interested in managing the Nationals, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports. He does, however, seem interested in managing a big-league team someday. "At some point I might like to do that," Ripken says. The Nationals will be looking for a manager to replace the retiring Davey Johnson. In August, in response to a question about managing, Ripken said, "I think I would be more curious at this stage in my life than I have been."
  • Rockies manager Walt Weiss isn't under contract for 2014, but the team wants him to return, writes Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. The Rockies hired Weiss after the 2012 season, signing him to a one-year deal. His next contract might be a two-year deal, or perhaps a one-year deal with an option.
  • Renck also notes that, while the Rockies' main front-office personnel will likely remain the same, roles could change, perhaps with Bill Geivett moving into "more of a traditional GM role." Geivett currently reports to GM Dan O'Dowd, but Geivett currently runs Major League operations while O'Dowd works on the minor leagues.

Rockies Notes: Weiss, Offseason, Front Office

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There's been plenty of manager news today, with the Twins extending Ron Gardenhire, the Cubs firing Dale Sveum and the Mets making Terry Collins' two-year pact official. Troy Renck of the Denver Post adds to the subject matter, noting that the Rockies will address manager Walt Weiss' contract this week at their organizational meetings in Scottsdale. The issue at hand with Weiss, according to Renck, isn't whether or not he'll be back, but for how many years (Twitter link). Here's more on the Rockies…

  • Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post runs down the Rockies' biggest needs for this offseason. Colorado's top priorities will include finding another quality starter, landing a right-handed slugger, and rebuilding the shaky bullpen. When it comes to their relievers, Colorado will have a decision to make when it comes to their $4.5MM option on Matt Belisle for 2014.
  • Owner Dick Monfort doesn't anticipate any changes to the front office, according to Renck and Saunders. However, ESPN's Buster Olney hears differently and tweets that changes are on the horizon for the Rockies' brass.
  • The Rockies will have to add a couple of pieces this winter and they'll have a larger payroll to help make that happen, writes MLB.com's Thomas Harding.

Steve Adams contributed to this post.

Retirement Notes: Helton, Johnson, Oliver, Konerko

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The season ended Sunday for 19 of baseball's 30 teams, many of which feature players who will not be back in 2014. Here are some notes on players whose careers might (or might not) be over.

  • Rockies great Todd Helton's illustrious career ended in Los Angeles, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports. Dodgers broadcaster recorded a tribute to Helton that played on the scoreboard before the game, and he received a standing ovation for his last plate appearance. "The last at-bat, I got a little emotional, but other than that, it's Sept. 29th and I'm ready to go home," Helton says. Helton finishes his 17-year career with 369 home runs.
  • Nationals manager Davey Johnson leaves the game with a 1372-1071 career record, writes Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. Johnson will continue on with the Nationals as a senior adviser, although he's not expected to play a strong role in the organization.
  • Veteran lefty Darren Oliver ended his two-decade career with a perfect inning for the Blue Jays on Sunday, MLB.com's Evan Peaslee reports. "20 years — very few guys get to do that," Jays manager John Gibbons says. "Longevity in this business is hard to come by, but to do it for that long and be that effective until the very end that speaks volumes." Oliver, 42, also pitched for the Cardinals, Red Sox, Rockies, Marlins, Astros, Mets and Angels, and he had three separate stints with the Rangers. He finishes his career with a 4.51 ERA, 5.9 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 over 1,915 2/3 innings.
  • White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko still hasn't announced whether he's retiring, but he left Sunday's game against the Royals to applause, reports MLB.com's Scott Merkin. After a tough .245/.314/.356 season, it's unclear whether Konerko will be back, and if so, if that might be in a part-time role. Merkin notes that Konerko think for a month this offseason about whether or not to return in 2014. If he does want to return, the White Sox will have to decide whether to re-sign him.

NL Notes: Dodgers, Oswalt, Coonelly

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The Dodgers will not be bidders for Robinson Cano, Mark Feinsand of New York Daily News reports. The Dodgers could soon sign Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero, which would mean they won't need a second baseman, but Feinsand writes that even if Guerrero and the Dodgers don't come to terms, the Dodgers aren't planning on signing Cano. Here are more notes from around the National League.

  • Roy Oswalt would like to return to the Rockies, writes Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post (on Twitter). The veteran pitcher says he would be interested in starting or relieving. Oswalt posted an 8.63 ERA in 32 1/3 innings for Colorado this year, although with 9.5 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 — a .442 BABIP seems to be the primary factor in Oswalt's poor results.
  • Pirates president Frank Coonelly will not head back to MLB's front office after Bud Selig's retirement, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Coonelly served as Major League Baseball's senior vice president and general counsel of labor before the Pirates hired him in 2007. "I really enjoy it in Pittsburgh," says Coonelly. "We're just starting to have fun here, and I want to be around for the fun."
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