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Plenty of advice at trade deadline
Michael Kaplan sees depth to deal . . .
Q: The Rockies appear reluctant to part with any of their young talent, which is understandable. But aren't they going to run into logjams with their position players soon (1B, 3B, SS, CF)? Doesn't trading some of the talent (even if its top-tier talent) for pitching make sense, especially since Rockie pitchers have struggled with the adjustment from AAA to the majors?
A: Michael, I’d say you and the Rockies have the same idea in mind. I don’t think they are necessarily reluctant to trade young talent, but they are just now getting in the situation where the depth has reached a point that they have young players pushing the ones at the big league level. One thing teams have learned over the years, however, is that the best return for young talent usually comes in the off-season, when there are more teams looking to deal, feeling they have a chance to win. The biggest decision the Rockies are going to face this off-season will be at third base, where Ian Stewart is in position to move to the big leagues and Garrett Atkins has shown he can handle the job.
Steve Gonzalez sees reason for patience . . .
Q: With all due respect to the Monfort/O’Dowd/Hurdle-bashing Rockies fans I’d like to point out that this franchise has “only” played 14 years. They’re still paying off free agents “Rockies Fans” wanted (Hampton, Neagle and Walker, I think). In the meantime, from what I understand, they have one of the better presences in Latin America and in Asia. The kids from the farm are starting to show up and make impacts in the majors. I agree with you when you say “who was there to get?” these last few years. I’ll reserve judgment until there is “somebody” they have a shot at who will truly help them get over the hump and is willing to come to Denver. The resurgence started when all the chirping about “Sell the Team” and “Fire Hurdle and O’Dowd” got loud. That being said, can you get the “Sell the Team” and “Fire Hurdle and O’Dowd” chant started again. Also, what do you think of this idea for a before-game ceremony? The situation would be Dodgers up by 3 in the bottom of the ninth. E.Y. on third, Bichette on second, Vinny on first. Walker, Burks and others in the dugout. The Big Cat at the plate going for his "400th" home run. Don Baylor or somebody throwing hanging curves. When he puts one into the seats, I’ll be telling my wife, “I think I got something on my contacts.” The visitors wouldn’t stand a chance that day.
A: Steve, that scene would certainly bring back fun memories for Rockies fans. Those players came at a time when the Rocky Mountains were ripe for baseball heroes, and they brought an excitement to the fans that will never be forgotten.
Michael Barron doesn’t like what he has seen . . .
Q: While I understand stability can be a great thing for an organization, the Rockies stability isn't going to help them get to the playoffs. While everyone says this team is young, only one starter is under 25 years old. This pitching staff is average at best. Cook, while talented, can't get out of his own way. Lopez is having a career first half of the season. Hirsh, with a few exceptions, has been bad. Fogg has guts but lacks talent to make the guts he has better. They had a hot streak and, but it faded. The only two baseball teams that are any good this year that the Rockies played in their streak was New York and Boston. Well, the New York series was our World Series, and the players (especially the pitchers) look like that is the way it is. So if not
this year, when? Holliday is going to get paid very well by some team, not the Rockies, and Hawpe will do so probably as well. They need at least two more pitchers and to keep the team intact, and we all know that will not happen. Patience? I am sick of being patient.
A: Michael, I think everybody has reached the end of their patience, and if you notice the people who keep bringing up patience this year are in the media. They keep rehashing what was said in the past. The Rockies, themselves, have said all along that this is a year that the team needs to make a move into contention in the NL West. The nucleus is there, and it needs to be improved over time. That improvement will come by keeping some of the current players, but not all of them. No team keeps its roster in place from year to year. What a successful team does is keep a foundation together and has a flow of new faces each year. That is the plan with the Rockies. Time tells how well it works, but the Rockies know the time to start producing results has arrived. With the Rockies, more than using the term young, the proper term would have been inexperienced.
David Riggs joins the disgruntled . . .
Q: As a long-time baseball fan, I have become totally disgruntled with the goings on in our fair city regarding the local team. The team is actually quite a good team. Atkins does need to go, and Ianetta is not worthy. Hawkins also must be sent packing and sent now! Too bad Jose Mesa is not still with the team, but that is another story. So here is my take on what is really wrong on Blake Street: Motivation or lack thereof. Compassion or lack thereof. The will to win, the want to win and desire. All of these qualities are lacking, and Clint Hurdle is the problem. Coaching is pathetic, and it is time for a change. The ownership group would just as soon stand by and accept this worthless product rather than hold someone accountable and get some heads to rolling. Hurdle must go, LaTroy Hawkins must go, Garrett Atkins must go and Chris Ianetta must go. That is a start and a message to the rest of the non-motivated bums. It is too bad to see Matt Holliday have a wasted year and Todd a wasted career.
A: David, just curious as to your insight into Hurdle lacking the qualities to have a will to win, the want to win and the desire. Also wondering where the heck Jose Mesa fits into your picture.
Josh Hansen is willing if it is Willis . . .
Q: Do you see the Rockies making any moves, either internal or external. I've read rumors about Dontrelle Willis. What are the odds of that? I think he would be a great addition to the pitching staff.
A: Josh, the expectation is any significant move would be internal, most likely bringing up right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez and possibly lefty Franklyn Morales, who could work out of the bullpen. Rumors are just that, rumors. Right now, teams with veteran pitchers are looking for the type of return that if the Rockies didn’t win the World Series, they would regret giving up the young talent that is being mentioned.
Chizzie Lovell has an "old" idea . . .
Q: I was wondering if the Rockies would consider signing Julio Franco.
A: Chizzie, Julio wouldn’t fit into their approach. Spilborghs and Sullivan have provided a lift from the bench.
