Should the Rockies Pursue Justin Upton?

According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies are interested in trading for Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder, Justin Upton. The twenty-three-year-old Upton had a break-out season in 2009, but took a slight step back in 2010. Still, his potential remains enormous. Upton is a five tool player and his best years most likely lie ahead. However, there is a reason Arizona is shopping the young outfielder. Upton’s current six year, $50 million dollar contract doesn’t expire until 2015, but over $35 million of that isn’t due until 2013-2015. Very few outfielders are worth $15 million a season and it would be a stretch for the Rockies to pay Upton that much. If they are looking to spend that kind of money on an outfielder, they could do much better than Upton. Also, the Diamondbacks are asking for four or five top prospects in return for Upton. He is certainly not worth that kind of price.

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Shine on you crazy diamond.

Additionally, the Rox are supposedly attempting to acquire the services of Chicago White Sox righty, Gavin Floyd. Floyd is an interesting option for the Rockies. He turns twenty-eight in January and is coming off of three solid seasons in Chicago. He is under contract through 2012 and the Rox would have an option for 2013. He is guaranteed roughly $15 million over the next three seasons. Floyd doesn’t give up a lot of hits, but is prone to giving up the long ball. Apparently, the White Sox are asking for Ian Stewart — a price that might be too steep for the Rockies. The Rockies need to do what they can to acquire Floyd, but should remain cautious about surrendering young talent. There is still hope that Stewart can turn into the star the Rockies have always hoped he would.