Rockies looking to move players before trade deadline

We all know how bad this season has been. A 37-60 record, on pace to finish a franchise-worst 58-104. History says bad teams look to offload higher-priced veterans, or just older players who might add some “pop” to a contender. A lot of rumors have been flying around in recent weeks, who was on the trade block, who was staying, and who might be put on the trading block. So far we have seen just one move, a direct swap with the Royals – Jeremy Guthrie for Jonathan Sanchez. With the non-waiver deadline just 4 days away, what else may we see?

Jon Heyman from CBS Sports (@JonHeymanCBS) reported on Twitter this morning that the Rockies believe they can be contenders in 2013 and are “are not planning to conduct a major sale.” Where the Rockies have this belief is mind-boggling (that’s another story) but with this belief it seems likely that Michael Cuddyer and Matt Belisle will not be traded. However, the players most likely to be traded by the deadline are Marco Scutaro, Rafael Betancourt, Matt Reynolds and Jonathan Herrera. You can also add Jason Giambi, but with him on the DL with a viral infection it seems more probable that he will be placed on waivers sometime in August once he returns from the DL. Perhaps the most likely player to be traded is Scutaro, who has drawn interest from the Rays, Nationals, Giants, Rangers and A’s. The Giants have shown interest in Betancourt, believing he can be added to the closer mix with Sergio Romo and Santiago Casilla. If Betancourt goes then either Matt Belisle or Rex Brothers would be moved to closer. The Giants are also interested in Reynolds, as any contender wants to add a specialist lefty in the bullpen (great for matchups in the playoffs).

I was expecting a major fire sale before the deadline (ala the Marlins) but this will not happen because the Rockies believe they will rebound from all the injuries this year. That is understandable, however getting some good players who can add something to this club in return would be preferable. Whoever is traded do not expect much in return. By all reports the Rockies are only looking for either prospects or cheap, fringe players in return. Some names who had been mentioned in the last couple of months as being traded seem to be safe, unless that offer “you cannot refuse” magically appears – Dexter Fowler, Tyler Colvin, Chris Nelson, and Ramon Hernandez look set to finish 2012 in a Rockies uniform. Also, with the team in “selling mode” do not expect any players of note to be acquired by the end of the trade deadline.

Anything can happen in 4 days but only expect minor changes to this Rockies roster.