Morning Links: Rockies News 12/4

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies traded Dexter Fowler, one of the biggest names in their organization, to the Houston Astros. On the same night they signed former American League MVP Justin Morneau to take over first base for them. Otherwise not much is happening.

Here’s the news and some reactions to the big news yesterday:

From Twitter: Reactions to the Dexter Fowler trade

One thing l like about deal is that frees playing time for Dickerson and Blackmon. I d try them in leadoff spot
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) December 3, 2013

I defended Ruiz, Morneau, and McCann ideas, I defended Rosario in RF and the general missing of targets so far...can't defend the Dex trade.
— Drew Rice Creasman @ MHS (@DrewCreasman) December 4, 2013

I'm at a loss for words on what the Rockies are thinking at this point. A total loss.
— David Hood (@davidchood) December 4, 2013

With that deal, the Larry Walker to St Louis trade just got worse
— Duck Footed and Lumbers (@PoseidonsFist) December 3, 2013

Dexter Fowler doesn't hit for average, has no power, is a poor base runner, a bad defensive OF'er, & makes $7.8M. What am I missing here?
— Rising Apple (@RisingAppleBlog) December 3, 2013

I know Dexter Fowler's pretty good but you might want to check his career home/road splits just for kicks.
— Rob Neyer (@robneyer) December 3, 2013

From David Martin: Colorado Rockies trade Dexter Fowler to Houston Astros for next to nothing (Rockies Review)

"The Rockies, a week after publicly chastising Fowler’s character and make-up, dealt him for a 27-year-old outfielder named Brandon Barnes and a 23-year-old right-handed starting pitcher named Jordan Lyles.Barnes is a career .233 hitter with a whopping 156 strikeouts in just 506 career at-bats. Those 156 strikeouts compare to just 21 walks. Essentially this is a failed prospect who can’t lay off the off-speed pitches. Scouts know this, so they direct their pitchers never to throw a ball in the strike zone.Lyles, in parts of three seasons, has accumulated a 14-29 record with a career ERA of 5.35. His 92 MPH fastball is rated as below average and his numbers suggest that he isn’t fooling many batters."

From Thomas Harding: Colorado Rockies nearing two-year contract with Morneau (MLB.com)

"The Rockies also believe Morneau can help their plan to increase the number of at-bats for slugging catcher Wilin Rosario. The left-handed-hitting Morneau, who hit .280 with a .819 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) against right-handed pitchers but batted .207 with a .525 OPS against left-handers in 2013, could rest against righties while Rosario plays first base.Michael Cuddyer, the defending National League batting champion and a teammate of Morneau with the Twins, will play primarily in right field but can play first base on a limited basis."