Examining The Colorado Rockies At The Trade Deadline

Jul 20, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman D. LeMahieu (9) runs to first base after being walked during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Trade candidate: DJ LeMahieu Jeramiah: Keep The next guy on our trade deadline list is second baseman, DJ LeMahieu.  DJ’s value has skyrocketed this season with his surprising hitting and All-Star bid.  A return on the gold glover would never be higher than it is right now.  It’s very likely DJ can’t keep up his pace at the plate and the Rockies will be “stuck” with him.  If the Rockies could get “stuck” with more players like the situation DJ presents this team might uphold the “2 in 5” goal former GM Dan O’Dowd suggested.   DJ is a GM’s dream come true, inexpensive team controlled player at the peak of his production.  With high-priced players like Cargo and Tulo, you need players like DJ to give you stability and production that is cost-effective.  

“DJ who is on his final pre arbitration year becomes a free agent in 2019.”

While DJ will probably regress at the plate, his defensive value can’t be measured.  While I could show you some trendy video of DJ making a web gem play where he dives, spins and makes a throw from his knees (which I still will), it has to be a good feeling for Rockies pitchers knowing that 3/4 of the infield is a vacuum.   DJ who is on his final pre arbitration year becomes a free agent in 2019 simply doesn’t need to be moved now.  Much like the Tulo situation, if Story or Adames force their way onto the club and make the move to second, DJ then could become a trade target.  Until then look for Rockies fans everywhere to misspell his name.

Greg: Trade

DJ is a sell high option for me.  He’s never going to be much better offensively than he is now.  After an All-Star game appearance and a Gold Glove, his value is through the roof.  If traded the Rockies could move either Story or Adames over to second.  Which would fill the need at second and thin out the competition at short stop.  Even with his improved power/RBI numbers he’s a bit of a hollow hitter.

Next: Trade Candidate: Jorge De La Rosa