Colorado Rockies: 3 Things to Know as the Week Begins

As we head into a new week, here are three thoughts on things pertaining to the Colorado Rockies.

1. Can the Rockies really improve their bullpen?

Absolutely, as has been well documented, the Rockies need to improve their bullpen heading into the 2017 season. However, there are two big hurdles the team will have to overcome in order to make that happen.

Both Chad Qualls (5.23 ERA in 2016) and Jason Motte (4.94 ERA in 2016) are under contract for next season after signing two-year deals prior to last season. Between injuries and inconsistency, neither was able to be counted upon in 2016. Will the Rockies keep them around for next season or eat their contracts (Qualls for $3.75 million and Motte for $5 million) and send them somewhere else?

It’s highly unlikely that the second scenario would happen. However, with the duo in the bullpen, will the new Rockies manager feel confident bringing them into games in clutch situations? Time will tell.

Here’s one more note about the duo. Remember, according to published reports, Qualls and Motte were signed by Rockies executives, including general manager Jeff Bridich, without discussions with former manager Walt Weiss. While much can be pinned on Weiss regarding bullpen management, it seems that he can’t be blamed for bringing those two relievers to the Mountain time zone.

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2. Rockies players up for Minor League awards

David Dahl, Raimel Tapia and Matt Carasiti all made their way to 20^th and Blake this season. However, some of their minor league accomplishments in 2016 are still being remembered and possibly rewarded.

Dahl is a nominee for Minor League Baseball’s top offensive player, Tapia is up for top play thanks to an amazing catch and Carasiti is one of 10 nominees for MiLB’s best reliever of the season.

You can vote for them and view the reasons why they’re up for awards by clicking here. Voting ends October 25.

3. College students can be a Rockies GM for a day

If you’re in college and think you can run a Major League team, the Rockies have your chance to prove your mettle.

The Rockies are now taking submissions from college teams (two to four students in size) for the 2016 Colorado Rockies Case Competition.

The Colorado Rockies Case Competition is an opportunity for college students to think deeply about the many decisions that a modern baseball front office has to make. The case will require building models and it will encourage entrants to “think like a GM.” The top performers will have an opportunity to meet top Rockies front office officials and present their work to the Rockies Baseball Operations Department at Coors Field.

The challenge for this year’s competition is to create a “Draft Pick Trade Value Model” that provides the effective value of every pick in the MLB First-Year Player Draft from pick one to 1,215 for trading purposes. Applicants should explain the data inputs that they used, how they were used, and why they were important enough to include. Additionally, teams should include an analysis of their lists as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their model.

Next: We Discuss Who Was Colorado's MVP in 2016...

All pertinent information is available by clicking here. Submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. MT on October 20.