Colorado Rockies Offseason Q&A with MLB.com’s Thomas Harding

Jun 26, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds (12) reacts following his walk off two run home run in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. The Rockies won 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds (12) reacts following his walk off two run home run in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. The Rockies won 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

So what’s the latest with the Colorado Rockies offseason? Where do things stand in the hunt for a new manager? Will the Rockies chase down an “elite closer” between now and the start of spring training? These are just some of the questions I discussed earlier today with Thomas Harding of MLB.com.

Harding has covered the Rockies since 2000 and has covered them for MLB.com since 2002. Here’s his recent article on Carlos Estevez. Harding is one of the fixtures inside the Coors Field dugout and press box and one of the most knowledgeable sources when it comes to Colorado baseball.

During our conversation (which you can hear by clicking here), I had the chance to pick Harding’s brain about a number of topics. One of the most prevalent topics we discussed was Colorado’s search for its new manager. There have been many names linked to the search, including the most recent addition of Miami Marlins coach Tim Wallach.

However, during our talk, we discussed the benefits that current Triple-A manager Glenallen Hill might bring to the Rockies. He has certainly made an impact in Albuquerque with some of Colorado’s younger talent. That includes catcher Tom Murphy and Harding shares a great tale about how Hill featured into Murphy’s progress.

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Another topic of interest, of course, is the rebuilding of Colorado’s bullpen. Harding had some very interesting thoughts about Jake McGee, Chad Qualls and Jason Motte being such a big part of the bullpen last season. He also shared his thoughts on the possibility of Colorado native Mark Melancon possibly joining the Rockies in the offseason.

And what about first base? What about the thought that Matt Holliday could return to the Rockies? Will Carlos Gonzalez be in the first base plans next season? Is Mark Trumbo a possibility? Could Mark Reynolds be re-signed? We dive into all of that with Harding.

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Click here to listen to our interview that lasts just under 20 minutes. And sincere thanks to Harding, one of MLB’s good guys, for taking time out of his schedule to join us. You can follow him on Twitter by clicking here.

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