Colorado Rockies: 3 Reasons for Optimism with the Offseason

Depth and Versatility

This seems to be the Rockies tagline this offseason, highlighted by the acquisition of Ian Desmond. While it has been relatively unpopular nationally and on Rockies twitter, I definitely think it makes the team better. Whether it makes the team better than signing someone like Mark Trumbo is a debate for another time.

The roster constructed how it is currently will give the Rockies flexibility and depth that has been uncommon recently. It will also prepare the Rockies for the inevitable injuries that come along with playing a 162-game schedule. If a middle infielder or outfielder were to go down with an injury, Desmond could slide into these positions and provide above average production, especially compared to a typical backup. Gerardo Parra sliding into the fourth outfielder spot will also give them an above average option there. Hopefully he will be able to improve on a disappointing campaign in 2016.

I would also like to see Jordan Patterson make the team, giving the Rockies another guy who can play first base if Desmond is playing elsewhere or outfield if needed. Alexi Amarista will at the very least provide competition for Cristhian Adames during spring training. If he makes the team, he will also be able to play about any position.

One of the things that impressed me the most about the Cubs during last season’s run to the World Series was how many solid baseball players they had, and could move guys around to whatever position made the team the best on any given day. I think with the options the Rockies have this year they will be able to mimic this strategy in a way that they were unable to in past seasons and also not be as affected by possible injuries.

Keeping the Farm Intact

The Rockies could have and still may make a trade for a front line starting pitcher or a bullpen piece with their stacked farm system, but they haven’t yet. Maybe that is a good thing. The farm system continues to get love as Keith Law placed the system in the top ten in baseball.

The Rockies have multiple highly touted prospects on the cusp of the major leagues. Jeff Hoffman, German Marquez and even Kyle Freeland can compete for the fifth spot in the rotation as well as providing depth in case of injury or ineffectiveness. There is also a bevy of young arms that could help from the bullpen late in the season in a push for contention.

Raimel Tapia could likely start the season in the majors but will likely get more seasoning in AAA. Ryan McMahon will hopefully bounce back and could be a late season call up. Both will allow the Rockies to make some moves whether they are filling in for a guy who was traded or being a part of a move themselves.

Another positive of having all of these guys is the ability to make a more informed trade later in the season. This is a strategy, as pointed out by Thomas Harding in a recent article, which helped propel the Indians and Royals to recent playoff success. I think this is a good way for the Rockies to go with all the possibilities they have. Maybe they won’t have the need for a fifth starter with one of the young guys stepping up in a big way in 2017, then they can trade some prospects for a bullpen guy, or vice versa.

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If they cannot sign Carlos Gonzalez to a contract extension, then deal him and let Desmond or Tapia slide into the outfield.

The Rockies will definitely have the pieces to make significant upgrades at the trade deadline if they need to, but there is no reason to give up multiple guys for one right now. Either the young guys can fill the need or they can be traded to fill the need when it is more clear what Colorado’s need is later in the season.