Colorado Rockies: Jonathan Lucroy trade brings back 2007 memories

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black remembers well the last time that he was part of a team who acquired a catcher at the trade deadline. As the San Diego Padres manager in 2007, his team added Michael Barrett behind the plate to boost the squad’s chances at landing the Wild Card.

It worked. Barrett was, in fact, the catcher at Coors Field in Game 163 when Matt Holliday touched the plate and sent the Rockies into the National League Division Series and another step closer to their inaugural World Series experience.

Ten years later, Black is managing a team that grabbed a catcher at the trade deadline. Jonathan Lucroy met the Denver-area media, including Rox Pile, on Tuesday afternoon shortly after his first moments in the Colorado clubhouse.

"“This guy is really pumped to be here,” Black told Rox Pile and others on Tuesday afternoon before the Rockies opened a three-game series against the New York Mets in Denver. “We spoke Sunday night and I could tell right away from the tone of his voice that this guy was extremely excited for this opportunity to come to this team and be with this group of players.”"

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The Rockies now have two veteran catchers at their disposal at any time behind the plate, with Lucroy joining Ryan Hanigan as Colorado’s catching corps. Tony Wolters was optioned to Triple-A on Monday to make room for Lucroy on the active roster.

"“This deal came about because we felt we were getting a veteran catcher who was battle-tested and has been through Augusts and Septembers with other teams in pennant races,” Black said. “We feel like he can help us.”"

Lucrow, who took part in the 2011 postseason with Milwaukee and 2016 postseason with Texas, talked on Tuesday about how already felt like he fit in with the Rockies thanks to past experiences with several of the players. The 31-year-old Lucroy played with Ian Desmond in Texas. He suited up along with Mark Reynolds and Gerardo Parra in Milwaukee. He teamed up with Nolan Arenado, Jake McGee and Pat Neshek to help the United States win the World Baseball Classic.

"“There are a lot of connections and it’s been a pretty easy transition,” Lucroy said. “I’m really familiar with these guys. I’ve caught some of them and I’ve faced some of them. I’ve been tortured by them before. I’ve faced them and they have a pretty good staff.”"

It’s also not the first time that Lucroy has been the grind at the trade deadline. He was shipped from Milwaukee to Texas midway through the 2016 season as the Rangers pushed for the postseason.

"“I heard about it (rumor of being traded). I heard some stuff but it’s my third time going through it and my second time being traded,” Lucroy said. “Rumors and talk, a lot of it is conjecture. You never know what’s true or real or what’s not. I’m just happy to be here. I’m happy to contribute as best as I possibly can to help this team win a championship.”"

And what will the veteran behind the plate do with Colorado’s young pitching corps? He was scheduled to get his first action for the Rockies on Tuesday night, batting eighth in the lineup, but was scratched with a stomach illness.

"“I’m not going to try to come in and do too much. These guys are already really talented and already have a really good group of teachers who are working with them,” Lucroy said. “I know (Ryan Hanigan) has been back there, working with them. He’s a really good veteran catcher who knows what he’s doing. I’m not going to be doing much with these guys other than trying to do my job back there to help them get better in any way I possibly can and get better myself along the way.“It’s not like I’m going to come in and fix something that’s already broken,” Lucroy added. “This isn’t broken at all. It’s a great staff. A great starting staff and a great bullpen. I’m just going to come in and try to complement them as best as I can with my skill set.”"

Next: How trades can still happen in August and September

Black has seen a veteran catcher acquired at the deadline benefit his team before. This time, he hopes the acquisition will get him and his team past the Wild Card round.

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