Colorado Rockies: Trade DJ LeMahieu to the Los Angeles Angels?

A second option, includes two other young rookies who finished 2017 with fairly comparable seasons. They include right-handers Keynan Middleton and Troy Scribner.

Middleton finished 2017 with a 6-1 overall record in 64 games, all out of the bullpen. Posting a 3.86 ERA, he pitched 58 1/3 innings, allowing 60 hits, 25 earned runs, walking 18, while striking out 63. Middleton’s only concern were the 11 home runs he allowed in his rookie campaign. But, with additional experience, and a some work with Colorado pitching coach Steve Foster, we should see those long fly balls decrease. He mixes a four-seam fastball that touches triple digits, with a hard slider and a change-up.

Scribner on the other hand is a different story, he mixes his curveball, change-up, and slider with a four-seam fastball. His four-seam fastball averages 87.53 MPH, while his curveball averaged 69.17 MPH in 2017. He paints the corners well, and mixes his speeds to create more of an illusion to hitters. In 2017, his exit velocity off balls in play was extremely low.

His BABIP for the season was .161 showing he is a master against contact. His overall numbers included a 2-1 record, 4.18 ERA in 10 games (4 starts). He pitched 23 2/1 Innings, allowing just 17 hits, 11 earned runs, with 10 walks, and 18 strikeouts. He finished with a .195 batting average against, and a 1.14 WHIP.

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Final Thoughts

In either trade scenario, the Rockies will be dealing away a cornerstone second baseman in DJ LeMahieu. In either, scenario, Colorado will be gaining a young, controllable arm, who has shown solid promise with strong rookie campaigns. Which route would you prefer? A potential ace in Bridwell or a mid-rotation starter and a potential future closer?