Colorado Rockies sign Chris Iannetta, but questions remain

So the Colorado Rockies have fixed their catcher issue by signing Chris Iannetta on Friday, meaning they will most likely not be going after Jonathan Lucroy. This still leaves many unanswered questions. Perhaps maybe who’s going to back Chris Rusin up in the bullpen? Maybe which free agent are they going to get to fill in the space that Carlos Gonzalez left behind? Will David Dahl be ready?

Who’s in the bullpen?

The Rockies may not be able to get back Greg Holland for another season, so who do they pursue? My bet is imaginably Wade Davis, the former Cubs player would be a great addition to the Rockies bullpen as he is a shutdown pitcher with a workhorse mentality. Last season, he put up 32 saves which shows he could be a possibility to having an impact season like Greg Holland last year. On a side note, if the Rockies were able to sign Davis, it would be an eye for an eye situation due to the Cubs signing former Rockie Tyler Chatwood.

So who’s in right field?

More from Rox Pile

Currently the Rockies have been rumored to be interested former Cleveland Indian Jay Bruce. That doesn’t mean J.D. Martinez is out of question, but with Scott Boras as his agent, it may take an arm and a leg to get Martinez to Colorado. Bruce, who put up 36 home runs and 101 RBI, is also asking for a steep price as well according to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick Bruce is looking for a five-year deal around the price range of $80-$90 million. So maybe we won’t be able to land Martinez or Bruce we still have options to call up Mike Tauchman or maybe David Dahl will be ready, but if not put Ian Desmond in the outfield, but you’ve also got a big problem with that which leads me to my next question.

First base anyone?

Mark Reynolds, who was a stellar addition to the Rockies last season, is a free agent this year. Hopefully Jeff Bridich and the front office go after him for a long-term contract. Our own Kevin Henry analyzes the possibility of Ryan McMahon being penciled in at first base. If that does happen, Colorado can save money and maybe flash the big bucks around to sway an outfielder. Just like with right field, there are endless routes that can be taken.

Do we need a veteran pitcher?

In my opinion, yes. If you don’t believe me, let me remind you of the dreadful night that the Rockies had during the Wild Card game last year. Jon Gray will be the ace for this rotation, but the man didn’t look ready for such nerve-wracking games. With rumors swirling about the Rockies showing interest in Jake Arrieta, you can’t help but wonder what the Rockies would be like with such a dominant pitcher like Arrieta. They only need one well experienced pitcher to show them the ropes when it comes to this rotation while pitching coach Steve Foster can develop a solid repertoire and help these young arms.

What if Iannetta goes downhill?

Baseball is full of what if’s, especially when it comes to the players. Iannetta isn’t getting any younger, but the young catcher, Tony Wolters, clearly wasn’t ready for the big show on a full-time basis last season. Last year, Iannetta put up a .254 batting average, a marked improvement over his 2016 season with Mariners (.210). Iannetta will be a good leader for a team with young players, not only with Colorado’s young rotation but also further developing Wolters. It’s possible start him as a first baseman (always got an option for first base). Either way I see the Rockies bumping him to first or trading him to another team for some younger players.

Next: Why is a poor record predicted for Colorado in 2018?

How do the Rockies do this?

With Winter Meetings currently happening, the outlook for the Rockies is in limbo. Jeff Bridich and the rest of the front office have plenty to get done to bring this team back to the standard of last season. In order to do so, they will need to attack the key issues that must be solved. This should lead to the Rockies being equal competitors for the NL West.

Home/Colorado Rockies News