Colorado Rockies: Looking at the positives under Jeff Bridich

Pro: Bud Black hiring

Walt Weiss‘ time in Denver was over the second Bridich took the job. Lame duck manager Weiss went from not having enough pieces around him to being the focal point of the Rockies’ dysfunction. Weiss having no prior major league experience fit the mantra “That’s so Rockies.”

Weiss managed two seasons under Bridich, each one giving more clarity that he wasn’t the man to lead this young core into success. Whether that be his awful management of pitching (Boone Logan) or head-scratching offensive strategies.

Enter Bud Black. Black is a player’s coach, yet still commands the respect of his players. His handling of the young rotation in 2017 was nothing short of masterful. Known for sticking with his veterans and a straightforward approach. the most refreshing thing about Black, to me, is his dealing with the media. Weiss seemed annoyed when pressed in a postgame conference. Black embraces it while protecting his guys. The phrase might be overused but its importance can’t be stated enough: He’s part of the culture change over at Coors.

Pro: German Marquez trade

Former Rockies outfielder Corey Dickerson was never known for his defensive prowess. With Gerardo Parra signing with the Rockies, Dickerson became the liability.

The Rockies received Jake McGee and, at the time, minor leaguer Marquez from the Tampa Bay Rays while giving up Dickerson and Kevin Padlo.

While McGee has been solid overall, Marquez was the steal of the deal. Marquez shined for the Rockies during their playoff run, posting a 5-3 record post-All-Star break with a WAR of 3.2. Marquez has become a mainstay of the rotation and arguably the most talented hurler of the starting five.

With McGee resigning and Dickerson no longer with the Rays, the Rockies have come out on top of a trade that was immensely unpopular at the time.