Colorado Rockies: What they should be looking for at the trade deadline

Even though Danny Salazar is still on the DL for the Indians doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be consider a trade prospect. He has yet to make a start in 2018 so we’ll be referring to his 2017 stats. Although he his ERA was a bit high (4.28) he went 103 innings while surmounting 145 strike outs and only giving up 14 home runs.

This is the stability the Colorado Rockies need from a starting pitcher. Salazar his a top of the rotation kind of guy and can give a team consistency.

Another upside to him is the fact that whatever team he’s playing for they’ll have three years of arbitration control. Though it is hard not to be weary about his shoulder and elbow injuries. 

Pros: Consistency, High strikeout rate, Top rotation guy that can hold down the fort

Cons: Injury Prone, Can lose command while pitching

The San Diego Padres will most definitely not be contending this season. With the chance of the Colorado Rockies reaching contention Clayton Richard’s ears should perk up at the thought of a trade with a prominent NL West team.

The 34 year old has been doing well given that he’s playing for the Padres. Though Richard has a high ERA (4.40), he does show that he can make quality starts and pitch deep into games. Thus saving the bullpen for middle to late innings, something the Rockies need right now. He usually pitches at least 7 innings per start, as he has gone at least 7 innings in six of his last seven starts (he went six innings in the other start) with a 3.04 ERA, giving him the current total of 88 innings so far this season along with 71 strikeouts as of now. 

Pros: Veteran pitcher (10 seasons in MLB), can go deep into outings, has strong quality starts

Cons: If he gets into a hole it’s hard for him to dig out of it, high ERA is concerning (particularly at Coors Field), no postseason experience