Colorado Rockies podcast: Behind the scenes at the Winter Meetings

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 17: Wade Davis #71 of the Colorado Rockies pitches in the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 17: Wade Davis #71 of the Colorado Rockies pitches in the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

In his latest Rockie Road podcast, our own Jake Shapiro talks about what he learned and what he believes will happen after plenty of discussions about the Colorado Rockies at the recent Winter Meetings in Las Vegas.

Joining me in Las Vegas for four full days of the Winter Meetings, in his latest podcast, Shapiro talks about the comments we heard from Colorado Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich, manager Bud Black and several other people within the organization, including Hartford Yard Goats Mike Abramson, who chatted with us for an exclusive interview.

One of the few bits of news surrounding the Rockies coming out of the Winter Meetings was the hire of a new hitting coach, Dave Magadan. Coming from the same position with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and with previous experience teaching hitters with the Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers, Magadan has plenty of work to do after Colorado set several offensive franchise lows last season.

Shapiro then touches upon the importance of the bullpen’s performance in 2019. With so much tied up into contracts with Bryan Shaw, Jake McGee, Mike Dunn and Wade Davis, as Shapiro says, “We have more questions than answers heading into 2019.” That includes what will happen with Adam Ottavino (who is likely gone) and who could step in for him in his role (don’t overlook the play of Scott Oberg last season).

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So what about the thought of “sustainable growth” that we have heard so often from Bridich? Shapiro believes that the resources tied up with the bullpen will likely keep the team from investing in pitching any time soon. Yes, the investments in the bullpen (and hopeful improvements) for 2019 will likely have to come from in-house.

In terms of offense, there were plenty of rumors surrounding the Rockies and players such as Carlos Santana and Edwin Encarnacion. Those rumors have since subsided. Now, Shapiro is saying he will not be surprised if the Rockies don’t add a “big bat” in the offseason.

Next. What Jeff Bridich said about his bullpen in Las Vegas. dark

Why does he believe this? Check out the latest Rockie Road podcast by clicking here to hear his thoughts on this … as well as what could happen when it comes to Nolan Arenado and his upcoming contract decision.