Colorado Rockies podcast: Let’s talk about the Daniel Murphy signing

The Colorado Rockies have made their biggest splash of the offseason so far, bringing on another veteran player with the hopes of bolstering the lineup and adding experience to the right side of the infield.

With the signing of Daniel Murphy to a two-year contract worth $24 million, the Colorado Rockies are not only bringing in a talented hitter but also hoping to add some stability to the lineup at first base. Ian Desmond, signed before the 2017 season to be Colorado’s primary first baseman, will now shift to the outfield, signaling yet another change for the Rockies at first base.

Our own Jake Shapiro analyzed the signing and the varied reaction that has come to it in his latest Rockie Road podcast that can you hear by clicking here. Shapiro talks about how Murphy has been a second baseman for the majority of his career but will now not only settle into first base. He also discusses how launch angle has benefitted Murphy’s career and how his batting average has been consistently good in recent years … which is something the Rockies desperately need.

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He does discuss that the Rockies will likely once again sacrifice defense for offense again with some of Murphy’s defensive deficiencies. That’s what happened when Colorado pulled Desmond into first base for the first time in his career and will likely continue now with another Major Leaguer transitioning into full-time first baseman at 20th and Blake.

Are the Rockies still valuing defense as much as they have in the past? Shapiro dives into the question. With Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story, Colorado’s infield is certainly solid on the left side. However, with Murphy now at first and Garrett Hampson and Ryan McMahon likely fighting for the starting job at second base, the right side does have some questions.

Click here to hear these thoughts and more on Murphy’s signing, including what this might mean to Colorado’s potential lineup order in 2019.