Colorado Rockies Quick Hits: Spring training, Gray, Arenado, more

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We are one day closer to the start of spring training and the regular season for the Colorado Rockies … and that is a beautiful thought as the winter chill continues.

Let’s start this edition of Quick Hits with a look at spring training. Major League Baseball has announced the dates for when pitchers and catchers report as well as the dates for the first full squad workouts for all 30 teams. That includes the Colorado Rockies, who will welcome pitchers and catchers officially on February 13 and hold their first full squad workout on February 18.

Colorado’s first spring training game comes on February 23 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz., against the Arizona Diamondbacks. You can check out the entire Rockies spring training schedule by clicking here.

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Spring training is absolutely a “bucket list” item for baseball fans. However, if you can’t make it to Arizona this year to check out the Rockies, don’t worry. We will be there when pitchers and catchers report and bring you the latest from Scottsdale.

And don’t forget, Rockies spring training doesn’t just take place in Arizona this season. Colorado will also see action in Monterey, Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M. (against the Triple-A Isotopes) and in Fort Myers, Fla. The Florida stop will be a contest against the Minnesota Twins that will officially wrap up spring training on March 26 before the Rockies open the season at the Miami Marlins two days later.

Last season was one to forget for Colorado starting pitcher Jon Gray. From Opening Day starter to a surprise send-down to Triple-A to being left off Colorado’s postseason roster, Gray was more than happy to see last season end and start focusing on 2019. Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post had a great article about Gray’s passion to forget last season and how he plans to rebuild in 2019 that you can read by clicking here.

While Gray posted a 12-9 record, he also had a 5.12 ERA, including a 7.20 ERA in September. His season ended with a two-inning home outing against the Washington Nationals on September 29 where he allowed seven hits and five runs.

But let’s talk about the 2019 season. There has been plenty of talk that a change of scenery would do Gray some good. We even suggested it in a mock trade article. That thought came up once again on Wednesday in an ESPN article that suggested Gray be shipped to the Minnesota Twins for Byron Buxton.

Sure, the deal would give Colorado a defensive-minded outfielder and move Charlie Blackmon to a corner outfielder spot. However, it’s still not time to give up on Gray. The former first-round pick still has plenty left to prove (and give) on the mound and, with Kyle Freeland and German Marquez battling for the one and two spots in the rotation, Gray can be a solid number three starter for the Rockies in 2019 and beyond … if he can get his health right.

Let’s get past the Jon Gray trade talk and see how he can rebound in 2019. There is still plenty of time for the 27-year-old right-hander to make an impact for the Rockies.

In this article, Mark Kiszla of The Denver Post has a simple solution to deal with the current heightened awareness about the potential departure of Nolan Arenado after this season: Pay the man.

On the surface, it sounds good … but there is catch with Kiszla’s plan. He suggests a four-year contract worth $140 million. While that averages out to $35 million per season, it’s also a smaller sum and shorter deal than is believed Arenado will be seeking from the Rockies (and other teams) when the time comes.

Much of the discussion surrounding Arenado and what he could bring to the market is still in a state of flux with Manny Machado and Bryce Harper still unsigned and contract numbers ranging from $175 million to $300 million floating around. Until the two biggest free agents of 2019 sign, it is truly tough to see what Arenado could be looking at for next season and beyond.

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Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich has made it clear the Rockies have already begun talking with Arenado and his representatives about the future and how Colorado plays into it. Of course, there is still the subject of unsettled arbitration lingering between Arenado and the Rockies. Could how that plays out impact Arenado’s desire to stay in Colorado?

There is still plenty to be determined when it comes to Arenado. However, we know that he will be looking for a payday that extends well into his 30s. A four-year deal means that, in his early 30s, Arenado would once again be testing the market and, with his prime years behind him, his value could likely do down.

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With that in mind, don’t expect a four-year deal to get it done and keep Arenado on the Colorado hot corner in 2020.

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We are one day closer to the start of spring training and the regular season for the Colorado Rockies … and that is a beautiful thought as the winter chill continues.

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