Colorado Rockies: Five interesting quotes from the end-of-season presser

Dick Monfort: “I don’t think we have a lot of flexibility on next year of making some great big splash. Now that doesn’t mean that we can’t get creative and do some things that will help if the right deal comes along.”

Let’s face it. The Rockies are hamstrung because of some pricey contracts that are being paid to some veteran players who haven’t performed up to their deals.

That includes Murphy’s $8 million, another $15 million for Ian Desmond, $17 million designated for Wade Davis (who likely won’t be the closer in 2020), and a combined $18.5 million for Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee.

Colorado’s new TV contract doesn’t kick in until after next season, so there won’t be any windfall of money coming the Rockies way from that. Unless the payroll is increased (and it doesn’t sound like that will be the case), the only way the Rockies can make some extra room is to unload some veteran contracts. However, much of the money in those contracts is guaranteed, meaning Colorado will be paying players whether they’re in purple or not.

It will be interesting to see what “creative” might mean and what “the right deal”