Exclusive: ESPN’s Buster Olney talks Colorado Rockies, MLB dilemmas

Even though pitchers and catchers have barely reported to spring training, there is still plenty to talk about with the Colorado Rockies and the rest of Major League Baseball.

It’s been a slow offseason for Colorado Rockies fans as the team did little to add to the roster of a squad that went 71-91 last season. The lack of moves were something that ESPN’s Buster Olney found surprising, he told me on Tuesday.

That was just one topic Olney covered with us during an exclusive chat while he prepared to cover spring training with the New York Yankees in Florida. There was plenty of talk about the other topic that has enveloped Rockies fans this offseason: Nolan Arenado and his unhappiness with the Colorado front office, including general manager Jeff Bridich.

More from Colorado Rockies Podcast

• Colorado Rockies podcast: What to make of Bill Schmidt’s comments
• Colorado Rockies podcast: Why the Rockies could be a more interesting watch to end the season
• Colorado Rockies podcast: September call-ups and inside the Rockies clubhouse
• Colorado Rockies: Could recent injuries change their offseason philosophy?
• Colorado Rockies: Wynton Bernard finally receiving a callup to the majors

Olney talked Arenado as well as heaped praise upon Trevor Story, who he believes will be the face of the franchise if and when Arenado is no longer playing for the Rockies.

Of course, there is more to talk about than just the Rockies. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox pulled off a big trade that shifted the power in the National League to Chavez Ravine. The Houston Astros and Red Sox are still embroiled in a cheating scandal. Major League Baseball is toying with the idea of expanding its postseason.

We even talked DJ LeMahieu and Larry Walker, just to get the Coors Field perspective on a pair of players who have put a dent in the bias that Rockies hitters are only good at altitude.

Yes, there is plenty of baseball to talk about and we were glad to get some time with Olney to hit all of the MLB hot button topics. Check out our exclusive interview with him below as part of the Rox Pile Rockies Report podcast.

As a note, I appreciate the efforts of ESPN’s PR team to make this happen. We’re looking forward to working with them on more projects during the season as we try to bring a national perspective on Colorado baseball to Rockies fans on a regular basis.