Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black: We're looking for a "big bat" and pitching depth this offseason

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Jun 2, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black (10) smiles before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black spoke with media on Wednesday and among other things, he discussed the team’s offseason priorities.

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black made his rounds with the media on Wednesday as he went on MLB Network’s High Heat and MLB Network Radio’s Power Alley but to end his day, he spoke with the media, including Rox Pile, for nearly an hour. In that hour, he discussed a wide array of things, much of which we will bring to you in the ensuing few days.

First off, though, he was asked about the Rockies offseason priorities. Last offseason, the Rockies were, essentially, dormant. They did not make a single MLB signing on the free agent front and did not make a single trade. As a result, their few moves this offseason, while not sexy trades or signings, have made them already more active this offseason.

They traded Jeff Hoffman and one of their 2020 draft picks to Cincinnati for pitcher Robert Stephenson and a prospect. They also cut outfielder David Dahl and catcher Tony Wolters from the roster since they were non-tendered and made a few other “under the radar” moves, in the words of Black.

Apr 7, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich speaks to reporters before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

The Rockies have been in plenty of contact with other teams for trades, according to Black.

“…I do know that [Rockies general manager] Jeff [Bridich] and his guys and our organziation are working every day,” said Black. “I know that there are a lot of phone calls being made to other general managers and other presidents of baseball operations, as is the norm pretty much every offseason. Even though there might not be as much activity as a couple [other] clubs here recently, like the White Sox, the Rockies and other clubs are still doing their homework and making their calls.”

Obviously, the Rockies will have to see improvement from their current players and get some outside help if the Rockies plan on contending in 2021, since they have been equivalent to a 71 win team in each of the last two seasons. There are a few things that Black says that they need to address this offseason.

“First off, you have to look at the pitching as a priority,” said Black to media, including Rox Pile. “We feel pretty good about our starters, especially the top of the rotation guys … [German] Marquez, [Kyle] Freeland, [Jon] Gray, [Antonio] Senzatela. We’re probably looking for a little more depth to go with Chi Chi [Gonzalez] and [Ryan] Castellani and a rehabbing [Peter] Lambert so maybe a little starting pitching depth is something that we’re looking at.”

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 25: Daniel Bard #52 of the Colorado Rockies throws against the Texas Rangers in the fifth inning at Globe Life Field on July 25, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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Also, the Rockies are looking for a few more things.

“Also, to fortify the bullpen,” added Black. “We had some guys that had some really good years last year out of the bullpen. Daniel Bard, for one, Yency Almonte, and I think we’ll have some other guys who will bounce back from [their] 2020 performance to what they did in 2019 and 2018. But you’re always on the lookout for relievers. Again, we’ve talked about maybe some left-handed relievers. If we latch onto somebody [that is a left-handed reliever], that would be a nice fit for us but a lot of times, that’s easier said than done so I think you’ve always gotta look at the pitching.”

The Rockies, as you may remember, spent a good portion of the season, even with 14 pitchers on the roster, without a left-handed reliever. When they did have a left-handed reliever, they had James Pazos and/or Phillip Diehl on the roster. Both of them pitched an ERA north of 10.00 and Pazos has left the Rockies organization as he signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers.

The Rockies are still looking to add offensively, though.

“I think offensively, we haven’t had some normal ‘Rockie’ years in the last couple [of seasons],” said Black. “I do think we have the talent to bounce back, offensively. Again, I think it’s a group effort more than any one individual but I think Jeff [Bridich] and his guys are looking around to maybe find one bat, potentially, that fits in amongst our group. We have a lot of versatility, as you know, amongst our roster. We can move some guys around so wheter [the new offensive acquistion] is an infielder, an outfielder, maybe a right-side defender, we can maybe use another big bat, if possible.”

So, in other words, the Rockies do recognize that they need some help, which is a step in the right direction. However, with the pandemic and losing millions in 2020, the Rockies do not have a lot of money to throw at a player.

Considering that the Rockies want versatility, a “big bat,” and Black mentioned “specifically a right-side defender,” who knows? Maybe the Rockies could even look at bringing DJ LeMahieu back. He is likely outside of their price range but he checks off all of those boxes and the Rockies are obviously familiar with him.

Next. The Rockies "want to engage" the Mets on Arenado. dark

We will have plenty more to come in the coming days from Black on a variety of topics so stay tuned to Rox Pile for all of the coverage.

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Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black: We’re looking for a “big bat” and pitching depth this offseason

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black spoke with media on Wednesday and among other things, he discussed the team’s offseason priorities.

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