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

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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.

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.