ROCKIES HOT STOVE RECAP
The Rockies made a flurry of moves this week and here are my takes on how the team made out:
Pitcher Huston Street – Traded to San Diego for pitcher Nick Schmidt. This frees up $7 million to possibly acquiring Michael Cuddyer from Minnesota. Rockies players have reportedly reached out to Cuddyer to try and convince him to play at 18th & Blake next year. I’d love to see an outfield of Cuddyer, Fowler and Gonzalez. Cuddyer brings the wood which is sorely needed in the clubhouse.
Third baseman Ian Stewart and pitcher Casey Weathers – Traded to Chicago Cubs for Tyler Colvin and D.J. LeMahieu. Colvin could possibly be packaged with Seth Smith to obtain Martin Prado from Atlanta, though I see this unlikely as other teams are pursuing him and the Braves really want Dexter Fowler as part of any deal, which Rockies front office said will not happen.
Pitcher Dan Turpin – Traded for pitcher Kevin Slowey from Minnesota. Slowey will get a chance to compete for a starting rotation spot, but the field is fairly crowded even without Aaron Cook. I don’t like Slowey’s chances and expect him to start the season in triple A.
Rockies claimed outfielder Jamie Hoffmann (LAD) and outfielder Andrew Brown (STL) … I can only quote South Park’s Officer Barbrady: “Move along folks, there’s nothing to see here.” My head nearly exploded when I saw that the Rockies were able to land two players that have absolutely no shot of playing at Coors Field.
I’d love to talk more about these moves, but as it stands right now, the deals that have happened are pretty unsubstantial as Street will be replaced with Rafael Betancourt (upgrade) and Ian Stewart wasn’t going to make the roster if he stuck around through spring training anyways (the Nolan Arrenado thing).
The players acquired are nothing to be excited about, and most –if not all- won’t see the field in Denver.
Once again, the Rockies have not made a splash (say it ain’t so!), but their pursuit of Prado, Cuddyer and Hiroki Kuroda –who has since been tendered an offer by the Yankees, go figure- is encouraging that the front office realizes that all the answers do not currently lie within the organization.
If they can land Cuddyer, I would be thrilled with just the fact they picked up somebody who has a name and can swing the bat.
Now, I would like to propose that the best closer in Denver doesn’t play at Coors Field; he plays at Sports Authority Field.
Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos closer -I mean quarterback- has become the best producer of saves in the NFL. He has essentially become a finisher in football through week-after-week comeback victories at the end of regulation, or in overtime.
I have a proposition: Opening Day 2012, first pitch is thrown out by Broncos QB (and Pro Bowler) Tim Tebow.
It would be perfect, so long as Tebow doesn’t decide to run it in to home plate.
NEXT POST: Rockies Christmas Wish List
It’s actually mine, but the Rockies should adopt it for themselves.
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