Rockies Release Casey Blake...What the Dodgers Wouldn't Give Up Carlos Santana Again?

After a rough spring hitting just .150 for the Rockies, veteran third baseman Casey Blake was released today.  He was signed in the offseason as a potential stopgap to Nolan Arenado (who was sent down earlier this week to AA), but it just never clicked with the Rockies.  Third base will now be a battle between utilitymen Chris Nelson, Jonathan Herrera, Jordan Pacheco, and newcomers Brendan Harris and Brandon Wood.


MY THOUGHTS:  I am disappointed because I thought the Blake signing was one of the better free agent grabs of the offseason for the Rockies, but it was warranted.   Former first round pick Chris Nelson is probably the favorite to win the job, although there is some discussion of Michael Cuddyer moving to third with hot hitting Tyler Colvin getting the third outfield job next to Fowler and CarGo.  Both Pacheco and Herrera are both hitting well in Spring Training as well.  I hope Herrera doesn't win the job, because he hit lights out in 2011 Spring Training and won the 2B job, then promptly forgot how to hit once the season started.  I would really like to see Nelson get the job, because he has not really had a chance to prove himself at the major league level in a full time job.

Rockies Acquire Jeremy Guthrie from the Orioles for Hammel and Lindstrom

The Rockies continued dismantling the disappointing 2011 team by trading starter Jason Hammel and reliever Matt Lindstrom to the Baltimore Orioles for veteran starter Jeremy Guthrie.  After this trade, of the 55 players that appeared in a Rockies game in 2011, 29 will be with other teams (or out of baseball) in 2012.  And several others (Young, Nelson, Herrera, Rogers) are still potentially going somewhere else.  This is fast-food style job turnover. 


MY THOUGHTS:
I don't understand this trade on several different fronts.  I'll start with the Orioles side of things.  Guthrie was a popular pitcher and a de facto ace for Baltimore and the Orioles understandably knew they weren't going to be able to do much this year, so trading him makes sense.  Why wouldn't they trade him for prospects instead of a 29 year old starter and a 32 year old reliever?

Now onto the Rockies side of things which I know a little more about.  First off, I am thrilled the Rockies did not trade Christian Friedrich in this move which had been rumored.  That is the final good thing I will be saying in this write up.  Jason Hammel for Jeremy Guthrie straight up is a Rockies win, but the Orioles would never go for that.  Jason Hammel + (Esmil Rogers, Josh Outman, Matt Reynolds, Josh Roenicke) for Guthrie is a nice balanced trade.  Jason Hammel and Matt Lindstrom (a key member of the bullpen) for Guthrie is a loss for the Rockies. 

Hammel had a bad year and probably needed to go elsewhere, so no issues there.  Lindstrom is better designed as a closer or set up man, so for him going elsewhere is probably better and honestly he was a bit extra in the Rockies pen.  Guthrie is an innings eater that will save some wear and tear on the bullpen, which the Rockies needed with their young rotation.  Had the Orioles thrown in a middling prospect, I would probably be okay with this deal.  But they didn't.  It just seems like a lot to give up for one year of an innings eater that will probably be gone after 2012.

What are your thoughts Orioles fans (and everyone else)? 

Rockies Acquire Marco Scutaro for Clayton Mortensen...Yet Another New Rockie Older than Me

The Rockies continued their off season trade-fest by shipping off starter/reliever Clayton Mortensen to Boston for Marco Scutaro.  Despite playing shortstop with the Red Sox, Scutaro will more than likely be at the top of the second base depth chart in Denver. 

MY THOUGHTS
Most Rockies fans are absolutely in love with this deal, but I am more in the "it's great, but.." camp.  On paper, this trade looks like an absolute steal for the Rockies, but I liked Mortensen.  He didn't have the great pitching alphabet soup measurables like xFip and he had a miserable year in AAA with Colorado Springs, but he did okay in Denver.  I didn't dread seeing him pitch, unlike several other guys in 2011 and to be honest I don't give a crap how badly someone pitches in Colorado Springs because Greg Maddux in his prime would have trouble there. 

That being said, it is nice to get a proven starting second baseman in Scutaro in exchange for probably an excess pitcher.  The problem there is what happens to Chris Nelson, Jonathan Herrera, and the guy I was really looking forward to seeing, D.J. LeMahieu.  Nelson will probably make the club as a backup, unless he has an awful spring in which case he is probably done because he has no options left.  LeMahieu is probably going to AAA to start the year.  Herrera is the real wild card because I could see him being traded, released, sent down, or as an ML backup depending on his spring performance.  I think this might actually set the main roster now we just need to get to Spring Training and figure out a pitching rotation and the position back ups.

Rockies trade Kevin Slowey to the Indians...I Hope He Has His ID Card Updated for Cleveland

The Rockies today traded Kevin Slowey to the Cleveland Indians for prospect reliever Zach Putnam.  Slowey was acquired earlier this offseason for a marginal prospect and never wore the Colorado uniform. 

MY THOUGHTS:  I am very happy with this move because Slowey is due to make $3 million this year and that money can now be put toward acquiring a second baseman (Marco Scutaro is the current rumor).  This move also thins the herd for the 5th starter and will potentially allow Jamie Moyer to make the team now.  Another reason I like this trade is that I have actually heard of Zach Putnam.  I couldn't pick him out of a line up, but I remember the name.  I really hope Slowey does not get a Rockies card this year in one of the early sets, simply because he never played in even Spring Training.

Back to the Hot Stove...Rockies Sign Pitcher Older than the Actual Rockies

In a rumored move for the last couple of days the Rockies signed free agent 49 year old pitcher Jamie Moyer to a minor league deal pending his passing a physical.  Moyer missed last season due to injury.

MY THOUGHTS:  Believe it or not, I love this move.  There are starters in the Rockies training camp that were not yet born when the above card was printed, so Moyer should be able to pass along some knowledge.  Even the elder statesman of the Rockies starter candidates (Jason Hammel) is 20! years younger than Moyer, so I think everyone involved can benefit from this move.  Moyer is not likely to make the team, but his experience could help transform the mishmash currently in Denver.  If he does make the rotation, this could be one of the greatest comebacks in the history of baseball.

BONUS TRIVIA:  Now that the Seth Smith has been traded as of earlier this week, the great Rockies trivia of having both Manning brother's backup quarterbacks on the roster is over.  Here is the NEW great Rockies trivia.  Aside from Andres Galarraga, Jamie Moyer was born before than the entire 1993 Rockies Opening Day lineup (and we were the OLD expansion team compared to the baby Marlins).  Have fun with that one.

Seth Smith traded to A's for two pitchers...Rockies Now Have Enough Starting Pitchers for a Spinoff Team (Coming Next Season CSI: Vegas Rockies)

Today the Rockies traded outfielder (and the bane of existence to all lispers) Seth Smith to the Oakland Athletics for right handed pitcher Guillermo Moscoso and southpaw Josh Outman (who at least has a good name for a pitcher).  Smith had been complete surplus after the Rockies signed Michael Cuddyer earlier this offseason and had been involved in many, many trade rumors. 

MY THOUGHTS:  How many freaking starting pitchers does one team need?  Are we going with an 8 man rotation?  I get that Smith was completely extra and needed to be moved, but if you are going to trade him get some legit prospects instead of two major league ready guys.  We now have 13 starters on the 40 man roster with only 3-4 of them not proven in the majors, but probably ready.  I have no idea what the Rockies are trying to accomplish.  I am just dumbfounded, because we don't have a proven 2nd baseman and just traded our best trade chip for stuff we already had.  Perhaps another trade is in the offing, but today it makes ABSOLUTELY no sense.

Rockies Foiled in their Attempt at Creating an All Former QB Major League Team

Russell Wilson, popular QB for the Wisconsin football team and Rockies minor leaguer, has decided to forgo his baseball career in an attempt to make it as a quarterback in the NFL.  Wilson was the Rockies 4th round pick in the 2010 draft.  He hit .228 in low Class A in 2011, so the big leagues in baseball was probably not in his future anyway.  The biggest problem is his size.  He is not the ideal size for an NFL quarterback, but that doesn't mean he couldn't succeed it just means he will have to go through more hoops to succeed.

This now means that there are only 3 former BCS college quarterbacks in the Rockies system.  Todd Helton from Tennessee, Seth Smith from Ole Miss, and 2010 1st round pick Kyle Parker from Clemson.  Maybe this means that Rockies scouts can stop watching football games when scouting and start checking out the baseball games going on.


In case you haven't voted for the Rock Star third baseman, you have less than 2 days left.  Thanx for reading.

Rockies trade "Evan Longoria" to the Rangers for the (soon to be former) Manager's Son

Sorry Brian, didn't mean to get you all excited.  The Rockies today traded the guy they decided was better than Evan Longoria to the Rangers for minor leaguer Chad Tracy.  That name will look familiar to a lot of you, but it is not the old Diamondback that is currently plying his trade in Japan.  This Chad Tracy is the son of Rockies manager Jim Tracy.  I actually mentioned the younger Tracy when I was writing up my Quarry Cards posts back in November. 

MY THOUGHTS:  Good riddance!  It's nothing personal toward Mr. Reynolds, who is probably a nice enough guy, but the Rockies spent their highest draft pick ever (#2 overall) on this guy.  Both Evan Longoria and Rockies fans were convinced he would be the pick, but at the last minute the Rockies decided to not draft a third baseman because they decided Ian Stewart was third baseman of the future.  Then, instead of drafting Clayton Kershaw or Tim Lincecum, the Rockies picked Greg Reynolds from Stanford who contributed a career 7.47 ERA in the big leagues. 

I think the Rockies would be better off if the draft was abolished, because Reynolds was not even their biggest 1st round blunder, that would be Matt Harrington.  Here is a great article about Harrington that I could never hope to top.

As far as Tracy goes, he led the minors in RBIs in 2011 and plays first base where for the Rockies, Todd Helton is the youngster of the two guys in the majors.  Needless to say, there will probably be an opening in the near future and there is very little in the minors at first.  He's worth a flyer.  I really hope this doesn't mean Jim Tracy stays past this season.

Rockies Sign Free Agent Casey Blake...Now there are Four Current Rockies Older than Me

The Rockies finally remembered that there are bases in the infield that need to be covered by signing veteran free agent third baseman Casey Blake.  Blake was signed to a one year deal that could be worth $3 million dollars.  The contract is non-guaranteed.  Blake is a former Dodger (among other teams) and had really good years in 2009 and 2010.  He should step in as, at the very least, a competitor for the starting third base job. 


MY THOUGHTS:  This is basically akin to trading Mark Ellis for Casey Blake since LA signed Ellis earlier in the offseason.  I like this move a lot, because firstly since the contract is non-guaranteed if Blake can't hack it, it's not an albatross for the year like Ty Wigginton last year.  Second and more importantly, Blake is precisely the type of third baseman Colorado needed to find.  He's older, has produced in the past, and can be easily discarded should Nolan Arenado tear up big league pitching in Spring Training.  This will probably also finally put the Martin Prado / Seth Smith rumors to rest, unless the Rockies plan on trying to trade or release some combo of Young, Nelson, Herrera, LeMahieu to make room for him at second.  I am very happy this morning that the 2012 team is starting to take shape.


BTW:  Don't forget to vote at the top of the right sidebar for the catcher for the Rock Stars team if you haven't already.  Thanx for reading.

Rockies Sign Free Agent Michael Cuddyer...Spankee now has a reason to collect a Rockie

The Rockies signed longtime Minnesota Twins right fielder? third baseman? second baseman? utilityman? Michael Cuddyer to a 3 year/$31.5 million deal.  Cuddyer does give a much needed punch to a Rockies lineup that was severely lacking in 2011.  He hit 20 homers and drove in 70 in Minnesota and averaged nearly 20 homers/year in his his longtime Twins career. 

MY THOUGHTS:  While it is nice to see the Rockies make their first big free agent splash since the Hampton/Neagle debacle of 2001, there is a lot of questions surrounding this deal. 
First, the money.  The Twins had already replaced Cuddyer with Josh Willingham, so why did the Rockies increase their offer by nearly 5 million dollars from the reported original 3/27 mil deal?  Apparently this deal is why Huston Street was traded for peanuts.
Second, the position.  Where is he going to play?  He played right field the most last year, but Carlos Gonzalez is playing there.  CarGo could shift to left with a Cuddyer/Smith platoon in right with Cuddyer also playing third when Smith is in the outfield.  The problem there is Cuddyer isn't very good defensively at third (or second or the outfield for that matter) and do you really want to pay over $10 miliion per year for a platoon outfielder.  This seems to make a Seth Smith trade almost inevitable.  Maybe I am still burned by last year's "big" signee Ty Wigginton, but this feel like the same kind of deal.  I really hope I am wrong in my assessment, but I think Colorado might be paying someone to take Cuddyer off their hands in a year or two.

Rockies 2007 World Series Team Down to 3 Players Remaining

How much has this offseason's roster turnover changed the face of the Rockies?  The headline says it all.  There are only three players remaining from the 2007 World Series team: Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki, and Seth Smith.  That was only 4 years ago.  Of those three, Smith is possibly still to be traded this offseason as well.

The latest casualty is back up outfielder "extraordinaire" Ryan Spilborghs.  Spilly (along with Cole Garner) was unceremoniously non-tendered on Tuesday.  If you don't know what non-tendering means, don't feel bad because I didn't for the longest time.  Basically, it is akin to just flat out releasing an arbitration-eligible player without offering him a contract for the upcoming season.

I always liked Spilly, even though he always seemed to screw up every time I watched him in a game.  Something about him just makes you want to root for him.  There is still the possibility he would be brought back, but the crowded outfield is filled with CarGo, Fowler, Smith, Eric Young Jr., and newly acquired Tyler Colvin.  Not to mention prospects Charlie Blackmon and Tim Wheeler.  I hope Spilly moves on to an organization and thrives (except against the Rox of course).  He could fit in well as a platoon OF or maybe even a stopgap starter with a younger team (Astros?).

Ian Stewart Traded to the Cubs for (Surprisingly) More than a Bucket of Balls and a Potted Ivy

The Rockies continued their roster turnover by trading colossal 2011 disappointment Ian Stewart and former #1 pick Casey Weathers to the Cubs for colossal 2011 disappointment Tyler Colvin and former #2 pick D.J. LeMahieu.  Stewart, a first round pick in 2003, was interesting in Denver to say the least.  He hit 25 homers in 2009 and followed that with 18 in 2010 before his massive dropoff in 2011 to 0 home runs.  Weathers, a first round pick in 2007, sports a 96 MPH fastball that he basically has no control over (think Mitch Williams, but worse).

MY THOUGHTS:  This is a classic case of everyone involved needed a change of scenery.  Stewart was not in the future plans of the Rockies with Nolan Arenado possibly winning the 3B job this year and Weathers hasn't really been the same since he missed 2009 with Tommy John surgery.  Colvin had a bad year also hitting .150 and doesn't really seem like a fit with Rockies unless it is signaling another trade coming for Seth Smith.  The guy I am REALLY excited about is LeMahieu.  He could possibly win the starting 2B job and his numbers in the minors are pretty good.  He probably won't hit 20 home runs, but he could possibly be a .300 hitter in the big leagues.  This trade was originally proposed as a straight up Stewart for Colvin deal which I saw as a basic push, but with LeMahieu and Weathers added it shifts to a win for Colorado in my mind.

This almost makes up for the previous two trades this week.  If we can pry Jurrgens away for Smith, then I am a happy man.

Huston Street Traded to the Padres for the Right Not to Pay Him in 2012...Way to Treat Your Fans Colorado

Another day, another trade for the Rockies.  Huston Street was acquired in the Holliday theft of Oakland along with Carlos Gonzalez in the offseason of 2008.  He pitched really well in 2009 for Colorado even getting some MVP consideration (well 2 votes anyway).  He was injured and/or less effective in 2010 and 2011 eventually ceding the closer role to Rafael Betancourt.  The Rockies traded him within the division to the Padres for either a PTBNL to be named Friday to avoid the Rox having to protect him in the Rule 5 Draft. or an unnamed minor leaguer (no one is saying).  My best hope is second baseman Cory Spangenberg, the Padres 1st rounder last year.  This is probably just a pipe dream, but could explain the PTBNL aspect.

MY THOUGHTS:  UGH!  On Tuesday the big rumor was Street for Edinson Volquez which I would have loved.  All of a sudden, all he is worth in a trade is a salary dump?  This is ridiculous, Street was (along with Seth Smith) the biggest trade piece that the Rockies had and this was the best they could get for him AND to trade him in division.  This sickens me and makes me want to see Dan O'Dowd (Rockies GM that I used to like) gone.  I would have even been okay with picking up Orlando Hudson's bad contract in return simply because he could, at least, fill the second base need.

Rockies acquire Kevin Slowey...Will Attempt to Build an Ace from 10 Different Fifth Starters

The Rockies acquired starting pitcher Kevin Slowey for a PTBNL.  At last report, Slowey was still looking around Target Field for his first 2011 victory.  He finished the year 0-8 with a 6.67 ERA.  Those numbers will surely improve in the vast pitcher's park known as Coors Field.  I will set the over/under on Slowey's ERA in 2012 at my phone number if he stays in Denver. 

MY THOUGHTS:  Well as you can tell I am not overly enamored with this trade especially if the PTBNL is someone that could be useful.  I don't know what is going on with the Rockies and picking up everyone else's garbage, but I could be surprised.  Slowey was a pretty good starter from 2008-2010 with double digit victories each year and a more passable ERA.  This is a buy low situation, but I think the Twins may have non-tendered him and we could have gotten him for free.

Rockies trade Chris Iannetta...pick up Jimmy Chitwood?

Well the hot stove league is finally underway in Denver.  The Rockies made a trade with the new Angels GM, former Rockie closer Jerry DiPoto.  I have a feeling it is the first of several Angels trades with DiPoto at the helm.  Mainstay backstop Chris Iannetta was basically traded for starter Tyler Chatwood (look at that name and tell me you don't think of Hoosiers) and Ramon Hernandez.  Actually it was a straight up deal with Iannetta for Chatwood with Hernandez signing as a free agent, but he never would have been signed without the trade and vice versa.

MY FEELINGS:  I actually like this move for the Rockies (and the Angels for that matter).  Iannetta will be missed, but Wilin Rosario is almost ready to be a full time catcher.  Iannetta was too good and too young to bench, so Rosario was blocked.  Hernandez can act as a mentor to Rosario and is fairly competent behind the plate should Wilin struggle.  In addition, we get a 21 year old starter with a full year's big league experience.  I think Chatwood will make an excellent addition to the jumbled mess that is the Rockies starting rotation.  I guess the thought is if you get 8-9 good prospects, 5 might work out for the year.  We might not have a single starter over the age of 25 next year.  Of course, the hot stove league is JUST beginning so we might get that veteran (or two) to mentor the rotation.  I am still hoping against hope that we can land Roy Oswalt.