2007 Rockies Offseason Thread | Rumors/Transactions/Discussion - Page 5

Below C-Level · December 9th, 2006, 05:30 PM

Hirsch and Buchholz would be ideal, I think. Unless they think Tavares is the answer long term in CF, I think CF could be a stop-gap position in 2007.

Kenny Lofton would look awfully good out there for a year...

CSM · December 16th, 2006, 12:59 PM

Rockies still pursuing Barajas and Erstad.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...218331,00.html

Erstad might not be so bad as a bench player/pinch hitter.

Roxpert · December 16th, 2006, 01:12 PM

Lost in all this trade discussion was something in the papers about us making Rocco Baldelli a top offseason priority. This was written even after we acquired Taveras. I happen to think that Taveras is a fallback position, and we would be willing to trade him if we end up with someone like Baldelli.

The Erstad blurb surprised me. I thought we had moved past the idea of getting him at this point.

CSM · December 22nd, 2006, 12:08 AM

The Rockies have officially signed Danny Graves to a non-guaranteed minor league contract worth $600,000.

From PurpleRow.com: The Rockies have also recently signed a handful of minor league roster fillers. LHRP Mike Gallo, RHRP Jon Huizanga, C Ed Bellorin, C Tommy Duenas, C Alex Trezza and C Bryan Opdyke.

If the season began tomorrow---

Lineup:
CF Taveras
2B Matsui
3B Atkins
LF Holliday
1B Helton
RF Hawpe
SS Tulowitzki
C Iannetta

Bench:
Torrealba, Carroll, Baker, Sullivan, Spilborghs

Rotation:
Francis, Cook, Kim, Fogg, Hirsh

Bullpen:
Fuentes, Hawkins, Corpas, Ramirez, Affeldt, Martin, Buchholz

Can this team contend in 07?

Roxpert · December 22nd, 2006, 08:57 AM

Sure, this team CAN contend in 2007. Any team CAN.

But WILL it?

Not with a manager who would put an on-base machine (who has lost power) like Helton in the 5-hole, as you suggest.

Not with a manager who puts two hitters with a lifetime combined OBP of about .320 at the top of the order.

Not with a GM who doesn't really add power to a team that is underpowered (ignoring September 2006).

Finally, not with ownership that is projected to have a cash payroll of $55 million, near the bottom of the MLB heap.

Still, they CAN do it if......

If Tulo wins ROY, with Iannetta finishing a close 2nd (or the other way around).

If Francis, Cook, and one other pitcher combines for 600 IP with a combined ERA around 4.00, similar to last year's Big 3 in the rotation.

If the Matsui we saw in August/Sept. is the Matsui we will get in 2007, and he doesn't revert to his Mets form.

If Helton has a comeback season, and is still with us, not that I'm against a trade.

If Atkins and Holliday weren't both outperforming their true levels in 2006, and can repeat or build on their fine seasons in 2007.

If Hawkins or someone else gives us lights-out 8th innings from the bullpen.

So many IFS..........which is why I doubt they contend.

RockieRooter · December 22nd, 2006, 09:28 AM

It'd be interesting to see a comparison between projections of that "strawman" lineup and the actual production that the Rox got last year from each lineup spot. I suspect that the projections would be better - meaning that the Rox offense should be better even without getting "lucky". Maybe HeltonFan could share his projections for these players.

Whether or not the Rox can compete is another, more complex issue since it involves pitching, defense, plus projections of what the other teams will do. Still I think that this comparison would be an interesting offseason exercise.

My own gut feeling is that, barring changes in the NL West, the Rox will have a stronger season than last year. However, whether or not they compete further into the season will partly depend on if any other team has a "fluke" year. It's been awhile since anybody in the NL West has seriously outperformed their projections, but I don't think this possibility should be ignored. Maybe the Rox do better, but are out of it by mid-August because somebody else is on their way to a 98 win season.

Rather than "will they compete", I'd rather look at whether or not the Rox will be significantly stronger. By the middle/end of next season will the Rox farm system continue to look strong - providing hope for future seasons as well? I think the answer will be yes, in which case we might well see your favorite punching bags get extensions.

CSM · December 22nd, 2006, 10:33 AM

Maybe I should have rephrased the question. Although, my question was kind of inane and cheesy to begin with anyway.

Realistically, do you expect the Rockies to contend in 2007?

I partially agree with what RockieRooter wrote. I expect them to improve to the 80-85 win range, but I suspect that that’ll only be good enough for 3rd place in the NL West next season (behind the Dodgers and Padres). One aspect of last season that seems to often be overlooked was the general lack of extensive injuries. The Rockies enjoyed a ton of luck in this department. What other team in the league could claim that pretty much all pivotal or key members of their rotations, bullpens (maybe DeJean) and lineups (maybe Torrealba) never missed any significant amounts of time over the course of the season? Think about it--- Holliday, Hawpe, Atkins, Carroll, Iannetta, Tulo, Barmes, Sullivan, Jennings, Cook, Francis, Fogg, Fuentes, Mesa, Martin, Corpas, Ramirez and King never missed any time at all last season, while Helton and Kim only spent minimal time on the DL. In contrast, over the course of the 2005 season every member of the starting lineup spent a good portion of time on the DL, while Cook and Jennings each missed close to 50% of the season.

The potential for regression is almost as high as the potential for progression (in my opinion).

hoser · December 22nd, 2006, 11:05 AM

I think the Rockies will do about the same as last year although I think they'll be further back of the top team in the division and out of the race earlier. The NL West has been extremely mediocre recently and I think at least one other team will do much better this year.

I don't see the Rockies starting pitching doing as well as last year. Jennings performed above his norm last year and I don't see Hirsh, or anyone else, being able to replace Jennings production this year. I also think the rest of the starters stayed healthy and performed well for most of last year and I don't see the same good fortunes continuing this coming year. Atkins, Holliday and Carroll had big years last year (for them) and it's conceivable one or more of them will not do as well or will get hurt for a significant portion of the year.

I do see Helton having a better year this coming year although he still won't hit with a lot of power. I also think either Tulowitzki or Ianetta or Baker will have a big breakout year. The bullpen should be better than King and Mesa were the second half although matching the bullpen's early season success from last year might be tough.

Like I said, I think some parts will improve while other parts decline. I see the Rockies going roughly 77-85 this coming season and finishing in last place again.

Roxpert · December 22nd, 2006, 12:04 PM

I think, in reality, it's too soon to predict W/L records for any team since there are still about 100 available free agents on the market, and several trade possibilities before Spring Training. Even the Rockies are likely to sign two or three of these free agents, even though they will be the more marginal ones. And who knows - The Rox could still pull off one or two major trades, possibly including Helton.

Having said that, if opening day were tomorrow and all rosters were as they are today, I think the Rockies are no better on paper than they were last year except for having Tulo and Iannetta on the roster from opening day, and lacking the workhorse Jennings. As Hoser said, lots of plusses and minuses, but the one factor that is important is the INJURY factor that didn't bite us too hard last year, but could easily do so again in 2007.

So, while it's too soon to make a forecast, I think the Rox have a team that figures to be in the low 70's, compared to 76 in 2006, due to the injury factor.

indianadrew · December 22nd, 2006, 02:47 PM

i am going to go out on a limb here and say they will be over .500. call me crazy , as some of you will, but i have to be hyperoptomistic.

merry christmas to all!!!!!

Roxpert · December 22nd, 2006, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indianadrew

i am going to go out on a limb here and say they will be over .500. call me crazy , as some of you will, but i have to be hyperoptomistic.

Why, are they paying you?!?

indianadrew · December 22nd, 2006, 03:19 PM

no roxpert they are not paying me. have i not been one of the, if not the, most optomistic people on this board? i just think that the new guys that came up late last year are going to make a huge impact next season. i have been wrong (alot), but that will not shake me. i will forever be the optomist, at time to a fault.

CSM · December 23rd, 2006, 11:50 AM

Chris Reitsma, Brian Lawrence, Rodrigo Lopez, Sal Fasano and Javy Lopez interest the Rockies.

Quote:

The Rockies are continuing to look for a veteran catcher to provide protection for concerns about shoulder problems of Yorvit Torrealba and have opened talks with the agents for Javier Lopez and Sal Fasano.

The team also is looking to add more pitching depth. A source close to the situation indicated that, in addition to having talks with reliever Chris Reitsma and starter Brian Lawrence, the Rockies also have discussed a possible trade with Baltimore for starter Rodrigo Lopez.

Rocky Mountain News - Denver and Colorado's reliable source for breaking news, sports and entertainment: Rockies & MLB

Although I doubt this rumor’s validity, ESPN 1000 radio allegedly reported this:

Quote:

Another ESPN 1000 report this morning suggested that the Orioles, Rockies, and Tigers were working towards a three team deal involving players Marcus Thames, Brad Hawpe, and Rodrigo Lopez. Obviously other players would be involved but these are the players they are working a deal around.

Roxpert · December 26th, 2006, 09:53 AM

Doesn't this Suppan discussion more properly belong in the "insanity" thread? My recollection is that this thread is for us to discuss Rockies rumored and actual deals.

Speaking of the Rockies and deals, they must annually shut down the front office for the holidays since there has been almost no news or activity that we know about, and I recall that being the case in past winters over the Christmas and New Years period. Part of the "country club culture" of the franchise?

Oh, I guess I forgot that they are still supposedly interested in Darrin Erstad while denying rumors that they have started talking trade again with the Angels regarding Todd Helton. All I can say about all of these items is.....

BOOOORRRRIIIING!

rockieprogress · December 26th, 2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roxpert

Doesn't this Suppan discussion more properly belong in the "insanity" thread? My recollection is that this thread is for us to discuss Rockies rumored and actual deals.

That's where its at

December 16th, 2006, 12:59 PM	#62 (permalink)
CSM Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 33	Latest rumors Rockies still pursuing Barajas and Erstad. http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...218331,00.html Erstad might not be so bad as a bench player/pinch hitter.

December 16th, 2006, 01:12 PM	#63 (permalink)
Roxpert Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 1,082	Baldelli Lost in all this trade discussion was something in the papers about us making Rocco Baldelli a top offseason priority. This was written even after we acquired Taveras. I happen to think that Taveras is a fallback position, and we would be willing to trade him if we end up with someone like Baldelli. The Erstad blurb surprised me. I thought we had moved past the idea of getting him at this point.

December 22nd, 2006, 12:08 AM	#64 (permalink)
CSM Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 33	Minor updates The Rockies have officially signed Danny Graves to a non-guaranteed minor league contract worth $600,000. From PurpleRow.com: The Rockies have also recently signed a handful of minor league roster fillers. LHRP Mike Gallo, RHRP Jon Huizanga, C Ed Bellorin, C Tommy Duenas, C Alex Trezza and C Bryan Opdyke. If the season began tomorrow--- Lineup: CF Taveras 2B Matsui 3B Atkins LF Holliday 1B Helton RF Hawpe SS Tulowitzki C Iannetta Bench: Torrealba, Carroll, Baker, Sullivan, Spilborghs Rotation: Francis, Cook, Kim, Fogg, Hirsh Bullpen: Fuentes, Hawkins, Corpas, Ramirez, Affeldt, Martin, Buchholz Can this team contend in 07?

December 9th, 2006, 05:30 PM	#61 (permalink)
Below C-Level Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 55	Hirsch and Buchholz would be ideal, I think. Unless they think Tavares is the answer long term in CF, I think CF could be a stop-gap position in 2007. Kenny Lofton would look awfully good out there for a year...

December 22nd, 2006, 08:57 AM	#65 (permalink)
Roxpert Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 1,082	Sure, this team CAN contend in 2007. Any team CAN. But WILL it? Not with a manager who would put an on-base machine (who has lost power) like Helton in the 5-hole, as you suggest. Not with a manager who puts two hitters with a lifetime combined OBP of about .320 at the top of the order. Not with a GM who doesn't really add power to a team that is underpowered (ignoring September 2006). Finally, not with ownership that is projected to have a cash payroll of $55 million, near the bottom of the MLB heap. Still, they CAN do it if...... If Tulo wins ROY, with Iannetta finishing a close 2nd (or the other way around). If Francis, Cook, and one other pitcher combines for 600 IP with a combined ERA around 4.00, similar to last year's Big 3 in the rotation. If the Matsui we saw in August/Sept. is the Matsui we will get in 2007, and he doesn't revert to his Mets form. If Helton has a comeback season, and is still with us, not that I'm against a trade. If Atkins and Holliday weren't both outperforming their true levels in 2006, and can repeat or build on their fine seasons in 2007. If Hawkins or someone else gives us lights-out 8th innings from the bullpen. So many IFS..........which is why I doubt they contend.

December 22nd, 2006, 09:28 AM	#66 (permalink)
RockieRooter Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 62	It'd be interesting to see a comparison between projections of that "strawman" lineup and the actual production that the Rox got last year from each lineup spot. I suspect that the projections would be better - meaning that the Rox offense should be better even without getting "lucky". Maybe HeltonFan could share his projections for these players. Whether or not the Rox can compete is another, more complex issue since it involves pitching, defense, plus projections of what the other teams will do. Still I think that this comparison would be an interesting offseason exercise. My own gut feeling is that, barring changes in the NL West, the Rox will have a stronger season than last year. However, whether or not they compete further into the season will partly depend on if any other team has a "fluke" year. It's been awhile since anybody in the NL West has seriously outperformed their projections, but I don't think this possibility should be ignored. Maybe the Rox do better, but are out of it by mid-August because somebody else is on their way to a 98 win season. Rather than "will they compete", I'd rather look at whether or not the Rox will be significantly stronger. By the middle/end of next season will the Rox farm system continue to look strong - providing hope for future seasons as well? I think the answer will be yes, in which case we might well see your favorite punching bags get extensions.

December 22nd, 2006, 10:33 AM	#67 (permalink)
CSM Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 33	Maybe I should have rephrased the question. Although, my question was kind of inane and cheesy to begin with anyway. Realistically, do you expect the Rockies to contend in 2007? I partially agree with what RockieRooter wrote. I expect them to improve to the 80-85 win range, but I suspect that that’ll only be good enough for 3rd place in the NL West next season (behind the Dodgers and Padres). One aspect of last season that seems to often be overlooked was the general lack of extensive injuries. The Rockies enjoyed a ton of luck in this department. What other team in the league could claim that pretty much all pivotal or key members of their rotations, bullpens (maybe DeJean) and lineups (maybe Torrealba) never missed any significant amounts of time over the course of the season? Think about it--- Holliday, Hawpe, Atkins, Carroll, Iannetta, Tulo, Barmes, Sullivan, Jennings, Cook, Francis, Fogg, Fuentes, Mesa, Martin, Corpas, Ramirez and King never missed any time at all last season, while Helton and Kim only spent minimal time on the DL. In contrast, over the course of the 2005 season every member of the starting lineup spent a good portion of time on the DL, while Cook and Jennings each missed close to 50% of the season. The potential for regression is almost as high as the potential for progression (in my opinion).

December 22nd, 2006, 11:05 AM	#68 (permalink)
hoser Rookie Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 13	I think the Rockies will do about the same as last year although I think they'll be further back of the top team in the division and out of the race earlier. The NL West has been extremely mediocre recently and I think at least one other team will do much better this year. I don't see the Rockies starting pitching doing as well as last year. Jennings performed above his norm last year and I don't see Hirsh, or anyone else, being able to replace Jennings production this year. I also think the rest of the starters stayed healthy and performed well for most of last year and I don't see the same good fortunes continuing this coming year. Atkins, Holliday and Carroll had big years last year (for them) and it's conceivable one or more of them will not do as well or will get hurt for a significant portion of the year. I do see Helton having a better year this coming year although he still won't hit with a lot of power. I also think either Tulowitzki or Ianetta or Baker will have a big breakout year. The bullpen should be better than King and Mesa were the second half although matching the bullpen's early season success from last year might be tough. Like I said, I think some parts will improve while other parts decline. I see the Rockies going roughly 77-85 this coming season and finishing in last place again.

December 22nd, 2006, 12:04 PM	#69 (permalink)
Roxpert Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 1,082	I think, in reality, it's too soon to predict W/L records for any team since there are still about 100 available free agents on the market, and several trade possibilities before Spring Training. Even the Rockies are likely to sign two or three of these free agents, even though they will be the more marginal ones. And who knows - The Rox could still pull off one or two major trades, possibly including Helton. Having said that, if opening day were tomorrow and all rosters were as they are today, I think the Rockies are no better on paper than they were last year except for having Tulo and Iannetta on the roster from opening day, and lacking the workhorse Jennings. As Hoser said, lots of plusses and minuses, but the one factor that is important is the INJURY factor that didn't bite us too hard last year, but could easily do so again in 2007. So, while it's too soon to make a forecast, I think the Rox have a team that figures to be in the low 70's, compared to 76 in 2006, due to the injury factor.

December 22nd, 2006, 02:47 PM	#70 (permalink)
indianadrew Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: indianapolis Posts: 698	i am going to go out on a limb here and say they will be over .500. call me crazy , as some of you will, but i have to be hyperoptomistic. merry christmas to all!!!!!

December 22nd, 2006, 03:19 PM	#72 (permalink)
indianadrew Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: indianapolis Posts: 698	no roxpert they are not paying me. have i not been one of the, if not the, most optomistic people on this board? i just think that the new guys that came up late last year are going to make a huge impact next season. i have been wrong (alot), but that will not shake me. i will forever be the optomist, at time to a fault.

December 26th, 2006, 09:53 AM	#74 (permalink)
Roxpert Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 1,082	Doesn't this Suppan discussion more properly belong in the "insanity" thread? My recollection is that this thread is for us to discuss Rockies rumored and actual deals. Speaking of the Rockies and deals, they must annually shut down the front office for the holidays since there has been almost no news or activity that we know about, and I recall that being the case in past winters over the Christmas and New Years period. Part of the "country club culture" of the franchise? Oh, I guess I forgot that they are still supposedly interested in Darrin Erstad while denying rumors that they have started talking trade again with the Angels regarding Todd Helton. All I can say about all of these items is..... BOOOORRRRIIIING!