On the Rockies Season

A great run for the Colorado Rockies came to an end with the Red Sox’s 4-3 victory tonight. The Red Sox fought hard and were almost flawless in the series. Matt Lowell is a fine choice for World Series MVP, but I think you could make a legitimate argument for Jonathan Papelbon or Jacoby Ellsbury. But, again a great job.

The Colorado Rockies exceeded everyone’s expectations, played an amazing season (particularly the 20 of 21 stretch) and deserve plaudits as well. Getting swept out of the World Series is not fun, but they have no reason to leave this year with their heads hung low. There have been many teams that have been around far longer with no World Series appearance.

Looking ahead, the Rockies have a bright future with a lot of great young talent. If they can hold this team together for a few years, this may be the first of many trips.

Playing GM

That said, If I were the Rockies GM, there are a few areas I would see opportunities for improvement in: Catcher, Second Base, Center Field, and the Starting Rotation. 

There are few good Catchers available on the free agent market and few that would add a whole lot more than Yorvit Torrealba (other than Jorge Posada and let’s be honest that’ll blow the off-season budget), so I’d probably re-sign him for a year or so.

Second Base, I’d try and upgrade over Kaz Matsui with either Mark Loretta or Marcus Giles. Loretta, I like because he brings a veteran presence and is a little more stable on offense than Kaz. Marcus Giles would be a bit more of a gamble. He’s coming off a tough season for the Padres, but 2 years ago the guy got votes for the MVP and he’s only 29. Either of these guys would be an upgrade over Kaz and would be available for about the same money as Kaz will want after this season.

There are two solid Centerfielders out there and this might be where I’d spend some money. Torii Hunter of the Minnesota Twins is available. Hunter, I think would be the perfect addition to the Rockies ball club. First, he is a superb fielder and you need that in Center Field in Colorado, he’s a solid hitter, and a quality individual. With the Rockies’ focus on character, Hunter’s Man of the Year Award may be as important as anything else in what Torii Hunter could bring to the Rockies.

For the starting rotation, I wouldn’t look at the top guys out there, becuase they’ve got a ton of problems. The Rockies don’t need a Bartolo Colon or a Curt Schilling or a Greg Maddux. I’d a Livan Hernandez type pitcher. Somebody who could provide some experience, guidance and stability. Livan hasn’t had less than 30 starts in any season since 1997 and that dependability helps particularly on a rotation that dealt with a lot injuries.

As to the Rockies’ free agents, I’d work to bring back Yorvit, Latroy Hawkins, Jeremy Affeldt, and Matt Herges. I would be open to Fogg provided he was open to a reasonable offer.