The Rockies’ road to relevance will be paved with good intentions but undoubtedly full of potholes.
DENVER, COLORADO – JUNE 2: Josh Forsman, center, in the Colorado Avalanche jersey came to Denver from New Orleans, Louisiana to try to go to the Avalanche game on June 2, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. Tickets for the hockey game ended up be too expensive so he got ticket to watch the Colorado Rockies take on the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field.
History illustrates how a young star can spark a team. Rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki helped lead Colorado to the World Series in 2007. In 2017-18, the only time the Rockies have made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, it was Story’s turn to play the role of young wunderkind. The moral of the story: These days, you don’t need pitching icons like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine or John Smoltz of the 1990s Braves to sneak into the playoffs and make some noise.
Former GM Jeff Bridich is best known by Rockies fans for his feud with Nolan Arenado, which eventually led to the infamous trade that sent the star third baseman to St. Louis. But Bridich was also the architect of one of the best trades in Rockies history. In January 2016, he acquired right-hander German Marquez and lefty reliever Jake McGee from Tampa Bay for outfielder Corey Dickerson and infielder Kevin Padlo.
In July 2019, Hazen swapped infield prospect Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Marlins for right-hander Zac Gallen, and then watched Gallen evolve into the D-backs’ best pitcher. In December 2022, Hazen acquired young catcher Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from the Blue Jays for outfielder Daulton Varsho. Moreno and Gurriel were key players in Arizona’s run to the 2023 World Series.
The Rockies hope sidearm right-hander Justin Lawrence can evolve into their closer of the future, but the bullpen is currently undergoing major reconstruction. Its 5.38 ERA was the highest in the majors last season and the fifth-highest in franchise history. Colorado’s 33 blown saves were tied with Texas for the most in the majors and were the second-most in franchise history. For a team playing at altitude, that won’t cut it.
Power for this year’s team will likely come from third baseman Ryan McMahon , left fielder Nolan Jones , second baseman Brendan Rodgers and possibly Elehuris Montero .
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