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Considering they have debatably the most prolific offense in the entire MLB, the Colorado Rockies have put forth a rather underwhelming season. The Rockies currently lead the MLB in batting average (.277) and rank second in runs (592), only behind the Oakland Athletics (Baseball-Referance.com). One would assume that with commendable offensive statistics like these, the corresponding team would not only be atop their respective division, but also the entire MLB. However, the Rockies currently sit at the basement of the NL West with a 50-76 record (Baseball-Reference.com). When seeing their position in the standing, in combination with their offensive prowess, one would immediately look to blame the teams pitching for the lack of wins. Pitching is the main symptom for the Rockies lackluster record. They have the right concoction of inexperienced youth, injuries, and mediocre veterans that precipitates an ailing staff. As a team, the Rockies have an astronomical ERA of 4.99, meaning they surrender roughly 5 runs per game, on average. I firmly believe that with some adjustments this Rockies team could easily go from worst-to-first. Thus, I dedicate this post to highlighting some transactions that are imperative to execute, if the Rockies want to be successful next season.
1) Re-Sign Michael Cuddyer- Sure Cuddyer is getting up there in age, however, his production has been as good as it has ever been during the longevity of his career. In 2013, Cuddyer was the NL batting champ and even his statistics for this season have been good, despite his ailing hamstring and frequent trips to the DL. I do not believe that his current injury will be long-lived, thus it should not be a impediment when considering re-signing him. However, if he asks either for too much money or an absurd length for the contract, the Rockies should not fret, for their current outfield of Dickerson-Stubbs-Blackmon is outstanding. "What about CarGo?" You might be asking yourself. Well, the re-signing of Cuddyer would open up a very profitable avenue for the Rockies, which I will elaborate in the next point.
2) Trade CarGo- Yes, I said it. Despite being one of the top players for this Rockies squad, I believe that Carlos Gonzalez is not part of the formula for a winning team in Colorado. I recommend trading Carlos Gonzalez, in order to gain some prospects or productive veterans (Pitching and Infield). Trading Gonzalez could help free up salary room, which could in turn be utilized in the signing of some free agent arms. I comprehend that Gonzalez has been injury plagued this season and that his trade value may have deteriorated as a result, but the Rockies could still gain some integral pieces via trading him.
3) Sign Free Agent SP- The upcoming 2015 class of MLB free agents, in terms of pitching, yields a decent crop headlined by Max Scherzer, James Shields, and Jon Lester. However, I do not think any of the aforementioned three pitchers are optimal fits for the Rox, fiscally speaking. I believe that the Rox would receive optimal value from players like Paul Maholm or Francisco Liriano, who have high GO/AO ratings (Ground out to Air out ratio). The reason being anything hit in the Denver air is going to carry, so I am thinking eliminate the problem at the source. If you have more pitchers who are inclined to induce ground balls, you should in turn have less balls carrying out of the field or into the deep, outfield gaps.
4) Exercise the Club Option for Brett Anderson- Considering the abysmal year the Rockies pitching staff is having, one bright spot was the performance of Anderson. Anderson had amassed respectable statistics prior to succumbing to a back injury earlier this season. He totes a great career GO/AO ratio, which is conducive and imperative to pitcher success in Coors Field.
Lastly, I would just like to provide some insight and suggestions for the future of the Rockies franchise player. Troy Tulowitzki has proven that he is a consummate professional and will persistently be atop the league statistically, when healthy. With that being said, Tulo does seem to be rather injury prone. Considering this information, I believe that the Rockies should, not immediately, but rather eventually consider a move to the right side of the diamond (A less active position) for Tulo. If they wish to see him continue to be a top-of-the-league offensive performer, they should start being more apprehensive about his health and rate of injury.
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