Why would Story sign with last-place Rangers?
Q: Why would Trevor Story want to go to the Texas Rangers? They were worse than the Rockies.
— Sandra Spraker, Salina, Kan.
A: Let’s start with something Story said during the final series of the season in Phoenix. He was essentially saying farewell to Colorado.
“I’ve always said that winning is at the top for me, and culture and environment,” Story said. “Obviously geography. There are a bunch of different things that go into it, a lot of those that we will hold close to our vest.”
There is a lot to digest there, but “obviously geography” is a big part of the reason why Story just might sign with the Rangers. Story was born and raised in Irving, Texas, which is close to the Rangers’ home in Arlington. He still makes his offseason home in the Dallas area.
And while you’re correct that the Rangers (60-102) were worse than the Rockies (74-87), the Rangers are expected to be big spenders this offseason. In other words, they have bottomed out and are looking to rebuild quickly.
Story harbors no ill will toward the Rockies, but from what I’ve been told he doesn’t believe the franchise is close to being a contender.
And, of course, you can’t discount the money factor. It remains to be seen which team will offer Story the best deal.
Q: I think Bud Black is entering the final year of his contract, correct? If so, why haven’t the Rockies given him an extension yet? Or maybe he’s not coming back? — Eric, Broomfield
A: I had a source tell me recently that he’d heard that Black was talking to the Rockies about a contract extension. I checked that out with general manager Bill Schmidt, who told me that wasn’t true. Schmidt added, however, that talks with Black are certainly possible in the coming months.
In February 2019, as Black entered the final year of his initial three-year contract, he signed his current deal. So I wouldn’t read too much into the fact that Black has not been extended yet.
Having said that, there are no guarantees Black will be around past the 2022 season. For one thing, Black is 64. For another, perhaps he might consider another job outside of Colorado if one emerges.
Finally, who knows how Schmidt and Black will get along over the long haul? From what I’ve witnessed and been told, the two get along well and share a vision of what the Rockies need to do in order to get better. Still, GMS often like to pick their own managers. That was certainly the case with former Rockies GM Jeff Bridich. He had a very contentious and volatile two-year relationship with Walt Weiss, who left after the 2016 season.
Q: I remember hearing a couple of years back (maybe it was a rumor) that the Rockies were possibly coming out with a new jersey or design. Any truth to this? — Anthony M., Parker
A. I remember that “rumor.” It was based on an email from owner Dick Monfort to a fan. I don’t know if the email was genuine or not, and it was unclear whether Monfort was referring to the 2021 team, the 2022 team or simply a new, alternate jersey. As far as I know, there are no plans to revamp the uniforms.