What does Bryant deal say about direction of team?
Massive deal indicates management thinks Rockies can contend
Q: I’m so confused by this team. We trade away Nolan Arenado and a load of money for prospects. We let Trevor Story go for nothing. Then we sign Kris Bryant for a boatload of money. And then the Rockies re-sign Ryan Mcmahon — who flashes brilliance at times but goes long periods where he struggles — for more money than I think he’s worth. Explain this logic, please. We’re not a contender for a playoff spot let alone the division. Why not try a Generation R 2.0?
Ron, Parker
PS: Ron, let me attempt to answer your questions and address your opinions, point by point.
1. Keep in mind that Nolan Arenado did not want to be in Colorado, for reasons that have been rehashed many times. The same is true of Story, and in retrospect, the Rockies should have traded him last July.
2. As for the seven-year, $182 million deal the Rockies gave Bryant, it didn’t shock me. I had predicted six years at $175 million. But I understand why fans and the media were surprised. That’s a lot of money for a 30year-old player.
The Rockies signed him, I believe, for a few reasons. One, owner Dick Monfort wants a star to draw fans to Coors Field. Two, the Rockies have coveted Bryant for a long time. Three, he’s the kind of player they want to build around. Still, the move carries risk.
3. I disagree with you. I think signing McMahon for six years, $70 million was a solid, proactive move. He has a chance to be a star player — if he can boost his offensive production to about a .265-.270 batting average and avoid prolonged slumps. I think he’s capable of hitting 30-35 homers. He’s already an excellent fielder.
4. Generation-r 2.0 simply doesn’t play well in this day and age. When the Rockies were in the midst of Gen-r in 2005, they averaged 23,930 fans per game at Coors Field, the worst attendance in franchise history. They improved only slightly, to 25,980, in 2006. I don’t believe the Rockies want to go through that again.
5. Right or wrong, the Rockies believe they are close to contending. Perhaps as soon as this season.
I don’t agree with that assessment. I’m thinking they are at least a season away. But their belief is why they are spending big money.
Q: Hey Patrick, are there any prospects who could be a pleasant surprise for us this year? I’m especially curious about Ezequiel Tovar — he’s shown some pop and speed in the minors and seems nifty with the glove from what I can tell.
— Mark, Arvada
PS: I watched a number of top prospects play in Monday’s game in Peoria against the Padres. Tovar is the real deal and he’s bigger than I thought. He lined a two-run, line-drive home run that left the ballpark in a hurry.
If any of the young prospects are on the fast track to the majors I think it’s Tovar. But we won’t see him this year.
I was also impressed by catcher Drew Romo. He moves well behind the plate and has a strong arm. He’s also a switch hitter, which is a bonus. But he’s a couple of years away, too.