#28
The Colorado Rockies made some big news this offseason, but it wasn't for something that will help them win in 2021. Are the Rockies going to be competitive this season, or is the start of a rebuild?
2020 Predictions
#24 - 4th in NL West
MIH - Trevor Story
MIP - German Marquez
PTW - Brendan Rodgers
FP - Nolan Arenado will not be on the Rockies' roster in 2021.
2020 Results
#23 - 26-34, 4th in NL West
The downward spiral of the Colorado Rockies started as soon as rumors surfaced that Nolan Arenado was available via trade just one season after signing a megadeal. The 2020 season for the Rockies wasn't horrible, but it wasn't good either. The Rockies seemed to be stuck waiting to see what would happen with Arenado. I honestly can't believe that my Fearless Prediction actually came true.
Additions / Subtractions
This section starts and ends with Nolan Arenado. Take your pick on which was the bigger trade this offseason between Arenado to the Cardinals and Francisco Lindor to the Mets. (I would argue that the Arenado trade was bigger because he is under contract past 2021.) With that said, Arenado isn't the only missing player from last year's roster. Starting catcher Tony Wolters signed elsewhere, first baseman Daniel Murphy retired, centerfielder Kevin Pillar signed elsewhere, outfielder David Dahl signed elsewhere, DH Matt Kemp is gone, Ian Desmond opted out for a second straight season ... and that's just the lineup! All of these subtractions were replaced with internal solutions. No one significant was added to the lineup this offseason. The pitching staff is almost the same except for young pitcher Austin Gomber joining the rotation from the Arenado trade.
Most Important Hitter
Trevor Story
Just like the 2020 season was completely overshadowed by what would happen with Nolan Arenado, the 2021 season will be completely overshadowed by what will happen with Trevor Story. He is easily the best player on the roster now, but it is his last season before free agency. If the Rockies trade him or let him walk after the season, then we know the Rockies are entering a full rebuild. If they find a way to re-sign him (which is unlikely after seeing the Arenado saga play out after his big deal), it shows that the Rockies are going to be bouncing back sooner rather than later. So not just for 2021, but the next 10 years of this franchise revolve around what happens with this player this year.
Most Important Pitcher
Jon Gray
This Rockies' rotation has some decent arms that are learning how to pitch in Colorado. The man that was supposed to be the ace of this staff during this run was supposed to be Jon Gray. However, he has been passed up by other young hurlers on his club like German Marquez, Kyle Freeland, and Antonio Senzatela. If Gray can find a way to capture some of the promise his talent showed early on in his career, then this pitching staff could carry this team in a way it has never done before. Or be traded. This could happen too.
Prospect to Watch
Ryan Vilade
What makes matters worse for the Rockies is on top of having an aging roster that is trading away its stars to save money, their farm system is not very good. At the end of last season, MLB.com ranked the Rockies as having the 28th best farm system in all of baseball with only one top 100 prospect. Although Zac Veen has the potential to be a stud, he is a 19 year old outfielder drafted straight out of high school that is at least 3 years away from making a big league impact. They have a few prospects that could break into the big club this season, with Ryan Vilade as the most intriguing. The Rockies' fourth ranked prospect, Vilade can play third or the corner outfield spots, places where there could be potential holes to fill with the departure of Arenado and the opt out of Desmond making those spots pretty thin. He has the potential to be an impact bat in the center of that lineup moving forward.
2021 Prediction
5th in NL West
This season is going to be ugly for the Rockies. Arenado was the heart and soul of that roster. Now he's gone, and their next best player is most likely counting down the days he can leave too. Their pitching staff might be able to keep them in games, but it is most likely going to be a lost season for the Rockies.
Fearless Prediction
Trevor Story will be traded before the Trade Deadline.
The way the Rockies handled Nolan Arenado really tarnished their reputation in how they handle their stars. Whether it is the truth or not, the way it looks is they signed Arenado to a megadeal they were never going to fulfill because they were just going to trade him after making the commitment. With that in mind, there is no way Trevor Story signs long term in Colorado. If he isn't going to sign past this season, and the season is going to be as unsuccessful as it appears to be, they should trade him while they can still get something for him. The entire season will be defined by what they will do with Story, just like 2020 was defined by the Arenado drama. Trade him now and move on. The sooner he is gone, the sooner the franchise can start over and rebuild.
No comments:
Post a Comment