As the Rockies’ front office and scouts huddled in the conference room down the hall, owner Charlie Monfort provided insight into conclusions drawn from the organizational meetings Thursday.
Pitching, not position players, has emerged as a top priority.
“For the first time in years we have some money to spend. The bullpen I think is our main concern,” Monfort said Thursday when asked about offseason priorities. “And we could possibly need a starter to compete for the (fourth and fifth) spot(s) in the rotation.”
Monfort lamented what could have been had the relievers not crumbled during the season’s first six weeks. The Rockies went with young and paid dearly until the arrival of Mike DeJean, Dan Miceli and Jay Witasick, since traded to Oakland. All three are free agents and remain candidates to be signed. Regardless, the Rockies won’t go with all kids again.
“We need to get some name guys who have proven themselves because there’s nothing more disheartening than losing a lead late,” Monfort said. “And quite frankly, nothing turns our fans off more.”
The play of catcher Danny Ardoin and center fielder Cory Sullivan has eased Monfort’s concerns about upgrading at those positions. Stopping short of anointing them as starters next season, he praised both for their defense.
PATIENCE WITH HURDLE, O’DOWD: While pleased with the team’s progress over the past four months, Monfort said there is no urgency to address the contracts of manager Clint Hurdle and general manager Dan O’Dowd, which expire at the end of next season.
“I will tell you that for them not to finish 2006, I just don’t see it,” Monfort said. “We have a year to evaluate and see where we are at.”
The Rockies exercised the two-year options on Hurdle’s contract and gave O’Dowd a two-year extension in November 2003.
“We did that then because we were at a difficult time when we needed to show them support,” Monfort said. “Just because we don’t expect to do something this offseason doesn’t show anything.”
COLLINS EAGER TO RETURN: When Hurdle invited his entire coaching staff back for next season this month, only Dave Collins hesitated, citing family concerns. Collins said Thursday he has informed Hurdle of his intention to return. Collins is to meet with O’Dowd today to discuss his contract.
“I don’t anticipate that being a problem,” Collins said.
