Rockies owner Charlie Monfort presses the remote, unable to find the news channel he desires. He is searching for a weather update, concerned about friends.
While owners of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox chase the next big thing, it seems the next bad thing has trailed Monfort. Cumbersome contracts, roster turmoil, mounting losses and dropping attendance have defined the past decade since the magical wild-card berth.
Despite clinching the sixth losing season in seven years, Monfort remains encouraged by his team’s progress the past four months. The sea of bad contracts has subsided, for the most part. And the youth movement, which even he wasn’t convinced would work a year ago, has developed roots.
Comfortable in jeans and a Rockies polo shirt and surrounded by pictures of his family, Monfort discussed winning, money and his future this week from his Coors Field office:
On the season | On opening day, Monfort made a bold, if not stunning, prediction that the Rockies would win the National League West. He admits he was overcome with optimism, having cast a blind eye toward the team’s holes, particularly in the bullpen. He assesses the season in two parts, wondering like many what would have happened had the Rockies not spent the first six weeks shadowing the 1962 Mets.
“When we had our organizational meetings last year, we needed quite a few things to pop for us, and you never know what you are going to get when you go young,” Monfort said. “All and all we have to be thrilled with how they have developed. But we can’t be and aren’t thrilled with the record.
“Anybody will tell you that we expected much better than this. The way we got to the record, the blown saves and blown leads early, if we had just been able to swing 10 of those games. The start was a killer.”
On paying big money for free agents | The National League West has never been worse. The Padres are in danger of winning the division with a losing record – and payroll constraints and injuries hint the West may not be appreciably better next season. Since the Rockies have been the class of the division since June 1 – albeit with an under-.500 record – Monfort was asked if there were plans to increase the projected $45 million payroll by spending more on free agents for a run at a title.
“I think we still have to be patient. We are going to keep the same process. Most teams that aren’t the Yankees, Boston, St. Louis and Atlanta are hoping to hang around .500, then pull out those extra five games or so that leave them for fighting for first place,” Monfort said. “For the first time in years we have a little money to spend. We feel there are some players out there that can help us.”
On the team’s most pressing needs | The Rockies haven’t produced many victories, but unlike in years past, 2006 promises stability. The lineup Colorado is running out these days almost will mirror that on opening day.
While the team has scouted catchers extensively and will investigate options in center field, Monfort said he believes pitching in general – and the bullpen specifically – is the most pressing concern. He wants household veteran names, going as far as to say he “absolutely expects” Mike DeJean to be back.
“I don’t think we are looking for a catcher so much anymore. I really like (Danny) Ardoin. Looking at his offense compared to a lot of other catchers, it’s not that bad. I think at Coors Field, the first thing you need from a catcher is defense, especially with our young pitchers,” Monfort said. “I am not saying he has the job, but I think (center fielder) Cory Sullivan has proven over the last few weeks he can play center field every day. We need an experienced bullpen and a starter or two, depending on what happens with (Byung-Hyun) Kim and Sunny (Kim).”
On trading pitcher Shawn Chacon | They are both Greeley natives, so Monfort knew Chacon well. He went to his games in high school. As such, he said it was difficult to trade him. So why do it?
“We didn’t want to pull a (Dikembe) Mutombo and let him go for nothing. We weren’t going to re-sign him,” Monfort said. “It was hard, but I like the guys we got back. I believe Shawn needed a change of scenery. I am happy for him. I would have felt worse had we traded him to a noncontender.”
On rumors he wants to sell the team | Monfort hears talk that he wants out, that he demanded the shedding of big contracts as a precursor to selling the team. Monfort insists that’s not the case. He said the Rockies are financially stable and there are no plans for any cash calls.
“All the rumors about people wanting to buy the club, it’s flattering because it tells you people see the potential of this market. But to sell the club now doesn’t make sense. I would compare it to a woman who has been in labor for nine months then hands off the baby,” Monfort said. “We have gone through the labor pains. We want the reward.”
And if the team is in this same position next year, trying to avoid 100 losses? Would that affect his staying power?
“No, because I am an optimist. If we struggle, we will look for signs of progress and keep fighting to get the team back to what the fans want and deserve.”
On the future payroll | Monfort declined to give an exact 2006 payroll figure or specific amount available for free agents. The days of chasing big names are over. At this point, the Rockies’ payroll is tied to stadium revenues. If the team becomes good, raising attendance to the desired 2.5 million to 2.7 million range, Monfort promised cash would be invested back into the on-field product.
“Absolutely. We are not in this thing to make money. That’s obvious by some of the big losses we have taken. You pay down your debt and move forward,” Monfort said. “We need our farm system to help us so we only have to add a few key elements.”
Monfort acknowledged the Rockies would receive money from revenue sharing for a second consecutive year.
“I would expect to get more because we have the Washington Nationals, instead of the Expos. We paid into it even in years we were losing money because of local (media contracts),” Monfort said. “But I would much rather be paying money than getting it because that means the team is doing well and the attendance is up. We will get in that position again.”
Staff writer Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5457 or trenck@denverpost.com.
