What is O’Dowd thinking?
Could you please explain why Dan O’Dowd would consider shopping Matt Holliday? His bat and leadership have been big reasons behind the Rockies’ success.
Heather, Denver
Troy E. Renck: It’s not like O’Dowd put him on eBay and is waiting on bids. It’s an ugly byproduct of a franchise with a self-imposed salary cap. Like Minnesota with Johan Santana and Texas with Mark Teixeira, the Rockies are confronting a challenge with Holliday.
Can they get Holliday to take less to stay in Colorado — let’s say $120 million over six years, given that on the open market he’s likely a $150 million player — without breaking their budget so they can surround him with talent to make his presence matter?
If they can’t get into an acceptable range that recognizes the player’s market value, a hard decision will be made to find the best deal available before the player becomes a free agent. If the player leaves them, the team receives only compensatory draft picks.
The kind of deal the Rockies would look for is similar to the Teixeira blockbuster with the Braves — a five-for-two that includes three frontline, near big league-ready prospects, with a pitcher.
It would be a huge loss. Holliday’s influence in the clubhouse is significant. He’s not the rah-rah type, but he has made a difference with several young players, particularly in his hitting advice. That he doesn’t play the role of a diva also helps the clubhouse chemistry.
Unlikely to get Hill.
I noticed the Cubs recently sent pitcher Rich Hill to the minors. Is there a scenario in which the Rockies could work on a deal that involved him? If not, can you see the Rockies going after any top-tier pitcher this year?
Elaine, Bayfield
Renck: All those stories about Lou Piniella calming in his old age lost their edge when the Cubs’ boss pulled the plug on Hill. The Rockies asked for Hill in trade talks last winter when Chicago inquired about outfielder Ryan Spilborghs.
I am not convinced the Rockies would move Spilborghs at this point. He could wind up taking over the center field spot and acting as the unconventional leadoff hitter.
Hill is the kind of pitcher the Rockies would need to get in return if they moved Holliday or Garrett Atkins. That’s why, when Holliday’s name surfaces with Cleveland, names like Cliff Lee, Aaron Laffey and infielder Josh Barfield immediately follow. Hill could become a valuable chip for the Cubs if they keep searching for another left- handed bat.
Moving on up the ladder.
What do Rockies fans have to look forward to? Who are some of the prospects set to be in the big leagues next year?
Joey, Dixon, Ill.
Renck: The Rockies have done a nice job of restocking their system over the past six years — good drafts complemented by the Latin impact of Manuel Corpas, Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales.
The Rockies need Morales to steer back on track. Even if he’s limited to a September call-up this season, he must make strides to put himself in position to secure a rotation spot next spring. And some of the new guys have already appeared on the radar: infielder Ian Stewart, outfielder Seth Smith and starting pitcher Greg Reynolds.
Others to keep an eye on are Double-A Tulsa reliever Casey Weathers, last year’s top draft pick. He should make his major-league debut this season. Tulsa’s Dexter Fowler remains an intriguing potential long-term solution in center field.
Matt Miller continues to slug in Double-A, and Corey Wimberley could work himself into the big- league, second-base mix with his nice combination of speed and athleticism.
Looking for best trade value.
Given the Rockies have several of their younger players under contract for the next few years, does that make any of them more appealing in trades?
Greg, Denver
Renck: As a blanket statement, the contracts generally help facilitate a deal because the acquiring team has cost certainty. Those long-term deals also are club friendly. At least they were.
Nobody is lining up to land Manuel Corpas. If he gets right and becomes a closer or a top setup man again, that would change. A guy like Brad Hawpe suddenly has more value — a power hitter with a ceiling on his contract through arbitration years.
Denver Post baseball writer Troy E. Renck is in his 13th season covering the Rockies, and his seventh for The Denver Post. Reach him at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
