Denver Post sports writer Troy E. Renck posts his Rockies Mailbag on Tuesdays during the 2009 MLB season.
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When the Rockies made their run to the World Series in 2007, their farm system was always mentioned as one of the top three or four in the majors. Since their fall from grace last year, you don’t hear that too often anymore. How deep and legitimate is their minor league talent?
— Terry Buck, Broomfield
Terry – The farm system is solid, more like top 15 now than top three. It has really thinned out with the promotions of some of the best prospects. Those who have reached the big leagues over the last few years include Ubaldo Jimenez, Franklin Morales, Chris Iannetta, Troy Tulowitzki, Dexter Fowler and Ian Stewart.
There are still some intriguing position players closing in on the big leagues, including Triple-A outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and second baseman Eric Young Jr., who could be the leadoff hitter in 2010 if he improves defensively. And Jhoulys Chacin, who will start in Double-A, projects as a decent major league starter. Getting a return on pitcher Greg Reynolds would help tremendously.
One position to keep an eye on is catcher. In Wil Rosario and Mike McKenry, the Rockies have two solid young guys. I would definitely consider moving one at some point to get more starting pitching in the organization.
Troy – Has there been any discussion on the trade front for the Rockies? Ian Stewart? Clint Barmes? Even Jeff Baker for a true No. 3 starter? I am sure there are some teams looking for a young bat. How about the Yankees?
— Pat, Aurora
Pat – The Rockies completed one trade this spring, acquiring pitcher Jason Hammel from the Rays for Double-A starter Aneury Rodriguez. Stewart isn’t going anywhere. If Chris Iannetta and Troy Tulowitzki develop as expected, providing right-handed force in the lineup, Garrett Atkins will be traded. That will happen either this season, if things go sour, or this winter.
For Baker, the Rockies have asked for a fifth starter. That shows how much they value him, but other teams believe that’s too steep. Teams like Barmes, especially those in need of a shortstop, but he too couldn’t snare a top starter. Atkins represents the best way to get a starter if he performs like he did in 2007. But if he does that, it would be hard to rationalize moving him during the season.
How in the world can the rebuilding Rockies justify not giving Ian Stewart full-time at-bats? Why waste time with the fading-fast Garrett Atkins and broken-down Todd Helton?
— John Devlin, Elgin, S.C.
John – Easy there, John. Atkins and Helton aren’t exactly gulping down Centrum Silver. Atkins regressed last season, but I am not ready to concede that he’s on the decline. I anticipate him having a big year — .315, 25, 120. Helton, too, should rebound. He was the spring’s best story. If his back holds up, it will be like the Rockies signing a free agent.
But to your question, Stewart has forced the issue. It’s imperative the Rockies get him at-bats at third, left, right and second base. It speaks to his athleticism that he can play four positions and still hit. That said, he has to be less streaky (see reduce strikeouts) to realize his potential.
How do you feel about ?
— Eric, Westminster
Eric – I think it was an inspired decision to keep him on the team. If the Rockies are going to win, they need the best 25 players. He is one of them. Now, the hard part: How to develop Fowler without consistent at-bats? I think Fowler will have a strong rookie season, hitting .280 with a little power and spectacular defense. That’s where you will see him make a difference, turning flyballs into obits at Coors Field.
How do the Rockies feel they can cut down Carlos Gonzalez’s high ratio of strikeouts? I’m also suspicious of a guy that Billy Beane acquired for Dan Haren and then one year later gives up on him. Do you envision Gonzalez in a platoon with a right-handed hitter since I read he didn’t hit left-handers?
— Dave Weller, Denver
Dave – That Gonzalez has been traded twice is a bit unnerving. But look who he was traded for: Dan Haren and Matt Holliday. Here’s the deal with Gonzalez: He is a terrific athlete with big-league tools. But his swing has work. Getting with Don Baylor this spring helped. He needs to stop leaning into inside pitches, causing him to cut off the plate.
Everyone I have talked to believes that Gonzalez will eventually be a corner outfielder capable of hitting 20 home runs. Really, that’s what the Rockies are banking on, because he’s the centerpiece of the Holliday deal.
Hey, Troy, It’s always hard being a hardcore Rockies fan in New York during the offseason. The Yanks and Mets make big splashes, and we trade away our big bats. Any chance the Rox could/would make a run at Pedro Martinez? He would solidify our fourth spot in the rotation and boost fan support for an ownership group that has none. Thanks!
— Matt, Ithaca, N.Y.
Matt – There was never a chance they were going to get Pedro. He would fit, but they have no room in their self-imposed budget. In fact, owner Dick Monfort told me during spring training that he doesn’t plan on adding anyone during the season, either. So bringing in Pedro at $5 million was never an option.
At this point, Martinez needs to endorse pitch-for-pay. I still think he could end up with the Dodgers. As for a fifth starter, it wasn’t a sexy move, but newly acquired Jason Hammel could help solidify that role if Franklin Morales struggles.
Hi, Troy. I had a chance to speak with you in early March in Tucson down the right-field line. I first wanted to say thank you for talking the time to talk baseball with me. My question is: How healthy is Huston Street?
— Steve Supercynski, Denver
Steve – Street’s quad muscle has healed and it was reflected in his performance. He was nails over the final two weeks of spring training as . Street has more swing-and-miss pitches than Manuel Corpas. But let’s be clear, the role could flip-flop during the season. The Rockies are going to need Corpas and Street to pitch well for the bullpen to work.
Denver Post sports writer Troy E. Renck is in his 14th season of covering the Colorado Rockies, his eighth for The Denver Post. , or .
