Jeff Bridich didn’t get to watch much of Game 7 of the World Series on Wednesday night. The was too busy working in his third-floor office at 20th and Blake.
“There literally aren’t enough hours in the day,” he said as he drove home, hustling to catch the final innings of Madison Bumgarner’s virtuoso performance.
Describing his first three weeks on the job, Bridich used phrases such as “I’m waist deep into this” and “My plate is more than full right now.” But that doesn’t mean he feels he’s in over his head. Quite the contrary.
“There is a general sense of energy and excitement right now,” he said. “We’re busy, but that’s a good thing. We are into the fun stuff now. We are into the baseball stuff.”
The “hot stove league” stokes up late Monday night with the beginning of free agency. That’s just the start of what will be a critical offseason for the Rockies, coming off four consecutive losing seasons and facing huge issues with their starting rotation, bullpen and catching position.
Bridich has already made two major player decisions. Friday, the Rockies picked up right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins’ $2.5 million club option, bringing him back for the 2015 season at the age of 42. Saturday, they declined the $12 million club option for oft-injured left-handed starter Brett Anderson.
As former GM Dan O’Dowd’s right-hand man for eight years and senior director of player development since September 2011, Bridich has played a part in the team’s decision-making, but now he’s the boss. Asked to describe his team-building philosophy — aggressive? conservative? — Bridich deferred.
“Right now, I’m trying to get the lay of the land and get my feet underneath me a little bit,” he said. “That’s not only internally, but externally with the other (front office) people in baseball.”
So, for now, Bridich’s actions will have to speak for him. In addition to retaining Hawkins and letting go of Anderson, the other significant move Their replacements could be named as early as this week.
Another thing he has done is involve manager Walt Weiss much more in the franchise’s decision-making.
“Walt’s going to be as involved as he wants to be or can be,” Bridich said. “It’s not going to be any great secret. He wants to be more involved. I think after (two seasons) as manager, he understands the rhythms of the full calendar year.”
Among the immediate issues facing Bridich:
• Upgrading the Rockies’ rotation and bullpen, a task he considers paramount.
• Deciding whether to pursue outfielder-first baseman Michael Cuddyer, who is becoming a free agent. Cuddyer, who turns 36 this spring, has no interest in being a part-time player, and he might be able to command a two-year deal for as much as $20 million. Unless the Rockies decide to trade first baseman Justin Morneau or outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, re-signing Cuddyer is doubtful. There’s no apparent starting spot open for him.
• Figuring out the catching position. Will Bridich seek to trade Wilin Rosario? Will Bridich try to acquire a veteran catcher through free agency or a trade? What role will Michael McKenry play?
• If teams come calling regarding stars Troy Tulowitzki and CarGo, will Bridich listen?
• Working with a team payroll that is expected to remain at about $95 million.
Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or twitter.com/psaundersdp
Rockies’ 2015 contracts
A look at the team’s major contracts commitments:
Guaranteed contracts
Position, player: Salary commitment
• SS Troy Tulowitzki: $118 million through 2020 (including 2021 option buyout)
• OF Carlos Gonzalez: $53 million through 2017
• LHP Jorge De La Rosa: $25 million through 2016
• 1B Justin Morneau: $7.5 million through 2015 (including 2016 option buyout)
• LHP Boone Logan: $11.75 million through 2016
• RHP LaTroy Hawkins: $2.25 million through 2015
Arbitration-eligible players
(Projected salaries)
Pos., player: Salary (millions)
• OF Drew Stubbs: $5.5
• RHP Jhoulys Chacin: $4.9
• LHP Rex Brothers: $1.3
• C Michael McKenry: $1.5
• RHP Adam Ottavino: $1.1
• RHP Juan Nicasio $2.2
• RHP Jordan Lyles: $2.5
• RHP Tyler Chatwood: $1
• C Wilin Rosario: $3
Free agents
• LHP Brett Anderson, OF-1B Michael Cuddyer, RHP Matt Belisle, LHP Franklin Morales, RHP Nick Masset
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
