Nolan Arenado is a remarkably upbeat young man, but losing is beginning to gnaw at the Rockies’ all-star third baseman. So, when he chimes in on what the team must do to improve its woeful starting pitching for next season, you pay attention.
“I truly believe we need to go get someone,” Arenado said. “We need a big dude, I think. We need a certified ace. I don’t know if that’s going to happen, because I don’t know what ace wants to come here and pitch, but at the end of the day we need someone who can lead the young guys. Somebody who can communicate with them and lead them through it.”
Chances are, the only way the Rockies will get a “big dude” to pitch at Coors Field is through a trade. That’s possible, but unlikely to happen this week as Friday’s nonwaiver trade deadline approaches. The offseason? That’s also possible, but if history is a guide, that too is a longshot.
Last November, new Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said, “I think we absolutely, 100 percent need to address our rotation.”
He then signed veteran right-hander Kyle Kendrick to a one-year contract worth $5.5 million. Kendrick has been shelled consistently after his impressive opening-day start and has a 3-11 record with a 6.12 ERA.
Colorado’s starters entered Friday with a 5.05 ERA — second- worst in the major leagues, ahead of only the Philadelphia Phillies.
Unless the Rockies make a big move, they will have to plunge ahead with young pitchers who have yet to prove they can win at the big-league level.
That list starts with right-hander Jon Gray, the Rockies’ top prospect, who is continuing his apprenticeship with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. He might get called up late this season.
Other likely candidates for next year’s starting rotation include veteran left-hander Jorge De La Rosa; rookie right-hander Eddie Butler; right-hander Chad Bettis, who has shown flashes of dominance this season; right-hander Tyler Chatwood, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery; right-hander Jordan Lyles, who was lost for the season because of a toe injury after 10 starts; and left-hander Chris Rusin, a spot starter this season.
“There is some hope there,” manager Walt Weiss said. “Those guys have talent, but I like their makeup too. I haven’t spent a lot of time with Jon, or even Eddie, but I think Eddie has matured a lot in the year that I’ve been around him.
“I think ‘Chatty’ is a warrior, so I think he brings promise. And Bettis has been a bright spot for us this year. To be honest with you, I’m not sure where we would be without Bettis or Rusin. They have been really competitive for us.”
Bettis has shown promise, with a 5-4 record and 4.88 ERA.
“I see a lot of young guys wanting to prove themselves. Period,” Bettis said. “I think that demeanor is there. But we’ll see. It’s going to take a lot more than just saying that.”
Butler, whom Bridich admits was rushed up to the big leagues too soon last summer, said he learned a lot when he was demoted to Triple-A this season.
“I worked a lot about attacking hitters, and getting back to that,” Butler said. “When you attack guys, it’s easier to get outs than when you pitch around them and get behind.”
Arenado sees promise.
“Our young guys have a future, but they have to make sure they work hard and put in the hours it takes and do all of the homework,” he said. “I want them to have an attitude of “I want to dominate this game.’ “
Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or
Rotation 2.016?
Next year is already here for the chroncially pitching-starved Rockies, who are out of contention. Denver Post beat reporter Patrick Saunders looks at in-house candidates for next year’ rotation.
LHP Jorge De La Rosa
A killer changeup has made him the most successful pitcher in Coors Field history, but he’s not a true ace.
RHP Jon Gray
Still in Triple-A, he has a chance to make big-league debut this season. He needs work on his slider and holding base runners.
RHP Chad Bettis
Now owns a solid-four pitch mix. Toss out a 10-run disaster and his ERA is 3.81 this season. Currently on DL with elbow inflammation.
RHP Tyler Chatwood
Trying to work his way back from his second Tommy John surgery. He hasn’t pitched since April 2014, but he could be back in September.
RHP Eddie Butler
The last two months of this season will determine Butler’s role in 2016. He needs to solve his control issues and regain the sinker that made him a supplemental first-round pick in 2012.
RHP Jordan Lyles
Hard luck haunts Lyles, who made just 10 starts before having season-ending toe surgery this season.
LHP Tyler Matzek
Will Matzek ever make it to the big leagues again? The 2009 first-round draft choice continues to battle wildness and has removed himself from competition for the second time in his career.
LHP Chris Rusin
Acquired from the Cubs after being place on waivers, Rusin joined the rotation this season out of necessity. He’s done well, going 3-3 with a 3.98 ERA. But he doesn’t have great starter’s stuff.
