CarGo, are you coming back to LoDo?
With spring training officially opening this upcoming week, Carlos Gonzalez — an all-time Rockies outfielder who hit .290 with227 homers over a decade with Colorado — remains one of dozens of veteran free agents still available.
And as each day closes without the right fielder finding a new home, one can almost feel Rockies Twitter palpitating at the thought of Gonzalez’s return.
Somepalpitate in excitement thinking about another summer with one of the Rockies’ royalty, and the powerful, vintage mystique which CarGo’s swing can still summon up. Simultaneously, some palpitate in anger at the thought of Colorado spending more in the outfield when there are more arguably pressing voids behind the dish and in the bullpen.
Fueling such varied palpitations was a recent tweet in which he noted the “Rockies are interested in bringing CarGo back again”. Market probability — especially in this stagnant market — suggests it wouldn’t be a leap for Colorado to take another late, cheap flier on the 33-year-old who played under a one-year, $5 million deal in 2018.
Truth be told, I just don’t see it.
The Rockies’ outfield already has Charlie Blackmon and Ian Desmond penciled in as starters, with David Dahl the expected front-runner for the third spot. And beyond that, Raimel Tapia (out of minor-league options) will likely get reserve looks, as will Noel Cuevas and possibly even versatile infielder Garrett Hampson.
Plus, the signing of first baseman Mark Reynolds to a minor-league deal gives Colorado a big veteran bat off the bench, a role Gonzalez likely would’ve also filled.
So CarGo, are you coming back to LoDo? Certainly. Just probably in a different uniform.
— , The Denver Post
Must-Read
Rockies spring training preview: Are the kids all right? David Dahl, Ryan McMahon, Garrett Hampson and Brendan Rodgers are about to let us know.
The time for those ballplayers to make an impact in LoDo is now, and even veteran-leaning manager Bud Black believes it. Read more…
Kiszla: How to take the boring out of baseball? More than rule tweaks are needed. Here’s revolutionary idea.
Baseball moves slower than the line at the Department of Motor Vehicles, and commissioner Rob Manfred knows it. So what is baseball going to do about it? Read more…
Rockies’ spring training roster: Big questions at second, outfield, bullpen
The Rockies believe they are ready to win their first National League West title this year and go deep in the playoffs. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ܲԻ: My 20 favorite things about Rockies spring training
+Cactus League preview: Story lines to know, prospects to watch and more analysis entering spring training
+Rockies podcast: Nolan Arenado’s future in LoDo, catching situation, bullpen update and more
+Rockies’ owner Dick Monfort “optimistic” Nolan Arenado will sign long-term deal
+Analysis: Why Rockies ace Kyle Freeland is the most underrated player in all of baseball
+Rockies announce 2019 non-roster invites to spring training
+Rockies podcast: MLB rule changes, designated hitter, adjusting the mound height and more
+Irv Brown: An appreciation of a genuine Colorado icon
+Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team?Ask Patrick Saunders here.
+Want to chat about the Rockies?
By The Numbers
$26 million
Nolan Arenado, Rockies agree on record one-year, $26 million deal to avoid arbitration
“Itap what I wanted,” Arenado said. “I’m glad itap done. Now I can focus on baseball, nothing more.” Read more…
Parting Shot
Rockies’ Double-A affiliate Hartford Yard Goats will no longer sell peanuts and Cracker Jack
No morepeanuts and Cracker Jack at the ballpark? Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion,email me at dboniface@denverpost.comortweet me .
