Bill Schmidt picked a heck of a year to take over as the Rockies’ general manager.
With Major League League Baseball’s 99-day lockout ending Thursday, Schmidt and his front office have a long to-do list. In the coming days the Rockies will try to land a power hitter through free agency, explore possible trades, deal with their arbitration-eligible players and finalize their roster for opening day April 8 vs. the Dodgers.
Schmidt, as well as manager Bud Black, have made it clear that the club’s top priority is landing a big bat, most likely an outfielder. There are some intriguing possibilities but the free-agent bidding figures to be fast and furious.
Players that might be on Colorado’s wish list include Nick Castellanos, Michael Conforto, Kyle Schwarber and Kris Bryant. Castellanos, 30, would give the Rockies an immediate boost. He’s coming off a season in which he slashed .309/.362/.576 with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs. But Castellanos is going to command a huge contract.
While an outfielder appears to be Colorado’s No. 1 free-agent target, it is also going to explore the market for middle infielders, relief pitchers and possibly even a starting pitcher.
With the designated hitter coming to the National League this season, there will be even more need for the Rockies to upgrade their sluggish offense. Schmidt, however, said he won’t target a player to simply be a DH.
“I think we have internal options if the DH comes,” Schmidt said after the season. “We have (first baseman) C.J. (Cron). We have Charlie (Blackmon). Buddy can use it to give guys a day off from the field. I don’t think we have to get a Nelson Cruz or David Ortiz type of player for that role.
“We have guys internally that we can use. Especially playing at altitude and at Coors Field during a nine- or 10-game homestand. Itap a way to give guys a day off.”
The Rockies must also deal with a looming deadline. March 22 is the new date for players and teams to exchange salary arbitration figures. Just like in 1995, after the strike was settled, there will be arbitration hearings during the regular season.
Here are the Rockies who are eligible for arbitration: right-handed pitchers Carlos Estevez, Robert Stephenson and Peter Lambert; left-hander Kyle Freeland; infielder Ryan McMahon; infielder/outfielder Garrett Hampson; and outfielder Raimel Tapia.
Right-hander Daniel Bard, who will compete for the closer role, avoided arbitration by signing a $4.4 million deal prior to the lockout, and right-hander Tyler Kinley signed a $1.025 million contract.
