Rockies Mailbag: Colorado has no plans to trade Trevor Story prior to the All-Star Game – The Denver Post

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.

Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.

Hi, Patrick. I know the Rockies will be sellers at the trade deadline but do you think there is any way that they will look to acquire relievers with multiple years of control? It’s clear the Rockies’ bullpen needs a complete overhaul.

— Connar Jones, Steamboat Springs

Connar, I doubt the Rockies will go in that direction. Relievers with multiple years of control are hard to find and I don’t think that’s what the Rockies will be looking for in a trade. Plus, after the money they spent on the trio of Wade Davis, Jake McGee and Bryan Shaw (a combined $106 million over three years), I doubt the Rockies will want to pick up big contracts in a trade. Relievers are volatile, especially in Colorado, as we have seen with Yency Almonte and Daniel Bard so far this season.

I think the Rockies will look for prospect to shore up their farm system. There could well be a veteran reliever in the mix who could be on the club through 2022, but I don’t see that being the Rockies’ main goal in a trade.

Hi Patrick, thanks for your excellent coverage of the Rockies although it hasn’t made for good reading this season!

I have two questions. Will Trevor Story’s slow start to the season impact his trade value? And what can the Rockies do to improve their frequently imploding bullpen (pursue a trade, change pitching coach, look for help within the minor league system)? Regards.

— David Jones, Selsey, West Sussex, England

David, how are things across The Pond? I’m assuming you submitted your question before Story hit a double, followed by a walk-off home run, on Sunday against Arizona.

Yes, Story was in a deep slump but he’ll pull out of it — if he hasn’t already. Other teams realize that Story is a unique talent and still in his prime. He has power to hit home runs in any ballpark. You also have to remember that much of Colorado’s offense — save for first baseman C.J. Cron and infielder Ryan McMahon — was slumping, too. Perhaps Story was pressing while trying to produce. Also, it’s tougher to hit and see the pitches you want when those around you aren’t producing. Remember, Charlie Blackmon was in a slump for most of April.

As for the bullpen, I addressed that question a little bit in the previous question. The minor league system, at the moment, does not hold a lot of promise to prop up the bullpen this season. In the future? Possibly.

Right now, the return of a healthy Carlos Estevez might help (as we saw Monday night in New York when he notched a save). But we’ll continue to watch manager Bud Black mix and match until he finds a decent combination or relievers.

As for firing bullpen coach Darryl Scott and pitching coach Steve Foster, I don’t think that’s the solution. From everything I’ve been told, the players respect both men.

I hope I answered your questions.

Cheerio!

While watching this team from afar these days, I keep asking myself, why are Trevor Story and Jon Gray still on the team? The team is only competing for the basement, so why not try to get maximum value since neither will be here next season and with each passing day the value gets less? Am I missing something? The organization needs a solid infusion of talent and we seem to be missing out on a way to speed up the rebuild (whether it’s called a rebuild or not, it’s already here).

— Mike S., Cary, N.C. (from Castle Rock)

Mike, I have also been perplexed about this, especially since the Rockies’ front office has known for a long time that Story is not planning on staying in Colorado after this season. From what I’ve been told, the Rockies have no plans to trade Story prior to the All-Star Game in Denver.

As for Gray, I expect him to be traded, too, but I would not be shocked if the Rockies attempted to re-sign him. And I wouldn’t be shocked if Gray as least listens to an offer.

In my opinion, owner Dick Monfort is hesitant to trade Story now because of the lingering fallout from the Nolan Arenado trade. Monfort wants to see how this team develops through the all-star break. Plus, with Bill Schmidt taking over as the interim general manager, the Rockies are still constructing their long-term game plan.

Finally, just because the Rockies are looking to trade Story, that doesn’t mean other teams are willing to give the Rockies what the Rockies want. At least not yet.

Hi Patrick, I enjoy reading the Mailbag.

My question is that given the Rockies will be trading certain players sometime before July 30, do you know (or think) they have a long-term strategy regarding the type of players they will be trying to obtain? Pitching? Power hitting? Speedy defensive outfielders? MLB-ready players? Or do they just take the best players they can get in a trade and fill in the gaps later?

Given the way the season has gone it’s hard to tell, but it does seem like the Rox have a few players who could be pretty decent with another year or so experience. Is there a “core” of decent players Colorado management might try to build around? Or is it just a complete start over? Thanks!

— David, Los Lunas, N.M.

David, I’ve discussed some of this in previous answers in this mailbag. As for what the Rockies would seek in a trade for Trevor Story, Jon Gray, Mychal Givens, C.J. Cron and possibly others, it’s difficult for speculate. Pitching is always a premium need for any team, and for the Rockies most especially. I do think the Rockies could use more power in their lineup. And they also need help at catcher.

But I don’t expect them to obtain an established veteran as a centerpiece to a tread. I think obtaining prospects is what the Rockies will focus on.

As for your second question, yes, there are some core players to build around. As of now, that group would include: starters German Marquez, Antonio Senzatela, Kyle Freeland and Austin Gomber; infielders Ryan McMahon and Brendan Rodgers; outfielder Raimel Tapia, and possibly Garrett Hampson.

Hi Patrick, what do you think is the root cause of the Rockies’ road issues? They seem like a perfectly capable team at home — the 16-12 record proves that. But 53 runs in 19 games on the road versus 107 from their opponents (entering Monday) is atrocious. Why can’t we hit on the road? Trevor Story’s slashing .221/.321/.379 away from Coors. Ryan McMahon’s even worse at .216/.272/.392 and Garrett Hampson is abysmal at .191/.243/.338. What gives?

I’m by no means expecting a great season from the team this year, but I’d like them to at least be competitive.

— Marshall, Parker

Marshall, if you have followed the Rockies for any length of time you are aware that they almost always have huge home/road splits, just not to the extent we have seen it early this season. Part of the reason for that has been the large number of early-season games at Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego — pitchers’ ballparks with good pitchers.

But part of the reason also is a poor approach at the plate. Far too often, Colorado’s hitters, even its best hitters, fall behind early in the count when they’re hitting on the road. An 0-2 or 1-2 count makes them more susceptible to the off-speed pitches that break more at sea level than at altitude.

The “Coors Field Hangover” is real. Even opposing teams feel it when they leave Colorado. Remember, in the Rockies’ history, they have had only three winnings seasons on the road: 2009 (41-40), 2017 (41-40) and 2018 (44-38).

I’m not making excuses for the Rockies, but it’s part of their reality.

Before the Rockies beat the Mets, 3-2, on Monday night in New York, manager Bud Black said that the team had a meeting to discuss hitting on the road. They also spent extra time with the pitching machine that was set up to throw a lot of curves and sliders. We’ll see if it helps going forward.

Patrick, I’m curious why you and the rest of The Denver Post sportswriters are so negative when it comes to writing about the Rockies? You hardly ever write positive stories about the team. As somebody who is from Colorado and covers the team as your main job, I would think you would want the team to do better. So why do you and the other writers attack (owner Dick) Monfort all of the time?

— Craig, Westminster

Craig, I can’t speak for the other writers (I assume you are talking about columnists Mark Kiszla and Sean Keeler), but I think you’re way off base. Unlike some people in the media, I am not a cheerleader for the Rockies. That’s not part of my job.

If the team plays poorly, as it has been for much of its existence and especially over the last 2 ½ seasons, it deserves scrutiny and criticism.

I don’t make it personal, even if Monfort, members of the front office and some of the players might perceive it to be.

As for your comment that I “hardly ever write positive stories about the team,” that’s simply not true. I have written countless features, profiles and game stories that celebrate the Rockies. A good story is a good story.

The bottom line is this: citizens of the six-county metro region voted to use tax dollars to build Coors Field and bring a Major League Baseball team to Colorado. Yes, the Monfort brothers own the team and lease the stadium, but Colorado residents are also invested in the team. It’s the fans’ team, too. So those that run it should be held accountable.

Finally, let me say this. I get a lot of tweets and emails from fans who think I’m too easy on the Rockies, and a lot of tweets and emails from fans who believe I’m too harsh. So I guess I’m doing something right.

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.

Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.

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