Rockies Mailbag: Orioles, D-backs turned it around. Can Colorado?

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.

What’s especially frustrating for Rockies fans is that at least five teams in the majors were as bad or worse than Colorado just two years ago, but are now enjoying success. Most notable are playoff contenders Baltimore and Arizona, both with miserable 52-110 records in 2021. Two years from now in 2025, what’s there to believe that the Rockies can turn things around and become a winner?

— Dom, Longmont

Dom, I was curious to see which teams were worse than the Rockies in 2021. The Rockies finished 74-87 and there were actually nine teams worse: Orioles (52-110), D-backs (52-110), Rangers (60-102), Pirates (61-101), Nationals (65-97), Marlins (67-95), Cubs (71-91), Twins (73-90) and Royals (74-88).

As you can see, the Rangers (now leading the AL West) have also made a dramatic turnaround. They did it by spending money, acquiring free agents and making smart trades. The D-backs and Orioles have done it mainly by drafting and developing players.

But you also have to keep in mind that the Orioles were an embarrassing team from 2018-2021, losing 115 games in ’18, 108 in ’19, and 110 in ’21. The Rockies have never been that bad. So while Orioles fans may be happy right now, they suffered for years.

As to your main question, by 2025 the Rockies could have a talented lineup, featuring Ryan McMahon at third, Ezequiel Tovar at short and Brendan Rodgers at second. The outfield will likely include Kris Bryant, Zac Veen, Nolan Jones and Brenton Doyle.

Those position players could open a window of playoff opportunity for the Rockies, but the problem is that Colorado lacks quality starters both in the majors and minors. General manager Bill Schmidt and manager Bud Black are acutely aware of the dilemma. I’ll be curious if the front office can find a solution.

Hi Patrick – great coverage as always (especially given this horrific season). A few questions.

First, I assume (owner) Dick Monfort wants to win, but he seems really obtuse and incompetent about whom he hires and OK’s to sign to the ballclub. What’s his reputation around the league? A buffoon? Do players and agents think we’re a joke?

Second, I’ve casually looked at attendance this season, how does it compare to past seasons? Looks like 50-60% roughly which isn’t terrible relative to how bad they are. Since we have many transplants here that probably go to Coors Field to watch their “home” team, what impetus does Monfort have to look at himself in the mirror, and make some drastic changes with day-to-day operations to make the Rockies competitive — or at least not awful? It seems like the same old, same old forever now, aside from a few lucky years.

And where else would you recommend watching live baseball locally to get a fix? Are there single-A teams nearby? I won’t pay for a ticket anymore given my dissatisfaction with the ownership.

— Joe, Denver

Joe, you’ve certainly mixed a lot of opinions into your questions, but hey, that’s what being a fan is all about.

Let’s take them one at a time.

In regard to Monfort, no, the league does not think he’s a buffoon or a joke. He’s actually very tight with Commissioner Rob Manfred. Some of Monfort’s fellow owners admire how he makes money in Colorado and they marvel at the crowds at Coors Field.

However, there is a sense among other front offices that the Rockies are too insular of an organization and that Monfort needs to step back and bring in some executives from the outside. The decision to sign Kris Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million deal was Monfort’s and right now it looks like a terrible move.

I should add, however, that the Rockies have a reputation for treating their players in a first-class manner.

In regard to the Rockies’ attendance, it started out slowly but the team has been drawing very well lately. That’s due in large part, not to the Rockies’ play, obviously, but to visiting teams such as the Mets, Dodgers, Angels (with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani), and fireworks nights.

The Rockies currently rank 13th in the majors, averaging 30,882 per game. Not too long ago, they were averaging about 27,000, down about 5,000 from last season.

Finally, I would suggest you go north to watch the Northern Colorado Owlz in Windsor at Future Legends Field. The Owlz play in the independent Pioneer League.

Don’t you think it’s blatantly obvious that unless Montfort sells the team, the Rockies are doomed to be not even mediocre, just plain terrible? I think it’s partly the fans’ own fault for continuing to attend.

— Kelly, Denver

Kelly, I don’t the Rockies are doomed to failure if Monfort continues to own the team. He’s willing to spend money. The Rockies currently rank 15th in the majors with a total payroll of $179.4 million, according to Spotrac. Anyway, it’s a moot point because Monfort’s two sons, Walker and Sterling, are next in line to own the team.

What I will say is that the Rockies need to bring in a number of outside voices to change the direction of the team.

I don’t blame the fans at all. If people want to spend money to watch baseball, drink beer and chow down on hot dogs, who am I to discourage them? For the good of the city and lower downtown, I think it’s good that fans still go to Coors Field.

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