I actually think the Rockies are finally doing the right thing; focusing their internal resources on developing pitchers and spending their free agent dollars where they can be attractive (on hitting). Gray, Hoffman, Bettis, Butler, Anderson, Marquez, Freeland, Senzatella, and Chatwood is a pretty nice collection of cheap controllable starting pitching. And they also have a solid group in the lower minors (led by Pint, Nikorak, Castellani, and Lambert). If they had a good catcher they'd be a pretty complete team; not ready to contend with the Dodgers or Cubs but likely in the mix for the Wild Card.
Do you consider signing Desmond to a large deal while his optimal positions are already occupied to be normal? His bat isn't good enough to be average at 1B. I give Colorado more leeway as they are in a weird position....but still makes deal weird. They aren't usually completely weird...but just seem to make moves that are odd. Dickerson for McGee trade last year is another example. Why trade 4 years of club control for 2 years of club controlled closer especially when team isn't going to have enough games close for a closer to help?
I think he was probably happy with the money and not risking waiting out the FA market (as EE may be seeing) - it's a pretty good contract for him given his age and inconsistency and gives him some certainty. He's hasn't made a huge amount up until now and this may be his one and only big FA contract. I the Rockies would have been upfront with him and say "we don't have space for you now, but have a hole at 1B, so we'll put you there for now, but down the line, we hope to have you back in the outfield once our logjam clears up, either through free agency or trades."
But they can easily trade CarGo or Blackmon for some pitching, and just slot Desmond there. It's the equivalent of buying prospects or pitchers, since they generally don't want to come on their own.
Obviously $ is the ultimate deal-breaker, but the human-side of the business is a big consideration that is often overlooked by fans. Desmond signed in COL largely because of the "small town" aspect of the area: We saw a similar consideration with Reddick and wanting to coming to TX to channel his inner-redneckness.
Still would likely be an overpay, IMO, and it is already late December. January is usually about bargain shopping with a few exceptions and the time to trade those guys to get the best deal has most likely already passed as multiple teams have already addressed their OF. Also, pitching market is scarce right now...so not easy moving OF for a pitcher as it normally would be. Would not have been as weird a deal for less money/years earlier in free agency to me. Could be best deal they could get....just still stands out as weird to me. Not a grossly bad....just that as teams go, they surprise me more than normal.
I know right. How dare this punk try to maximize his earnings. What does he think this is, a free market?
If the Astros can sign him, that would be ideal. He solidifies the middle of the order into the elite offense in baseball. Though signing Beltran eliminated the necessity for a player with Encarnacion qualifications. It almost becomes a luxury signing. Plus, there is the loss of the draft pick which must be taken into account, in any type of contract offer. If the Astros do sign him, it would have to be on a below market expectation contract. And I think the likelihood that happens is remote. But i as a fan would be thrilled if they inked him ton a deal.
We only have Beltran for 1 yr.. and we could use Beltran at DH.. put Gurriel in LF and sign EE. Best lineup in baseball. Not worried about the loss of a pick.. Geez you guys put an awful lot of emphasis on the farm after 10 years of building it.. WE'RE HERE NOW, lets win. farm is deep, one pick wont kill us.
