Colorado Rockies Making Right Moves

Apr 7, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; General view behind home plate at Coors Field before the game between the San Diego Padres against the Colorado Rockies. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies were very active during the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida this offseason. The Rockies would start off the week with a trade that would sent LHP Drew Pomeranz and prospect Chris Jensen to the Oakland Athletics for LHP Brett Anderson. This would be a good move on the Rockies part as they were parting ways with Pomeranz who just didn’t fit the bill of pitching at Coors Field and didn’t maximize his potental. Anderson, 25 on the other hand is the same age as Pomeranz, but has dealt with some injury history. In his short career, Anderson is 26-29 with a 3.81 ERA in 84 games, 73 starts. Here is his take on injuries via MLB.com:

"“I like baseball too much to be hurt, which is kind of cheesy,” Anderson said. “But I like to be out there competing. I want to be one of those guys. It’s tough to say because of my track record, but I want to be one of those guys you depend on to take the ball every fifth day and give the team an opportunity to win. As long as I’m healthy I don’t see any problems with that.”"

The Rockies were searching hard for a left-handed reliever, and had discussions with the Cincinnati Reds about Sean Marshall. Marshall would be limited to 16 appearances in 2013 due to a shoulder injury as the Rockies were worried about his health moving forward. So they shifted their focus towards LHP Boone Logan, formerly of the New York Yankees. They would sign the lefty to a 3-year, $16.5m deal, pending physical. Last season with the Yankees, Logan would appear in 61 games while going 6-2 with a 3.23 ERA. In his 39.0 innings pitched, he would strike out 50 batters, giving up 33 hits. Logan will also take some pressure off of LHP Rex Brothers, giving the Rockies another lefty option out of the pen. Logan was excellent against left-handed batters last season, hitting just .221 while striking out 34-of-77 at-bats, 44.1% percent of the time.

The Rockies had some interest early in the week about Michael Young in a bench role, but talks weren’t that serious. Before the Winter Meetings, the Rockies would make two moves:

First, they would trade outfielder Dexter Fowler to the Houston Astros for pitcher Jordan Lyles and outfielder Brandon Barnes. Many fans were quick to disapprove the trade, but in my opinion it gives the Rockies flexibility, depth, and extra money to spend on free-agents; as they owed Fowler roughly $7.25 million next season if he was still on the team.

Second, they would sign first baseman Justin Morneau. He hasn’t been the same since suffering the concussion with the Minnesota Twins, but he told Rockies outfielder Michael Cuddyer he is back to feeling his normal self. I believe he will receive a boost in production while playing at Coors Field in an already dangerous Rockies line-up.

Grades: Trade: Dexter Fowler for Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes: B-

Reaction: Gives the Rockies starting pitching depth and a possible fourth outfielder/speed off the bench.

Signing: Justin Morneau: B

Reaction: Fills the first base need, will primarily face RHP.

Trade: Drew Pomeranz and Chris Jensen for Brett Anderson: A+

Reaction: A steal of a trade if Anderson can stay healthy, solid 3-4 starting pitcher.

Signing: Boone Logan: A

Reaction: Gives another lefty-option in the pen, other than Rex Brothers.