Colorado Rockies: Gonzalez, Parra News and Notes

Colorado Rockies GM Jeff Bridich stated that Gerardo Parra would play and learn next to Carlos Gonzalez this upcoming season, nipping any trade rumors in the bud.

The Colorado Rockies made some noise this offseason by adding Gerardo Parra to their already left-handed heavy outfield. The addition of Parra fueled speculation around the MLB that the Colorado Rockies were looking to deal one of their outfielders currently on the roster. Moreover, Carlos Gonzalez jumped out as an early favorite to see the door before Spring Training; however, Colorado Rockies GM Jeff Bridich squashed those rumors earlier today.

Next: Colorado Rockies: Outfield Logjam Stirs Trade Rumors

Bridich stated that Gerardo Parra would play and learn next to Carlos Gonzalez in the upcoming season; however, with that statement, it opens speculation that either Charlie Blackmon or Corey Dickerson might still be on the block. The Colorado Rockies desperately need pitching to bolster both their current starting rotation and their farm system. With four left-handed outfielders on the roster, the Colorado Rockies should look to deal one to do just that.

Colorado Rockies GM Jeff Bridich took on some suspected questions today, providing answers that leave many people scratching their heads. When asked if the Colorado Rockies would really keep four left-handed hitting outfielders on the roster, Bridich replied, “Having too much outfield depth is an ok thing.” The Colorado Rockies’ outfield was among the league’s worst in batting average against left-handed pitching, so adding depth might just be redundant, not helpful.

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By adding Gerardo Parra, the Colorado Rockies now have a plethora of outfielders, but with the injury-riddled histories of Carlos Gonzalez and Corey Dickerson, the team might have made the right move adding depth. For the most part, it is foolish to think that Charlie Blackmon, Corey Dickerson, and Carlos Gonzalez all play 140-plus games this upcoming season, so having Gerardo Parra as a more-than-capable replacement helps the Colorado Rockies down the road.

Colorado Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich on the Gerardo Parra signing:

"“Definitely a market play here. Some of it was a look to the future, looking a next year’s FA class and not being wowed.” – Jeff Bridich"

Jeff Bridich continued to praise Gerardo Parra when asked about the signing, stating his high OBP at Coors Field. However, Bridich’s praise seems ill-advised, as Parra’s OBP ranks behind the trio of Colorado Rockies starting outfielders. Gerardo Parra’s .344 OBP trails Dickerson’s .410, Gonzalez’s .392, and Blackmon’s .386, further questioning the signing. The Colorado Rockies offered Gerardo Parra starter’s money, but it looks like he is set for a bench role in 2016.

Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra’s future with the Colorado Rockies looks more clear after Bridich’s statements; however, it leaves question marks over Blackmon and Dickerson. Both Blackmon and Dickerson have unfavorable home/road splits, which hurts their value in the trade market, so if the Colorado Rockies were to deal one of the two, the haul would not bring in impact pitching prospects, or MLB-ready arms for that matter.