O'Dowd plans aggressive tack for Rockies
'Well-documented' personnel issues might fuel trades at general managers' meetings
By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News
Published November 2, 2008 at 6 a.m.
Holliday has drawn the attention of teams that could provide pitching depth for the Rockies.
Garrett Atkins
Willy Taveras could wind up being traded.
Dealin' Dan is back in town.
After relatively little roster maneuvering the past couple of seasons, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd is ready to shake things up, looking to revamp a team that went from National League champion in 2007 to a major disappointment in 2008.
The offseason began with four of the six members of the coaching staff being told they will not return in 2009, and it will involve deals that could result in trading three lineup regulars - left fielder Matt Holliday, third baseman Garrett Atkins and center fielder Willy Taveras - in addition to the loss of closer Brian Fuentes to free agency.
Fuentes will be offered arbitration but is expected to command at least a three-year deal on the free-agent market worth more than $35 million.
This week, during the annual general managers' meetings in Dana Point, Calif., O'Dowd hopes to lay groundwork for deals.
"We will be much more aggressive," O'Dowd said. "The mind-set (last year) was, we had a young nucleus and we wanted to see how it responded (to the first NL pennant in franchise history)."
What the Rockies saw wasn't pretty.
The team fell below .500 in late April and never recovered. It technically stayed in the NL West race until mid-September, but that was the result of the inability of any other team in the division to take charge.
"I am not going to speculate in regards to who we are going to look to move," O'Dowd said, "but, obviously, we have some personnel issues that have been well-documented."
Holliday and Atkins have balked at multiyear deals offered by the Rockies. Holliday wants a deal that goes past 2013; Atkins wants a significantly richer deal than was offered.
Taveras, slowed by leg problems during his two years with the Rockies, projects to earn at least $4 million in salary arbitration.
The emergence of third baseman Ian Stewart in the second half of 2008 makes it easier to part with Atkins. The Rockies also are ready to give everyday opportunities to Seth Smith and Ryan Spilborghs in the outfield and expect to re-sign free agent Scott Podsednik to provide protection.
That gives O'Dowd flexibility in what he seeks in return.
"We will be opened-minded," O'Dowd said, "but I would like to add pitching depth."
Kansas City, the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Atlanta have indicated interest in Taveras. The Yankees, Boston, Tampa Bay, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets and Philadelphia have shown interest in Holliday and Atkins.
The White Sox and Minnesota also have inquired about Atkins, and Washington and Tampa have shown interest in Holliday. Each of those teams has pitching depth that interests the Rockies.
The desire is to add at least one starter capable of stepping into the No. 3 slot in the rotation, as well as two quality bullpen arms. They also would like to add a couple of prospects by the time the dealing is done.
"We don't want to lose sight of how important position players are, but we feel we have some depth," O'Dowd said.
The needs of the many
Baseball's offseason begins this week. The annual general managers' meetings begin today in Dana Point, Calif. What each team wants to do in the offseason:
NL Central
* CUBS want to re-sign free-agent RHPs Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood and CF Jim Edmonds. Quality left-handed reliever needed for bullpen balance.
* REDS' plan for patience means no free-agent bidding, although they would like to re-sign RHP David Weathers, OF/INF Jerry Hairston Jr. and possibly LHP Jeremy Affeldt.
* ASTROS need depth in rotation behind RHP Roy Oswalt. Brad Ausmus' free agency and J.R. Towles' struggles leave need behind plate. Jury out on CF Michael Bourn.
* BREWERS will make offers but don't expect to retain free-agent LHP CC Sabathia and RHP Ben Sheets, which has them looking for lower-price rotation replacements and a closer.
* PIRATES plan to step up youth movement and hope to add prospects for two remaining veterans with value on roster - 2B Freddy Sanchez and SS Jack Wilson.
* CARDINALS re-signed RHP Kyle Lohse but need another starter if they don't retain RHP Braden Looper. RHPs Chris Perez and Jason Motte could close, but they need veteran guidance.
NL East
* BRAVES are faced with surgeries for RHP John Smoltz and LHP Tom Glavine, which could end their careers, and Tim Hudson is out until August after elbow surgery, meaning they need at least two starting pitchers.
* MARLINS have 15 arbitration-eligible free agents, which won't fit the payroll. 2B Dan Uggla has run-production abilities and could bring prospects while freeing up budget. 1B Mike Jacobs already has been dealt to Kansas City for reliever Leo Nunez.
* METS lost closer Billy Wagner for 2009 with late 2008 surgery. They'll look to sign RH closer Francisco Rodriguez or LHP Brian Fuentes to fill Wagner void, and add middle relievers.
* PHILLIES have 10 arbitration-eligible players and seven potential free agents, including OF Pat Burrell, plus the questions of potential multiyear deals for LHP Cole Hamels and 1B Ryan Howard.
* NATIONALS are looking for run-producing outfielder and have shown strong interest in Rockies' Matt Holliday. There has been speculation of a management split and possibility president Stan Kasten will take similar role in Toronto.
NL West
* DIAMONDBACKS have to replace free-agent 2B Orlando Hudson and LHP Randy Johnson. With Conor Jackson, Eric Byrnes and Chad Tracy all capable of playing first base or left field, the hope is one of them can be used to fill need.
* ROCKIES won't sign LF Matt Holliday or 3B Garrett Atkins long term, and they figure to use them in deals to add pitchers who fit in No. 3 starter role or higher and add depth to bullpen that will miss free-agent closer Brian Fuentes.
* DODGERS want to re-sign LF Manny Ramirez and SS Rafael Furcal, and if they come up short, they have to find replacements. They also could decide to let RHPs Brad Penny and Derek Lowe leave, but then would need rotation help.
* PADRES have been shopping SS Khalil Greene, who, two years ago, was considered long-range cornerstone. Lack of available help in farm system and limited budget make improving roster a challenge.
* GIANTS have to find a cleanup hitter. Bengie Molina is productive but needs to be down in lineup so he doesn't bring offense to a halt when he is on base. They have arms and could deal for young, impact bat.
AL Central
* WHITE SOX SS Orlando Cabrera, 3B Joe Crede and INF Juan Uribe are free agents. Alexei Ramirez will move from second to shortstop, with Chris Getz taking over at second, but Josh Fields no longer is considered third base answer.
* INDIANS have to rebuild league's worst bullpen, starting with a closer. They could move SS Jhonny Peralta to third, but that merely switches need to middle infield. Search continues for run-producing outfielder.
* TIGERS have to sort out a bullpen that needs a closer, but they aren't expected to expand payroll budget, which rules out RHP Francisco Rodriguez and most likely LHP Brian Fuentes, two prime free agents.
* ROYALS acquired 1B Mike Jacobs from Marlins to fill need for an impact bat. They are looking to move OF Mark Teahen to add pitching. RHPs Gil Meche and Zack Greinke are a start for rotation, but at least one more arm must be found.
* TWINS have young nucleus in place but need to add bullpen depth. RHP Pat Neshek (strained elbow) is expected to be ready for spring training. LHP Jose Mijares could be late-inning factor, but a veteran middle reliever would be welcomed.
AL East
* ORIOLES have only one starter they can depend on - Jeremy Guthrie - putting them in need of a veteran arm or two to help stabilize while prospects develop.
* RED SOX are ready to give Jed Lowrie the shortstop job, putting pressure on management to unload Julio Lugo and $18 million he is guaranteed over next two seasons. CF Coco Crisp also will be shopped. Need to re-sign C Jason Varitek.
* YANKEES' failure to advance to postseason has ownership ready to shell out bucks in search of pitching help, and bidding will start with CC Sabathia, with the possibilities of A.J. Burnett and Ben Sheets also.
* RAYS have five starters 27 or younger, with farm system ready to add the likes of David Price, Jeff Niemann, Wade Davis and Mitch Talbot, which gives them quality options in looking to add a run-producing outfielder.
* BLUE JAYS' bust on Frank Thomas last year leaves them looking for a DH, which will start with talks about Jason Giambi. Shortstop and catching remain major voids, but there isn't much to offer in trade.
AL West
* ANGELS have two key free agents - RH closer Francisco Rodriguez and 1B Mark Teixeira. Rodriguez will be a prime target. But with Scott Boras as Teixeira's agent, Angels figure to back off unless his asking price drops.
* A'S have re-signed 2B Mark Ellis and are looking for a run-producing bat, which GM Billy Beane said is affordable in light of payroll cuts in recent years. 3B Eric Chavez's shoulder continues to be a concern. SS Bobby Crosby is available.
* MARINERS hired Jack Zduriencik as GM whose first challenge is hiring a manager. Then comes challenge of rebuilding organization from bottom up. LHP Erik Bedard and RHP Carlos Silva, last year's addition, can be had.
* RANGERS pitching staff has been atrocious in all areas, which has become a focus for club president Nolan Ryan, a Hall of Fame pitcher, who wants to see better mental approach to mound work.
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November 2, 2008
7:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
ColoradoSportsFaninTexas writes:
This will probably be the best opportunity for O'Dowd to improve this team...He has the chips to make the deals with, the question remains is, will he get equal or better value in return???
Deal wisely, O'Dowd, or else you may not have a job next year...If you do trade Holliday, you better get a top notch pitcher in return, because the opposition will not respect the slugging ability of the Rox with Holliday gone...If you trade Atkins, you better make sure Stewart is ready to step in offensively and give you the same production...the loss of Taveras will be minimal, and could be replaced with adequate production from whoever his replacement is...the x factor will be if your bullpen can replace the loss of Fuentes...
This offseason will be critical in the development of the Rockies....If O'Dowd is successful, than the Rox may be ready to make that jump to contenders....but if not...than all the planning and development of the farm system will have meant nothing....
November 2, 2008
9:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
CoLoradoCitizen writes:
The fact that Dan o'dowd is STILL AROUND is a significant reason why this team STINKS and why they have ZERO credibility and people just don't care what he thinks or what he says. Because it's all a load of bull. Just like the worst owners in baseball, the Monfort Clowns. Millions turn out to root for the Colorado Rockies every year. Fan s deserve far better than the bozo brothers and Dan O'Dud.
November 2, 2008
9:28 a.m.
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wiscbum writes:
I'm still not sure why the Rox are dead set on dumping Atkins when they could probably get him in a long term deal at $8 mil a year. Get him back and put Stewart in Left Field and trade Holliday. He'll only be at 3b for a few years until Helton retires and then move him to 1b and Stewart back into the INF.
Holliday is gone, it's a question of when. Atkins, doesn't have to be....
Go ROX!
November 2, 2008
10:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
avsfan71085 writes:
While I love Holliday, Atkins and Taveras this is the position the Rockies have fought for from their existence. Instead of PAYING for talent, they have it, lots of it. O'dowd I swear, if you ruin this team I will hunt you down. This is the PERFECT opportunity to give other very talented players their chance and to get VERY good talent in return. Do NOT settle for crap, go get us some top pitchers.
November 2, 2008
10:24 a.m.
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MavrickG writes:
The person we should be getting rid of is Helton. Over priced and no longer good enough to be an everyday first baseman. He should retire, allow us to move Atkins to First base full time.
November 2, 2008
10:27 a.m.
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bookmark54 writes:
This is no time for tip-toeing. O'Dowd must feel that he has the upper hand. Don't settle for potential - settle only for the best. Of the teams mentioned in the article who are interested in Holliday, only Mussina (40 years old in 2009) won 20 in 2008 and Buerhle (a lefty) won as many as 15 games. Shields, Pettite, and Meche all won 14. Sonnanstine won 13. Only Buerhle has a long-time winning track record, but he'll be 30 in 2009. Shields will be 28 and Meche will be 31, but like Buerhle have overall winning records (Meche's is more marginal with fewer games). Which one is healthier? Which one is more likely to win 15 next year? Even though no one can accurately predict the future, I say Buerhle is the best of all 6 teams' pitchers since the Rockies would be looking for 2-3 year's production out of whoever they get. If they get him I think, although it would overload the team with lefties, that's good competition for Francis, DeLaRosa, and Morales (and Rusch) - in addition, they should then look for a righty who can win 15 in '09 to trade for. Shields (with youth on his side) might just be the guy.
November 2, 2008
12:11 p.m.
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flybys writes:
Oh man, did you read this article closely? Do you see the doomsday coming?
I love Ryan Spilborghs. The man is the type of player you find on winning teams but he is not an everyday player. Seth Smith has fine talent but I don't see him as possessing much power or everday skills yet O'Dowd thinks they could be regulars? Brother!
Scott Podsednik is inadequate anymore as "protection." He ain't no Trojan. He's about done as a major leaguer.
Trading Atkins, as reliable a run producer as the franchise has had lately, and with the offensive woes the team had last year -- stupid is as stupid does.
Trading Holliday, probably necessary.
Whomever the team deals it must get high quality in return and not get weak kneed and not allow a buyer to get quality merchandise for pennies on the dollar. I simply don't trust O'Dowd in this area which says it all.
The Rockies need so much help and I'm not sure O'Dowd is the doctor to treat and cure this franchise.
November 2, 2008
7:57 p.m.
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den2mke writes:
I agree about Atkins...A totally under-rated, highly productive player who's defense is significantly improved and carries the flexibility of 3b or 1st. And Helton's days are clearly numbered as an everyday player. Maverick, if the Rox could trade Helton and his contract to anyone crazy enough to buy it he'd be gone in a second, but that GM doesn't exist.
Love Holliday too, but even Kirkjian (sp?) on ESPN.com listed his as the 4th most compelling story in terms of relocation. If the Rox had something resembling a stable rotation Holliday might be a keeper. But they don't and should be capable of manufacturing enough runs with the core guys in the lineup, if they can stop giving up 5+ runs a game.
Keep Atkins, move the other two if proven talent can be acquired. But I do think the Rox need another lead-off hitter the likes of Matsui, capable of getting on base routinely with enough speed to mfr runs.
Overall, a better situation for the Rox to deal in than they've ever had...
November 3, 2008
4:27 a.m.
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ColoradoSportsFaninTexas writes:
In my opinion, this is a make or break year for O'Dowd...If he does not take advantage of his bargaining position, and bring in some quality pitching, than he needs to go....
The Monforts should get out of baseball as well...They can sit there and claim poverty all they want, but EVERYONE knows that they turned a pretty penny from the World Series appearance. They claim that small market status is the reason for such a low budget, but I challenge them to open up the accounting books and show us what your bottom line is....I guess the beef business isnt earning them as much money as they want to have....Monforts need to get out of baseball, and allow someone else to come in and spend some cash, and give Rockies fans what they deserve, which is a playoff contender.......
November 3, 2008
4:47 a.m.
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ColoradoSportsFaninTexas writes:
Wiscbum...Its a good question as to why the Rox wont sign Atkins...I am not sure, but my guess is because its for the same reason why they wont sign Holliday....Both players want long term deals, and the Rox are very reluctant to give long term deals anymore, since they got burned by the Hampton and Neagle deals, and even now with Helton....
It seems to me that the Rockies philosophy is to develop young talent in their system, and hopefully they will get 7 or 8 years of major league play from that talent, and then look to trade them. This is probably because of the "small market status" which The Monfort brothers claim that Colorado is.....To me, that is bull####
The Monforts are just using small market status to justify their small budget, when in reality, they are probably making a very pretty penny from such things as World Series appearance, and playoff appearance.....The Monforts dont want a winning team. All they are looking at is to make their wallets fatter. They need to get out of baseball and stick with beef. Let someone else who wants to give the Rockies fans a winning team come in, and run the organization the right way....
November 3, 2008
7:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
The_KIMN_Chicken writes:
How does Hurdle still have a job? They fire all the coaches and keep him? It's insanity and a huge reason why this franchise is going nowhere fast.
November 3, 2008
8:53 a.m.
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Hambone writes:
Trading all your right-handed power bats is a bad move. Unless they can pick up, say, Dan Uggla, they will score too few runs. The corners are power positions and the Rockies will be screwed if they trade both.
Stop the "trade Helton" talk. You are stupid. He is untradeable. We can only hope he can come back and be reasonably productive. No team will take his contract. Period.
Axing coaches was a start but they forgot to fire Hurdle and Apodaca.
November 3, 2008
9:23 a.m.
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kmeissner writes:
How can they fire 4 of 6 coaches and not one of them be Apodaca? He needs to go already. He must have blackmail on O'Dowd.
I really hope they keep Atkins and Fuentes. Corpus is not reliable at all.
They had better get some top-notch talent for Holliday. I wish he would stick around, but I guess it's all about money for him. No loyalty in professional sports anymore. Makes me sick.
November 3, 2008
11:10 a.m.
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1somelikeithot writes:
I agree with flybys, I'm concerned with the outfield. Spilly is a great player and deserves to get an everyday role, but he lacks speed and he and Seth Smith are not proven everyday outfielders. Podsednik is fine in a reserve role, but he's been oft-injured thoughout his entire career. His OBP is not good and it boggles me that he can't bunt. Hawpe is the only proven everyday outfielder and they are going to need some help. Todd Helton will not be traded or will he retire, but with Atkins gone who will replace Helton if he's injured again. While Baker, Barmes and Q did well at second, I still would like to see a proven everyday second baseman. Of course, while their number one priority will be to get a number one starter for the rotation, there are many things to consider. In a perfect world they would keep Holliday and Atkins, but a trade of both is inevitable to get some of the pieces they so desperately need.
November 3, 2008
3:01 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
The problem with the Rockies trading philosophy is that they always trade for the lesser. So when Holliday is traded, we won't get a #1 or a #3 in return because a top of the rotation guy earns the same kind of money the Brothers Monfort are scared of spending. We'll get a guy that is maybe #1 for the Modesto Nuts, but a big league player is not what we will get in return. It's Matt Holliday for pete's sake, getting Jesus Christ in return wouldn't even be enough. That's why they don't want Holliday here anymore. They are scared to pay a salary like the one he will command. So, until we get an ownership group in here that is willing to play this game the way the market dictates you have to play it (to win that is), we will always have one of the top farm systems & at the same time, one of the worst big league clubs. We truely are the laughing stocks of MLB. We trade away an all-star, and merely get a couple AA prospects in return. How many players are there in say, the AA league Tulsa is in? How many of those guys will actually put in quality time at the big league level?
My boycott of the Rox starts this year. I'm doing it in stages because cold turkey is too hard to do after following pro ball in Denver for over 30 years now. I'm not going to buy my normal $100-$200 worth of Rox merchandise this year. I won't buy anything. And if I still don't feel the Brothers Monfort have winning as their #1 goal, then the following year I will stop attending my standard 15-20 games per year. I know it's not much, but it's the only voice I have. I'll take the $1000 or whatever I spend on the Rockies every year & go on a road trip to see a real baseball team play for victories. BTW, Todd Helton is the best 1st baseman in the world over the past 10 years...look up the numbers if you don't believe me. Most games played by any 1st baseman, best fielding percentage of any 1st baseman, & the best BA of any 1st baseman over the past 10 years. This year was also the 1st in which he didn't have 30 doubles. That halts his all time MLB record to start a career. So go bash Helton to someone who doesn't see through the lies.
November 3, 2008
7:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
mkcampin2 writes:
todd helton non believers,
you guys are saying that helton cant be a everyday first baseman any more, his production wont be good enough.
well i think he spoiled all of the rockies fans with his incredible
statistics that he put up in his career.
the rockies fans never even knew that they were seeing one of the
best hitters of the last 50 years.
(STATS DONT LIE).
the real question is
HELTON, HOW HUNGRY ARE YOU TO MAKE IT BACK ?????????????????
CAN HELTON RESTORE HIS NAME AND REPUTATION ?????????????????
HOW HARD WILL YOU WORK OUT THIS WINTER TO GET YOUR STROKE BACK
HELTON I HOPE YOU ARE READING THIS, HOW BAD DO YOU WANT TO BE THE BEST?? AND HOW HUNGRY ARE YOU.
BOTTOM LINE;(YOU HAVE ALOT TO PROVE TO EVERYONE)INCLUDING YOURSELF
EARN YOUR SALARY $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
November 3, 2008
8:31 p.m.
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P_Denver writes:
The Rockies are losers. Always have been . . . always will be. Last year was a fluke -- the Rockies didn't win; everyone else lost. The 4-game fiasco against Boston proved it.
They couldn't win the pennant in AAA.
It doesn't matter who is on the team.
Go to the games. Enjoy watching the major-league teams from other cities come and visit. It's a nice way to spend a summer afternoon.
November 11, 2008
11:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
tom1111 writes:
I think,
- Clint Hurdle and Dan O'Dowd are both in the tank together. They know and everyone knows that this is their last year on the contract with the team. If 2009 doesn't work out both of their contracts won't be renewed. That is a fact.
-I just don't think there is strong offensive abilities in the middle of the lineup now that Holliday is gone. Spilborghs cannot deliver on clutch situations. He doesn't seem to be everyday player and consistent as Holliday. He can and will strike out. He doesn't have a power hitter (home runs). Holliday was the reason Rockies won the 2007 game with his chin hitting scoring and numerous others.
- Don't kid yourself folks, podsednik, smith, spilborghs are not good players. They can and will freak out when the clutch hitting begins.
-They need powerful and commanding pitchers. Francis was a huge dissappointment.
-Fuentes is not consistent. He will lose a game. I have never been impressed with Fuentes
-They need some manager or someone in that team with fire in his belly. They don't have winning/aggressive mentality. Kazuo Matsui had that kind of intensity.
I think next season can be a total disaster or mediocre and will never be a good season next year. They keep betting on these mediocre strikout players like smith, spilborghs, stewart, barmes. That is very dangerous. If they were so good, why didn't they deliver like Holliday in 2008.
I don't think Dan O'Dowd knows what he is doing anymore. He is not a good GM at all. 2007 was just pure luck. Matsui helped that team then including Holliday, Helton and others. Also don't kid yourself on Tulowitzki too. He is a very poor and inconsistent and in the worst emotional player when the time comes.