Holliday enjoyed Denver, embraces change
By Jack Etkin, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published November 10, 2008 at 1:07 p.m.
Matt McClain © The Rocky
Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday is spending the offseason near the Newport Beach, Calif., offices of his agent, Scott Boras.
Are the Rockies getting enough in return for Matt Holliday?
Drew on Baseball
Scores and statistics
The trade to Oakland brought Matt Holliday certainty and closure, a most welcome end to what could have been a prolonged period of speculation about his 2009 whereabouts.
"It's been a little bit hard on me and my wife and kids kind of not knowing and trying (to decide) what rumors do you believe or not believe," Holliday said. "I think it is good that we know now and we can plan to be in Oakland and plan for spring training (in Phoenix). That is a positive to having it done this early in the offseason."
There was little doubt the Rockies would trade Holliday, which they did Monday for reliever Huston Street, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and left-handed pitcher Greg Smith.
The Rockies' front office would not comment until the deal is finalized. That is expected to happen today, after Smith takes a physical in Denver. Physicals aren't being required of Street and Gonzalez.
Smith recently had some loose bodies removed from his left elbow. He braced himself with his left arm as he went to sit down and felt something pop. Smith suffered no ligament damage and was expected to be 100 percent for spring training.
When the deal is completed, Holliday will know that, for at least one year, he'll play for the Athletics.
Holliday, who turns 29 in January, will make $13.5 million in 2009 as he finishes a two-year, $23 million contract. With free agency looming after next season and the sides unable to reach agreement on a long-term contract, the Rockies were inclined to trade Holliday.
In spring training, they offered a four-year, $72 million contract with a $12 million option for a fifth year. Holliday was looking for a longer deal with some no-trade protection to guard against having to uproot his wife, Leslee, and their sons, Jackson and Ethan, if he were traded, say, one year into the contract if the Rockies' fortunes were declining.
After ending talks with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Rockies moved quickly and struck a deal with the Athletics, who were seeking a right-handed hitter but typically have looked to shed instead of add salary.
"I'd read a few things that mentioned Oakland, but I didn't have any idea when or if or who," Holliday said. "So I think it's a little bit of a surprise."
Holliday never has played in Oakland. The only member of the Athletics he knows is third base coach Mike Gallego, who held that position with the Rockies the past four seasons.
Interestingly, Holliday has worked out in the offseason with Street, who went to the University of Texas, where Holliday's father, Tom, formerly coached.
"I was talking to Street," Holliday said. "He said they had a great bunch of guys. I should be able to find a few friends without too much trouble."
While a trade came as no surprise to Holliday, it still means leaving his original organization - the Rockies drafted him in 1998 - and a host of teammates and support staff who have become friends during Holliday's five seasons with the Rockies.
"I've had a great experience, and they've given me a lot of opportunity," Holliday said. "Some of my favorite people in the world I've met because I was part of the Colorado Rockies organization. The 2007 season is the highlight of my professional career and to get a chance to experience that with some of my greatest friends in the world are the memories and the things I'll take with me."
Click here for a closer look at the players the Rockies will acquire.
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November 10, 2008
1:17 p.m.
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tmk50 writes:
Can we trade ownership of the clubs as part of the deal?
November 10, 2008
1:23 p.m.
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Cel writes:
Open comment to The Monforts:
What the hell is wrong with you guys?!?!
November 10, 2008
1:29 p.m.
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ifyem writes:
And who are these knuckleheads that we are getting in return?? You have to be kidding me that the Rockies would trade their most popular player for Greg Smith (never heard of him) and Carlos Gonzalez (never heard of him either)..This team is a joke!!
November 10, 2008
1:35 p.m.
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kennyj2473 writes:
Why is it that Oakland can find a way to afford him, but the Rocks can't? Could it just be that the Rockies are owned by IDIOTS, while the A's are not? You finally lost me, Monforts! I've been giving you the benefit of the doubt for years. The lies and empty promises are finally enough. Screw you!
November 10, 2008
1:36 p.m.
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Hambone writes:
I may be wrong but Gonzalez was the big name Oakland got from the Dan Haren deal from Arizona. I expected more return. Watch Billy Beane flip Holliday for more than he gave later this year.
November 10, 2008
1:38 p.m.
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kodijack writes:
Yep, Scott Boras thinks Holiday is worth 25 million a year, and considering how little the Rockies have done to get more pitching here, and how much Holiday wants a title, he is going to go get paid and hopefully win a championship. Atkins is next.
November 10, 2008
1:38 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
Thanks for trading away the future.
November 10, 2008
1:46 p.m.
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wj_nugs writes:
What a pathetic organization. A complete embarrassment. I will never set foot in Coors Field again and support this lousy organization...
Thanks for the memories Holliday...
November 10, 2008
1:48 p.m.
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BroncoDan writes:
Gotta agree with most all of the posts above!!!
I thought Holliday was above going for the $$'s. maybe not...
November 10, 2008
1:52 p.m.
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shimjhawk writes:
I'm done with the Rockies. Until the Monforts sell the Rockies I will not buy any tickets, merchandise, or watch the Rockies on TV. This is crazy, gosh maybe the Broncos should trade Cutler because he is going to be too pricey. Or maybe the Av's should trade Stasney because he will be a top player and cost too much. What a joke, i for one am sick of being lied to by the Monforts. Such a shame because I really enjoy turning on the TV in the summer or catching a Sat evening game in July at Coors. Not anymore, not going to support these losers owners anymore.
November 10, 2008
1:59 p.m.
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Buff4Life writes:
Greg Smith? He lost 2x as many games last year as he won.
Give.
Me.
A.
Break.
DEMAND we get Jack Cust or call the deal off. Throw Todd Helton in after offering to pay 1/2 his salary (sorry, Todd).
Its a joke if we're trading Matt Holiday to the A's of all teams to save $. Honestly.
So, wait, what's going to be the new marketing slogan now? Wasn't the whole thing about the Rockies that they would bring up players through their system instead of going through free agency? Now we just bring them up and then trade them for nothing once they prove they can play? Rockies management, your integrity is lacking. What's to believe anything you tell the press/fans? At least be honest - we'll bring up players until we can't pay for them, then we'll trade them for didley squat.
Who cares if we can't sign Holiday b/c of his agent if all you're getting in return for him is Greg Smith and/or Carlos Gonzalez? You effing better be getting someone better in this deal or you guys are a bigger joke than everyone already believes you are. Greg Smith??? Laughable is all I can say.
November 10, 2008
2:02 p.m.
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RBDenver writes:
Good bye and good riddance. Holliday is offered $18 million a year for 4 years and turns it down. Guy has a couple of good years and now, with Boras, he's asking for ARod money. Sluggers are a dime a dozen to get so they will find someone else. Ian Stewart might ultimately fill the bill. Just remember Rockies whiners....they signed Helton to a 10 year deal in 2001 and everyone thought that was such a great deal. And now he has a bad back and hardly plays at all...and make $17 million per year. Just as long as Holliday is gone and is the American league...I could care less. One thing I cannot stand is a greeding young baseball player.
November 10, 2008
2:09 p.m.
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philvysor writes:
NExt one out the door????? Todd Helton! See ya pal.
November 10, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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rockman65 writes:
Good riddance fair weather fans..Smell reality, you make a deal now and get something or you wait and get nothing..
Hopefully it is a good baseball trade versus a money dump..Time will tell.
If it is a really bad trade kiss O'dowd goodbye.
Stop whining you fair weather fans..The alternative was a 7 year contract..what planet are you from, that is foolish.
November 10, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
sigh...I wish I had no comment, but this is baaaaaaad news. We aren't even going to get a big league player in return. Huston Street is arbitration eligable after this season, so he would be gone pretty much before he gets here. And even so, his next contract will be of the sort the Brothers Monfort don't like, long term & rich. So I doubt if he's part of the deal. I follow the AL West fairly close since I'm also an Angels fan (we haven't always had the Rox, you know). And I will tell you right now, Greg Smith will make you miss LaTroy Hawkins. Ok, maybe not that bad, but he's not worth keeping Morales in the Springs for another year, that's for sure. And he's certainly not worthy of being the centerpiece in a deal for Holliday. Good lord...I think they are trying to abandon us as fans.
November 10, 2008
2:19 p.m.
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RBDenver writes:
Holliday specifically got Scott Boras so he could pull something like this off. Another example of greedy young baseball player.
November 10, 2008
2:23 p.m.
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zykomonkey writes:
hahahah
we'll gladly take holliday. your fanbase is so full of tools, you don't even realize what you're getting in return for what is nothing more than a pretty good slugger...
first off, carlos gonzalez is a stud. he was the first player in 50 some years to start off his career with something like 7 or 8 consecutive doubles... he's basically a carlos beltran sort of player... .300/25/100/30 potential and he plays a wicked centerfield.
greg smith has one of the best pickoff moves in baseball (led the MLB by a ton) and huston street was a great closer until the emergence of brad zeigler (and street's infinitely better than anybody you chumps have)
pull your heads out your asses and realize you got the better end of the deal (and avoided paying him excessive big money)...
get real and good luck with your new players.
~green n gold.
November 10, 2008
2:25 p.m.
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zykomonkey writes:
by the way, i wasn't addressing tracy... only the disgruntled fans posting comments.
sorry for any confusion :)
November 10, 2008
2:25 p.m.
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hrutt_22 writes:
I think our next move should be to trade the Monforts, then Todd Helton. Then maybe we could keep our best players around. No offense to Todd Helton, but he eats up way too much money. Maybe he could stick around as a coach or something
November 10, 2008
2:27 p.m.
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philvysor writes:
Denver sports what a JOKE! Lets see trade your best defensive player in basketball for Nothing. Next trade your point guard for a local point guard and a used up forward and only keep 1 of the 2 and payoff the other with $6 mil. Then get rid of your homerun hitter because you don't want to give him a 7 year deal and get nothing in return. And lets say as little as possible as far as what this city calls a football team. What a JOKE!!!!
November 10, 2008
2:29 p.m.
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shimjhawk writes:
if you wanted fair return for Holliday then why not trade him last July......way to keep letting the Monforts off the hook by blaming the players, GM and manager......
November 10, 2008
2:30 p.m.
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CHYNAWHITE writes:
Some people are just stupid! You have a great player and then you get rid of him, no wonder your always fininshing last with a sorry record. Learn how to manage and run your ball club because if you were smart you would have a world series already but no every good person you get, you trade away. How pathetic
November 10, 2008
2:33 p.m.
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sll writes:
Not good if this is the best we could get considering Beane is gonna flip Holliday for 2ce what we paid, but Smith is only 24 with a good upside and Gonzalez is a stud. Street? Pass...
November 10, 2008
2:33 p.m.
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jersey writes:
Given the thin air Holiday's numbers more than likely were balooned to begin with. If his agent had half a brain he would have pointed that out to him and advised him to accept the 18mill. If the agent did and Holiday did not heed him, well once again it's just another case of the modern day player and their over inflated sense of self worth. As for those of you who resent his address change correct me if I'm wrong. The Phillies and not the Rocks did win the championship this year? Stand PAT....and you will remain AT.... Happy trails.
November 10, 2008
2:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
Politico writes:
I do not believe that I can any longer cheer for this team. What they are doing is a disgrace! Memo to the Monfort family: If you don't want to spend the money to own and operate a Major League Baseball team THEN SELL IT! Don't you think you owe it to the fans to at least attempt to make this team competitive? I mean trading a perennial All-Star for Greg Smith and Carlos Gonzalez? Even "Pedro Martinez for Delino DeShields" thinks that is a horrible trade. The A's GM, Billy Bean, is notorious for getting the better end of trades but this would border on ridiculous. I mean you look like fools!
The only way this is going to get better is when the fans and the media in Denver take a stand. The fans need to stop attending and the media needs to call the Monforts out constantly, embarrassing them on a national level. That might force them to sell the team, if for no other reason than just to save their family name.
Hey Monforts, how does it feel to be in the same sentence of bad baseball owners with Marge Schott?
November 10, 2008
2:37 p.m.
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bjeff writes:
As sad as I am to see Matt go, it was his decision. He didn't want to play here. Why? Because the Monforts aren't sincere about putting a winning/playoff team on the field. Realize that when Matt hired Boras he basically told every team dealing with the Rockies that they were just going to "rent" him for next year. This meant the Rocks were not going to get anywhere near fair value for him. Bad guys abound in this scenario. Dan O'Dowd is not one of them. He got dealt some horrible cards and did the best he could.
November 10, 2008
2:40 p.m.
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crashrollo writes:
I thought the Expos moved to DC not to Colorado. I guess we are nothing more than a farm club for the other teams. If I ever (probably not) buy another Rockies jersey, it WILL NOT have a name attached to it. Sure makes it tough to be loyal. Reminds me of the movie "Major League" Who are these F.... guys?
November 10, 2008
2:45 p.m.
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ColoradoSportsFaninTexas writes:
I know that Monforts are the worst ownership in baseball, but its that knucklehead O'Dowd who pulled the trigger on this deal...I wonder how much cash he made under the table from this deal, because it just doesnt make sense otherwise...
How in the world can he trade an All-Star and MVP candidate, for a couple of guys I never heard of, and a bullpen pitcher, when their need was clearly an Ace #1 pitcher???
WHAT A FRIGGING JOKE THIS FRANCHISE HAS BECOME....They give away their top slugger, and dont get anything near equal value in return...All I can say is that they better find a way to replace the slugging ability of Holliday, because opposing pitchers wont respect the Rox lineup near as much with Holliday gone...
One final comment...MONFORTS NEED TO GO....MONFORTS NEED TO GO....MONFORTS NEED TO GO...AND TAKE THAT FRIGGING IDIOT O'DOWD WITH YOU....
November 10, 2008
2:56 p.m.
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buffsblg writes:
Folks, Holliday does not want to stay here when he is a free agent after next season. He told us that when he picked Oras for his agent and has said that to many people. So, while I understand the venting at the Monforts (and I concur) the question now is: Is it better to get something for Holliday now , rather than just lose him for nothing at the end of next year? Seems to me the answer to that is yes, understanding that teams will want a discount to take a player that they will either lose next year or have to pay huge money to keep long term.
I do not really have an opinion yet on this deal, as I do not know the players involved, but some trade needs to be made, rather than have nothing to show for Holliday at the end of next year. Vent all you want, but that is the reality of baseball economics and our ownership, which we cannot change.
November 10, 2008
2:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
Willy writes:
Monforts need a kick in the oysters. A run of the mill reliever, a guy who lost 16 games last year and a 240 hitting outfielder who won't make the roster for Holliday. BS
November 10, 2008
3:01 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
Gonzalez, last year played in 85 games: he had 73 hits, 4 HRs, & 81 stikeouts. He also had 2 fielding errors. He did have 22 doubles just in case you weren't already convinced he is average. He is young, so he does have that going for him.
Smith...well, he gave up 92 runs in 190 innings (at least he can go all year). Just 111 strikeouts while serving up 21 bombs...and you must realize that the AL West in not exactly known for its hitting. The park in Seattle is huge, not many get hit in Oakland, Texas is flat out horrible, & the Angels don't exactly have the greatest line-up in the world.
Maybe there's more teams involved in this thing...
November 10, 2008
3:02 p.m.
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shimjhawk writes:
maybe we can get Jacob Cruz to play left
November 10, 2008
3:13 p.m.
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Bivouac writes:
Well, it's too bad, but let's not pretend it wasn't going to happen, you know?
Rockies got three intriguing pieces: a top outfield prospect, a second year left-handed starter (whose ERA was comparable to anything on the Rockies staff last year), and a young, top-tier reliever...all the while cutting payroll significantly the next four years.
I have two qualms, however. One, why not throw in Tavares and try to land Durscherer? Two, if Gonzalez and Smith were the major pieces dealt in the Dan Haren trade last year, why didn't we just save a step and go after Haren LAST YEAR? But I digress.
I'm still concerned about getting that '#3' starter O'Dowd has been clamoring about all offseason, because Smith is a candidate for #5. Is Atkins really going to land Saunders or Santana from the Angels? Or Slowey or Baker from the Twins?
It had better...
I'm just not concerned about the offense in the slightest. Spillbourghs and Smith can match Holliday's production and Stewart will exceed Atkins'.
November 10, 2008
3:17 p.m.
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pete10000ft writes:
This whole town has become a laughing ctock to this rest of the country.
November 10, 2008
3:17 p.m.
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sll writes:
Gonzalez: 2007 - 18th ranked Major League prospect, 2008 - 1st ranked organizational prospect for Arizona Diamondbacks, 2008 - 22nd ranked Major League prospect, 2008 - 1st ranked organizational prospect for Oakland Athletics.
Smith: gives up too many gopher balls and walks, but did throw .228 with a 3.43 ERA in the first half of last season before hitting a wall - first time he's pitched over 100 innings in the pros.
Street: we'll never sign him long term (plus he ceased closing in the 2nd half last year!) and we'd better have a plan to flip him or it's just stupid to have him included.
November 10, 2008
3:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
Colorado Rockies = Pittsburgh Pirates
That's what this reminds me of, and all the BS ownership fed fans about building homegrown players and that was the future. Well, I don't see it with trading Holliday and putting Atkins on the table. I think the only reason the Monforts own the Rockies is because they can pawn off their meat to the fans each game, at overpriced amounts. The players they're getting in return are chump change..... a reliever won't matter if the Rockies are losing often late in games (with no offense to speak of), a pitcher that's no better than any other "prospect" with "potential" that the Rockies have, and some outfielder that isn't ever going to be MVP caliber.
I guess ownership won't care when Coors Field has less than 20,000 fans a game...... back to what it was before the run to the World Series. At least the Diamondbacks and Marlins waited until AFTER they won the World Series to clean house and try to rebuild. Here's to last place in the NL West!
November 10, 2008
3:32 p.m.
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tantheman224 writes:
Oh typical colorado fans complaining! so whats better we dont trade holliday and lose him for nothing next year? we strengthen the bullpen and get a great prospect and get a guy in the starting pitchin mix not a terrible deal especially if they add another quality starter by movin atkins! maybe the problem is holliday is just another typical selfish athlete! really matt 15 mil a year is more money then you need in your life and you cry to get 20 mil a year thats the biggest JOKE!!!
November 10, 2008
3:38 p.m.
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GeeTee writes:
So, an MVP-caliber player for two guys who combined were 14-21 pitching and another who hit a whopping four HRs?!?! You have GOT to be kidding me! Why not keep Holliday through 2009 and take the provisional draft picks?! Are those crickets I hear at Coors Field?
The Monforts must have been talking to the Nuggets -- this is right up there with the Camby-for-nothing trade.
Go Diamondbacks!!
November 10, 2008
3:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Willy writes:
Tantheman - they would get two first round draft choices if Holliday was lost to free agency.
Any chance Oakland could confuse old greasy Al and throw in Michael Bush from the Raiders to help out the Broncos.
November 10, 2008
3:52 p.m.
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GeeTee writes:
Good to know that Colorado will now have two AAA teams -- one in the Springs and one in Denver.
November 10, 2008
3:53 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
LISTEN TO ME!! JUST LISTEN!!
Be mad at the Monforts if you want. That is warranted. I agree.
But O'Dowd could not sign him. Holliday refused a $20mil/yr contract in spring training that would have kept him here through 2013. What can you do? O'Dowd did just fine with this trade.
Gonzalez is a BIG TIME prospect. Better than Dexter Fowler. Better than anyone in the Rockies organization other than Ian Stewart. He could be the starting CF this season.
Smith is a solid rookie. He suffered from an anemic offense. They were LAST in the MAJORS in hitting, and LAST in the AL in runs. You can't fault him for that. He only gave up 5 hits per start (great for a rookie) and had less walks and hits per IP than any Rockie except Aaron Cook.
Street is a former All-Star closer that is perfect for the bullpen. His injury last season led to a down year, but he should be all ready and recovered for next year.
PLUS!!!! With the savings off of payroll next year, O'Dowd could sign Brad Penny.
Holliday would have been gone after next season anyway. Instead, we could get a starting CF, SP, closer, and maybe even Brad Penny?
Everyone hated the Jason Jennings trade and look how that turned out...
November 10, 2008
4:01 p.m.
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pete10000ft writes:
atfisher writes:"But O'Dowd could not sign him. Holliday refused a $20mil/yr contract in spring training that would have kept him here through 2013. What can you do? O'Dowd did just fine with this trade."
Um the reason Holliday didn't sign is because the Rockies did not improve the team after getting to the WS. Holliday said himself that he did not want to collect paychecks and have October off.
In other words he said: Not even 20 million would keep me on this team with lame duck mangement.
and who can blame him?
This team CANNOT win with the current management.
November 10, 2008
4:09 p.m.
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1somelikeithot writes:
I think this was a fairly good deal. They'll get a good closer, another outfielder and someone to add to the rotation. Also, Atkins could bring another couple of pitchers. Holliday isn't worth 150mil, so I say don't let the door hit you in the butt on your way out Matt. He'll be sitting on his couch next October. lol
November 10, 2008
4:09 p.m.
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BroncoDan writes:
THAT S*CKS!!!
November 10, 2008
4:12 p.m.
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pete10000ft writes:
Smith, Street, and Gonzalez: Welcome to the Siberia of the MLB!
November 10, 2008
4:12 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
pete10000ft, cite your source. Holliday said it was not enough money and not enough years, not because Colorado didn't improve the roster. Could they have spent money on free agents? Sure, they could have gotten the Barry Zito's and Jason Schmidt's of the world. There was every reason to believe they would get even better with their nucleus. Injuries to Tulo, Helton, Francis, and Hirsh doomed the team after their poor lackadaisical season preparation.
How can you say they can't win with this management? They were four games away barely a year ago, lest you forget.
November 10, 2008
4:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
RickyB215 writes:
GeeTee... go Diamondbacks? Seriously???
After 13 months of tough times, the bandwagon fans are dropping like flies around here.
Here's the thing, Holliday was leaving after 2009 no matter what... if the Rox tried to sign him, he would command a bigger & probably longer contract than Helton. There is no way the Rox are going to agree to this.
If they KNEW they could write .330 / 35 / 120 in stone for the next 8 years, maybe it would be a deal they could afford... but look at the history of the Rox getting burned in long term deals - Swift, Saberhagen, Hampton, Nagel, and yes, ever our beloved #17 is not worth anywhere near the money the Rox are shelling out for him to hit 12 HR's a year and struggle with nagging injuries. They cannot afford big contracts without huge production.
As for what they got from the A's... these guys are all young players with potential. It's tough to know right now if any or all of them will give us the upside O'Dowd is PRAYING we get, but as a Denver baseball fan, I'm willing to get behind them...
If you don't agree, drop GeeTee a line & start making your plans to visit Phoenix root for Byrnes and crew. We don't want you anyway.
November 10, 2008
4:18 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
Dude, Brad Penney would only be singed by the Rox if he were asking for the minimum. And we'd probably be too scared to give him more than a 2 year deal at that (history tells this story). The Rox front office has no interset in winning, so they will not spend the money to make that possible. That is what we are frustrated with. We, as a community, have supported this team from even before we were awarded a franchise. We watched our expansion sisters, the Marlins win 2 titles, we had to sit here while the D-Backs won one...a great one at that. We have supported professional baseball in Denver for many decades now. And what do they do, they fill us full of empty promises that this team will be competitve by utilizing "home-grown" talent. But now they want us to cheer for & count on somebody else's talent? We understand we won't go to the playoffs every year, that's fine. We just don't like being lied to.
The revolving door that is the Rockies roster has now come around to hit us loyal fans in the A$$.
November 10, 2008
4:22 p.m.
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pete10000ft writes:
atfisher: they got to the WS on a streak not on talent. And how many of those WS games did they win? (certainly not the one where Holliday got picked off leading at first base by Papelbon)
They should've filled the holes in the off season, built on the foundation they had and didn't and look what happened: not even a wild card.
If you were Holliday would you stay on a team that does not show that they are trying to improve each season?
The Rockies have poised themselves as nothing more than a farm team for MLB teams that will spend $$$.
Anyone who thinks this is a good deal should also check out some ocean front property I have in Fairplay...only 20 million with a Rockies ticket stub!
btw: I think I read the info on Holliday on SI....
November 10, 2008
4:25 p.m.
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ramAZ writes:
Obviously, this trade is not immediately popular with Rockies fans. Holliday was my fav Rockie, but we've known he was going to be gone for a long time.
In the long run, this trade could be a steal for Colorado.
Holliday was going to bolt as a free agent. He'll do the same to Oakland. Good luck Matt. You were awesome in Colorado.
Street is a solid bullpen guy. He will help now.
Gonzales will make the A's look back in future years and regret this trade. He's a good young outfielder.
Greg Smith had the second most losses in the AL in his rookie campaign. But don't get fooled. He also had two complete game victories and ate up almost 200 innings. Starting pitching depth is ALWAYS a premium value.
This trade hurts today. But, wait until the end of next season (or longer) to really evaluate this value for value.
Holliday will be a trade deadline acquisition next year, at least Colorado moved on now and got some young depth and a solid bullpen guy.
November 10, 2008
4:26 p.m.
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SDcat writes:
One word...st.o.o.p.i.d
November 10, 2008
4:27 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
Brad Penny is coming off of an injury plagued year. It is reported he's seeking a one year deal. Many reports say he's exactly a match to what the Rockies might want to bring in. They've had a lot of success with starters rebuilding their status after injuries or ineffectiveness - Darren Oliver, Jamey Wright, Matt Herges, etc.
November 10, 2008
4:32 p.m.
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davies writes:
This doesn't look like too bad a deal. I would have rather gotten Brad Lidge for Todd Helton ;-) But not too bad for a guy who's a free agent at the end of the year, no matter who he is. I'll miss him though.
November 10, 2008
4:33 p.m.
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dgocoman writes:
I think the Rockies will hang onto Atkins now as they need a righthanded bat to balance out Stewart and Hawpe. Plus, when Helton's back goes out around March 15th, Atkins can move to 1st base. Holliday wanted a minimum of $25 million over six years. Good player, but he is not great. Rockies history with long contracts is awful (Hampton, Neagle, Helton), so I don't blame them for passing on Holliday. Now, if we can get some decent pitching for Tavares, but really, what GM is stupid enough to trade anybody good for Willy? Holliday only hit 25 HR and had 88 RBI last year (yes, I know he was hurt. But, it's not like he missed 40 games). In September he didn't do squat when the Rockies were trying to make a last ditch run. Next year when he goes .290/26/92 in a pitcher's park he will wish he took the Rocks $100 mill. last spring.
November 10, 2008
4:34 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
pete10000ft: They did not luck into the World Series. You have to have talent. You can't trip into a Pennant.
Ryan Howard got picked off first base in the NLDS last year. I suppose it was all his fault too?
They failed to make the playoffs, but they certainly had the talent to. Not every team makes bold crazy moves to get better every offseason. Who would you have signed or traded to make the team better without breaking up the homegrown core and momentum?
November 10, 2008
4:37 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
UPDATE: Rumors are Street could be flipped in a trade. Perhaps he'll be packaged with Atkins for a top flight SP? Ervin Santana anyone?
November 10, 2008
4:38 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
If these guys become worth a you know what, we all know they will be doing the Rockies shuffle right out of town just like their predicessor did. We do not keep talent here if it costs money. That is the bottom line. So even if they do become All-Stars, they won't be in Rockies uniforms for very long after that. And Street is gone after this year anyway. He has a jersey in the Bronx waiting with his name on it. He may be tough to trade seeing as how he won't get many save opportunities here & he does still have elbow problems. And, whoever gets him will have to hash out his contract demands, which are bound to be mighty.
November 10, 2008
4:41 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
Well...they signed Francis, Cook, Tulo, Helton, and Corpas....you can't sign everyone, and someone that wants $25mil/year seriously jeopardizes the GM's ability to fill out the roster. So no, I don't believe these prospects will necessarily go the way of Holliday. Maybe they'll go the way of Tulo, Corpas, Francis and Cook
November 10, 2008
4:41 p.m.
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pete10000ft writes:
atfisher: I hope you find the gas leak in your house before it's too late..I am not a hater; just a realist. I'd love to see the Rockies do well.
Go ahead and pump your hard earned money(maybe they'll raise ticket prices AGAIN) into in an organization that is not commited to winning..you got better luck playing the stock market and we all know how that's doing.
And they DID trip into a pennant (Holliday was OUT at the plate). I mean the organization couldn't even sell tickets to the WS without screwing up; nevermind win just one game..Sorry if the truth hurts,man. Hopefully they'll prove me wrong. Or better yet: sell the team.
November 10, 2008
4:45 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
REALITY CHECK: Of the Rockies home-grown core, they have signed longterm Helton, Tulo, Cook, Francis, Corpas and Hawpe. The only ones they've let go?
Jason Jennings: ended up being a steal of a deal, rated as the worst trade in Astros history by several
Matt Holliday: didn't accept a 4 year $80 mil deal.
Offers were given to Jennings, Holliday, and Atkins. Fair and reasonable ones. They rejected it. What can you do.
For those of you keeping score, that's SIX homegrown guys locked up longterm, TWO guys they let go. Are we really a farm system? NOOO!
Practically no team can hold onto their stars forever, so QUIT YOUR WHINING!
November 10, 2008
4:49 p.m.
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Cel writes:
Hey zyko-"tool", if these guys were worth anything why are the A's trading 3 of them? The Monforts have a history of not wanting to pay people so you know you're getting a player that was being pursued by several teams, just who was pursuing that troika of A's that we're getting? Once again the Monforts dump bull*&$# all over something in hopes that something beautiful will grow. The fanbase needs to organize a boycott.
November 10, 2008
4:50 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
pete10000ft:
You didn't answer my question - you just sophomorically accused me of being high, a last resort when you don't agree and don't have a further argument. What trade/signing would you have done?
For the record, I do hope the Monforts sell the team (though there's no chance of that - D!ck personnally). They could be so much better if O'Dowd's arms weren't in a straightjacket.
November 10, 2008
4:50 p.m.
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nanbede writes:
as far as i am concerend - ALL professional players are paid MORE than they are worth - and the fans wonder why its so damn expensive to get tickets? you are all paying for these enormous paychecks - i think all professional sports should be capped - this is ridiculous if not down right offensive - and to think that Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Babe Ruth and many others were never paid what they were worth but here - we pay exhorbitant fees to these guys - $18 million a year? lets's get real here
November 10, 2008
4:54 p.m.
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sll writes:
atfish, where'd you see the "rumor" about Street being flipped?
November 10, 2008
4:56 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
atfisher, the Rockies have a handful of "stars", and one of them just got traded and the other's on the block. That leaves a few true "stars" left, Tulo and Helton. Name one of them that's MVP caliber, like Holliday. Even Tulo isn't near that level yet.
I had also heard on the radio today that Holliday didn't want to sit in October, and since the Rockies did NOTHING to improve the roster from last year (I actually think it got worse), who can blame him for that thought.
November 10, 2008
4:57 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
sll: CBSSports.com
I don't understand the myth that the Monforts won't sign players. I already outlined six key performers that are locked up...
November 10, 2008
4:58 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
How long term are Helton, Tulo, Cook, Francis, Corpas and Hawpe? We all know Helton's situation, so leave it alone. I would like some numbers for the other guys you listed before I'm sold. Corpas would have a hard time making any other MLB team. He has no confidence. Cook (he did have a pretty good 1st half of last season) & Francis would be bottom of the rotation guys on any self respecting team. Hawpe, well, he's on a short list of superb left handed outfielders. He is one of the best in the game. Tony LaRussa said that 2 years ago when he left him off the All-Star team. But I'm not too sure if he's singed long term...maybe a couple more years. If somehow we do snare Ervin Santana from the Angels, he will be our staff ace.
November 10, 2008
5:13 p.m.
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AKuser writes:
vada mark there is this thing called 'google' you should check it out and instead of wasting time wondering about Hawpe's contract extension that he signed way back in March 2008 you would have your answer. Glad the Rox's did not listen to fans begging them to repeat the Helton travesty with Holliday. No fun following a cheap mid market team but at least in this case they did not mortgage the future to overpay for Holliday when they have much more pressing needs.
November 10, 2008
5:17 p.m.
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analytixman writes:
The Rockies are a joke. I will never buy another ticket or support this team until the Monfort brothers sell the team.
November 10, 2008
5:23 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
Nov 21, 2006: 4 yr, $13.3mil contract for Jeff Francis through 2010, option year of 2011 raises contract worth to $20mil.
Jan 24: 6 yr, $31 mil contract with 7th year option for Tulo through 2014, MLB record for a 1st year player.
Feb 15: 4 year, $34mil contract for Aaron Cook.
Feb 28: 4 year, $8mil contract for Manny Corpas, with options and bonuses totalling $22.8mil. Record long contract for a Rockie reliever
They also signed Scott Podsednik and resigned Willy Taveras to a one year $2mil deal and Yorvit Torrealba to a 2 year $7mil contract
Mar 8: 3 year $17.4mil contract for Hawpe with club option thru 2011.
November 10, 2008
5:24 p.m.
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tomglo writes:
I guess the brass doesn't care if fans don't attend games. How can you trade your best player and not even get a decent player in return. Instead of making the trek to Denver this summer I'll be traveling east to Minneapolis.
November 10, 2008
5:27 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
Don't you all worry. Corpas struggled to begin the year but had an ERA of about 3.00 the rest of the season until he got tired and hurt at the end of the year. April was a blip. He might not flutter around 2.00 ERA, but he'll be solid.
November 10, 2008
5:32 p.m.
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Hambone writes:
Corpas was a premature signing, but Francis and Tulo as well as Cook needed to be done. I'm wondering if they can package Atkins and Street, maybe even Barmes, for a top flight pitcher. Also, is there any possibility that they'll go after Pat Burrell? They will still need some right handed power that they're getting rid of.
November 10, 2008
5:40 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
Corpas was a bit premature, I agree. But that doesn't mean it won't work out. If he returns to 2007 form, which he certainly can, that contract is a steal through 2012.
I'm doubting they'll go after Burrell at this point, pending future trades. They currently have Hawpe, Taveras, Smith, Gonzalez, Spilborghs, Smith and Fowler all vying for playing time in the OF. I doubt they'd block them with Burrell. It's time to see what Spilborghs can do as a full time starter.
I'm doubting Barmes will be involved in a trade at this point, unless the Rockies get a 2B elsewhere. He's the starter at 2B right now, and a platoon of Baker, Quintanilla and Herrerra won't cut it.
November 10, 2008
5:43 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
tomglo: I'm betting you aren't a hardcore baseball fan. An All-Star closer is usually a good player. Some A's fans regard Smith as their best starting pitcher, even above Justin Duchscherer, the All-Star. It's about run support. And Gonzalez is one of the best five-tool OF prospects in the game.
I've talked to A's fans. They're crying foul over how much they gave up...eerily familiar to the Jason Jennings deal. Rockies fans cry because their players is gone without understanding what they got in return. We'll see in the next couple years when Smith is in the rotation and Gonzalez in the Coors outfield, while Holliday is in Boston. What will you think then?
November 10, 2008
6:08 p.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
atfisher, you better hope they produce fast, because once they start producing and are ready to get the cache, they'll be gone too. I don't know how even the hardest of hardcore fans can root for a team that for all but one year is hardly competative in a weak division, and has a bunch of clowns as owners
November 10, 2008
6:16 p.m.
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Rocks4life writes:
great trade for the rocks! holliday wasn't going to resign anyway so might as well get something for him before he leaves.. and for all of the people who said we should have gotten the money to sign him anyway, he took on scott boras (horrible for baseball) and he makes his clients test free agency. heck A-Rod had to tell him to stay home because he wanted to re-sign with the Yanks. Good move! hopefully we get ride of Atkins to fill our other needs!
November 10, 2008
6:17 p.m.
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flyrockies writes:
So the Diamondbacks steal Harren from the A's for a couple of nitwits. They get the ace and go to the playoffs. Then the A's reeling from the loss of their star pitcher, fleece the Rockies for the same two guys. Why didn't the Rockies pull the trigger on this trade to get Harren last year? He would have solved our needs for a front of the rotation starter. Now, all we could get in return is a couple of guys that fill holes, but that's it. This trade blows.
November 10, 2008
6:33 p.m.
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jefferson3 writes:
Terrible deal. They'll flip Holliday and we'll remain the laughingstock of the league. Way to go, cowtown.
November 10, 2008
6:37 p.m.
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bulldog6a writes:
Let's not be so fast to blame ownership. Let's blame the greed of guys like Scott Boras who continue to destroy the game. The guy is more concerned with the number of zero's in a contract then what is best for baseball or quite frankly any of his clients. Eventually we can only hope that guys like Boras and all of his clients who continue to force these types of deals will run themselves out of all sports.
To Matt Holliday---see ya! Apparently playing for a mere $13.5 million before taxes just doesn't go as far as it used to. Must be tough to live on such a measley salary. I hope you find happiness with your pocketbook because loyalty is apparently worth less to you then a bigger contract. Funny how the team stuck by you getting you to where you are at right now. I guess that is worth nothing to you, so please enjoy your life and best of luck...beware to A's fans...he'll leave you with a smile.
For the Rockies, I almost want to applaud you for not giving in to the ridiculous demands of a pompous agent who only looks good on the outside because on the inside he is worth very little. Let's face it, 3rd contracts with things like 7 years and $150 million should scare anyone looking to invest in a guy who is now 28 and would be 35 before the end of such a deal. Seems as though we go through this every year with these types of guys. They sign absurd contracts and then immediately find their way not to San Jose but to the DL. After getting burned on guys like Hampton, Kile, and the list is long and distinguished after that, I believe learning in Denver has finally occurred. Let some other team blow the entire budget on a single player, who if history shows anything will spend a fair amount of time on the DL during this contract and then implode.
Hey if Holliday couldn't sign for a "hometown deal" of something around $15 million a year for 7 years or a total deal of $105 million (which if no one has figured it out is more then most will make in a lifetime) then I can think of nothing better to do then trade the guy and get a solid closer, a decent SP prospect, and OF. Spend the savings on guys who actually have a desire to be a part of this team.
To the management thanks for finally not overspending on another pompous professional athlete who will show you about as much loyalty as Wiley Coyote shows to the Roadrunner. This guy is certain to make your team implode and the hope is you can cut bait before it happens.
November 10, 2008
7:04 p.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
Anybody who defends the ownership is a clown. Listen this is professional sports, this isn't the coporate office of ATT, these guys are going to get paid whether you like it or not. C'mon what do you care if the Monforts pay 150 million to Holliday, they cry poor but do you really believe they are not making money. Wake up and smell the coffee, it is the Rockies fans that are getting fleeced, it's sports, are you worried about how much the rich pay the rich or whether you win games.
November 10, 2008
7:12 p.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
What a few folks don't seem to understand is there is a pattern here, they continue to let players go when they become good, ie won't pay market value for them. If the Rockies have shown to be competative most of the time then that would be fine, but they are not, and haven't been the majority of the time.
November 10, 2008
7:16 p.m.
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jcn7vc writes:
I don't care what happens, I'm still wearing my Rockies Holliday jersey. Best player I have seen in person, and all-around great guy. Too bad he got greedy...
November 10, 2008
7:26 p.m.
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zipper writes:
Rockies trade Holliday for a case of baseballs, a fungo bat, and a pouch of big league chew, Monfort's claim a savings of millions of dollars will allow them to freeze beer prices at $6.50 until at least the All-Star break, and enable them to sign a quality prospect to replace Fungo at left field. They claim that Fungo has good power, but his limited range could be a liabilty in the field. "We owners of a small market team have to pinch pennies and not risk our significant fortunes to win" said the Monfort's,
November 10, 2008
8:21 p.m.
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atfisher writes:
Cutler6: Who have the Rockies given up and not resigned that we even regret? Preston Wilson? Jason Jennings? Juan Pierre? Jeromy Burnitz? Larry Walker at the end of his career? I could probably give you Vinny Castilla...but that was ages ago.
So many people complain that the Rockies are a farm system and just give up their players instead of signing them. This is really the first time, and it makes a lot of sense. They've signed Corpas, Helton, Tulo, Hawpe, Cook and Francis to 3+ year deals. What more do you want? Holliday was pricing himself well above his worth.
Hasn't ANYONE learned from the three richest contracts in Rockies history: Mike Hampton, Denny Neagle, and Todd Helton?
The Rockies got some good players. They might not produce immediately (the bluechip in the deal CarGo will probably start in AAA) but that doesn't mean the trade was trash. Buchholz didn't come around until a year after the trade.
November 10, 2008
9:34 p.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
atfisher, are you kidding me you are naïve, do you really believe that Holliday should be in the same discussion as any of the above mentioned (Wilson, Pierre,Burnitz). How do you know what Holliday was worth? What did Francis,Tulo,Corpas do last year, what they have potential. And why don't you see the Rockies go after any other free agents that might help the team. You accept mediocrity, well you will continue to get it with the Monforts.
November 10, 2008
9:38 p.m.
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ColoradoSpringsFan writes:
Geez, sometimes I wonder why I read the reader responses. First off, FlyRockies, check again, the Dbacks did not make the playoffs - they folded down the stretch and that honour went to the Dodgers. Part of the reason the trade was not made for Haren last year is because the front office did not know who they would need after this year - if they could sign Matt and/or Atkins, then they had talent to deal, but without having clarity on their situation, they had to sit tight. Didn't you notice how agressive they were in signing and trying to sign after the WS. The ownership made good offers to both MH and GA, both turned them down. Now you move on.
I am no lovers of the Monforts, but come on guys, there are few owners who own clubs to lose money. Even the Yanks spend
only because they have incredible revenue streams. Look at Kroenke. He has a ton of money, but he doesn't want to lose money without a definite shot at a championship. So he cut off salaries this year. A couple of years back I was hoping he would buy the Rocks, but had he, we would be in pretty much the same shape we are today - offering Matt $25mill for more than 4 years was insane.
This deal does on the surface look pretty good. One still young ex-All-Star, one now 2nd year starter who is still short of reachign his ceiling, and a potential all-star player in the OF who, as we all know, could end up being just a 4A player. You never know. The Rocks got value though considering Matt is FA at year end, he plays in Coors Field (which does up batting average), he had a down season, and baseball is entering a time of financial fear. The As will probably not be able to re-sign him (they have the same constraints the Rocks have), but must think they can either contend, flip him at the trading deadline, or take the two picks (they have been restocking their farm system since early last off-season after some misses). The Rocks needed major league ready talent, and waiting for the compensatory picks was not an option (well-stocked farm system already). Could they have held onto Matt til the tradind deadline? Yes, but look at least year TD...teams inevitably hold on to a player too long, and sometimes there are not buyers or deals to be made. What if Matt pulled a hammy in early July?
I think we have the makings of a good team, though Matt's production will need to be made up. Can O'Dowd take Matt's 2009 salary and sign Orlando Hudson and shore up the 2B and leadoff spot issues? Can we sign a solid starter looking for a rebound year to get a bigger contract? We shall see, but Matt had to get dealt with before anything else. Now we know, and yes, I will miss Matt, but I don't blame the Rocks on this one, and as of today, I give a thumbs up to what O'Dowd got for him.
Remember, 25 man talent wins pennents, not $25 million dollar one man contracts.
November 10, 2008
9:41 p.m.
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graygord writes:
What’s to blame for Matt Holliday's departure? Call it a bland, contrived, vanilla sports environment here in Denver. Mediocrity is the word of the day, and the only sports championship this town has won in recent years was by a hockey team that was supplanted in the middle of the night from a passionate, yet outgunned Canadian hockey hot bed, Winnipeg. Remember this town’s first Rockies incarnation? Yup, they bolted town for Jersey because there was no fan support. All of this is easy for me to say because I am from Detroit where we practically invented sports revelry but Denver sports fans need look no further than the recent Billups trade and the refusal of McDyess to play anywhere but Motown. Oh yea, and there's that little acquisition the Wings made in the off season for Marion Hossa. Didn’t Mr. Hossa turn down big bucks elsewhere so that he could hoist the cup in Detroit next summer? Motown's a great sports environment and Denver isn't, period. Buffaloes, Nuggets, Avalanche…yawn. I hope you get to take the training wheels off one day, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. The Rockies couldn't even keep butts in the seats (or the bars, for that matter) during last year's World Series, once Holliday and his over-achieving comrades got taken to the woodshed by the BoSox in the first two games. Holliday probably can’t get out of town quick enough.
November 10, 2008
9:50 p.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
ColoradoSprings fan you check again, owners own teams to lose money. Yea, right
http://www.forbes.com/2008/04/16/base...
November 10, 2008
10:33 p.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
By the way 9news reported that Holliday turned down a 4 year 72 million dollar contract. That sure smells of a slap in the face by a bunch of cheap owners starting offer. They knew exactly what they were doing.
November 10, 2008
11:25 p.m.
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ramAZ writes:
graygord --- why are you talking about Detroit? Totally irrelevant. And if you bubbling about it, why not talk about YOUR Lions??? Get over yourself.
November 10, 2008
11:32 p.m.
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AfromL writes:
Ok. I loved Holliday, but this greedy side of him is truly appalling. Apparently it really is all about the money to some people?! It's sad to me that there seems to be zero loyalty to a team that helped shape the player he is today. Whatever. Adios Big Daddy. 4 years and a whole truckload of money just wasn't good enough. Boo Hoo. I don't think I could even get out of bed for less that 15 mil a year. I'm SO OVER professional athletes who think they are actually worth this kind of money.
I hope the Rox have a great 2009 without Matt... it IS possible, you know?
Pack your stuff and say hello to sunny California, Holliday. Here's one fan that isn't crying over your departure.
November 10, 2008
11:43 p.m.
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Blind_Pete writes:
zykomonkey may not be nice about it, but he is basically right. Read his post again fans, and delete the insults, only paying attention to his argument. He is right. It is not a bad deal for us. Furthermore, the Monforts have not lied to us. They said that they would never again do the five year deals. They are keeping their word. I'm all for the spending when it is right. But when Boras is the agent, it is not right. Let him go. We can get someone to hit ten homeruns less for 60% less money. Trade the ten home runs for a pitcher that improves our ERA by 1 run for his 30 starts. The math works.
November 11, 2008
6:40 a.m.
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cpeterson writes:
First, Jay Alves flips to bird to Rockies fans who are so rude they want to ask about World Series tickets while he is trying to glorify himself in Boston. Then the Rockies trade away their best player to the bargain basement team of baseball for nothing in return.
I only spend around $1,500 per year in tickets for my family. Maybe another $1,500 - $2,000 in concessions, parking and souvenirs.
My family watches maybe 50 games per year if which I guess is worth something to advertisers.
So I guess the Rockies will lose $3,000 to $3,500 in cash from my family alone because they will never see us again. I will take my son to Chicago and LA for our live baseball next summer and watch the Cubs and Dodgers games on Directv.
November 11, 2008
7:25 a.m.
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The_KIMN_Chicken writes:
I"m so sorry it's been so rough on poor Matt. I'm just glad to hear he won't have trouble making new friends at his new school... er I mean team. I guess he is like a child.
November 11, 2008
7:36 a.m.
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RBDenver writes:
Great trade. After next year this greedy guy and his agent Scott Boras is going to demand $22-25 million a year. Rockies are so cheap as they are smart. You can't pay one guy 1/3 of your entire payroll. All you guys crying and moaning about the Monforts not ponying up and threatening to never go to a game again? Good...! Stay away..leaves better seats for the true fans of the Rockies.
November 11, 2008
9:15 a.m.
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Willy writes:
Good luck Matt. We're going to miss you.
The Monforts couldn't make a living making hamburger and went bankrupt. How did anyone think they could manage a baseball team effectively.
November 11, 2008
9:26 a.m.
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chizman69 writes:
If they (Monforts) can't afford players, then SELL THE TEAM. I read where, Stan Kroenke, offered to buy them, a few years back. They turned him down. Kroenke, has proven, he isn't afraid to spend money for a winner. He traded for A.I. and other players for the Nuggets, and AVS.
November 11, 2008
9:55 a.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
Some of you are taking the Brothers Monfort's word about how broke they are. And maybe they are too poor to own a MLB franchise...maybe they are greedy & are after the people of Denver's money. You see, there is a fundamental difference in our arguments. I say, if they can't afford to play the game the way the market dicates you need to play to win, then they should get out. If they can afford to run a MLB franchise, then do it the right way. Don't tell us you will build from within when you don't have any intentions of building. They'd rather shuffle talent in & out...just so long as they can fill seats & have their "toy" they can brag to their friends about. Say what you want, but I've been following professional baseball in Denver for over 30 years now (I remember seeing the Hawk Dawson play here), so I have every freaking right to be angry about being lied to once again. We built them a stadium. We go to games even though we are now paying double for tickets than what I did when the park first opened. We certainly don't have double the product on the field. Listen folks, we love the Rockies. That's why we care so much. I would say some of you who are glad to see Holliday go are maybe the lesser fans. You don't care about losing a guy with a key to the Hall of Fame in his pocket.
November 11, 2008
10 a.m.
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Sergi019 writes:
People....Look at all of Smith's starts. Don't be fooled by his record. He had no run support. In at least 4 of his losses he allowed 2 runs or less...In at least 6 no decisions he allowed 2 runs or less.
Street will be a great help in the bullpen.
Cargo is a highly regarded young 5 tool player. Sounds like we got a decent deal.
Holliday wants crazy money and a long term deal. As much as I would have loved to see him stay here, it wasn't worth it. You can't mortgage a hefty portion of your payroll on one guy. When they offer him $17 million for 5 years, and the guy says no thanks...what else can you do?
November 11, 2008
10:33 a.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
Exactly, arvada_mark. Those of you who are easily swayed by the voices of the brother's Monfort need to also take a look at their track record, and the track record of one Matt Holliday. I would trust Holliday way before I would trust the Monforts
November 11, 2008
10:49 a.m.
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As_fan_now writes:
For all the people gripping about Boras…..you can’t blame Holliday for signing with Boras. He makes the best deals. If you went to the doctor for open heart surgery would you want a buddy or a family physician to do it…..NO! You would want the best, and Boras is exactly that. It’s under my understanding that they reached an agreement and all Matt wanted in that 86 mil extension was a no trade clause. But the Rockies didn’t want to give him that. GOOD ONE. Now we are stuck with injury prone Street and two other guys that I have to GOOGLE to find out who they are.
It seemed to me that the Rockies front office saw Boras and just got out classed!! After the Rox signed Tulo and Hawpe they made a statement about keeping them together like, “we are all for one and one for all.” I have heard that before, especially when I signed with the CORE and found out that was a load!! Particularly when I saw my LT.’s eating omelets and orange juice for breakfast while I was eating an M.R.E.!! The Rockies are “all for one and one for all…….as long as you don’t get TOO GOOD……..have an agent better than our ENTIRE front office……….or are past your prime like Eddie Harris (Major League) and rely on your vaseline, bardol, crisco, or jalapeno pitches to get through the season.” Not to name names Ray King, Matt Herges, Louis Viscanio, Livan Hernandez the list goes on and on. I’m sure in a few hours the Rockies will put out a press release that they got Dennis Eckersley in the deal!!!!
November 11, 2008
10:57 a.m.
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ramAZ writes:
Holliday "embraces change"? I thought money wasn't the end all for Matt. I thought he wanted to be in a position to be in the playoffs every year... which is not realistic in baseball anyway.
But, now he's not in the NL West anymore. Now, he gets to deal with the Angels, which is a bigger roadblock to the playoffs than anything the NL West can run out there every day. And now he's on a team that's light years away from sniffing the playoffs.
His "perfect storm" analogy is more resounding now than ever before. At least with the Rockies, he was on a ship. Now he's in a rubber raft.
Scott Boras and other snake agents are what's wrong with baseball these days.
Matt, you got your wish. You're out of Colorado. Good luck trying to get past the Angels... one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the game.
November 11, 2008
12:14 p.m.
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D_Dude writes:
I really don't take issue with the trade itself. What I take issue with is that Billy Beane will turn around and deal Holliday for a better package of players before the '09 trading deadline.
November 11, 2008
12:15 p.m.
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dgocoman writes:
Holliday will be okay in Oakland, which means .310/25/90. It is a pitcher's park and there is no doubt the AL has better pitching top-to-bottom. He is a great baserunner/basestealer, but they don't run much in the AL, so there goes that threat. Basically, he is much better than anything Oakland currently has, but he will not lead them to the playoffs by himself. In fact, by this time next year the offer from the Rockies might be looking pretty good. Why is $100 million over 4-5 years not enough? Who knows what the market will bring next year or what happens if he gets hurt and misses 2 months? He took a risk by turning down the Rockies; it may payoff for him and it may not.
November 11, 2008
1:15 p.m.
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wj_nugs writes:
Should be some real nice turnouts for next season's home games. I blame the organization because they have made some terrible decisions over the last ten years. However, the amount of money baseball players are receiving these days, is just insane. I guess he couldn't get by with just 4 yrs, $72 million or whatever the heck they offered him. Holliday might as well just rent a hotel room in Oakland because he will be off to NY or Boston before too long...
November 11, 2008
1:42 p.m.
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DisplacedColoradoan writes:
The Monfort Brothers are in the baseball business solely for the purpose of making money. Their internal rate of reinvestment in their franchise is among the lowest in the league.
The 2007 season was just an especially good earnings year for them.
All they really want is for the team to be perennially competitive enough to keep revenue from tickets, vending, and merchandise collectively ahead of costs by some expected rate of return that they seek to maintain for themselves and other investors.
Sadly, they simply don't care about baseball.
November 11, 2008
3:12 p.m.
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SmokinRox writes:
It is obvious from reading these comments that baseball fans in Denver are a JOKE! Do none of you understand how baseball contracts work???? If they signed Holliday to a 7-8-10-whatever year contract, they are OBLIGATED to pay him every cent of that money. If he pulls a Helton and gets hurt tomorrow and never plays another game in his life, guess what...they still have to pay him. It's not like foortball where a team can release a guy and be done with it. Baseball contracts are GUARANTEED.
And, Holliday wanted a no-trade clause too? Give me a break. Holliday is an OK slugger that happened to play in one of the most hitter friendly parks in baseball, and his defense is average at best. To lock him up for 7+ years for $20M+ with no way out is pure craziness. The guy is in his prime right now, he will most likely only have a few more years of production at his current level at most. In fact, his production will likely go down NEXT YEAR since he will now be playing in a pitcher-friendly park.
And the players the Rockies are getting in return are no bums...Street was an All-Star, Gonzalez is one of the top prospects in all of baseball. You all say, well Gonzalez has been a prospect for years, what has he done? They guy is only 23 for Gods sake.
November 11, 2008
3:46 p.m.
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milehighdisaster writes:
Holiday is another Coors field creation! His numbers will drop as soon as he leaves altitude, guaranteed. Name one player that has left colorado and had success, um nobody. He is a terrible outfielder, no speed, no arm, and misplays baseballs all the time.
November 11, 2008
4:36 p.m.
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sll writes:
Allow me to float a new thought - there is nothing stopping the Rockies from bidding for Matty's services 12 months from now. Rox let the market dictate his value and maybe it shows up at $18M per year without a no-trade clause; suddenly that original offer doesn't look half-bad, does it Matt? and the Rox get a couple of nice pieces from the A's to boot.
Not expecting it to happen this way, but I'm just sayin'...
November 11, 2008
4:49 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
Juan Uribe did pretty well away from Coors. Juan Pierre should have been the MVP for the Marlins when they won their last title. Darryl Kile threw pretty well after he left here. The Braves still see something in Hampton. And with the exception of this past year, Holliday's defense gets better every year (check the numbers, & he got worse this year by 2/1000 of whole percetage point).
BTW, I've been reading some of the posts from fans on the SF Chronicle, & most of them are making fun of us. They know Street is hurt, Smith is nothing special, & that the kid is failing to live up to his potential. One of them even wrote, "The Rockies must not be interested in winning." They do, however, appear to be numb to this whole "giving up the only bonafide talent on your team becasue the front office is too scared to pull money from the shoebox under their beds" thing. I suppose that's where the Brothers Monfort want us.
November 12, 2008
9:13 a.m.
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atfisher writes:
Uribe is a career .250 hitter. Hampton has been paid to sit on icepacks. Neifi Perez was a bust after the trade. Pierre is way overpaid and is the Dodgers 5th OF. Kile is the only one that did anything afterwards, but he wasn't a homegrown star. In fact, this town was ready to lynch him. I don't regret the trades of any of our big name players except Castilla.
I don't know where these Oakland fans heads are you are citing. Street is NO LONGER hurt. In fact, he posted an ERA in the 1's in September. He's a 25 year old closer with a career ERA under 3.0 and he is NOT injured right now. Smith may not be great, but he was the third best prospect.
And don't give me the junk of Gonzalez not living up to his potential. He's only 23 and no one said he was Justin Upton. Holliday, Hawpe and Atkins didn't make an impact until they were 25 or older.
November 18, 2008
12:38 p.m.
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NorCalGuy writes:
"Great bunch of guys, my family, me, my agent, Huston Street and I work out together", blah, blah, blah. This guy doesn't give a rip about winning and he won't be with the A's for a year, he'll be traded before the season's over. Welcome to the world of pre-free agency where you have no rights whatsoever. But, when he does get paid he'll be able to afford the superstar house and start or relocate his charitable foundation and his wife, and kids will have the best of everything. Do you think I care about that for one minute? It's baseball, get it? Holliday and guys like him (ARod) would be liked and respected more by fans if they'd just keep their mouths shut, and talk about baseball, team and winning.
November 21, 2008
2:39 p.m.
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rockman65 writes:
I'm glad to see the comments get more balanced with time and the original hater comments died out..I guess all those fair weather, hater types are out hating somewhere else..Yay!!
The facts suggest this to be another subtle victory for the franchise. They followed a plan for success that has been building momentum for quite some time and I think will bring more success in near future..
The bandwagoners will come back with victories, but who cares, they have the loyalty of flees and like reasons to hate the Rockies.
I'm excited about 2009. We will need some guys like Ian Stewart and Tulo to pick up the offense, but that isn't too much of a stretch IMO.