Colorado Rockies Rumors: Two More Options at First Base
Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) prepares for an at bat against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
When Major League Baseball’s Hot Stove season kicks into high gear, there are always some interesting theories out there about potential trades and where free agents might land. Certainly the Colorado Rockies are not immune from these prognostications.
As we’ve discussed, first base is one of the primary needs for the Colorado Rockies in the offseason. Will Mark Reynolds return? Will the Rockies sign a free agent like Mark Trumbo, Matt Holliday or Mike Napoli? Anything is possible, and we’ve discussed four of the options in this article.
While there has been talk about Reynolds possible returning to the Rockies, there has also been discussion about Carlos Gonzalez moving to first base and clearing up some of the logjam in the Colorado outfield. One article, however, says that there’s another option on the Colorado roster who could move over to fill the void at first base.
In this article by our fellow FanSided site, Call to the Pen, Colorado is named as a potential landing site for free agent second baseman Ian Kinsler. Now, of course, you’re thinking, “Wait, the Rockies already have a pretty darn good second baseman.” And you’re right, the Rockies do. However, what if DJ LeMahieu moved over to first base to make room for Kinsler to play second?
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It’s a stretch but it’s not impossible. LeMaheiu has played a very limited time at first base for the Rockies but he has done it. Additionally, at 6-foot-4, LeMaheiu certainly has the size to play first.
Moving LeMahieu to first and acquiring Kinsler may be far-fetched, but it’s one of the possibilities that has been thrown out there. It would also make an impressive Colorado lineup even stronger.
Another possibility would fill the hole at Colorado’s first base and free up some of the congestion in the Rockies outfield. But how popular would it be? That’s the question.
Mar 11, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Joey Gallo (13) in the first inning during a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
In his recent article on ESPN.com, David Schoenfield throws out a scenario where Charlie Blackmon would be dealt to the Texas Rangers in exchange for first baseman Joey Gallo and left-handed pitcher Andrew Faulkner.
Of course, losing Chuck Nazty would be a blow to the Colorado offense and take away the Rockies’ main threat on the bases. We’ve already detailed how Colorado will probably not be the speediest team in the Majors this season in this article. Take away Blackmon and that number drops even more.
The Rangers need a center fielder and the Rockies need a first baseman. The trade makes sense on the surface, but there’s a deeper level to it as well. As Schoenfield points out, the Rockies could get more years out of a Gallo signing than Blackmon. However, the Rockies would be taking a huge chance on Gallo, who has flashed power in his time in Texas but has also been a strikeout liability. Last season, in just 17 games and 30 plate appearances with the Rangers, Gallo whiffed 19 times.
Faulkner also struggled in 2016, with opponents hitting .286 against him as he posted a 6.75 ERA. He would add a left-hander into the Colorado bullpen but, like Gallo, it would be taking a big chance on a big turnaround in Denver.
As you can see, there are plenty of options out there for the Rockies at first base. Some involve a trade and some involve signing a free agent. Either way, Colorado will have to find the right first baseman without sacrificing too much in any other area of the team.
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