Debacle In Denver
On Monday, the Cardinals and Rockies finally completed a trade that sends All Star and Gold Glove winner, Nolan Arenado and 50 million dollars to the Cardinals for 5 players, only one who has MLB experience, LHP Austin Gomber. None of the other 4 players played baseball last year due to the shutdown of the minor leagues. Reaction to the trade by the fan base has been almost entirely negative .
On Monday, the Cardinals and Rockies finally completed a trade that sends All Star and Gold Glove winner, Nolan Arenado and 50 million dollars to the Cardinals for 5 players, only one who has MLB experience, LHP Austin Gomber. None of the other 4 players played baseball last year due to the shutdown of the minor leagues.
Reaction to the trade by the fan base has been almost entirely negative. Some expressed shock that the Rockies would even think of trading him. But the bad blood between Arenado and GM, Jeff Bridich, is a major factor in his being traded. And the fact that the Rockies wanted to get out from under his contract. So they paid the Cards to take him. What they got back was not much. Not one of the prospects is a top 10 prospect. Gomber was expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation in St. Louis. Now he will do the same in Colorado.
One fan lamented, we gave them the keys to our Ferrari and wound up with some burned Sears activewear. Another asked if all of a sudden the Rockies were the Houston Texans of the major leagues.
To his credit, Bridich took the blame for the failures of the franchise the last couple of years, and when asked if he had thought of firing Bridich, owner Charlie Monfort said no, but he had thought of firing himself. The problem was two-fold, financial, and the fact that Arenado had asked for a trade only 9 months after he signed his contract.
Arenado felt disrespected by Bridich, and he did not feel the GM was honest with him about building a winner in Denver. One of the writers for the Denver Post, Mark Kizla, said that one thing he had noticed about Arenado is that he is soft hearted. He dislikes distraction, especially when it gets in the way of him playing baseball. He felt he signed because he genuinely cared about his teammates. Oh the money was part of it and he probably felt at the time that he would finish his career as a Rockie. But after he felt underappreciated by Bridich, everything changed.
How does this affect Trevor Story? Well, Story looks at baseball with the eyes of a businessman. It is hard for anyone to imagine that he has not thought about the pros and cons of a potential exit from the Rockies. Most of the writers feel that if he is not traded at the deadline, he will most definitely leave via free agency next winter.
But the fan base? They could not be angrier. Almost all who I have talked to say they are done supporting the team, others have tried to get a fire Bridich website going. Some fans moaned that Monfort chose Bridich over the fans. It is hard to support an organization that lets it’s biggest stars go for what seems like nothing, and pay 50 million to boot.
Arenado himself is very happy about the change. He stated that as a kid, you dream of winning a World Series. And the Cardinals are the kind of organization that is committed to winning. His new deal is 7 years, 214 million, and he has 2 chances to opt out; 2021 and 2022. But he stated he has no intention of exercising the opt outs. Of course, if things get sour in St Loo, that could happen. But for now, he is a very happy guy. And he is going to a city with one of the better fan bases in baseball.
As for the Rockies themselves, they are definitely in trouble with their fans. This is the 3rd time a fan favorite has been sent packing. First was Matt Holiday, who was traded to the A’s for Carlos Gonzalez, and then Troy Tulowitzki. They have always had good hitters who rake in the thin air in Denver. Pitching? Not so much.
And now it seems that not only could Story be moved at the deadline, but other players also. There has been talk about pitcher Jon Gray. Fans are disgruntled and angry. As well they should be. Monfort’s steadfast refusal to deal Arenado to the Dodgers probably cost him some better prospects. The Dodgers could have easily given the Rockies a better package.
The real repercussions will not be known until later in the season. The Rocks still have some talent on the roster, but no ready replacement for their gold glover. 30 homers and 100 RBI s are not all that easy to replace.
Of course, like most of the franchises in baseball, no one really knows how much money the Rockies lost last year except the management. The good thing for the Dodgers is they no longer have to face Arenado 18-or 19 times a year. He did well against them in Colorado, but like most players, his numbers in Dodger stadium were not that great.
The Dodgers have their own free agent to worry about in Corey Seager. Do they try to sign an extension, or wait for him to try free agency. Some good ones on the market next season.
Some who wear the Purple and black, feel more like they are wearing black and blue. All of Arenado’s teammates had nothing but praise for him as a teammate. For the franchise, winning back the fans will not be an easy task. Most are convinced that the current leadership has no clue how to build a winning franchise. The lack of top 100 prospects is cited as one shortcoming.
Fans are calling Bridich all kinds of names, most of them not fit for print. And they point to longtime owner, Charlie Monfort as being someone who is not committed to bringing a winning team to the table.
Denver has never won a division title in their entire existence. Their only trip to the World Series came as a wild card entry. And they were soundly beaten by the Red Sox. Arenado has a much better chance of tasting, as Tommy would say, the fruits of victory in St Louis. Of course we all wish him well, except when they play the Dodgers.
More from Dodger Talk
Is Nolan Arenado a Possibility?
Nolan Arenado, the former All-Star and Gold Glove Cardinal third-baseman, blocked a trade to Houston yesterday. There is evidently a list of teams to which he would accept a trade and the Dodgers are on the list. Before we say anything, let’s consider that from 2015 through…
What's With All the Shortstops?
Unless you wear “blinders,” I am sure you already know where this is going and it pisses you off to no end. They say “ The Truth Hurts.” But, THEY say a lot, don’t they ? OK, just the facts ma’am, OK: This offseason, the Dodgers have added three shortstops to their systems…
We Don't Know What We Don't Know
We know what we know – that’s the easy part, but what about what we don’t know about what we don’t know? That’s the hard part. So, let’s just stick with what we know or maybe think we know. We know that Will Smith will be the starting catcher . That’s good. He’s likely one of…
The Rumors are called that for a reason
Who predicted the Rosario-Syndergaard trade? No one saw that coming! Of course, the Dodgers weren’t really looking to trade for Rosario, but somehow, they found a team that wanted Thor, and they took the bait. I would have never believed it. Over the winter, the Dodgers signed…
Discussion (172)
Disagree, not disagreeable
A lot of minor deals going on. Giants traded for one of Minnesota’s outfielders. Rosario’s deal with the Indians is complete. Bauer is said to be talking to just two teams now, the Mets and the Dodgers. Nightengale reported that he was signing with the Mets, but his agent denied any deal was in place. Now a rumor has surfaced that he will make his choice known on Super Bowl Sunday during the game. So far, no movement on Turner, although MLB insider is reporting that the Brewers are closing in on a deal with JT. If so, enjoy your years not competing for any kind of title. Brewers are not close to contending.
Denver needs a complete overhaul, from ownership to the GM to a domed stadium where the humidity and conditions can be controlled. The Rockies are a trainwreck.
That said, I do not think Nolan Arenado is “all that.” If I am wrong and he excels in St. Louis, come back and remind me.
I wonder if the $5+ million the Dodgers have in LuxTax space is what AF has offered JT? Maybe he has offered $27 million/5 years and that is all he is willing to do to someone who will be 37 this year. JT could go downhill quickly.
I hour ago, Nightengale, who reported yesterday that the Mets had a deal with Bauer, is now saying he has a deal with the Dodgers….make up your mind already……One hour ago would be 6:16 AM my time.
Fangraphs’ Roster Resource has an interesting new page with projected Opening Day rosters. Main surprises are Taylor over Lux [& Lux to bench] and Peters as final bench piece. Floro & Alexander miss the bullpen cut.
Hearing about Toles this morning bums me out… I really liked the kid…
I’m relying less every day on my oxygen and rehabbing from a patch work epidurals and covid is a ‘E’ coupon ride for sure… The key for me is a great and patient wife…
Being vertical is a plus also…
Am I the only one that thinks J.T. will show up for ST???
In the highly unlikely event, the Dodgers get Bauer, then JT will get signed too. They will blow through the LuxTax for one year… and maybe Clayton has already told them he is retiring after his deal is up… ???
According to MLB Trade Rumors the Mets have given Bauer until noon today to accept their offer. Hopefully all this BS will be over by then.
NYM has given Bauer until 12 Noon (ET) to accept or decline their final offer. So we should know something shortly after 9:00 AM (PT). Unless Bauer really wants to be a Dodger for a lot less guaranteed $$$, he is going to be a Met. I agree with Mark, that if AF signs Bauer, he is going to sign JT as well. If you are going to go past the threshold by $25MM to $30MM, why not make it more? Who knows if there will even be a threshold after the next CBA.
But if Dodgers signed both Turner and Bauer they would go into the second tier of penalties which is a huge hit. Something like 45%? And they lose 10 spots on a draft pick and how does that play after letting go many employees in a cost cutting move last year?
I’m just amazed at the return for Nolan Arenado. Then they tossed in a boatload of money to help out St. Louis. If I followed the Rockies, I’m thinking management is clueless. What was the point? I get not wanting to trade him to the Dodgers, but I’m guessing they could have gained a far better return. Might have made more sense.
The Cardinals must be overjoyed. For a trade of that magnitude, they should have received a top prospect or two.
It’s obvious that Colorado had no plan when they extended Arenado. Like, okay, what do we do next to give us a chance to win long term? The Rockies always seem to be grasping at straws. After the latest and greatest plan fails, what’s next? Take a massive financial hit and trade the face of the franchise and not get much in return. People can talk analytics and how sophisticated the game has become, but after watching some of the deals and signings clubs make, I can only conclude that there are a lot of management people in the game who don’t have a clue. How did they get these jobs?
Which, of course, makes me appreciate the Dodgers and Andrew Friedman even more.
As to Trevor Bauer, Bob Nightengale is sometimes challenged when it comes to getting these things right. I do find the Dodgers involvement interesting. They really don’t need Trevor Bauer. The Angels do. But which Bauer do you get? Why would the Dodgers pursue him right to the finish? They have a plan. They always have a plan. Is this a “Pig” moment? Or maybe they want to slam the door on the West and the rest of the National League. Winning is fun. Dominating is even more fun.
Maybe Bauer absolutely wants to be in SoCal and is hoping the Dodgers give him an excuse to take some short term deal. Or the Dodgers do a Harper and get close, but no cigar, because in the end it all comes down to dollars and years.
Is this pursuit hanging up the Justin Turner deal?
Good write-up Bear.
Am I the only one that thinks that Bauer might be a distraction? Do the Dodgers need that?
Dodgers could trade Price to Cubs for Bryant and basically get their righty bat and 3rd baseman with no hit on their payroll.
It would be a hit to their rotation though.
Nice write up Michael – enjoyed that.
Have to admit to being a bit disappointed in the Arenado trade, as it had been so obvious that Colorado were going to have to let him go for a steal. It’s just a shame that AF couldn’t get something creative done.
Strange the GM didn’t consider it a better idea to try and glean more from
The Dodgers than the crumbs they got from STL?
Unlike Mark I think he’ll flourish in a new environment, and I would have loved to see him in Dodger Blue.
I’m hoping AF has a rabbit in his hat.
Pete, glad to hear you’re on the mend.
MLB News Network is reporting that the Mets and Bauer have agreed on a contract. Official announcement to come at 2PM EST. Like all things baseball, I will wait until it is official to believe it. Christopher Plummer passed away at age 91. Played Baron Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. RIP.
The A list of British actors is really quite long. And most are well known to American audiences because some of them have been the leads in iconic series, like X-Men, and Superman, and Spiderman too. Hopkins and Patrick Stewart have both been knighted. Daniel Day Lewis has appeared in some excellent films including Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, and one of my favorites, Last of the Mohican’s , Helen Mirren, Gary Oldman, Daniel Craig, Tim Curry. The list goes on and on. Even action star Jason Statham is British. Many iconic American hero’s have been played by Brits, including Henry Cavill as Superman, and Chris Bale as Batman. Damien Lewis was the lead actor in the mini series Band of Brothers and he also starred in HBO’s Homeland. Ben Kingsley, who is also Knighted, and famous for many roles. One that sticks in my head is Andrew Garfield. Garfield was born in LA, but his mom was British and they moved to Surrey England when he was 3. He took over the Spiderman role from Tobey McGuire, and then later starred in Mel Gibson’s WWII biopic, Hacksaw Ridge, playing Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss. A conscientious objector who became an Army medic.
Per Heyman – Bauer to Dodgers
I guess we are pigs
I’ll be damned.
AF just blew through the LuxTax.
JT will sign tomorrow.
Well, I never….
MLB reporting Dodgers signed Bauer. John Heyman as well. I’m stunned .
Very surprised by the signing. Not crazy about it either.
Got to wonder what else AF has on the horizon.
What does this do to the 40 man roster?
Kershaw
Buehler
Bauer
Price
Pick one of May, Urias & Gonsolin and two go to the pen.
AF just opened a HUGE can of:
I’m wondering if there isn’t a trade about to be announced that was contingent on the Dodgers signing Bauer.
Wow, if true, I owe Friedman and the owners an apology. And if we get Bauer and resign Turner, we are legitimate favorites to win the title, though of course it will not e easy. I guess that we would only have Bauer for a year, but it is still worthwhile, he gives us the best staff in baseball going into the season.
Not sure how I feel about this. I think he’s kind of a dbag and I’m a let the kids play guy. I would rather see our kids pitch so I hope they trade Price.
If that’s true, I just want to read to those SD bastards assholes to see what they have to say, to see if they still believe that they are the team to beat.