The essential elements of spring training: green grass, the crack of the bat, suntan lotion and renewed hope.
For the Rockies, toss in a growing sense of urgency, because the franchise has reached a critical juncture. Plagued for years by poor pitching and the inability of stars Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez to stay healthy, the Rockies have averaged 93 losses over the past four seasons. One of baseball’s most loyal fan bases has understandably grown increasingly restless.
And yet new general manager Jeff Bridich is convinced the Rockies have the talent to contend in the National League West and “play meaningful games in September.” He therefore chose not to make dramatic moves in the offseason. His two biggest acquisitions were adding veteran light-hitting catcher Nick Hundley and veteran right-handed starter Kyle Kendrick.
Rockies Mailbag: Pose a question for Patrick Saunders
Manager Walt Weiss agrees with Bridich’s optimism but is not blind to the reality of the Rockies’ plight.
“In professional sports, you have a window of opportunity with a group of guys, and that window is only open for so long,” Weiss said. “You cross that bridge when you get there, but I feel like this club is ready to move forward.”
Pitchers and catchers officially report Thursday to Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz., and a number of position players will be there too. Weiss is eager to see CarGo and Tulo for himself. He’s optimistic they are healthy, and if so, that they will return to their all-star form. He also believes third baseman Nolan Arenado and left fielder Corey Dickerson are on the edge of stardom.
“The reason why we didn’t blow this club up is because our star players are still in their prime,” Weiss said, noting that Tulowitzki is 30 and Gonzalez is 29. “Our young players have gained some valuable experience. They have a year or two under their belts, and they have established themselves in the league. In some cases, as impact guys.”
Gonzalez and Tulowitzki take the trade talk in stride.
“It’s something you don’t control, and we’re not going to pay attention,” CarGo said. “If we get traded, what are you going to do? OK, pack your bags and leave. But as long as you have the opportunity to play here, I’m going to do my best to make this team better.”
Talented, expensive duo The Rockies’ sometimes-dynamic duo remains the heart of the lineup and also gobbles up a big chunk of the club’s payroll that’s expected to be between $95 million and $100 million. Colorado owes Tulowitzki $20 million this season and $114 million through 2020. CarGo will make $16 million this year and $52 million over the next three seasons.
“In this game, you never get relaxed. Anything can happen,” Tulo said when asked about the possibility of being traded. “I’ve heard a few people say, ‘As soon as I thought that I was going to stay somewhere, that’s when I got traded.’ So I won’t go there. Whatever they do, they do. Whatever happens, happens.
“I would love to be here and win here. It would mean that much more to me. But I’m not going to sit here and say, ‘I’m definitely staying here.’ Because I really don’t know.”
Tulo and CarGo will be under a microscope as soon as they hit the field this spring. Tulo was sensational last season before being sidelined with a torn labrum in his left hip. He hit .340 with a 1.035 OPS, 21 home runs and 52 RBIs in 91 games. He was limited to 47 games in 2012 because of a groin ailment.
“Honestly, I can say I feel as good as new,” Tulowitzki said. “But at the same time, no one is going to believe me until they see me go out and see me play. Come to spring training, watch me play and then make your opinion.”
Weiss figures Tulo is past due for some good luck.
“He works as hard as anybody, prepares as well as anybody,” Weiss said. “He’s gotten hurt the last few years. But it’s not because of a lack of effort. The law of averages says he has a healthy year coming up.”
Gonzalez has been limited to 180 games the past two years — 70 in 2014 when he dealt with a tumor in his left index finger and a persistent left knee injury that required season-ending knee surgery. He’ll be eased into action this spring but the Rockies are convinced he’s still a star player. They consider his 2014 season — when he hit .238, with 11 homers, 38 RBIs and a .292 on-base percentage — an aberration.
“Tired of losing” Even if Tulowitzki and Gonzalez return to all-star form, that doesn’t guarantee the Rockies will contend. Their starting rotation and bullpen must show substantial improvement. In 2014, the Rockies’ starters ranked last in the National League with a 4.89 ERA. The bullpen’s 4.79 ERA was also the worst in the NL. Offensively, the Rockies were atrocious away from Coors Field. They scored a franchise-low 255 runs on the road and won just 21 games away from home.
“The bottom line is that I’m tired of losing, and I’m sure everybody around here is,” Weiss said. “We have the talent here to compete, but we have to turn this thing around. You only have a certain amount of time with a certain group of players. That’s just the reality of the situation.”
Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or twitter.com/psaundersdp
Rockies new GM Jeff Bridich joined Woody Paige and Les Shapiro, on The Sports Show.
WATCH: Rockies GM Jeff Bridich on team’s offseason decision-making process
WATCH: What’s the difference between Jeff Bridich and Dan O’Dowd?
WATCH: Jeff Bridich on what he believes the Colorado Rockies need to change
WATCH: What is Jeff Bridich’s goal for the Colorado Rockies?
WATCH: Will there be a 100-pitch count for the Colorado Rockies this year?
