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Trading season is emerging again and as rumors circulate around the Rockies and their impending decisions with several key players, it’s never too late to look at the good sides of the trade.
Today we’re going to build a team of Rocky Mountain players acquired through trading. The only requirements to make the squad are that the player is not originally drafted by the Rockies and acquired only through a deal with another team (which includes their purchase from another team) . Without further ado, let’s meet the Rockies All-Trade team!
Seeker: Yorvit Torrealba (acquired from Mariners, 2005)
While Chris Iannetta holds the current distinction of the Rockies’ most important home receiver, Yorvit Torrealba is high in franchise lore. In a trade with Seattle for Marcos Carvajal at the end of 2005, Torrealba was quickly brought into the Rockies’ roster as a starting receiver, displaying one of the best defenses behind the dish the franchise has ever seen. From 2006 to 2009, Torrealba hit 0.258 0.316 / 0.394 and posted a bWAR of 1.4, and was the main catcher in the 2007 World Series race.
First base: John Vander Wal (bought at the Expos, 1994)
I know what you are thinking, but no, I didn’t violate my own requirements to include John Vander Wal, because trading money for a player from another team counts as trading for me. Vander Wal played enough position to qualify defensively, but it’s his bat that really grabs his place on the team. He’s one of the best pinch hitters in Rocky Mountain history, setting a single-season record for pinch strokes in 1995 with 27. In five seasons in Colorado, he hit .262 / .349 / 0.444 with a 1.4 bWAR.
Second base: DJ LeMahieu (Acquisition of Cubs, 2011)
Ranking among one of the best trades in franchise history, the Rockies traded Ian Stewart and Casey Weathers to the Cubs in exchange for Tyler Colvin and DJ LeMahieu. Combining a defense worthy of a golden glove and a reliable stick, LeMahieu shone for the Rockies for seven seasons, with a 0.299 / 0.352 / 0.408 stick while registering a 16.6 bWAR in purple. In 2016, he won the National League batting title with an average of .348 and was a two-time All-Star. There is no doubt that LeMahieu will be one of the best second basemen to ever play for the team, all thanks to the Cubs.
Third base: Jeff Cirillo (acquired from Brewers, 1999)
Despite only playing two seasons in Colorado, Jeff Cirillo has enjoyed some of the best seasons of his 14-year career in Denver. Just before the turn of the century, the Rockies were involved in a three-team trade with Milwaukee and Oakland that landed them Scott Karl and Cirillo. During the 2000 season, he recorded a career-high RBI (115), points (111) and doubles (53), while recording 195 hits for a batting average of .326. In his two purple striped seasons, Cirillo recorded a quality of 7.9 bWAR and played solid defense while receiving an All-Star selection in 2000.
Shortstop: Omar Quintanilla (acquired from Athletics, 2005)
Like Vander Wal, this post also required a little creativity. The Rockies have a strong history of mostly local shortstops who are good hitters, with a solid mix of infielders. I went with Omar Quintanilla strictly for his defensive skills, although there are a few other options that provide better offensive return. Acquired from Oakland with Eric Byrnes in July 2005, Quintanilla spent five years with the Rockies. He posted a .987 short defensive percentage and recorded 11 defensive points saved at post amid sporadic play. Regardless of his 0.220 average with the Rockies, his glove more than made up for it.
Left field: Carlos González (acquired from Athletics, 2008)
When Matt Holliday was traded to Oakland in the 2008 offseason, fans were understandably concerned as they didn’t want to see Holliday go. However, despite the exchange of a local slugger, the Rockies managed to acquire a solid closer to Huston Street and a new franchise icon to Carlos González. Over the past 10 years, CarGo has beaten 0.290 / 0.349 0.516 with 227 home runs, 769 home runs, 749 RBIs, with a bWAR of 23.8. Not only has CarGo racked up a few Silver Slugger awards, he’s been a three-time All-Star and a Defensive Magician with three Gold Glove awards on his resume. For a long period of his career in the Rockies, González was a true five-tool player, and it’s a rare commercial find.
Center field: Willy Taveras (acquired from Astros, 2006)
Another mainstay of the 2007-08 Rockies, Willy Taveras was a solid head hitter when in good health. Acquired with Jason Hirsh and Taylor Buchholz in exchange for Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio, Taveras posted a 1.1 bWAR in 230 games. In two seasons with Colorado, Taveras posted a .333 bases percentage and also stole 101 bases, including 68 league-leading in 2008. 2009, and he will serve well for our team here.
Right field: Dante Bichette (acquired from Brewers, 1992)
Yes, the Rockies traded for a franchise icon as a child. Shortly after selecting Kevin Reimer in the expansion draft, Rockies manager Don Baylor then convinced his bosses to trade Reimer in Milwaukee for Dante Bichette because Baylor had worked with him as a batting coach. The rest is history as Bichette hit the first home run in Rocky Mountain history, became a four-time All-Star, was a key member of the Blake Street Bombers and had the sweetest mullet from Colorado. In seven years, Bichette beat .316 / .352 / .540 with a 4.8 bWAR.
Starting pitcher: Jorge De La Rosa (acquired from the Royals, 2008)
Germán Márquez quickly wins over him, but Jorge De La Rosa is still one of the best players to be named later for whom the Rockies traded. In nine seasons with the Rockies, he posted a respectable 4.35 ERA while managing to conquer Coors Field. Its 15.5 bWAR ranks third among launchers in franchise history, where you’ll find its name near the top of many other launch categories.
Closer: Brian Fuentes (acquired from Mariners, 2001)
When Jeff Cirillo was traded to the Mariners after the 2001 season, the Rockies acquired left-hander Brian Fuentes in return. In seven seasons with Colorado, Fuentes set the franchise record in saves with 115, while recording a 3.38 ERA and 9.8 BWAR. Fuentes also has the designation of being the only Rockies pitcher to have been repeatedly named All-Star from 2005 to 2007.
We know the organization has experienced many failures and misfires when it comes to trading, but a closer look at the weeds can work. Thanks to the exchanges, the Rockies were able to add quality contributors and franchise icons.
★ ★ ★
Before the Rockies MLB Farming System, they’ll have to build their own first | The Denver Post ($)
Acting Managing Director Bill Schmidt caused a stir this week when he told Patrick Saunders: “We are not an agricultural system for others. The Denver Post’s Grading the Week team is also developing a response to this idea by highlighting some of the players who left the Rockies and went to greener pastures. It’s also important to realize that the Rockies have one of the shallowest prospect pools in baseball (as ranked on MLB.com), and the pool could benefit from a replenishment.
Potential Trades for Rockies SP Jon Gray | Mojo sodomy
Along with Trevor Story, Jon Gray is also a key business chip available to the Rockies. This Mariners blog describes a few business ideas that could see a Seattle team in playoff contention bolster their rotation with a valuable arm like Gray. That’s an intriguing thought, but as is the case with Story, the Rockies will need to have a package worthy of their local talent.
At the farm
Triple A: Albuquerque 10 Isotopes, Sugar Land 7 Skeeters
It was another tough night for Dereck RodrÃguez as he allowed seven runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings of work, but that was all Sugar Land could get as the bullpen closed the door and the offense came to life for Albuquerque. José Briceño, Alan Trejo and Greg Bird all took to the court overnight to fuel the offense with Connor Joe adding another multi-shot night to his solid 2021 season.
Double A: Hartford Yard Goats 7, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 5 (F / 10)
Say whatever you want about the extra innings runner rule, but it worked in Hartford’s favor as they bounced back to win 7-5 over the Fisher Cats. With Matt Hearns in second, Willie MacIver was hit by the pitch, allowing Sean Bouchard to win the ball game. The pitch was strong for Hartford as Ryan Feltner walked a tightrope, allowing three runs while scattering 10 hits in 6 2/3 sleeves. Todd Reagan struggled at the back, missing the stop and allowing the go-ahead in the extras, but the offense managed to bail him out.
Top-A: Eugene Emeralds 10, Spokane Indians 9
Spokane’s comeback was short in the bottom of the ninth with the race tied at 90 feet and the winning race for second. Breiling Eusebio struggled on the mound for Spokane, allowing seven points in just 2 2/3 work sleeves. Spokane slowly reduced Eugene’s lead through the efforts of players like Hunter Stovall. In the evening, Stovall had three hits, including a two-run homer in the fifth inning.
Bottom-A: Fresno Grizzlies 16, Stockton Ports 5 (Set 1)
Fresno came out strong in Game 1 of the doubles program scoring 16 points on 14 hits. Notably, Zac Veen led the charge with three hits, including his eighth homer of the season, and Grant Lavigne had four with a multi-hit night, including his sixth homer of the year. Sam Weatherly got off to a quality start, allowing two runs on three hits in 4 1/3 work sleeves.
Fresno Grizzlies 3, Stockton Ports 2 (Game 2)
While Game 1 had the offensive highlights, Game 2 had the pitching highlights for Fresno. Andrew DiPiazza pitched five solid innings for Fresno, allowing two runs on a hit to score his third win of the season. The bullpen would combine to allow Stockton just one more shot and seal the victory. Zac Veen had two more hits in the game while Ezequiel Tovar had two runs.
★ ★ ★
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