Charlie Blackmon available

[Hawk]

Rosenthal: http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/c...e-talks-011715

The Colorado Rockies surrendered the most runs in Major League Baseball last year and began the offseason in a familiar position -- needing to upgrade their pitching staff.

But more than three months after their final game of 2014, the Rockies have yet to sign any free-agent pitcher to a major-league contract. The hitter-friendly environment at Coors Field is the same hindrance to new general manager Jeff Bridich that it was under his predecessor, Dan O’Dowd.

As a result, sources say the Rockies have discussed outfielder Charlie Blackmon -- an All-Star last year -- in trade talks with multiple teams. Rockies officials believe they can trade Blackmon for a starting pitcher and replace Blackmon with a free-agent outfielder -- in this case, using the Coors effect to their advantage.

The Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles are among the teams known to be seeking an outfield bat, sources say. The Rangers have had interest in Blackmon in the past, according to a source.

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The Braves were interested in Blackmon early in 2013, but the Rockies weren't willing to move him at the time. Seems like he could be a good fit; Georgia native, four seasons of team control. I need to look at his statistics to see if there is a true 'Coors Effect' at play with his performance in 2014.

Wonder if Atlanta would offer Minor.

[emk418]

Blackmon would be a fantastic pickup. Just nervous what the price would be. He's also under control through 2018.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Looking at his stats:

At Colorado: .331 AVG, 13HR, 48RBI, .391OBP, .524SLG
On The Road: .241AVG, 6HR, 24RBI, .269OBP, .348SLG

Take that for what you will

[thewupk]

Can't walk, no power outside of Coors, and a meh defender. He doesn't strikeout 20% of the time so I guess the team might find some value in that. Seems like he would be a good fit for the no offense Braves.

[CrimsonCowboy]

I don't think Minor would be involved in any possible trade.............................

David O'Brien ‏@DOBrienAJC 2h2 hours ago
For those wondering, #Braves Minor is a flyball pitcher with an 11.40 ERA in 3 starts at Coors Field (26 hits, 19 runs in 15 IP)

[Hawk]

Other factors to consider: Blackmon passable defensively in CF, above average on the corners. Is speedy, and has experience at the top of the order.

The home/road splits are definitely quite worrisome. Plate discipline a real curiosity (low Ks, low BBs).

[bravesnumberone]

I remember when we had outfielders.

[thewupk]

Other factors to consider: Blackmon passable defensively in CF, above average on the corners. Is speedy, and has experience at the top of the order.

The home/road splits are definitely quite worrisome. Plate discipline a real curiosity (low Ks, low BBs).

His K% split from home and away is pretty wide too at 12% at home and 17% on the road. Likely due to the fact breaking balls don't break as much in Coors. I wouldn't trade anything useful for him. He's an average player imo.

[chop2chip]

Evaluating Rockies' players is tough, because it's tempting to just look at road stats and think those represent a player's true talent. But Coors really screws with guys and gets them into bad habits. There have been plenty of players who left Colorado and ended up posting numbers that, while far from their Coors stats, were also far above their road numbers. We were skewered for signing Galaragga, for instance, in large part because of his road numbers.

That's not say Blackmon is a good idea.

The Big Cat is one of my all time favorite players

[gilesfan]

This guy is considered a position player. Hart wont be interested.

[yeezus]

This guy is considered a position player. Hart wont be interested.

He just isn't very good, so that's why we won't be interested.

[Hawk]

He just isn't very good, so that's why we won't be interested.

He'd be better than any outfielder we currently have on our Major League roster, perhaps save Markakis.

[yeezus]

He'd be better than any outfielder we currently have on our Major League roster, perhaps save Markakis.

So what? We're not trying to compete this year, so he'd be pointless.

[Hawk]

So what? We're not trying to compete this year, so he'd be pointless.

So ... what's to lose in acquiring him, provided the cost is reasonable? Joey T. at bats? Come on.

[gilesfan]

He just isn't very good, so that's why we won't be interested.

That logic didn't work with Markakis.

[yeezus]

That logic didn't work with Markakis.

Markakis is a safer bet than Blackmon by a mile.

[gilesfan]

Markakis is a safer bet than Blackmon by a mile.

He gonna get 40 million?