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The Rockies have their "eyes and ears open" for potential trades involving shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, reports Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. The team is not shopping the duo, though new GM Jeff Bridich has apparently convinced owner Dick Monfort to listen to offers.
Colorado has understandably been hesitant to trade Tulowitzki and Gonzalez in recent years, though they are getting more and more expensive and team still isn't contending. Tulo is owed $114 million through 2020 while CarGo is owed $53 million through 2017. The Rockies went 66-96 in 2014.
Of course, trading Tulowitzki and Gonzalez won't necessarily be easy. Both are very good when healthy, which isn't often. Tulowitzki had hip surgery in August and has played in 130+ games only once since 2009. Gonzalez had knee surgery in August. He played fewer than 130 games three times in the last four years.
As for the asking price, I'll let Rosenthal explain:
-- Asking price.One rival official said the Rockies are willing to move Tulowitzki and Gonzalez but only for returns that would reflect their contributions when healthy. In other words, no discount for injury.
If the Rockies hold firm in that stance, it would be difficult for them to move either player this offseason. But if they are willing to be creative – and in Tulowitzki's case, include cash in any deal – they could reshape their club dramatically.
The Rockies want max value, understandably, though both Tulo and CarGo are making major bucks, plus they're both hurt right now. As in today. Both are rehabbing from pretty serious surgery.
I'm not saying the Rockies should lower their asking price. Just maybe wait until both guys are healthy, then demand a big return before they get hurt again. No team will pay max value while both players are injured. No smart team, anyway.
Tulowitzki, 30, hit .340/.432/.603 (171 OPS+) with 21 home runs in 91 games while playing elite defense at shortstop. When he's healthy -- again, not often enough -- he's arguably the second best player in the world behind Mike Trout.
The 29-year-old Gonzalez hit only .238/.292/.431 (89 OPS+) with 11 homers in 70 games before getting hurt. He hit .302/.367/.591 (144 OPS+) with 26 home runs in 110 games just last season.
