Addressing major questions regarding the Rockies outfield

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The Colorado Rockies have a plethora of options, probably the most talent they’ve had in their outfield for quite some time now. However, with that being said, Colorado will have to make a move. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a trade at this point, but with players such as Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon, David Dahl, Gerardo Parra, and Raimel Tapia in the picture, there simply isn’t enough playing time to go around.

The most reasonable move Colorado could make, an easy one might I add, is placing Raimel Tapia in Triple-A. This is a no-brainer considering Tapia only played in 24 games for the Isotopes before getting the call in September. He started off his Rockies career red-hot, going 6-for-11 in his first three games. However, Tapia cooled off toward the end of the season, slashing at a line of .263/.293/.263. It was tough to judge Tapia’s performance due to the fact he wasn’t getting regular at-bats as September rolled on.

Starting Tapia in Triple-A sets the table for David Dahl, Charlie Blackmon, and Carlos Gonzalez to start — pending a move to first base for CarGo — while having Gerardo Parra serve as the fourth outfielder, spotting players who need a day-off and potentially a bat off the bench late in games.

Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post dabbled with the idea of gauging trade interest for Blackmon, who came off a career year hitting .324 with 35 doubles, five triples, 29 home runs, and 82 RBI from the leadoff spot.

But suppose the talent-rich St. Louis Cardinals offer a deal for center fielder Charlie Blackmon that includes first baseman Matt Adams and reliever Trevor Rosenthal. Bridich has to listen, right? I’m just speculating, mind you, but those are the types of deals that are going to be talked about.

Although that’s a trade that probably would’ve made sense a year ago, it’s not one that makes sense right now, unless Colorado is willing to take a risk with Rosenthal. Rosenthal is coming off one of his worst seasons and hasn’t faired too well at Coors Field. Adams, on the other hand, would shore up the first base position, but there’s one problem — he’s left-handed. Colorado’s lineup is left-handed dominant with players such as Blackmon, CarGo, Dahl, Parra, and Tony Wolters.

There was more Blackmon talk in the MLB Trade Rumor Live Chat Thursday afternoon with Jeffrey Todd. A Cardinals fan, I assume, questioned whether Blackmon was a realistic target for the Red Birds.

Blackmon is more likely to be truly available at a market price. I just have a hard time seeing ARZ selling low on Pollock.

That said, I don’t know how the Cards put a package together. I could see COL asking for Reyes, which STL won’t do, and then COL weighing packages that could include pieces like Weaver & Grichuk with some other useful assets (prospects or interesting MLB sweeteners — Rosenthal, Adams).

I think they need to spread their cash a bit and get rid of Carlos Gonzalez to facilitate. Maybe get a couple relievers back in trades rather than overpaying too much in free agency.