Rockies’ sights appear marked on Trumbo

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First base for the Colorado Rockies still does not seem the same without the great Todd Helton. But that could change with the franchise appearing to have its sights set on Mark Trumbo.

There are needs on the Rockies roster bigger than hitting, but Trumbo may potentially be a team and division changer. He spent last season in Baltimore’s Camden Yards hitting a career number of home runs and runs batted in, 47 and 108, respectively. Clearly, Trumbo was a high impact player for the Orioles.

According to Peter Gammons, the Rockies appear “hot” on Trumbo. Despite other desires on the roster, Trumbo’s presence in a Rockies’ lineup would strike fear in the National League. Gammons is not the only person floating the idea of adding a “masher” to the Mile High. Jon Morosi clarified on Dec. 3 that the Rockies are continuing to show interest in the right-handed hitter.

Another source, Mike Petriello, never mentioned Mark Trumbo by name, but he made a bold statement, saying “I’m starting to talk myself into the fact that if the Rockies can get themselves a 1B masher and a half-decent BP, they’re a contender.” In Trumbo’s career, he hasn’t seen protection around him quite like Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez since he played with Albert Pujols and the Los Angeles Angels in 2012 and 2013. Adding Charlie Blackmon, Trevor Story, DJ LeMahieu and David Dahl, along with a solid hitting bench, the Rockies’ batting lineup could be intimidating for any opposing pitcher.

The stats against the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers are not favorable for Trumbo, but that occurred while with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was plagued with injuries and lack of production resulting in a trade to the Seattle Mariners. Now he is a different hitter and a second stint in the NL West will be better.

Trumbo’s career batting average of .250 and his strikeout ratio of over 25% may be concerning to some Rockies fans. But his patented clutch hits and home runs with the Orioles can translate fine to Coors Field. During his stint in Baltimore, he hit .270 with two-outs and RISP, as well as in tie games. Also with the Orioles, he posted his highest Offensive Wins Above Replacement since 2012 (2.8), resulting in his second All-Star appearance.

At the age of 30, Trumbo may receive a multi-year deal and the Rockies persistent attention in the two-time All-Star could mean the franchise is weighing that option. A cheaper option for the team is to sign the other “Mark.” Mark Reynolds signed with Colorado last season, but is now a free agent. Reynolds’ 2016 season can merit a bigger contract just by stats, but he will be the less expensive and potentially more reasonable target.

Of course, it will all come down to money and Trumbo is likely to command a hefty paycheck.

Additionally, the Rockies steady intrigue into Trumbo means the team is weighing the decision of handing a first-round draft pick to Baltimore in return. That the team has been reported at a high level of interests suggests, though, that these concerns have not yet scared them off.

The Rockies have not taken many risks at first base since the retirement of Helton, but Trumbo could be a high-impact and rewarding signing and doing so could give the Colorado Rockies the most complete lineup they’ve ever had.