There’s a new approach to how the Colorado Rockies front office is managing the prospect pipeline. In past years, some prospects were stuck behind a logjam of veterans who didn’t seem to fit the organization’s path forward, while other prospects were yo-yoed between the majors and various levels of minor league ball. Frustration grew among fans of the club as there never seemed to be a clear path forward in development.
Colorado Rockies President of Baseball Operations, Paul DePodesta, recently spoke about the team’s philosophy this year, embracing patience with players at all levels. The front office is trying to avoid being reactionary, offering a longer leash to players who are struggling out of the gate in the MLB season, while also giving prospects time to blossom in Triple-A or below without rushing them up the ladder.
DePodesta notably said that the team’s plan is to “call players up when they are banging down the door where we have to make room for them because they’re just playing so well,” along with a foundation of skills to survive at the major league level. Production alone is not enough; prospects must sustain that production and showcase an approach that will translate.
Fans this year seem to be more on board with that approach, seeing how prospects in past years were hurt by being rushed up to the majors. But there’s still an appetite to call certain players up when they’re hitting well and gathering accolades at the minor league level.
With all that said, how is this front office philosophy sitting with you? What, to you, constitutes “banging down the door?”
If you were calling the shots, who is the first prospect you’re calling up? And when would you do it?
Do you embrace the “let them learn in the big leagues” philosophy? Is there anyone on the farm that you would have already called up for a spot on the Opening Day roster?
Or are you a more patient roster developer who would bring folks up after the All-Star Break or even deeper into the season?
Let us know what you think in the comments!