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Bill Schmidt’s first full season as the Rockies’ general manager was highlighted by the signing of outfielder Kris Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million contract and the hope that the club would be, if not a playoff team, then at least in the hunt.
But injuries have limited Bryant to 42 games and he won’t play again this season. And the Rockies headed into Saturday night’s game against San Diego in last place in the National League West with a 65-86 record and on pace to finish the season 70-92.
“Needless to say, this season hasn’t met our expectations,” Schmidt said Saturday as he met with media prior to the penultimate home game of the season. “But at the same point, a lot of good things happen that don’t show up every day. And I say that in terms of our minor leagues and some of the foundational pieces that we are going to need going forward.”
Schmidt began his interview session by making a point to thank Rockies fans, who’ve given the Rockies’ the 11th-best home attendance in the majors, averaging 32,191 fans per game at Coors Field.
“Their backing is not lost on our staff or the players,” Schmidt said. “We don’t take that for granted and we truly appreciate everything they do for us.”
Schmidt fielded a wide array of questions. Following are some of the highlights:
— When making such a huge investment in Bryant, were there concerns about the consequences if he didn’t produce?
“No, I’m not negative. There’s no reason to have that feeling because Kris has always (teed) it up. It was little, freakish injuries — the back, plantar fasciitis. You can’t plan (for that).”
— Where did the Rockies come up short in 2022?
“We didn’t play defense to the standards that we normally play. And our situational hitting left a lot to be desired, at times.”
— How did the offense perform after it was targeted as the club’s top priority in the last offseason?
“Well, the one guy (Bryant) only played (42) games and I thought he was an aircraft carrier for us. … Losing Bryant not only affected him it affected the rest of the lineup.
“(Outfielder Randal) Grichuk, he’s close to his career numbers. So I think that one kind of played out for us.”
Grichuk entered Saturday’s game hitting .265 with 16 homers and 67 RBIs. His career-high came in 2019 with Toronto when he hit 31 homers and drove in 80 runs.
— The Rockies are the worst road team in the majors. How do they improve next season?
“We have to play the game better than we do, and that really comes back to situational hitting. That means getting on base, getting the guy over and getting the guy in.”
— Will the Rockies expand their analytics department, which remains one of the smallest in the majors?
“We’ll evaluate all of our processes. How can we get better? With Brian Jones taking over the (research and development) department and adding more people there, that’s going to help in our decision-making process. … We’ll continue to grow that area.”
— Will finding a leadoff hitter be a top offseason priority?
“If (we) can find one that fits the club pretty good.”
— The Rockies’ 2022 payroll is approximately $140 million, ranking 17th in the majors (according to Spotrac). What will their payroll be in 2023?
“We’ll address that in the offseason, when we get to the end of this season.”
— Are right-hander Peter Lambert (elbow injury) and lefty Ryan Rolison (shoulder surgery) viable options for 2023?
“They should be ready to go. Peter is going to pitch in the Arizona Fall League and we’ll see how that goes. He should be able to get 30 or 40 innings if everything goes right.
“Both guys should be able to go shoot for, from what I’ve been told, pitching next season.”
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