[ad_1]
Franchise owner Dick Monfort declared the Rockies’ four-year playoff drought “not acceptable” in a letter sent to season-ticket holders Monday morning.
Writing that “excuses serve no purpose,” Monfort did not mince words expressing his disappointment in a Rockies season that finished with the team at the bottom of the NL West standings for the first time in seven years.
“Our expectations were high going into the 2022 season, but unfortunately, we did not meet those expectations,” Monfort wrote. “It has now been four years since our last postseason appearance, and this is not acceptable.”
The Rockies signed free agent outfielder Kris Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million contract prior to the season, but the one-time MVP appeared in just 42 games while dealing with back and foot injuries.
Without their prized offseason acquisition providing a consistent presence, the team stumbled to a 68-94 record that tied the 2004 and ’15 teams for the fifth-worst record in franchise history. That included a 27-54 mark away from Coors Field that was fourth-worst in franchise history.
As has been the case each of the past four seasons — all below .500 — the Rockies’ struggles were pronounced on the road. They finished with just 51 home runs and a .225 batting average in those games (both worst in Major League Baseball), while the pitching staff posted a road ERA of 4.83 that was fourth-worst in MLB.
The team also committed the fifth-most errors (99) in majors with the fifth-worst fielding percentage (.983).
“Our road record was abysmal, our defense was not what we are accustomed to, our situational hitting was disappointing, and our pitching was inconsistent,” Monfort wrote. “Excuses serve no purpose, and we are committed to devoting all our efforts this off-season to improving this team for 2023.”
“… We all want the same thing,” Monfort wrote near the end of his letter. “That is why we are more dedicated than ever to bringing you a Rockies Championship.”
Spinning things forward, Monfort expressed enthusiasm for the franchise’s young prospects.
Mentioned by name among those who appeared with the big league club in 2022: starter Ryan Felter, outfielder Sean Bouchard, first baseman Michael Toglia, corner infielder Elehuris Montero and shortstop Ezequiel Tovar.
Monfort wrote that all of those players “have the talent to have a meaningful impact on our Major League team going forward.” He also highlighted some of the young prospects in the minors “to keep a close eye on,” including outfielder Zac Veen, shortstop Adael Amador, catcher Drew Romo, outfielder Benny Montgomery and pitchers Gabriel Hughes, Jaden Hill and Joe Rock.
The Rockies owner also expressed support for the pitch clock set to be implemented in 2023, as well as efforts to prohibit the infield shift and the “balanced schedule” that will see the Rockies face all 15 American League teams next year. That schedule will bring the Yankees and Angels to Coors in 2023.
“Coors Field continues to shine as one of the finest ballparks in Major League Baseball, making us all extremely proud,” Monfort wrote. “As I travel to other parks, I can emphatically say our game day staff are the best in baseball, if not all sports. They care deeply about our fans and strive to bring memorable moments to each of you, your family and guests.
“…. We are grateful for your unwavering support. It was a challenging year for us all, and we do not take you for granted. You are the most important part of the Colorado Rockies organization.”
Full letter to season-ticket holders from Dick Monfort
It’s hard to believe another season is behind us. It seems like yesterday we opened the year at Coors Field with sellout crowds against the Dodgers and won the series.
Our expectations were high going into the 2022 season, but unfortunately, we did not meet those expectations. It has now been four years since our last postseason appearance, and this is not acceptable. Our road record was abysmal, our defense was not what we are accustomed to, our situational hitting was disappointing, and our pitching was inconsistent. Excuses serve no purpose, and we are committed to devoting all our efforts this off-season to improving this team for 2023.
We are encouraged by a number of young players coming through our Minor League system. You saw a glimpse of top prospects Ryan Feltner, Sean Bouchard, Michael Toglia, Elehuris Montero, and our young shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, all of whom have the talent to have a meaningful impact on our Major League team going forward. In addition, up-and-coming position players to keep a close eye on are OF Zac Veen, SS Adael Amador, C Drew Romo, OF Benny Montgomery and pitchers Gabriel Hughes, Jaden Hill and Joe Rock. I can’t wait to see their contributions to your Colorado Rockies soon!
Major League Baseball has been working hard to make this great game even better. New for 2023, the pitch clock is being implemented to improve the pace of play and make the games shorter. The new rule to prohibit infielders shifting should add more offense, and a favorite new addition is the “balanced schedule.” This allows us to play all 15 American League teams each year, with half of the series being here at Coors Field, including the Yankees and the Angels in 2023.
Coors Field continues to shine as one of the finest ballparks in Major League Baseball, making us all extremely proud. As I travel to other parks, I can emphatically say our game day staff are the best in baseball, if not all sports. They care deeply about our fans and strive to bring memorable moments to each of you, your family and guests. As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary next season, we look forward to creating many more special memories together!
We are grateful for your unwavering support. It was a challenging year for us all, and we do not take you for granted. You are the most important part of the Colorado Rockies organization.
We all want the same thing. That is why we are more dedicated than ever to bringing you a Rockies Championship.
Thank you and GO ROCKIES!!!
Sincerely,
Richard L. Monfort
Owner/Chairman & CEO
[ad_2]
Source link