Colorado Rockies trade rumors: Jorge De La Rosa, LaTroy Hawkins on the trading block
By Hayden Kane
No, the headline for this entry is not a mistake. Yes, the Colorado Rockies and their astronomical team ERA have two pitchers on the trading block. Those two pitchers, Jorge De La Rosa and LaTroy Hawkins, will even draw some interest from buyers with the deadline fast approaching.
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A team that is undeniably in a position to start rebuilding, the Rockies need organizational depth. As far as pitching, that need is obvious, but the team could also use young talent in other areas.
Save for a blockbuster deal involving Troy Tulowitzki or Carlos Gonzalez, the team’s best bet to land those types of players would be making De La Rosa and Hawkins, their best starter and their best reliever, available in potential trades. Jon Heyman reports that both pitchers are indeed available, along with erratic Franklin Morales.
"Jorge De La Rosa, SP, Rockies: He’s on the block, and with a 1.11 WHIP and 2.00 ERA in July, there should be plenty of takers. LaTroy Hawkins and Franklin Morales also are pitching well, aiding the Rockies’ sale."
For all of the ways that Colorado’s hitters have their statistics devalued because they play at Coors Field, the pitchers sure never get extra credit when they do well there. De La Rosa is one of the most successful starters in franchise history. He has won 16 games twice and is already a double-digit winner this year. Pitcher wins are a fickle statistic, of course, but he has managed those accomplishments on some truly putrid teams so they hold up.
As for Hawkins, he has enjoyed success as the team’s closer after they surprised some people by signing him this winter. In 35 appearances, the 41-year-old Hawkins has a 2.25 ERA and 17 saves.
Hawkins almost never strikes hitters out in a role where pitchers are supposed to miss bats (3.8 K/9). That might throw up some red flags, but ultimately he will hold value, as will De La Rosa, for any interested teams.