Today involved a wide range of questions and an interview with Michael Toglia.
Today, in addition to Bud Black and Michael Toglia, general manager Bill Schmidt took questions from the press. The topics covered were diverse.
Bud Black
Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black stressed that this team has more depth.
“The depth piece is much improved,” Black said, “I think, both on the position player side and especially on the pitching side. So that’s a good thing to have because that depth, to me, means more talent.”
Part of the reason for having improved depth is that it will allow center fielder Brenton Doyle more days off, especially given the rigors of playing at Coors Field.
“We’ve talked about,” Black said. “Do I we have a number in mind? Not really.” But he reiterated this would be something the team watches closely. In those situations, then, they would often look to use Doyle as a DH.
“You’ve got to do that,” Black said. “You’ve got to use your whole bench.”
He also sees a team prepared to steal more bases.
“I think that we’re getting to a point now where, as a group, we’re getting faster,” Black said, “and I think we can have that element.”
He pointed to Doyle, Sam Hilliard, and Ezequiel Tovar as players who bring speed to the basepaths. He also highlighted the need to get Nolan Jones back on track and said not to overlook Michael Toglia or Jordan Beck.
Black wants players “dialed in” to take advantage of moments when a pitcher is not paying attention.
He does not see the Rockies breaking camp with three catchers, also affirming that the Rockies see Hunter Goodman as a catcher now.
The Rockies are “not to that point where they’re consider using a six-man rotation, according to Black.
“The best plan at Coors Field is to have really good starters that are durable that give you length.” For Black, this approach keeps the bullpen fresher.
As for the bullpen, Black envisions four or five relievers who typically go one inning to “keep them fresh The other three relievers, then, can go multiple innings with one pitcher who can throw 50 pitches.
He also mentioned Lucas Gilbreath. The Rockies are, Black said, building him up slowly as he returns.
Bill Schmidt
The Rockies general manager also spoke with media today.
In terms of player development, Schmidt had specific recommendations.
“Doyle needs to continue offensive growth, development, and consistency,” he said while Toglia needs to continue cutting down strikeouts, and Tovar needs to limit his chase rate and get more experience.
“As he matures as a hitter, I think we’re going to see someone really special,” Schmidt said.
Clearly, however, much depends on the return of Nolan Jones. “The tools are still there,” Schmidt said.
He’s not yet ready to comment on who may start in right field given how early it is in spring training. “If you’re in camp, you’ve got a chance,” Schmidt said. He sees it as “the most competitive camp” the Rockies have had in the last three years.
“The young guys are getting closer,” Schmidt said. “The young talent gives us hope.”
All players are on notice, however, that this is a competitive camp, even for the veterans. Schmidt stressed that if a young player performs best at a position, he will make the team.
“I’m excited — we’re excited — about some of the young kids coming,” he said.
The Rockies also began exploring ABS. “We’re trying to give them an idea of what’s going to take place.” For players who’ve been in Triple-A, the system will be familiar while there will be a learning curve for veterans.
Charlie Blackmon will be in camp during the first week of March. This will be the beginning of Blackmon figuring out where he wants to fit into the Rockies system.
“It’s a position that’s going to grow over time.”
Matt Belisle, Aaron Cook, Jorge De La Rosa, Carlos González, and Todd Helton are additional former player contingent expected to visit camp.
Michael Toglia
The Rockies presumed start first baseman also took questions.
He began by stressing health.
“I think being available is one of the biggest tools you can have. You can’t contribute if you’re hurt,” Toglia said. “I take pride in my self care and my preparation for my body, so I can play every day.”
In addition to availability, however, was Toglia’s growth at the plate, especially after returning from a stint in Triple-A Albuquerque.
“The adjustment after coming back up was just kind of maintaining the belief in myself, knowing that what I did to get me this far is good enough to work in the big leagues, and I just can just keep at it,” Toglia said.
He understood it was a business decision.
“It was nothing personal,” Toglia said. “I felt like when I got sent down earlier in my career, in 2023, I felt like there were some more adjustments I needed to make versus 2024 when I got sent down. I knew I have what I needed to succeed at this level. And so as soon as I get back up, I know that this is going to be the time.”
Also, he continues to focus on defense.
“I’ve always taken pride in my defense, especially at first base,” Toglia said. “I know I can change the game and really impact the level of our other infielders because I know I can save them from a lot of different throws.”
★ ★ ★
Check back tomorrow for more notes from Salt River Fields.
★ ★ ★
Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!