By Jordan Long
The Colorado Rockies’ only move this offseason was making the worst trade in their history, sending the top 3rd baseman in the league, Nolan Arenado, to St. Louis. Other than that, the Rockies have been quiet. They decided to agree to a contract with 1st baseman Greg Bird. It’s a minor league deal.
Bird spent 2015 to 2019 with the New York Yankees. There he smacked 32 home runs, 1 triple, 32 doubles, and 98 RBI’s. His batting average was a disappointing .211. He showed the ability to hit the ball for extra base hits, but he didn’t get on base all that often because he either grounded out or struck out.
His glove is why the Rockies agreed to a contract with him. Bird started at 1st base for 161 games but appeared in 176 at the position. He rarely dropped a ball for an error, committing an impressively low 3 errors.
Colorado had a need at 1st base. Daniel Murphy who had been the Rockies’ 1st baseman last year decided to retire. The Rockies could have gone with Ian Desmond who played there for 165 games for Colorado. That is not his natural position. He is better in the outfield. Colorado’s other options were Josh Fuentes, Ryan McMahon, or Colton Welker. Fuentes played 26 games in 2020 at 1st with 1 error. He was probably the favorite to land the gig before Colorado signed Bird. McMahon has 69 games at 1st with 5 errors. Welker doesn’t have any MLB experience.
Bird has his chance to win the job during Spring Training. Bird didn’t play last year in the Majors in the shortened season. The Rockies won’t know what kind of baseball shape he is in. He may struggle and the Rockies might have to let him go. Colorado hopes Bird is the answer at 1st base.
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