Rockies need to embrace their identity and lean into offense in first round

Rockies need to embrace their identity and lean into offense in first round originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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One thing that is hard for the Colorado Rockies is to bring in good pitching. Playing at the high-altitude ballpark that is Coors Field, not many free-agent arms are looking to potentially inflate their career numbers. 

So, in the past, the club has tried to get elite pitching through the draft. They have drafted a handful of starting pitchers over the years, with Chase Dollander being their latest in 2023. 

This year, the Rockies will be drafting 10th overall, and in that spot, there are sure to be some intriguing arms, but is that the strategy the team should have?

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Rockies need to embrace their identity and lean into offense in first round

While it’s a good idea on paper to try and acquire some arms with premier picks in the draft, that may not be the best move for Colorado. Why not add some offensive firepower who would love to mash up in Colorado? 

That is exactly what Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer urges the team to do in the upcoming draft. 

“This is Paul DePodesta’s first draft with the Rockies, and he’s set up well to succeed. In addition to the No. 10 pick, he also holds picks at No. 37 and No. 38. Those are three good chances to add to a system that’s already trending up. But since Coors Field is still there, DePodesta shouldn’t waste time trying to find a franchise pitcher with any of those picks. It’s been too long since the Rockies were an offensive powerhouse, and that’s what dePodesta must focus on building.”

Someone like Jacob Lombard could be a great selection at No. 10. He’s the younger brother of New York Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr.

He’s a prep shortstop who has all the makings to be a future star. However, if he’s gone before the Rockies get on the clock, a college hitter like Tyler Bell or Justin Lebron could also make for great picks. 

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