The Rocky Mountain skyline isn't all that attractive to Jose Reyes.
The veteran shortstop is unhappy with the July deal that sent him from the pennant-contending Blue Jays to the last place Rockies, telling the Denver Post that he wants to play for a contender. "I say it over and over. I want to win. I don't want to spend the rest of my career on a last-place team,” Reyes said. “That's not the kind of player I feel like I am."
Colorado’s plan was to use Reyes at shortstop until prospect Trevor Story is ready, but Reyes would like to push up that timeline. Finding a new home, however, will not be easy due to Reyes’ remaining salary and declining production.
Reyes is owed $22 million in 2016 and 2017 along with a $4 million buyout. At 32 years old, Reyes remains a productive player (.282/.314/.389), but is no longer an elite one.
Various reports claim Reyes has cleared waivers, but no team will put in a claim due to his salary. The Rockies could look to shop Reyes over the winter and could find a partner if they are willing to absorb a chunk of salary.
Here are some other rumors that made the rounds over the weekend:
Walt Weiss: Could Weiss be on thin ice as manager of the Rockies following a weekend sweep at the hands of the New York Mets that left them with the worst record in baseball (49-73)? Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports notes Weiss took the unusual step of asking a Denver Post columnist last week if his job might be in jeopardy. Rosenthal adds the Rockies’ problems, particularly the rotation, go way beyond Weiss.
Ben Zobrist: Acquired from Oakland in a deadline deal, Zobrist is enjoying his team in Kansas City and is open to re-signing with the Royals and bypassing free agency. “Since I've been here, it's a place I want to stay longer. Being here has certainly done nothing but make this [team] go up on my list," the veteran utility man told Jeffery Flanagan of MLB.com. Zobrist will be a valuable commodity this winter, but one factor in the Royals’ favor is the close proximity to his offseason home in Nashville.
Francisco Rodriguez: A move for the Brewers’ closer should not be ruled out prior to the August 31 deadline for postseason play, suggests Dan O’Dowd of MLB.com. K-Rod has $6 million option with a $2 million buyout, which could be palatable to a team like the Dodgers.
Ben Cherington: There should be no shortage of job opportunities for Cherington, who has decided to step down as general manager of the Red Sox following the decision to bring in Dave Dombrowski. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe hears Milwaukee and Philadelphia would be nice fits along with San Diego, where Padres CEO Mike Dee knows Cherington from their time with the Red Sox.
Matt Shoemaker: The Angels recently sent the right-hander to the minors to work out some problems, and he responded with six solid innings for Triple-A Salt Lake. There could be an opening for Shoemaker to return later this week after Nick Tropeano was sent back to Salt Lake following a rough outing Thursday against the White Sox.
Miami Marlins: The front office is considering bringing in the fences and possibly lowering the walls at Marlins Park next season, says Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. That would appear to be good news to Giancarlo Stanton, but he already hits some of the longest home runs in the game. Marlins Park is one of the toughest players in the majors to hit a home run, according to ESPN’s Park Factors.
