I keep hearing about the Rockies wanting Wright. What do you think we could get for him? Is Cargo out of the question? --Gary Hanley

Well Gary, allow me to get a few things out of the way before I delve into this question. First off, we’re not completely sure that Wright is even on the trading block. Throughout the season, we had many rumors and whispers that David Wright was available and on the trading block. However, the team has stayed fairly firm on this, and Cerrone has confirmed – David Wright is not available at this time. The likelihood of the situation is that he won’t be moved until after the club is done dealing with Jose Reyes, if he is to be moved at all.

If you do a little research, you find out that there were rumors that Wright was placed on waivers earlier in the year and that the Rockies placed a claim on him. Jon Heyman has said that this is untrue, but Troy Renck, who covers the Rockies, has started the fire yet again.

Opposing executives expect the Rockies to be aggressive in their pursuit of the Mets’ David Wright. The Mets have said he’s not available, but that could change if they commit to re-sign free- agent shortstop Jose Reyes for big money. Wright, however, is not without his issues. Though just 28, he has dealt with a back injury that limited him to only 102 games last season. Wright is owed $15 million next year with a $16 million club option for 2013 that can be voided if the Mets trade him. Hitting anywhere but Citi Field would likely boost Wright’s numbers.

What I want to stress is this: There’s no guarantee the Rockies will be going after David Wright and there’s no major indication that Wright will even be traded. The last statement is correct – hitting at Coors Field would likely boost Wright’s numbers and I’m sure both teams are well aware of that fact. The Rockies are also aware of Wright’s option that will likely be voided if traded. Although, I have to admit, if Wright is going to be traded this offseason, the Rockies are probably his most likely destination.

I don’t see any steam in the “Wright to Diamondbacks” rumors brought up by Buster Olney. (I’d link you, but it’s an ESPN Insider piece.) The Diamondbacks are not looking to pick up anybody with a $15 million dollar price tag. They are already in solid shape with Ryan Roberts doing fine at 3B and the Mets would obviously ask for the moon. The Diamondbacks had a really impressive year and will probably look to keep their young player right where they are so they can sustain their success for a good few years to come. If you’re really buying in to those Wright to Arizona rumors, here are some names for you that could be thrown around from the Arizona farm system, courtesy of Kevin Bonneville: Jarrod Parker, Tyler Skaggs, Trevor Bauer, Matt Davidson or Chris Owings.

Now, back to the Rockies. Let me knock this one out of the park quickly – We’re not getting Carlos Gonzalez. Don’t even think about it. Carlos Gonzalez is under Colorado control until the end of 2017 and they’re likely not going to be looking to move him for David Wright. It would be excellent for the Mets, but it just doesn’t make sense for the Rockies. In addition, on the surface, Gonzalez may look like an excellent player, and he is above average for sure, but his home/road splits are telling. In a similar amount of plate appearances, his average and OBP on the road are 70 points less, and his slugging percentage drops .200. He also has about double the amount of HRs at home compared to away (52:25) so consider him a product of Coors Field.

If the Rockies trade for David Wright, you’ll probably see a combination of young players thrown in this deal. One of the names Mets fans will hope to hear is Drew Pomeranz – the Rockies top prospect in my opinion. He was acquired from the Indians in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal and made his debut last September to the tune of some shaky results and some flashes of greatness. He was also arrested recently for disturbing the peace. He’s got some great stuff and could be a very successful major league pitcher someday. Some other names you’ll hear tossed around:

  • Wilin Rosario: Catching prospect for the Rockies that will be ready sooner than later. He made his MLB debut in September and provides offensive capability at C that the Mets are desperate for. He has an injury history, a torn acl, but has recovered fairly well and shown defensive prowess as well.
  • Nolan Arenado: 3B prospect that is highly likely to be included in a David Wright deal. Great bat, capable of hitting for average and for power, but lacks a bit in terms of speed. No slouch defensively.
  • Tyler Matzek: The 21-year old pitcher is probably going to ready for 2013 (sound familiar?) and has been fighting his way through A/A+ ball. He has four pitches that he can throw for strikes and is looking to bounce back from a somewhat off year.
  • Kyle Parker: OF Prospect for the Rox, he’s got power and can hold his own at the plate and in the field. He probably needs to develop some more plate discipline before I consider him a serious prospect.
  • Joe Gardner: Sinker baller acquired in the deal with the Indians. He has shown flashes of being a successful pitcher – not overpowering by any means but can be pretty dangerous when he’s keeping his ground ball rate high.
  • Alex White: Once again, acquired in the deal with the Indians. He’s a personal favorite of mine and I think he flies under the radar – sparkling minor league track record and looks to be an excellent pitcher someday in my eyes.

Bottom line: I don’t think David Wright will be traded. If he is, and it is to the Rockies, don’t expect Carlos Gonzalez. I assume it’ll be a package that looks like White/Arenado/Matzek at best.

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