Speculation swirls around CarGo, Reyes
CHICAGO -- Red-hot outfielder Carlos Gonzalez could be slugging his way elsewhere. And although the Rockies are speaking in welcoming tones for their new shortstop, Jose Reyes, speculation is that he may not be around long either.
On Tuesday, one day after the Rockies dealt veteran star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, along with righty reliever LaTroy Hawkins, to the Blue Jays for Reyes and three righty pitching prospects, speculation centers on Gonzalez leading up to Friday's 2 p.m. MT non-waiver Trade Deadline.
CBS Sports identified on Tuesday the Angels, Mets and Orioles are possible landing spots for Gonzalez, and information from a source familiar with the situation identified the same teams to MLB.com. In all three cases, however, the $37 million Gonzalez is owed for the 2016 and '17 seasons is a concern.
Tulowitzki spoke of being "somewhat blindsided" by the deal to the Jays, but Gonzalez, who entered Tuesday's game against the Cubs with six home runs in his past five games, is at peace with the possibility of a move, even though he doesn't expect to be included in a process that could lead to a deal. The D-backs sent him to the Athletics as part of the Dan Haren trade, and the A's made him part of the Matt Holliday deal with the Rockies, so he has been through it.
"That's not up to me, like I always say," Gonzalez said. "I'm a Rockie, so I'm ready to play for the Rockies. I'm going to play as hard as I can tonight and whenever I get the opportunity. I still have two more years on this contract, and that's in my mind right now."
There is speculation -- but not connected to specific rumors -- about whether Colorado will deal Reyes, a four-time All-Star who is owed $48 million over the next two years. However, general manager Jeff Bridich said during a news conference in Denver that the club is "excited to have him."
Reyes is expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday afternoon's series finale against the Cubs.
"I've tried to sort through some things and how he fits," manager Walt Weiss said. "Primarily, he's hit near the top of the order. Those are conversations I'll have with him when he gets here, and it may take some trial and error to see where pieces fit and how he affects that. He's an All-Star shortstop in own right.
"He has a different skill set than Tulo, obviously brings the speed dynamic. It's going to be helpful. He brings a ton of experience and a lot of accolades."
With Gonzalez and Reyes at least part of the rumor mill, and speculation already existing about righty reliever John Axford and first baseman Wilin Rosario (sent to Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday), among others, Weiss could be managing a different roster by the Deadline. No matter what, he has to be consistent.
"My job as a manager and the leaders is to try to calm the waters and bring some stability to a somewhat difficult situation -- very eventful, at the least," Weiss said.
Worth noting: With Reyes yet to arrive and the bullpen an arm short because of Hawkins' departure, the Rockies called up infielder Cristhian Adames, righty reliever Justin Miller and lefty reliever Aaron Laffey from Triple-A Albuquerque, and sent Rosario to Triple-A.
Weiss said that the bullpen is tired and needs Miller and Laffey, who have been with the big club previously this season. It's not clear if Adames, who homered in the Triple-A All-Star Game, will be with the club beyond Reyes' arrival. Adames is batting .296 with seven home runs and 39 RBIs at Albuquerque. He went 1-for-15 during brief Major League action last season.