DENVER -- In a letter to season-ticket holders dated Wednesday, Rockies owner, chairman and CEO Dick Monfort said most ticket prices will be unchanged in 2017. Also, general manager Jeff Bridich detailed priorities beyond selecting a new manager.
Monfort and Bridich spoke with enthusiasm about the team's improvement in 2016.
"Was 2016 the start of something good? Yes. While I hated to see this season end, I am excited for what lies ahead. We are on the right path, and we could not have persevered without the support of dedicated fans like you. For you, our fans, our employees and our team, we are committed to working hard again this offseason to put the right pieces in place to make postseason baseball a reality in 2017 and beyond."
Bridich wrote, "We learned a lot about this team in 2016 and we also saw the tremendous upside it has. We believe in what this group can accomplish in the near future."
Monfort noted that Rockies season-ticket prices are among the lowest in the Majors, and next season the club will make "modest increases in a few seating areas," but otherwise will maintain the prices. The Rockies also will, for the fifth straight year, offer a Loyalty Card, which "provides financial and game-service benefits."
Addressing the search for a manager to replace Walt Weiss, who ran the club the last four seasons, Bridich said he will look at "internal and external candidates" in interviews over the coming weeks. "We are already encouraged by the individuals who have expressed interest in managing our team -- men with experience and respect in this game," he wrote.
Bridich, in his message, identified third baseman Nolan Arenado, center fielder Charlie Blackmon, second baseman DJ LeMahieu and right fielder Carlos González as "core veteran talent;" discussed the importance of continuing the development of 2016 rookie pitchers Jon Gray, Tyler Anderson, Jeff Hoffman, Carlos Estévez and German Márquez; adding to the experience of shortstop Trevor Story, outfielders David Dahl and Raimel Tapia, and catchers Tony Wolters and Tom Murphy; and adding veteran and young arms to the bullpen to "support a healthy Adam Ottavino." Ottavino missed the first half of 2016 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.