MLB Trade Rumors: Rockies to deal Carlos Gonzalez or Troy Tulowitzki?

The Rockies recently promoted senior director of player development, Jeff Bridich, to their General Manager role after co-GMs Dan O'Dowd and Bill Geivett "resigned" after the season. Sometimes when a new GM takes over a team, he is given the responsibility to make the moves that the previous GM was either not interested in making or didn't make as he didn't want to face the wrath of the local media and fan backlash. Well, it appears Bridich is at least willing to do the latter, as reports indicate he is willing "to listen" on his top two stars, Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.

Over the past few seasons, Rockies ownership has been emphatic about not dealing either of their stars, but the team has lanquished in last place in each of the last three seasons, and their two stars aren't getting any younger, so now is probably a good time to see what they could get in return for either, or both, of their stars.

Gonzalez is coming off a season where he missed 92 games, hitting just .238-.292-.431 with 11 home runs, 35 runs scored and 38 RBI in 70 games, his worst season in the majors. The downside to trading for him is the fact that he is injury prone, he has missed at least 50 games in three of his six seasons in Colorado, and his career home/road splits. He has hit just .259 on the road in his career, compared to .329 at home.

Similarly, Tulowtizki is coming off a season where he played just 91 games, although he was very productive when healthy. Tulowitzki has played over 101 games in just four of his seven seasons in the big leagues, and has played just 264 games over the last three seasons due to various injuries. When healthy, he is one of the best hitters in the game. His home/road splits aren't as extreme as Gonzalez's, as he has hit .274 on the road in his career vs .323 at home.

So which teams will be calling or texting Bridich for Tulowitzki's services over the next few months?  A few teams off the top of my head are the Yankees, who need a replacement for Derek Jeter, the Dodgers who need to replace free agent Hanley Ramirez, and the Mets who have plenty of pitching to deal and have a real need for a shortstop and another power hitter in their lineup.

All three teams could be excellent fits for Tulowitzki, but the Mets appear to be the best trade partner with the Rockies, as they have more than a few extra pitchers they could include in a deal for Tulowitzki, and the Mets are very close to competing for a wild card. Then again, Tulowitzki grew up idolizing Derek Jeter, so he could approve a trade to the Yankees and a chance to play for a winner. He hinted earlier this season that he is getting tired of all the losing in Colorado and would strongly consider a trade to a winner.

If Tulowtizki is healthy, I don't see his fantasy value changing all that much, as he is one of the best hitters in the game. Cargo, on the other hand, could see his fantasy value shrink a but with a trade out of Colorado.

Which teams could be interested in dealing for Cargo? The Cubs, Reds, Tigers and Rangers could all be good trade partners for Bridich. The Cubs need a veteran presence in their young lineup and have a need for an established outfielder. The same can be said for the Reds who need a left fielder, and the Tigers and Rangers both have a need for a veteran outfielder with Torii Hunter and Alex Rios leaving for free agency.

A trade of either, or both, of their stars would signal the start of a rebuild for the Rockies, a badly needed rebuild. To attempt to figure out what the Rockies could get in return for either Cargo or Tulo is difficult, as any trade would involve the Rockies eating some of their remaining contracts. That, and the fact that both are coming off injuries, with Tulowitzki coming off hip surgery.