DENVER -- The Rockies took last year's trip to the postseason as confirmation in their building plan. In building the 2018 team, which begins Spring Training with the first pitchers and catchers workout on Valentine's Day, general manager Jeff Bridich stayed with what is working.
Since taking over as GM after the 2014 season, Bridich has adhered to clear principles -- develop a starting rotation and lineup core, then target key veterans for important bullpen roles and augment the lineup. After 2017 resulted in the Rockies' first postseason trip since '09 -- something they expected, although few outsiders did -- they have eschewed calls to add an experienced starter or a multiyear contract for a corner bat.