SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich embraces his task: Build upon the hiring of Bud Black as new manager and a 2016 season that saw Colorado remain relevant in the standings until the final month.
To do so, Bridich has a key element -- a payroll increase beyond the club-record $120.56 million the Rox spent in 2016. Bridich, heading into his third year as GM after the team went 75-87 under Walt Weiss in 2016, can address holes at first base and in the bullpen without feeling limited.
And the optimism with which Bridich attacks setting his 2017 roster is even higher than the payroll.