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Cross Colorado Rockies star Michael Cuddyer off the many potential trade-target lists.
In an extremely weak market for hitters, Cuddyer's likely unavailability is a big blow to teams that have interest.
Cuddyer, a proven veteran hitter whose versatility is a major bonus, was questionable as a trade target since suffering a broken shoulder a month ago. It was never clear if he would be ready to play before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. But beyond the injury, which is due to be looked at after the Rockies return from their next trip July 21, there are two more good reasons Cuddyer won't be going anywhere.
For one, owner Dick Monfort wants to keep him, as he suggested in a recent Denver Post interview. For another, the baseball people in this case are said to agree.
Cuddyer, a terrific professional who was batting .317 when he suffered a non-displaced fracture of the glenoid socket, is a very easy guy for bosses to love, and that is the case here. The Rockies instead will try to re-sign him, though Cuddyer recently told the Post they haven't reached out yet.
It would actually make some sense, if he proves healthy later this month, to try to deal Cuddyer at the deadline, then try to bring him back in wintertime. But Colorado people so much enjoy having Cuddyer around to aid the Rockies' young players that they don't believe it's even worth trading him. Even in a weak market, a rental hitter, even a very good one, probably wouldn't draw an elite prospect, they figure.
Cuddyer can start his rehab if an MRI after July 21 shows his shoulder is healing. If can make it back onto the field this month, it will be for the Rockies organization, not anyone else.
