Bill Schmidt picked a heck of a year to take over as the Rockies’ general manager.
With Major League League Baseball’s 99-day lockout ending Thursday, Schmidt and his front office have a long to-do list. In the coming days the Rockies will try to land a power hitter through free agency, explore possible trades, deal with their arbitration-eligible players and finalize their roster for opening day April 8 vs. the Dodgers.
Schmidt, as well as manager Bud Black, have made it clear that the club’s top priority is landing a big bat, most likely an outfielder. There are some intriguing possibilities but the free-agent bidding figures to be fast and furious.