Dick Monfort pens letter to Rockies fans, calls team’s play ‘not acceptable’

Baseball keeps expanding its postseason, doing so twice in the last 11 years. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies are already working on a four-year postseason drought. Had baseball not increased the size of its playoffs, the Rockies would’ve last made the playoffs in 2009.

Nevertheless, the Rockies have hosted a grand total of one playoff game since 2009, winning a single game against the Cubs in the 2018 National League Wildcard Game, which earned them a trip to the NLDS that ended in a sweep at the hands of the Brewers at Coors Field.

But Rockies owner Dick Monfort isn’t focused on all of that, he’s got his eyes on this past season and what his club can do in 2023.

“Our expectations were high going into the 2022 season, but unfortunately, we did not meet those expectations,” Monfort wrote in a letter to season-ticket holders on Monday.” It has now been four years since our last postseason appearance, and this is not acceptable.”

The Rockies finished with a record of 68-94, tying for the fifth-worst record in club history.

“Our road record was abysmal, our defense was not what we are accustomed to, our situational hitting was disappointing, and our pitching was inconsistent,” he penned. “Excuses serve no purpose, and we are committed to devoting all our efforts this off-season to improving this team for 2023.”

Monfort wrote more about the future of the Rockies, committing to eventually winning a title.

“We are grateful for your unwavering support. It was a challenging year for us all, and we do not take you for granted. You are the most important part of the Colorado Rockies organization,” Monfort said at the end of the letter. “We all want the same thing. That is why we are more dedicated than ever to bringing you a Rockies Championship.”

Monfort cited some of Colorado’s minor leaguers and up-and-coming players as reasons why he feels the Rockies are poised for more wins.

He also tried to sell baseball to the fans as becoming more exciting next season with the implementation of a pitch clock and ban on shifts which he was on the committee that approved those things, as well as changes to the schedule.

Does this mean that Monfort will buy big again this offseason like he did in signing Kris Bryant? Is Colorado in the waters for a big trade and the players mentioned are either bait or untouchable? Is Bud Black on the hot seat in 2023?

Nobody really ever knows with the Rockies and what any of this could mean. Besdies selling tickets to the best bar in Denver of course—Coors Field

You can read the full letter below:

It’s hard to believe another season is behind us. It seems like yesterday we opened the year at Coors Field with sellout crowds against the Dodgers and won the series.

Our expectations were high going into the 2022 season, but unfortunately, we did not meet those expectations. It has now been four years since our last postseason appearance, and this is not acceptable. Our road record was abysmal, our defense was not what we are accustomed to, our situational hitting was disappointing, and our pitching was inconsistent. Excuses serve no purpose, and we are committed to devoting all our efforts this off-season to improving this team for 2023.

We are encouraged by a number of young players coming through our Minor League system. You saw a glimpse of top prospects Ryan Feltner, Sean Bouchard, Michael Toglia, Elehuris Montero, and our young shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, all of whom have the talent to have a meaningful impact on our Major League team going forward. In addition, up-and-coming position players to keep a close eye on are OF Zac Veen, SS Adael Amador, C Drew Romo, OF Benny Montgomery and pitchers Gabriel Hughes, Jaden Hill and Joe Rock. I can’t wait to see their contributions to your Colorado Rockies soon!

Major League Baseball has been working hard to make this great game even better. New for 2023, the pitch clock is being implemented to improve the pace of play and make the games shorter. The new rule to prohibit infielders shifting should add more offense, and a favorite new addition is the “balanced schedule.” This allows us to play all 15 American League teams each year, with half of the series being here at Coors Field, including the Yankees and the Angels in 2023.

Coors Field continues to shine as one of the finest ballparks in Major League Baseball, making us all extremely proud. As I travel to other parks, I can emphatically say our game day staff are the best in baseball, if not all sports. They care deeply about our fans and strive to bring memorable moments to each of you, your family and guests. As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary next season, we look forward to creating many more special memories together!

Thank you and GO ROCKIES!!!

Sincerely,
Richard L. Monfort
Owner/Chairman & CEO