MLB.com reporter Manny Randhawa visits the Jack Vita Show for a lively discussion about the Colorado Rockies, the latest news from around Major League Baseball, and his Christian faith.
Manny has written for MLB.com as a national baseball writer and Colorado Rockies beat reporter since 2016. In his first visit to the Jack Vita Show, he weighs in on the Rockies' 2023 season and general direction. What exactly is the Rockies' plan, and where are they going? Why have they found themselves in last place in the National League West, just a few years removed from possessing a strong infield nucleus of Nolan Arenado, DJ LeMahieu and Trevor Story? How far are the Rockies from competing in the National League West?
Just over a year ago, the Rockies signed former National League MVP and four-time All-Star Kris Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million contract. Through his first 50 games in his second season with his new team, Bryant is slashing .263/.346/.719 with five home runs and 17 RBI. It's early, but Bryant hasn't played up to what many expected him to, especially with Coors Field as his home park. Manny weighs in on the Bryant signing, his contract and early struggles. Plus, shortstop Dansby Swanson signed virtually the same seven-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, that Bryant signed with the Rockies. If you were the Cubs, which contract would you rather have? Jack poses this question.
Through 59 games this season, Swanson is slashing .270/.361/.783 with six home runs, 26 RBI and 2.7 Wins Above Replacement. Which contract is the better long-term investment? Would Bryant carry more value to the Cubs than any other team as a fan favorite? How much value is there to keeping a face of a franchise on the same team for his entire career? Would Bryant have been a greater fit for the Cubs, with Nico Hoerner already excelling at shortstop? Manny and Jack hash it out.
Manny and Jack take a close look at the National League West, which the Arizona Diamondbacks now lead, as they are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Can the D-Backs win the division? Back in 2018, the Diamondbacks and Rockies were both competing for an NL West division title in the final month of the season. Five years later, one team finds itself in first place, while the other is in last place. Manny and Jack break down the division and discuss the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres as well (0:00 - 1:03:00).
Later on, Manny opens up about his faith journey, in which he transformed from an atheist to a born again Christian. What led Manny on his path to Jesus Christ, and how has his life changed in the time since he first became a Christian? He also discusses growing up with an abusive father, undergoing heart surgery, and much more (1:03:00 - END)!
Follow Manny on Twitter (@MannyOnMLB) and buy his book, The Blake Street Bombers, on Amazon. The Blake Street Bombers chronicles the Colorado Rockies' lineups of the mid 1990s, which featured sluggers Dante Bichette, Ellis Burks, Vinny Castilla, Andres Galarraga and Larry Walker.
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