Sports

Former Rockies Pitcher Hirsh Impressed With Arenado, Murphy Deals

February 12, 2019 / 6:43 AM MST / CBS Colorado

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With the Rockies set to begin spring training this week, former Rockies pitcher Jason Hirsh joined CBS4 sports anchor Michael Spencer for Xfinity Monday Live this week.

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - "It's super exciting, because now everything that you've done in the offseason you get a chance to showcase in front of fans, coaches, and other players on the team," said Hirsh when asked about the excitement surrounding the lead up to spring training as a player.

Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies waves to the crowd after walking around the field for fan appreciation after a 12-2 win over the Washington Nationals at Coors Field on September 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Much of the buzz surrounding the Rockies this offseason had to do with the one-year, $26 million deal the Rockies reached with third baseman Nolan Arenado and his impending free agency following the 2019 season.

"He's one of the best, if not the best third baseman in all of baseball. As a fan I would love for them to lock him up long term," said Hirsh. "If he comes out of this not a Rockie, I think it's a big loss to the organization. My only hope is that if you do lose him he doesn't go to L.A. (Dodgers)."

Daniel Murphy of the Chicago Cubs turns a double play over Eric Thames of the Milwaukee Brewers to end the Brewer half of the second inning at Wrigley Field on Sept. 12, 2018. (credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Rockies also agreed to a two-year deal with infield Daniel Murphy who will replace DJ Lemahieu at second base.

"It's an interesting signing, when I saw it I was really excited about it," added Hirsh. "We know what happens when he's a healthy second baseman. Defensively you're probably going to miss DJ at 2nd base, but from an offensive standpoint, if you can get the old Daniel Murphy, the one that you saw in Washington, you've replaced DJ offensively and more and you add the flexibility of having him at first base as well."

The Rockies will play their first spring training game on Feb. 23 against Arizona. Their first regular season game will be on March 28 against the Miami Marlins.