In Denver, Patrick Saunders notes Rockies Owner Dick Monfort "remains hopeful that the team will be able to host all 81 games at Coors Field" in the '21 season. However, he also acknowledges that the coronavirus pandemic has "dramatically changed baseball’s financial landscape, which means significant offseason challenges." In a Thursday letter to season-ticket holders, Monfort wrote, "With losses at nearly $3 billion industry-wide and the average club losing nearly $100 million. It will take time to rebound, and in some cases, these losses will never be recovered." The Rockies are projected to have a $130.4M payroll in '21, which "would rank ninth" (DENVER POST, 10/30).
ANGELS' GM SEARCH HEATS UP: In L.A., Maria Torres reports the Angels have interviewed "at least four candidates" for their GM opening since recently beginning formal interviews. The club has spoken with Padres Senior Advisor to the GM & Dir of Player Personnel Logan White; A's Assistant GM & Dir of Player Personnel Billy Owens; and D-backs Senior VPs & Assistant GMs Amiel Sawdaye and Jared Porter. Torres writes White, who was the Dodgers Scouting Dir before he joined the Padres has his "fingerprints ... all over the Dodgers’ World Series roster" (L.A. TIMES, 10/30).
SIGN OF THINGS TO COME? In St. Louis, Derrick Goold writes an "early hint of the disquieting offseason and limited spending ahead" for the Cardinals came Wednesday when they "elected to move on from traits their organization has long cherished -- homegrown player, superb defense, cost-conscious contract -- for something they need now." The team notified 2B Kolten Wong they "would not pick up" his $12.5M option for '21. Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said that the motivation "behind the move was to 'create instant flexibility' ... as they retool the team’s roster and reduce payroll." Goold notes there are "many unknowns" about this offseason. but the industry "expects a frost on spending" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 10/30).
