Look For Jonathan Lucroy To Help The Colorado Rockies

Former Louisiana Ragin' Cajun Jonathan Lucroy is now a member of the Colorado Rockies.

The 31-year old Lucroy was traded by the Texas Rangers to the Rockies on Sunday, for a player to be named later.

So, what does the trade mean for Lucroy, and the Rockies?

Well, truthfully, I'm biased.

I freely admit that I'm a big fan of Lucroy, personally, and believe that he will do well in Denver.

That being said, I won't hesitate to throw out the obvious; Lucroy is not having a good year.

Offensively, Lucroy is having the worst season of his career, hitting  a .242, to go along with four home runs and 27 runs batted in.

His .635 OPS is the second-worst of his career, and worst since his rookie season of 2010.

Defensively, Lucroy has thrown out 29.5 percent of would-be base stealers this season, while his catcher ERA ranks 23rd among 30 qualified catchers.

So, again, I understand that there are negatives, and have to point them out, as it would be unfair not to.

To be blunt, 2017 hasn't been a banner year for the Eustis, Florida native.

But you know what? I'm convinced that Lucroy is going to play well for the Rockies over the last two months.

Just last season, Lucroy was an All-Star, putting together one of the best seasons of his career, hitting a .299 with 24 homers and 81 RBI's.

It's not like he's been in decline over the last few seasons. He just hasn't been able to get going this season, and that happens in baseball.

It happens to everybody, or at least most guys not named Mike Trout.

Don't believe me?

Well, you know that guy in Washington; Bryce Harper?

Harper had the worst season of his career last year, batting a .243, to go along with 24 homers and 86 RBI's, but yet came back this season, and is currently hitting a .329 with 27 homers and 80 RBI's, with still two months left in the season.

Lucroy is just too good of a player, and the odds favor that he's likely going to play well over the last couple of months.

He's going to a team that's in competition for a playoff spot, and is heading to the best hitters park in Major League Baseball.

Interesting however, Lucroy is only a .243 career hitter at Coors Filed, with only one homer and seven runs batted in.

Same thing here; I'm thinking Lucroy is due to break out in the thin air.

So, I'm guessing, based on his history, including recent past, that Lucroy plays well for the Rockies, who gave up a player to be named later for him.

Kudos to the Rockies for giving up what I presume is a pretty small package for a 2-time All-Star, who makes them better.

The Rockies, with the recent additions of Lucroy and pitcher Pat Neshek, are showing the baseball world that they are serious about a playoff run.

I'm sure Lucroy will have to share some time with Ryan Hanigan, but the better he plays, the more playing time he'll get, and I think he'll play well.

A lot is on the line over the last two months of the season for Lucroy as well. He's a free agent at the end of the season, and could stand to make or lose a lot of money.

How great would it be if Lucroy puts together a great run, something he's more than capable of doing, plays well in the playoffs, turns around a disappointing year, and turns that in to a very nice multi-year deal in the free agent market in the offseason?

I also think Colorado is getting a first-class person.

No, the Rockies didn't trade for him because he's a nice guy, but Lucroy is well-liked and respected by the players, and has been a fan favorite in Milwaukee and Texas, and that certainly can't hurt.

So yes, I am a fan of Lucroy's, and I'm pulling for him to do well because of that. But from a baseball point of view, we have a good player, who is getting a fresh start, due to play well. with a team in the playoff race, playing a number of games at Coors Field.

My prediction is that Lucroy pays big dividends to the Rockies.

Prove me right, Jonathan!