Danielle's MLB Insider: Revisiting the Nolan Arenado trade -- on the two-year anniversary

Jan. 31—Every Tuesday, Gazette Rockies beat writer Danielle Allentuck takes you around Major League Baseball

What they said

"A lot of good things are going to happen. I think they're going to start happening this year. I think we can play .500 ball. I think that if we get some breaks to get some guys playing real well, who knows?"

—Rockies owner Dick Monfort at the Friends of Baseball's annual Breakfast of Champions

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What I'm thinking

How is José Iglesias still available? The Rockies have made it clear they have no use for Iglesias with Ezequiel Tovar primed to take over at shortstop. But surely there is a team out there that could use a veteran middle infielder — even if it's only in a backup role. (Psssttt: that's something the Rockies would also benefit from). Iglesias has been seen as a strong defender with a passable bat for most of his career, but last year he did both, hitting .292 with 47 RBIs.

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What I'm reading:

A fascinating tale by San Diego Union-Tribune beat writer Kevin Acee on Fernando Tatis Jr. Acee got the Padres' star to open up after his suspension and shoulder injury. The perspective from Joe Musgrove, who was clear after each incident that he did not approve of his teammate's decision, was exceptional. Tatis Jr. expects to be in spring training and ready to go when his suspension ends.

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What's happening

Free agency has slowed to a standstill. Most of the players who were destined for major-league contracts have already agreed to deals, but minor-league deals are still being dolled out like candy. There are very few deals left that will shock me, but I think there's still plenty of time for a noteworthy trade or two to happen before spring training starts.

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What's on tap

Spring training! Pitchers and catchers report in two weeks, with the rest of the team following on Feb. 20. The best day of the year, aka opening day, is fewer than 60 days away.

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MLB Insider: On its two-year anniversary, revisiting the Nolan Arenado trade