Purple Row After Dark: Banging down the door

TL;DR

The Colorado Rockies are adopting a new approach to managing their prospect pipeline, emphasizing patience and allowing players to develop without rushing them to the majors. This strategy aims to avoid past frustrations among fans regarding player development.

Key points

Colorado Rockies are changing their prospect management strategy.
Emphasis on patience and player development.
Paul DePodesta advocates for waiting until players are ready.

Mentioned in this story

Colorado RockiesPaul DePodesta

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 21: Charlie Condon #24 of the Colorado Rockies runs out a ground ball during the fifth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 21, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images There’s a new approach to how the Colorado Rockies front office is managing the prospect pipeline. In past years, some prospects were stuck behind a logjam of veterans who didn’t seem to fit the organization’s path forward, while other prospects were yo-yoed between the majors and various levels of minor league ball. Frustration grew among fans of the club as there never seemed to be a clear path forward in development. Colorado Rockies President of Baseball Operations, Paul DePodesta, recently spoke about the team’s philosophy this year, embracing patience with players at all levels. The front office is trying to avoid being reactionary, offering a longer leash to players who are struggling out of the gate in the MLB season, while also giving prospects time to blossom in Triple-A or below without rushing them up the ladder. DePodesta notably said that the team’s plan is to “call players up when they are banging down the door where we have to make room for them because they’re just playing so well,” along with a foundation of skills to survive at the major league level. is not enough; prospects must sustain that production and showcase an approach that will translate. Fans this year seem to be more on board with that approach, seeing how prospects in past years were hurt by being rushed up to the majors. But there’s still an appetite to call certain players up when they’re hitting well and gathering accolades at the minor league level. With all that said, how is this front office philosophy sitting with you? What, to you, constitutes “banging down the door?” If you were calling the shots, who is the first prospect you’re calling up? And when would you do it? Do you embrace the “let them learn in the big leagues” philosophy? Is there anyone on the farm that you would have already called up for a spot on the Opening Day roster? Or are you a more patient roster developer who would bring folks up after the All-Star Break or even deeper into the season? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Q&A

What is the Colorado Rockies' new approach to player development?

The Rockies are focusing on patience with players, allowing them to develop in the minors without rushing them to the majors.

Who is the President of Baseball Operations for the Colorado Rockies?

Paul DePodesta is the President of Baseball Operations for the Colorado Rockies.

What does 'banging down the door' mean in the context of calling up prospects?

'Banging down the door' refers to prospects performing exceptionally well in the minors, making a strong case for their promotion to the major leagues.

Purple Row After Dark: Banging down the door

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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