Purple Row After Dark: What former players should join the booth?

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 21: Cory Sullivan of the Colorado Rockies looks on from the dugout before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 21, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pirates defeated the Rockies 8-1. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Last week, I offered up the discussion about who the best color commentator in Colorado sports is. When it comes to the Colorado Rockies broadcasts, Ryan Spilborghs garnered plenty of support. It’s understandable since Spilly is a humorous individual, but what I’ve always enjoyed is the perspective he brings as a former player and fan of the game. Spilly has consistently adapted to the modern game and has done a good job of breaking down plays and helping viewers understand the game. There is a reason that former players can make such great color commentators.

Personally, as much as I like Cory Sullivan and Jeff Huson, they grow tiresome for me during games. There is a lot of resistance to how the current game is played (see Sully’s crusade to not acknowledge the sweeper) and a lot of “back in my day” reminiscing. I do acknowledge that some of the exhaustion is due to listening to the two of them on broadcasts for a good number of years now.

This got me thinking about what former players, particularly former Rockies, I’d pick to join the team as color commentators.

There are a few former Rockies currently working as analysts across the league. Justin Morneau has been in the Minnesota booth for eight years now. Adam Ottavino and Dexter Fowler are working with NBC Sports this season, with the former as an in-game analyst and the latter as a pre-game analyst. There are likely some others sprinkled around, but these are some notable ones.