Key Rockies Major Leaguers, prospects and coaches gathered in Scottsdale, Ariz., last week for the club’s High Performance Leadership Camp. The camp featured leadership courses administered by Rod Olson, a longtime college football coach who has worked with teams such as the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, as well as corporations and the military, including the Navy SEALs.
Rockies senior director of player development Chris Forbes, who has arranged leadership training programs for the last several years, brought in players from last year’s MLB Draft, as usual. Teams cannot require members of the Major League 40-man roster to attend such training, but pitchers Kyle Freeland, Zach Agnos and Juan Mejia accepted invitations, as well as catcher Hunter Goodman. Several others were interested but could not make it because of the severe weather that hit much of the United States.
Forbes said the awareness that Major League players demonstrated by expressing interest is a good sign. Even with multiple veteran roster additions, players early in their careers are expected to be key figures for a team seeking a turnaround.
“We're trying to give them the tools to lean into when it hits the fan,” Forbes said. “We’re also developing mentor mentalities. When you look at Freeland, ‘Goody,’ Agnos, Mejia -- guys who have some service time -- they have the opportunity to truly grasp the leadership component. An important part of the leadership component is mentorship.
“Know your teammates and lead your teammates. A lot of it is based on connection, and certain pillars to leadership that [Olson] teaches each individual.”
Also, Forbes said it was “critical” that the club bring in -- as students -- Schaeffer, bench coach Jeff Pickler and all of the new Major League pitching hires: pitching coach Alon Leichman, assistant pitching coach Gabe Ribas, bullpen coach Matt Buschmann and director of pitching Matt Daniels.
