Last year, the Rockies’ losing provided an opportunity to experiment. This summer, it provides a platform for cold-hard analysis.

Rather than use the final weeks of the season as a shrugged-shoulders plume to the bottom of the ocean, decisions need to be made on everybody.

Manager Walt Weiss understands the importance of a respectable finish. He called a team meeting Friday at Coors Field, the second in as many homestands. The message was simple: Play hard, compete.

Everything must be evaluated. Not just the players or the record.

It starts at the top. On Aug. 1, the first anniversary passed on the Rockies’ decision to promote Bill Geivett into a director of daily major-league operations role. It’s a title that moved his desk into the clubhouse, at home and on the road. Entering Saturday, the Rockies’ record since that move was 80-98. It can be argued that it’s not enough data to abandon the idea of a two-headed general manager. But there’s enough to support the idea of Geivett maintaining his role without being in the clubhouse. He can still function in his capacity without a daily presence, providing more freedom for Weiss to grow into his role or decide it’s not for him.

As for Weiss, he has told me repeatedly that he still enjoys the job, particularly once the game starts. He’s clearly made mistakes in his first year. He’s been late on some bullpen maneuvers and he erred by not intervening in Atlanta to prevent Troy Tulowitzki from getting ejected. But there was always going to be growing pains.

Evaluating Weiss with the same rubric as a veteran boss is unfair. The players respect him, listen to him. He’s instilled a toughness that was sorely lacking. Still, these final six weeks are important. If the Rockies roll over and finish with 90 losses, that’s an indictment of both the roster and Weiss’ leadership.

Several players told me in April that they expected this team to be a contender. If they believed that then, now would be a good time to show pride with a strong finish.

Let’s be honest: The Rockies need more talent. They won 64 games last season. They might win 10 more this year.

That’s slight progress, not an indication of a remarkable U-turn. As I wrote last week, the Rockies have glaring weaknesses. They need a right-handed power hitter. Calling on outfielder Giancarlo Stanton remains a must. If the Marlins offer him a long-term deal, and he turns it down, will that change their desire to move him? Outfielder Nelson Cruz, Biogenesis baggage included, can’t be ruled out, though his defense is beyond suspect. The Rockies need at least two relief pitchers, a late-inning arm and a versatile middleman. Right-hander Jesse Crain, as said before, should be a priority as a free agent.

And the Rockies’ suffocation of their prospects must end. It’s time to get creative in packaging young players. If the team doesn’t trust infielder Josh Rutledge to be an impact bat, look to move him. If pitcher Tyler Matzek has value before he’s exposed to Triple-A Colorado Springs, package him. Trades are zero-sum games. You can’t worry about what your player will do with another team. That reluctance led the Rockies to hold Ian Stewart way too long. Concern yourself with what you are getting in return.

Weiss recently said something on a quiet morning in Pittsburgh that I firmly believe and should drive every decision in the coming months. “Roster spots are valuable. You have to be able to help the team win to keep one. That’s the bottom line,” Weiss said.

It really is that simple. Decisions must not be made with patience and an eye toward 2015 and beyond. Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, players other teams will certainly inquire about this winter, are in their prime. If they are going to be kept — and I have said I don’t like trading star commodities for unproven young pitchers — give them an opportunity to contend.

See this season not for what happened in April, but what has unfolded since then. The Rockies need help, not applause for trying hard.

Footnotes. There is no indication the Rockies will move either of their biggest stars. But clubs are going to come after Tulo and CarGo, especially the latter because of his affordable contract. … Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt will draw interest from contenders if he shows he’s healthy and effective over the next few weeks. When a National League player is placed on waivers, the team with the worst record in the NL has first dibs. If a player is claimed, the Rockies can release the contract, work out a trade or pull the player back. Only players acquired be- fore Sept. 1 are eligible for the postseason. … If you haven’t read Ryan Spilborghs’ ‘Spillin’ The Beans’ blog from Japan on our website, denverpost.com/rockies, I encourage you to check it out. The former Rockies outfielder is candid, funny and opinionated.

Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1294, trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck