Rockies & Roll

Dexter Steps Up

wutae3 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:29:31 +0000

Colorado Rockies 8, Milwaukee Brewers 6

The start to Spring Training has been good for the Rockies in terms of record. Colorado is 3-1 after today’s victory over the Brewers. However, not everything has been perfect. Two of the most important projected starting pitchers have had forgettable debuts. Two of the other projected starters have had nice debuts. In the end, the coaches and the fans know not to take much from the first week of Spring Training game.

With that said, Dexter Fowler had himself a nice game today. He went 2-for-3 and scored a run. One of his hits was a double. Ryan Spilborghs went 1-for-3 and knocked in a run. Spilly has two doubles so far this spring.

Double Dip for the Rox

wutae3 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:48:00 +0000

San Francisco Giants 7, Colorado Rockies 4

Box Score

Colorado Rockies 7, Los Angeles Angels 5

Box Score

Jeff Francis may not have been happy with his performance on Friday. However, as a fan, it was great to see him back on the mound. After missing the entire 2009 season due to shoulder surgery, Francis was back where he belongs. He surrendered four runs in two innings of work but he felt no pain after the game.

In the other game across town in Phoenix, Colorado also got mixed reviews from their other starting pitcher. Ubaldo Jimenez gave also gave up four runs in two innings. While excuses should not be allowed in baseball, Jimenez had a good one. Apparently, Jimenez was struck in traffic and missed the beginning of the game. He had to pitch in the fourth and fifth instead of the beginning of the game.

Let’s Hope the Regular Season is this Easy

wutae3 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:14:18 +0000

Colorado Rockies 11, Arizona Diamondbacks 1

Box Score

The Rockies pounded the Diamondbacks in the first Spring Training game of the 2010 season. While it means nothing, it’s nice to see the Rox jump out on a division rival early. It would be really nice if it was this easy for the Rockies during the season but we know better than that.

However, the best news that came out of the game was some of the Rockies regulars had great games. Seth Smith, competing for more playing time in the outfield, got off to a fast start at the plate. He was a triple away from the cycle. In terms of pitching, Jason Hammel and Jorge De La Rosa were on the mound for Colorado. The two pitchers combined for a solid spring debut. Overall, it was a solid start for the Rockies and a great game that they can build on.

What’s wrong with this Picture

wutae3 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:38:53 +0000

Something must be wrong with me because I’m excited for the first Spring Training game tomorrow. It counts for nothing and most people around the country won’t even blink an eye at the game. However, the first game of Spring Training means the regular season is just that much closer to beginning. While some of the big stars for the Rox won’t play tomorrow, Troy Tulowitzki and Todd Helton, there will be some interesting story lines on the field when the Rox take the field against the D-Backs.

Jason Hammel will take the mound for the Rockies and will be looking to parlay an impressive 2009 season for Colorado. He is currently competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. Manual Corpas will be looking to regain his 2007 magic when he was the closer for the Rockies. Since then, Corpas has battled injuries and command issues. Colorado is hoping he can return to his 2007 form when his slider was almost unhittable.

Melvin Mora will take the field for the first time as a member of the Rockies. Mora will see a lot of action as the super-utility player for the Rockies this season. Colorado will also welcome back Jay Payton. Payton had some of his best season while playing for Colorado. He is competing for a roster spot in a crowded outfield.

The players that will partake in the game tomorrow afternoon:

Hammel, Jorge De La Rosa, Corpas, Randy Flores, Juan Rincon, Franklin Morales, Chris Iannetta, Miguel Olivo, Wil Rosario, Paul Lo Duca, Ian Stewart, Hector Gomez, Jonathan Herrera, Mora, Mike Paulk, Omar Quintanilla, Eric Young Jr., Carlos Gonzalez, Seth Smith, Ryan Spilborghs, Payton, Cole Garner, Matt Miller.

Huston Has a Problem

wutae3 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:28:04 +0000

Huston Street signed a nice three-year, $22.5 million deal with the Rockies this offseason. The anchor for the Rockies bullpen earned the contract after a spectacular 2009 season. While he blew two saves in the postseason against the Phillies, Street showed enough to Rockies management to get a new deal.

This offseason, Street was able to focus on being the Rockies closer and nothing else. However, reports have recently linked Street to Dr. Tony Galea. The Toronto doctor was arrested in October for importing banned drugs and using them on his patients.

Street saw Dr. Galea while he was playing for Oakland in 2007 and 2008 for an ulnar nerve in his right elbow and a right hip flexor strain. Street intends to cooperate fully with federal investigators during their investigation. He has stated that his treatment was no secret and that the Athletics knew of the visits to Dr. Galea.

While the case will probably have no effect on Street, he will miss the first week of Spring Training games due to tightness in his right shoulder. The Rockies are taking precaution and don’t want to rush their closer into anything. They have a whole month to prepare so they will bring Street along slowly.

If the Rockies are to contend for the NL West crown this season, Street will have to match last season’s performance. He has a solid group in front of him that should be able to bridge the gap to the ninth inning. Street should have another career season for the Rockies. Don’t be surprised if Street makes a push for the All-Star game this season.

Scrimmage for the Rox

wutae3 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:22:34 +0000

The Rockies held their first game of the spring. While it was only an intra-squad scrimmage, it’s better than no games at all. Troy Renck of the Denver Post provided the line-ups for the game. There was some bad news coming out of the first game for Colorado. Greg Reynolds was drilled by a line drive just above his right elbow. He was scheduled to pitch on Friday but that may be pushed back now. The rest of the game featured prospects. Thomas Harding provided some notes from the game. Renck also provided some tidbits from today’s scrimmage.

Some Other Notes

The Rockies have depth in their starting rotation. Two pitchers are vying for a spot in the rotation.
Jason Hammel is beginning to see all of the hard work pay off and it’s leading to his confidence rising with each day.
My favorite thing to do is go to a game at Coors Field. There is no experience like it. It is a more laid back atmosphere and the weather is usually great. Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post believes Coors is the best Denver sports venue.

Colorado Chatter – Weekend Edition

wutae3 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:43:53 +0000

This part of Spring Training is fairly close. The whole team has gathered but not much is going on. Players are getting back in the groove and the coaches are trying to get a feel for all of the new players. However, for the baseball beat guys, it gives them a lot of time to write up some interesting articles.

The top of the order for the Rockies this season should be solid. They have a dynamic duo that should excite.
Spring Training games are better than nothing. Jason Hammel will be given the nod to start the first game of the spring for the Rockies on Thursday against Arizona.
The Rockies best pitching prospect is looking to make the major league roster for the Rockies this spring.
Last year’s success hasn’t affected the Rockies. They still are a humble group who doesn’t say a lot.
The Rockies are not going to show their hand this early in the season. Ubaldo Jimenez won’t face the Giants in the first games of the spring.

Full Squad is Here

wutae3 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:14:27 +0000

Today was the first day of full squad workouts. Everyone was accounted for and the Rockies are heading into one of the most anticipated seasons ever. The good news was Jeff Francis threw without any problems. He threw 39 pitches to Troy Tulowitzki, Clint Barmes and Dexter Fowler. The three batters said Francis’ fastball and changeup were working well.

Let’s hope Francis can build on the BP and pitch well this spring. Colorado will rely on him to pick up the slack that was left when Jason Marquis was not resigned this offseason.

Colorado Chatter – 2/26/10

wutae3 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:05:59 +0000

A lot of great pieces for you Rox fans to read in this edition of Colorado Chatter. Spring training games begin next week, so check back for a more in-depth look at your 2010 Rockies.

Jason Giambi is back with the Rox this season and he says he feels at home in Colorado.
Colorado searched all offseason for a player who could fill multiple roles for their team this season. Melvin Mora will be counted on to bring versatility to the Rox.
For the Rockies to be successful this season, Jorge De La Rosa will need to have a great year. De La Rosa is said to be maturing on and off the field.
Great news out of Tucson, Jeff Francis threw his first batting practice since surgery on his shoulder last season.
Colorado feels they have one of the best infields in the major leagues this season.
Jim Armstrong believes the Rockies will go as far as Carlos Gonzalez can lead them.
It seems there is a lot of interest and expectations for the Rockies this season. Practice fields down in Tucson have been packed with fans.
Colorado will be looking to return to the playoffs this season. With expectations high, the playoffs are a must for the Rox this season.
Some more good news out of Tucson, Manuel Corpas’ location impressed Jim Tracy during live BP.
Dexter Fowler was workout partners with Andruw Jones this offseason.

Your Voice: What to do with EY Jr.?

wutae3 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:17:15 +0000

As a Rockies fan, there is one image that will be etched in your mind forever. The day was April 5, 1993 – the Rockies first ever game at home. It was the bottom of the first inning and Mile High Stadium was filled to capacity. Eric Young stepped to the plate and drilled a leadoff home run over the left field fence. It was a moment every Rockies fan will cherish for the rest of their lives.

A little over 16 years later, the son of the man that created that long lasting image, suited up for the Colorado Rockies. Eric Young Jr. has quickly become one of the most exciting players on the roster. Last season he played in 30 games and batted .246 in his first major league call-up. He also had four stolen bases, displaying the speed that made him one of the best base stealers in the minors.

For his minor league career, EY Jr. stole 303 bases. He swiped 87 in 2006 and 73 in 2007. However, last season with the Rockies, EY Jr. was also caught stealing four times. It showed his youth and inexperience at the big league level. On top of that, the Rockies were also worried about his defense last season. He has played second base for the majority of his career but still has work to do to become an everyday starter. The Rockies currently have nowhere for EY Jr. to play. They are trying him out in the outfield this spring but they already have enough outfield depth.

So there’s the dilemma for the Rockies. What should they do with their talented youngster? His speed is coveted by many teams. He has the ability to be a game-changer late in games. However, he currently has no spot on the Rockies roster right now. Unless he has an amazing Spring Training, he will most likely be sent back to Colorado Springs.

So what do you think Rockies fans? Should the Rockies keep him on the big league roster or should he go back to the minors? Do you think he can push Clint Barmes at second base? Is his defense strong enough to stay up in the majors? Let me know what you think. Let me hear “Your Voice”.