Saturday was an eventful day in sports and there are an abundance of stories to cover. There’s the intriguing overtime recovery by the Capitals. There’s the epic 20 inning affair in St. Louis between the Cardinals and Mets. There’s the ripped and ripe Cavs bashing the Bulls in their playoff opener. And then there’s Ben Roethisberger. The Hawks outlasted the Bucks and the Nuggets nipped the Jazz, but the real headline grabber for Colorado-Atlanta was a Dominican right-hander. Ubaldo Jimenez pitched the first no-hitter of the season, and first in the 17 year Colorado Rockies’ history on Saturday. Jimenez blanked the Braves 4-0 at Turner Field and added an RBI single at the plate. The ace finished with seven strikeouts and six walks. He retired the last 15 batters he faced to notch his third win of the year.
Dexter Fowler made the biggest save of the day during a seventh inning grab on a Troy Glaus line drive to centerfield. Fowler snared the liner for the inning’s first out, and Jimenez continued to pound the strike zone with 98 mph pitches into the final frames. The 26 year old hurler’s no-no is the first in the majors since Mark Buehrle tossed a perfect game last July. Colorado collected a run in the top of the first against Atlanta’s Kenshin Kawakami. The Japanese pitcher gave up all four runs on eight hits through five innings in his first ever look at the Colorado Rockies. Troy Tulowitzki’s sacrifice fly to left field gave the Rockies their first tally. Jimenez singled to center in the top of the fourth to score Brad Hawpe. The Rockies’ starter scored on Carlos Gonzalez’s two run double to complete the scoring for the visiting team. Four runs were staunch and sufficient for the Rockies with the way Jimenez was firing fastballs. His ferocity was enough to no-hit the Braves for the 16th time in Atlanta’s franchise history.
Atlanta sent their 2-3-4 hitters to the dish in the bottom of the ninth. Braves’ second baseman and second hitter, Martin Prado, was riding a 14 game hitting streak into Saturday’s series with the Rockies. Jimenez promptly popped-up Prado and induced Chipper Jones into a left field fly out, leaving Brian McCann to represent the Braves’ last hope for a hit. McCann didn’t reach base either. The Braves’ backstop slapped a grounder to second base on the 128th pitch by Jimenez to end the game and preserve the no-hitter. Jimenez faced 31 batters and dominated the hill despite walking batters in each of the first five innings. The Colorado righty was a 15-game winner in 2009 and led the Rockies in strikeouts the past two seasons. Saturday he stole a memorable Mile High moment in Georgia. Carmelo Anthony may have posted a post-season career high Saturday, but Jimenez accomplished something never done in Colorado history.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Real McCoy’s “Another Night”
Showing posts with label Colorado Rockies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colorado Rockies. Show all posts
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Closing Cases
Colorado Rockies’ closer, Huston Street, squandered a two run ninth inning lead Monday night to send the Philadelphia Phillies back to the NL championship series. The NLCS is slated for Thursday night at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Phillies and Dodgers play a rematch of last season’s feature championship. Last night, the Rockies had a chance to even the series at two games each but could not contain a late Philadelphia rally in Colorado.
Brad Lidge earned his second consecutive save after he retired the Rockies’ final hope, Troy Tulowitzki, in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Phillies completed a 5-4 clamping of Colorado by scoring three runs in the top of the frame. First base All-star slugger, Ryan Howard, crushed a two-run double with two outs off Street. Howard scored on Jayson Werth’s second hit of the night, a single to center field, to put his team in front. Cliff Lee tossed seven solid innings for the defending champions but was not credited with the win. He scattered five hits, allowing three runs, one unearned. Seven-year Phillie, Ryan Madson, picked up his first post-season win.
The Phillies pen did not get the job done, and it will be hard for them to overcome a shaky bullpen in the next round. As atrocious as the Philadelphia bullpen has been, the Rockies fared even worse last night. Street was 35 of 37 on save chances this season. Huston flopped when the real pressure was presented. Colorado had lost just one time when leading after eight innings. Street began the ninth with a strikeout before he issued a single to Jimmy Rollins and full-count walk to Chase Utley. Rollings, Utley, Howard and Werth are the heart of Philadelphia’s order. The Phillies are loaded with offense and lead the majors in team homeruns this year. Street did not throw a quality pitch to Howard. The ball painted the lower corner and seemed to sail down and out. Ryan is just too good of a hitter to chance on the outside. Howard raked a double to devastate Rockies fans, and the Phillies never looked back. You do have to give Charlie Manuel and the Phillies credit for persevering and fighting through a two-run deficit to take the series in four games. The Phillies are the NL’s best road team and proved they could handle the extra season. They swept both games at Coors Field from the wildcard Rockies who finished with a respectful 74-42 record.
Tulowitzki has been Colorado’s charming heart and soul throughout the post-season and down the stretch of the regular season. He has come through time and again for the Rockies in the clutch. Again Monday, the clean up batter provided one of the key hits in the sixth to put the Rockies on the board. He ended the game and the season for the feel-good Rockies. Colorado’s go-ahead run came off the bat of former MVP, pinch-hitter Jason Giambi. Giambi smacked a single in the bottom of the eighth, and later scored on catcher, Yorvit Torrealba’s, double to center. At this point, the Rockies looked as if they were going to send the series back to Philadelphia for a decisive fifth game. During all the baserunning and Colorado scoring in the eighth, rookie Dexter Fowler made one of the most athletic moves of the playoffs. He hurdled over Utley trying to field a grounder at second, and reached the base safely. The promising first-year player has pretty decent instincts. Instincts aside, this was not the Rockies’ night. Manuel replaced strong hitting Raul Ibanez with Ben Francisco in left field with two runners on and Tulowitzki at the plate. Tulo blooped a fly that Francisco scooped for the second out of the frame. Fowler did score the tying run on Giambi’s pinch-hit. No one got rattled in the Phillies’ dugout when Torrealba drove in the go-ahead tally.
The Phillies only went deep twice in this series prior to Monday’s lashing. Last night, Shane Victorino sent Ubaldo Jimenez’ 99 mph heater into the stands during the first inning. Werth’s sixth inning knock of an 85 mph changeup gave the Phillies an insurance run in the sixth. They were the only runs Jimenez allowed in seven innings. He struck out seven Phillies. If Philadelphia goes head-to-head with a dominant hurler, the aggressive lineup may not be enough. The Phillies need to be efficient on the mound, starting with their World Series MVP from 2008, Cole Hamels. The bullpen has to be on the mark, ready to retire batters and sew up the rough spots. Lidge is still very much a question mark after his performance during the regular season. Pitching has to be functional and fierce in supplanting stud lineups. The Dodgers present an intriguing challenge, but if the Phillies return to the World Series, it will be an enormous trial to tackle their AL equivalent.
Parting points: The Jets’ defense—does it exist anymore? That Miami wildcat sure didn’t notice them last night.
Brad Lidge earned his second consecutive save after he retired the Rockies’ final hope, Troy Tulowitzki, in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Phillies completed a 5-4 clamping of Colorado by scoring three runs in the top of the frame. First base All-star slugger, Ryan Howard, crushed a two-run double with two outs off Street. Howard scored on Jayson Werth’s second hit of the night, a single to center field, to put his team in front. Cliff Lee tossed seven solid innings for the defending champions but was not credited with the win. He scattered five hits, allowing three runs, one unearned. Seven-year Phillie, Ryan Madson, picked up his first post-season win.
The Phillies pen did not get the job done, and it will be hard for them to overcome a shaky bullpen in the next round. As atrocious as the Philadelphia bullpen has been, the Rockies fared even worse last night. Street was 35 of 37 on save chances this season. Huston flopped when the real pressure was presented. Colorado had lost just one time when leading after eight innings. Street began the ninth with a strikeout before he issued a single to Jimmy Rollins and full-count walk to Chase Utley. Rollings, Utley, Howard and Werth are the heart of Philadelphia’s order. The Phillies are loaded with offense and lead the majors in team homeruns this year. Street did not throw a quality pitch to Howard. The ball painted the lower corner and seemed to sail down and out. Ryan is just too good of a hitter to chance on the outside. Howard raked a double to devastate Rockies fans, and the Phillies never looked back. You do have to give Charlie Manuel and the Phillies credit for persevering and fighting through a two-run deficit to take the series in four games. The Phillies are the NL’s best road team and proved they could handle the extra season. They swept both games at Coors Field from the wildcard Rockies who finished with a respectful 74-42 record.
Tulowitzki has been Colorado’s charming heart and soul throughout the post-season and down the stretch of the regular season. He has come through time and again for the Rockies in the clutch. Again Monday, the clean up batter provided one of the key hits in the sixth to put the Rockies on the board. He ended the game and the season for the feel-good Rockies. Colorado’s go-ahead run came off the bat of former MVP, pinch-hitter Jason Giambi. Giambi smacked a single in the bottom of the eighth, and later scored on catcher, Yorvit Torrealba’s, double to center. At this point, the Rockies looked as if they were going to send the series back to Philadelphia for a decisive fifth game. During all the baserunning and Colorado scoring in the eighth, rookie Dexter Fowler made one of the most athletic moves of the playoffs. He hurdled over Utley trying to field a grounder at second, and reached the base safely. The promising first-year player has pretty decent instincts. Instincts aside, this was not the Rockies’ night. Manuel replaced strong hitting Raul Ibanez with Ben Francisco in left field with two runners on and Tulowitzki at the plate. Tulo blooped a fly that Francisco scooped for the second out of the frame. Fowler did score the tying run on Giambi’s pinch-hit. No one got rattled in the Phillies’ dugout when Torrealba drove in the go-ahead tally.
The Phillies only went deep twice in this series prior to Monday’s lashing. Last night, Shane Victorino sent Ubaldo Jimenez’ 99 mph heater into the stands during the first inning. Werth’s sixth inning knock of an 85 mph changeup gave the Phillies an insurance run in the sixth. They were the only runs Jimenez allowed in seven innings. He struck out seven Phillies. If Philadelphia goes head-to-head with a dominant hurler, the aggressive lineup may not be enough. The Phillies need to be efficient on the mound, starting with their World Series MVP from 2008, Cole Hamels. The bullpen has to be on the mark, ready to retire batters and sew up the rough spots. Lidge is still very much a question mark after his performance during the regular season. Pitching has to be functional and fierce in supplanting stud lineups. The Dodgers present an intriguing challenge, but if the Phillies return to the World Series, it will be an enormous trial to tackle their AL equivalent.
Parting points: The Jets’ defense—does it exist anymore? That Miami wildcat sure didn’t notice them last night.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Bullpen Breakdowns
They hang on by the red threads of a baseball for their post-season lives. I’m talking about the Chicago Cubs, who last night, staved off playoff elimination and extended their hopes one more day by defeating the San Francisco Giants with late inning heroics. Bay area closer, Brian Wilson, gave up the game-winning homerun in the top of the ninth to Cubs struggling second base slugger, Jeff Baker. Baker doubled to left in the top of the second off San Francisco starter, Brad Penny. He was doubled up in his next at-bat, and flied out to center field for the first out of the seventh inning. Baker came to bat for the fourth time in the ninth with the opposing team clinging to a one run lead. His long ball put the Cubs ahead 3-2 for good, and sent a stunned San Francisco team packing and trailing the NL wildcard-leading Rockies by four games.
The Giants were a strike away from gaining a came on Colorado before the two out bomb banished their opportunity. Penny pitched eight innings of one-run ball before handing the game over to Wilson. Wilson began the inning by walking veteran Chicago swinger, Derrek Lee. Lee stole second after Wilson retired the next two batters on popups. Baker smacked a fastball over the left field wall, and the Giants quickly fell behind a run. The home team put two runners aboard in their half of the ninth. Cubs’ hard-throwing reliever, Carlos Marmol, struck out two Giants to end the game. Former New York Met, Aaron Heilman, ascended to victory for his fourth of the year as Marmol picked up his 15th season save. Wilson suffered the loss, but his summoning from the bullpen was hard to argue. The closer’s miniscule ERA of 1.27 over his last nine outings justified Bruce Bochy’s move. Chicago starter, Ryan Dempster, was outpitched by his former teammate from Florida. Dempster lasted seven innings but scattered seven hits and two runs.
The outcome of the Rockies-Padres game was posted on the scoreboard when the Cubs and Giants were tied at 1-1 in the fifth. Each team scored one run in the fourth inning. Micah Hoffpauir scored when Baker grounded into a double play. Left fielder for the Giants, John Bowker, crossed the plate on shortstop Juan Uribe’s double in the bottom of the fourth to even the score. Bowker replaced Nate Schierholtz in the lineup. The southpaw slugger sat because of food poisoning. The manager’s decision payed off when backup Bowker homered off Dempster into McCovey Cove in the seventh.
The Giants are now 82-71 and four games back with nine remaining. San Francisco plays six more home games against Chicago and Arizona before finishing the season in San Diego. The Padres are poised to play spoiler. Smug San Diego set aside the Rockies 5-4 Thursday night. The Rockies lead was trimmed to 3 ½ games over the idle Atlanta Braves. The Braves probably have the easiest schedule of the remaining wildcard contenders. The NL Central is all but over as soon as the Cardinals win and the Cubs lose another game. But this wildcard race is an intriguing one that should come down to the final day of the regular season. The Rockies play the Cardinals next in a possible preview of the post-season. Matt Holliday will return to Corrs Field for the first time since he was traded to Oakland last winter. He will arrive in a Redbird uniform to face a Rockies team that has lost 7 of their last 11, including last night. Joe Beimel took the loss for Colorado and a shaky bullpen, but hope to reconvene and regroup this weekend. Jason Hammel tossed a gem through six ½ excellent innings, but his bullpen collapsed after being handed a 3-1 advantage. The Cardinals will start two CY Young candidates in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright and plate All-stars, Holliday and Albert Pujols in the three game set beginning Friday. Both teams will embark on the last weekend of September with still a lot to prove.
Parting Points: Yankees-Red Sox, the final round starts tonight.
Song of the day-: “Hand In My Pocket” by Alanis Morisette
The Giants were a strike away from gaining a came on Colorado before the two out bomb banished their opportunity. Penny pitched eight innings of one-run ball before handing the game over to Wilson. Wilson began the inning by walking veteran Chicago swinger, Derrek Lee. Lee stole second after Wilson retired the next two batters on popups. Baker smacked a fastball over the left field wall, and the Giants quickly fell behind a run. The home team put two runners aboard in their half of the ninth. Cubs’ hard-throwing reliever, Carlos Marmol, struck out two Giants to end the game. Former New York Met, Aaron Heilman, ascended to victory for his fourth of the year as Marmol picked up his 15th season save. Wilson suffered the loss, but his summoning from the bullpen was hard to argue. The closer’s miniscule ERA of 1.27 over his last nine outings justified Bruce Bochy’s move. Chicago starter, Ryan Dempster, was outpitched by his former teammate from Florida. Dempster lasted seven innings but scattered seven hits and two runs.
The outcome of the Rockies-Padres game was posted on the scoreboard when the Cubs and Giants were tied at 1-1 in the fifth. Each team scored one run in the fourth inning. Micah Hoffpauir scored when Baker grounded into a double play. Left fielder for the Giants, John Bowker, crossed the plate on shortstop Juan Uribe’s double in the bottom of the fourth to even the score. Bowker replaced Nate Schierholtz in the lineup. The southpaw slugger sat because of food poisoning. The manager’s decision payed off when backup Bowker homered off Dempster into McCovey Cove in the seventh.
The Giants are now 82-71 and four games back with nine remaining. San Francisco plays six more home games against Chicago and Arizona before finishing the season in San Diego. The Padres are poised to play spoiler. Smug San Diego set aside the Rockies 5-4 Thursday night. The Rockies lead was trimmed to 3 ½ games over the idle Atlanta Braves. The Braves probably have the easiest schedule of the remaining wildcard contenders. The NL Central is all but over as soon as the Cardinals win and the Cubs lose another game. But this wildcard race is an intriguing one that should come down to the final day of the regular season. The Rockies play the Cardinals next in a possible preview of the post-season. Matt Holliday will return to Corrs Field for the first time since he was traded to Oakland last winter. He will arrive in a Redbird uniform to face a Rockies team that has lost 7 of their last 11, including last night. Joe Beimel took the loss for Colorado and a shaky bullpen, but hope to reconvene and regroup this weekend. Jason Hammel tossed a gem through six ½ excellent innings, but his bullpen collapsed after being handed a 3-1 advantage. The Cardinals will start two CY Young candidates in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright and plate All-stars, Holliday and Albert Pujols in the three game set beginning Friday. Both teams will embark on the last weekend of September with still a lot to prove.
Parting Points: Yankees-Red Sox, the final round starts tonight.
Song of the day-: “Hand In My Pocket” by Alanis Morisette
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Rallying Rockies Reinforce Race
Number 16 came through with a pair of homeruns for the Los Angeles Dodgers last night. Right fielder, Andre Ethier, clubbed his 26th and 27th long balls during the 6-1 Dodgers win to give his team a three game NL West lead over the opposing Colorado Rockies. The pressure-packed month for LA has gotten even tougher with the resurging walkoff darling Rockies playing the best baseball of any NL team down the stretch. Colorado was 12 games under .500 on June 3rd, but have gone on a major-league best 52-23 since. The Rockies won Tuesday night in extra innings to trim the division deficit to two games. The series opener was a dramatic showdown of two tenacious NL West titans. After a 14 inning Monday battle with the San Francisco Giants, Colorado took game one against LA on Troy Tulowitzki’s walkoff single to center in the 10th inning. The extra frames are nothing unordinary for Colorado these days. The team has a habit of battling back and registering hits when needed most. The intensity began with a two game wildcard lead and a series against the Giants. Now the Rockies have their hearts set for meaningful games in September and October baseball. Manager Jim Tracy believes the atmosphere brings out the best in his players. Memories of 2007 are starting to spring up, and several of the players from that historic drive are on Colorado’s current roster. At 72-55, the relentless Rockies represent a real, riveting and remorseless team.
The playoff-like drama only enhances the series with NL West leading LA. Colorado trails by just a few games and had the chance to make up even more ground on Wednesday night. Los Angeles bounced back from the opening loss to increase their lead in this seesaw pennant race. The Dodgers went one up with last night’s victory behind pitcher Randy Wolf. Wolf limited the Rockies to five hits and one run over 7 1/3 innings to snag his fourth consecutive win. The LA hurler is 6-3 with a 2.79 over his last 12 starts and very much one of the reasons the Dodgers have been tearing up the league. Every game is a must-win for LA with Colorado clicking their heals right behind Joe Torre’s team. The Rockies are relaxed but are aggressively pursuing the NL West instead of simply shooting for a wildcard spot. Wolf’s only costly misstep was a solo shot from Ryan Spilborghs in the third inning. It was the 29 year old’s eighth homerun of the year and 45th RBI. Colorado’s Josh Fogg didn’t have it last night. Starting for the first time in nearly a year, Fogg was unable to recreate his 2007 magic on the mound. Fogg failed to retire any of the half dozen batters he faced in the fourth inning, when the Rockies pitcher unraveled. The few hits he allowed were big ones. He issued four walks, scattered four hits and allowed three batters to take him deep during the game. Ethier drove two into the stands and James Loney added the third with a towering three run shot over the fence. Ethier tallied a single to go along with his homeruns and brought his total of extra-base hits this month to 17.
Vincente Padilla was the named starter for the rubber game of the series this afternoon for LA. Padilla was released by Texas earlier this year and picked up by the Dodgers August 19th. He will make his debut at Denver, where he opposes 12-8 Jorge De La Rosa. The Dodgers look to build on Wednesday’s key victory and continue their season-long success against the Rockies. LA would be incredibly wise to establish an early lead. The Rockies are a good comeback team and 36-25 at home. The big bats of LA may muster enough might to expand their division lead again today. The power at the plate has been coming from Ethier, Casey Blake and Matt Kemp. The other LA sluggers, including outfielder Manny Ramirez, have not been hitting. The cold bats explain why the Dodgers have been averaging about four runs and have not been winning. The Rockies drew first blood, but which contending team will get the last laugh?
Parting points: Song of the day- “Fallin For You”- Colbie Caillat
The playoff-like drama only enhances the series with NL West leading LA. Colorado trails by just a few games and had the chance to make up even more ground on Wednesday night. Los Angeles bounced back from the opening loss to increase their lead in this seesaw pennant race. The Dodgers went one up with last night’s victory behind pitcher Randy Wolf. Wolf limited the Rockies to five hits and one run over 7 1/3 innings to snag his fourth consecutive win. The LA hurler is 6-3 with a 2.79 over his last 12 starts and very much one of the reasons the Dodgers have been tearing up the league. Every game is a must-win for LA with Colorado clicking their heals right behind Joe Torre’s team. The Rockies are relaxed but are aggressively pursuing the NL West instead of simply shooting for a wildcard spot. Wolf’s only costly misstep was a solo shot from Ryan Spilborghs in the third inning. It was the 29 year old’s eighth homerun of the year and 45th RBI. Colorado’s Josh Fogg didn’t have it last night. Starting for the first time in nearly a year, Fogg was unable to recreate his 2007 magic on the mound. Fogg failed to retire any of the half dozen batters he faced in the fourth inning, when the Rockies pitcher unraveled. The few hits he allowed were big ones. He issued four walks, scattered four hits and allowed three batters to take him deep during the game. Ethier drove two into the stands and James Loney added the third with a towering three run shot over the fence. Ethier tallied a single to go along with his homeruns and brought his total of extra-base hits this month to 17.
Vincente Padilla was the named starter for the rubber game of the series this afternoon for LA. Padilla was released by Texas earlier this year and picked up by the Dodgers August 19th. He will make his debut at Denver, where he opposes 12-8 Jorge De La Rosa. The Dodgers look to build on Wednesday’s key victory and continue their season-long success against the Rockies. LA would be incredibly wise to establish an early lead. The Rockies are a good comeback team and 36-25 at home. The big bats of LA may muster enough might to expand their division lead again today. The power at the plate has been coming from Ethier, Casey Blake and Matt Kemp. The other LA sluggers, including outfielder Manny Ramirez, have not been hitting. The cold bats explain why the Dodgers have been averaging about four runs and have not been winning. The Rockies drew first blood, but which contending team will get the last laugh?
Parting points: Song of the day- “Fallin For You”- Colbie Caillat
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Aptitude At Any Altitude
Colorado’s collective club may cooperate with the mile high mountain air in Denver’s Rockies. As a professional hitter, pasting the ball at Corrs Field is a pretty painless proposition. Throughout the young franchise’s history, men have been swinging and stipulating shots past the outfield wall on an everyday basis. Opposing hitters look forward to breaking out of slumps when in town to visit. The park is so conducive to homerun hitting and unfriendly to pitchers. Pitchers’ careers can be ruined with one outing at Corrs. Hitters can go on tears and streaks after appearing at the Colorado home plate.
Denver is a city more fascinated by their beloved Broncos and awe-inspired by the re-developing Avalanche. Baseball flies under the radar but the Rockies are quietly establishing themselves as a contending team. Their dugout looks in decent shape coming off a World Series appearance two years ago. That late charge resulted in respect and you can no longer discount this dedicated bunch of ballplayers. This year’s version of the NL West team needs to corroborate a combative and corruptive force, particulary on the mound.
The Rockies released their top run producer when Matt Holliday signed a free agent contract with Oakland. Colorado’s core of sluggers configure to make up for some of Holliday’s numbers. First baseman, Todd Helton, is 35 years old but poised for a comeback year. Helton returns from a balky back that kept him hurt all off-season. Helton only drove in 29 RBIs in 2008 as a result of his back problems. He will be an adequate replacement for Holliday offensively. Manager, Clint Hurdle, will take it easy on the fleet footed Helton this season. Todd will rest for portions of the season as he saves himself for sporadic power surges. Helton’s 12 year big league experience has produced many all-star seasons. Number 17 is one of the most well-known and lovable Rockies. Last year was the first time in his career he failed to hit at least .300. The lifetime Colorado Rockie has 310 career long balls and close to 2,000 career hits since 1997. His .328 average makes him one of the most underrated players in the past decade. Helton, a household name in Denver, is a cut above your everyday veteran major leaguer.
Third baseman, Garrett Atkins, broke out in his first spring game in two weeks. Atkins belted a homerun in 10-6 Colorado victory. Garrett garners to be a steady slugger as long as he can improve his .225 batting average with runners in scoring position. The California-born righty should anchor the cleanup spot. Atkins’ approach at the plate is an undisciplined one but he hits for power and with a quick swing, can club one out of Corrs or any other ballpark. Garrett is a gamer and one of the premier third basemen in the National League.
Troy Tulowitski is a talented and tenacious shortstop but has been ailing some injuries and has had a slow Spring. Troy is not hitting well so far but creates a balance in Hurdle’s lineup as a right-handed stick. Troy will continue to grow as he emerges as a top tier infielder and he has a high ceiling as a player. Tall for his position at 6’3”, Tulo grabbed the attention of fans during Colorado’s post-season run in 2007. He tosses and throws well in the field and has double-play capabilities.
Ryan Spilborghs is also a fluid righty hitter and most likely will leadoff. He provides pop and can get on base frequently. Spilborghs has the speed to be a leading base-stealer. Ryan earned the CF spot over Willy Taveras. Catcher, Chris Iannetta and Clint Barnes are additional right-handed roster hitters. Iannetta, nicknamed “Dreamy”, is a 25 year old with exceptional skills. The surging Iannetta was supposed to be the catcher of the future but has established he can hit already in just his first stint. He has a chance to be the opening day catcher if he continues to shine on the grand stage.
The back end of the Rockies rotation has some serious question marks. Number one and two likely will go to righties, Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez. Both are formidable starters, and with Jeff Francis out of the year, need to step up. The front-line starter Francis’s slider will be a missing Colorado component in competition this season. Jason Marquis is a veteran who is capable of double digit wins. Francis might meet expectations and be the third man in Colorado’s mix. Number four starter, Jorge de la Rosa, finished 2008 well. His low ERA late last fall were good but the left-handed Jorge needs to become a consistent pitcher. Greg Smith and Franklin Morales will compete for fifth starter. The polished Smith has finesse for a lefty and Morales’ candidacy rests on whether he can command his pitches or not.
Huston Street was a force for the A’s as a deft closer. Street will replace Brian Fuentes in relief. Manuel Corpes will probably set up Huston with fearsome fireballer, Taylor Bucholtz sidelined for some time. Interestingly, Corpes can earn the closer role. He answered back on Friday in a solid effort and Street now has competition. The depth of the bullpen is deep enough to be effective. Right-handed Jason Grilli and Ryan Speier, along with the lefty veteran, Alan Embree, have quality arms as long as they are not overworked. Juan Morillo is a viable thrower who has handled pressure situations so far this Spring. Morillo cannot be sent to minors so he needs to make himself known in order to make the team. Juan is out of options but the bullpen could be his home if he continues to earn the manager’s respect. Glendon Rusch is another left-hander with versatility as a reliever.
Bench-wise, Colorado seats a deep one with OF Matt Murton, Jeff Baker and Omar Quintanilla. Murton’s right-handed bat has had a solid Spring. Matt was acquired from Oakland for infield prospect, Cory Wimberly. He can spank the ball when called off the bench, as proven as 2006 Cub reserve. He adds flexibility along with Baker. Baker can play the corner outfield positions well and has a powerful swing. Quintanilla is a useful utility man and defensively refined. Dan Ortmeier is a switch hittter who could be an extra outfielder too. Seth Smith, Ian Stewart and Carlos Gonzalez all reported to Rockies camp looking for a backup role or chance to play the outfield regularly. Smith might be the leader for the left field job. Yorvit Torrealba is also a backstop on the Rockies roster.
Colorado is a work in progress but a watchable team. The Rockies need to find ways to stop leaving men on base and deliver runs with men in scoring position. They were only .256 in those situations last year, so some creativity is needed on the offensive side of the ball. They were also 8th in the league in scoring runs. Given they play in bandbox Corrs Field, that is unacceptable. I believe the team will get better in terms of both statistics in 2009. The pitching is puzzling. Hurdle’s challenge will be keeping his starters in the game late and allowing the bullpen some rest. The Rockies need to establish a formidable rotation or they will not scare anybody this year. The field factor plays against them so that is the one challenge facing Colorado’s starters. Focusing on guys who pitch well at home is key. The ability is there and if the Rockies can put all the pieces together, should have a year to remember. They may not reach the post-season, but a winning record would be an accomplishment.
Parting points: I started a new book- “Yankee For Life” by Bobby Murcer. It looks like an easy, enjoyable engagement.
Denver is a city more fascinated by their beloved Broncos and awe-inspired by the re-developing Avalanche. Baseball flies under the radar but the Rockies are quietly establishing themselves as a contending team. Their dugout looks in decent shape coming off a World Series appearance two years ago. That late charge resulted in respect and you can no longer discount this dedicated bunch of ballplayers. This year’s version of the NL West team needs to corroborate a combative and corruptive force, particulary on the mound.
The Rockies released their top run producer when Matt Holliday signed a free agent contract with Oakland. Colorado’s core of sluggers configure to make up for some of Holliday’s numbers. First baseman, Todd Helton, is 35 years old but poised for a comeback year. Helton returns from a balky back that kept him hurt all off-season. Helton only drove in 29 RBIs in 2008 as a result of his back problems. He will be an adequate replacement for Holliday offensively. Manager, Clint Hurdle, will take it easy on the fleet footed Helton this season. Todd will rest for portions of the season as he saves himself for sporadic power surges. Helton’s 12 year big league experience has produced many all-star seasons. Number 17 is one of the most well-known and lovable Rockies. Last year was the first time in his career he failed to hit at least .300. The lifetime Colorado Rockie has 310 career long balls and close to 2,000 career hits since 1997. His .328 average makes him one of the most underrated players in the past decade. Helton, a household name in Denver, is a cut above your everyday veteran major leaguer.
Third baseman, Garrett Atkins, broke out in his first spring game in two weeks. Atkins belted a homerun in 10-6 Colorado victory. Garrett garners to be a steady slugger as long as he can improve his .225 batting average with runners in scoring position. The California-born righty should anchor the cleanup spot. Atkins’ approach at the plate is an undisciplined one but he hits for power and with a quick swing, can club one out of Corrs or any other ballpark. Garrett is a gamer and one of the premier third basemen in the National League.
Troy Tulowitski is a talented and tenacious shortstop but has been ailing some injuries and has had a slow Spring. Troy is not hitting well so far but creates a balance in Hurdle’s lineup as a right-handed stick. Troy will continue to grow as he emerges as a top tier infielder and he has a high ceiling as a player. Tall for his position at 6’3”, Tulo grabbed the attention of fans during Colorado’s post-season run in 2007. He tosses and throws well in the field and has double-play capabilities.
Ryan Spilborghs is also a fluid righty hitter and most likely will leadoff. He provides pop and can get on base frequently. Spilborghs has the speed to be a leading base-stealer. Ryan earned the CF spot over Willy Taveras. Catcher, Chris Iannetta and Clint Barnes are additional right-handed roster hitters. Iannetta, nicknamed “Dreamy”, is a 25 year old with exceptional skills. The surging Iannetta was supposed to be the catcher of the future but has established he can hit already in just his first stint. He has a chance to be the opening day catcher if he continues to shine on the grand stage.
The back end of the Rockies rotation has some serious question marks. Number one and two likely will go to righties, Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez. Both are formidable starters, and with Jeff Francis out of the year, need to step up. The front-line starter Francis’s slider will be a missing Colorado component in competition this season. Jason Marquis is a veteran who is capable of double digit wins. Francis might meet expectations and be the third man in Colorado’s mix. Number four starter, Jorge de la Rosa, finished 2008 well. His low ERA late last fall were good but the left-handed Jorge needs to become a consistent pitcher. Greg Smith and Franklin Morales will compete for fifth starter. The polished Smith has finesse for a lefty and Morales’ candidacy rests on whether he can command his pitches or not.
Huston Street was a force for the A’s as a deft closer. Street will replace Brian Fuentes in relief. Manuel Corpes will probably set up Huston with fearsome fireballer, Taylor Bucholtz sidelined for some time. Interestingly, Corpes can earn the closer role. He answered back on Friday in a solid effort and Street now has competition. The depth of the bullpen is deep enough to be effective. Right-handed Jason Grilli and Ryan Speier, along with the lefty veteran, Alan Embree, have quality arms as long as they are not overworked. Juan Morillo is a viable thrower who has handled pressure situations so far this Spring. Morillo cannot be sent to minors so he needs to make himself known in order to make the team. Juan is out of options but the bullpen could be his home if he continues to earn the manager’s respect. Glendon Rusch is another left-hander with versatility as a reliever.
Bench-wise, Colorado seats a deep one with OF Matt Murton, Jeff Baker and Omar Quintanilla. Murton’s right-handed bat has had a solid Spring. Matt was acquired from Oakland for infield prospect, Cory Wimberly. He can spank the ball when called off the bench, as proven as 2006 Cub reserve. He adds flexibility along with Baker. Baker can play the corner outfield positions well and has a powerful swing. Quintanilla is a useful utility man and defensively refined. Dan Ortmeier is a switch hittter who could be an extra outfielder too. Seth Smith, Ian Stewart and Carlos Gonzalez all reported to Rockies camp looking for a backup role or chance to play the outfield regularly. Smith might be the leader for the left field job. Yorvit Torrealba is also a backstop on the Rockies roster.
Colorado is a work in progress but a watchable team. The Rockies need to find ways to stop leaving men on base and deliver runs with men in scoring position. They were only .256 in those situations last year, so some creativity is needed on the offensive side of the ball. They were also 8th in the league in scoring runs. Given they play in bandbox Corrs Field, that is unacceptable. I believe the team will get better in terms of both statistics in 2009. The pitching is puzzling. Hurdle’s challenge will be keeping his starters in the game late and allowing the bullpen some rest. The Rockies need to establish a formidable rotation or they will not scare anybody this year. The field factor plays against them so that is the one challenge facing Colorado’s starters. Focusing on guys who pitch well at home is key. The ability is there and if the Rockies can put all the pieces together, should have a year to remember. They may not reach the post-season, but a winning record would be an accomplishment.
Parting points: I started a new book- “Yankee For Life” by Bobby Murcer. It looks like an easy, enjoyable engagement.
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