Rockies Magic Number

Quick thoughts about trades

2010-10-12T11:01:00.002-06:00

Franklin Morales to Toronto for JP Arencibia would be pretty bitching.

MORE TRADES

2009-07-31T14:32:00.001-06:00

The word is Bell for Kershaw.

Just to mess with your heads.

Rockies Trade Rumors

2009-07-23T13:13:00.002-06:00

The Rockies have contacted the St. Louis Cardinals about acquiring 1B Albert Pujols. The Cardinals seemed receptive.

When asked for comment, Todd Helton was all like "wtf"

After promoting top pitching prospect Jhoulys Chacin, the Rockies have nearly finalized a trade for Roy Halladay in a package centered around Omar Quintanilla.

More details as events unfold.

(look I can make trade rumors, TOO!)

Free Agent Frustration

2009-02-12T21:32:00.003-07:00

So it's Feb 12, pitchers and catchers are reporting on Saturday, and I don't feel like the Rockies have done enough this offseason to separate themselves from the rest of the division.

I'll quickly break it down position by position

C - Chris Iannetta. I really think that Iannetta, Brian McCann (ATL), and Russell Martin (LAD) are the best catchers in the NL. Iannetta and Martin are very different style hitters, and I think Iannetta has the edge over Martin, but the point is that our starting C is a position that we aren't going to improve upon.

1B - Todd Helton. Todd is one of the wildcards here, because of his back. It sounds like rehab is going well, but he's definitely gonna have limited playing time. If he's healthy for a full season, he'll still probably bat .320/.430/.470 or something like that. In terms of starters, we can't really go out and get a new 1B, what Garrett Atkins, Brad Hawpe, Jeff Baker, and Joe Koshansky. It's not really a position we can upgrade.

2B - Clint Barmes/Jeff Baker. Now the thing here is that Barmes and Baker are good when they're hot, and barely average otherwise. Bake has a lot of raw power, and Barmes is a big contact hitter. Baker has enough glove to keep his head above water, but he's definitely below average. Barmes is slightly above average, and oftentimes, that's the only thing that keeps him in the lineup. Problem is here, I think we could upgrade at this position. Orlando Hudson is available, and while he'd cost a draft pick, it'd only be a second rounder, and I think the offensive and defensive package, even if it's only for like 120 games, would be worth a couple extra wins on what Barmes or Baker would provide. I feel like we would be a better team with Hudson on board, and that's a fact.

SS - Troy Tulowitzki. He'll rebound from his poor 2008, and if he puts up numbers like his 2nd half last year, he'll be solid.

3B - Garrett Atkins. He's trade bait, and then Stewart will take over full time. He also needs a good rebound to establish his trade value.

LF - Seth Smith. It's a big hole to fill, Matt Holliday's. I don't think Smith has been given a good chance to prove himself yet, and until Garrett Atkins is gone, I don't think he's going to. Smith has shown an improved eye every level of the minors, as well as an improved power swing. Chances are his .296 BABIP has room to grow. His minor league cumulative BABIP was .349, which tells you he has the potential to be a better contact hitter than his major league numbers suggest. He really should be the starter, but there's gonna be a lot of offense cycled through there just for playing time. In terms of a FA upgrade, I guess we could've gotten Burrell or Dunn or Manny or someone, but I really wonder how much benefit they'd add when you factor in their abominable defense.

CF - Ryan Spilborghs. I'd really rather see an OF of Smith - Fowler - Spilborghs, but Spills has shown he can play a passable CF until we can realign the defense more optimally. Again, looking for upgrades, there really weren't any that we hadn't just gotten rid of ourselves.

RF - Brad Hawpe. Hawpe has pretty much proven his bat to be a good and stable one. However, his glove could use some work. I won't hit on that much more.

Other - Ian Stwart. He should be playing 3B full time, but Atkins is still here. Bummer. Stew's gonna take ABs from Smith in LF this way.

Other - Dexter Fowler, Carlos Gonzalez. These guys are the real wild cards for the 2009 season. They'll probably both start the season in AAA, and when they start showing real strides, they'll probably get the callup. Dex is the CF of the future, and then we have a logjam in the OF between Spilborghs, Smith, Gonzalez, Hawpe, etc. Frankly, I'd like to see Atkins get traded for some sort of value, Stewart play fulltime 3B, Hawpe play 1B when Helton is hurting, and we can platoon Smith and Murton in LF.

Ideally, I want C Iannetta 1B Helton 2B Hudson SS Tulowitzki 3B Stewart LF Smith CF Spilborghs RF Hawpe

and eventually

C Iannetta 1B Hawpe 2B Hudson SS Tulo 3B Stewart LF Smith CF Fowler RF Spilborghs.

Just looking at the guys we have available, it's a LOT of unknowns. Not just Helton's back, but Stewart's plate discipline, Atkins and Tulo rebounding, Hawpe's glove, Spilborghs and Smith as fulltime players.

It could be great

And it could fall flat on its face and be awful.

I'll touch on pitchers later.

IsoD - Quantifying Plate Discipline

2009-01-15T09:39:00.003-07:00

IsoD, for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, is short for "Isolated Discipline" and is calculated by OBP-AVG. It basically tells you what percentage of plate appearances result in a walk for that particular player. It tends to go along with IsoP (Power), which is SLG-AVG.

In my limited evaluation of players, IsoD and IsoP are the true measures of a player's talent. There's always some baseline batting average, but you can dismiss most of the fluctuations in that to BABIP. Issue is, this only really works for more experienced players (more stats to look at).

Let me give you somewhat of a numerical example.

Derek Jeter had one of the worst seasons of his career in 2008, and if you look at strictly OPS, it WAS the worst of his career. Does this mean that he's washed up and done for? Well, let's take a look at the numbers.

As I mentioned earlier, BABIP (lucky drops, gaps, etc) can account for year-to-year fluctuation in a player's batting average. If that player's IsoD and IsoP are consistent with his career norms, then I wouldn't read too much into a drop in OPS.

In 2008, Jeter batted .300/.363/.408, good for an OPS of .771. Not really great (especially if you take his defense into account), but a .300/.363 player is hardly something to sneeze at. Argue salary on your own time.

Anyhow, Jeter is a career .316/.387/.458 batter. So his batting average is a bit lower than his career numbers. Let's look at his IsoD. For 2008, it's .363-.300, or .063. For his career, it's .387-.316, or .071. So comparing .071 to .063, we're really not talking about a massive difference, only .008. If you look at his career IsoD's (per season) and get the standard deviation on them, that shows up as .010. That just means that this IsoD fluctuation is within a year-to-year fluctuation.

The thing that somewhat interests me is the fact that his AVERAGE is down .016 AND his IsoD has dropped. It should also be noted that his career IsoP is .142, and in 2008, it was only .108. That's a more significant drop.

To perhaps explain the low Average, we can look at his BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play). In 2008, Jete's BABIP was .336. That's high, compared to league average, but when looking at an individual batter, you want to compare it to his career BABIP instead - which is .361 for the Captain.

What have I gleaned from this? Something is happening with Jeter outside of simple fluctuations, or at least something happened in 2008.

From this point, we've determined his power swing has diminished. Turn him over to the team Strength and Conditioning coach, get him some Wheaties, get him to work on putting the ball into the gap. He'll be fine.

But I never settle at this. Anecdotal evidence is nice, but can I tie numbers to this situation?

My last (easy to find) source is his Plate Discipline data, which is generously provided by Fangraphs.com.

In 2008, Derek Jeter swung at 23.7% of balls outside of the zone, which is only a 1.8% increase from the previous season. However, this number is up 8.2% from 2005, when Jeter posted a healthy .389 OBP (and a .080 IsoD along with it). To complement the increase in out-of-zone swinging, his contact rates outside of the zone ALSO went up 18.6% since 2005 (Out-of-zone contact can lead to poorly hit balls, resulting in doubleplays, etc - unless your name is Vlad Guerrero, then it's a HR). His in-zone discipline has remained right about the same from previous years.

So what have we learned just from looking at like 8 numbers on Fangraphs? Well, 1. We know he's gotten unlucky, based on the .025 drop in his BABIP. 2. We know he's getting a bit impatient, from both his low IsoD, and his increase in swinging at (and making contact with) balls outside of the strike zone.

So now when your Yankees fan friend comes up to you and says "hey you're a big [expletive] baseball stat dork, tell me why Jeter [expletive] my [expletive][expletive] last season" and you can say "Well, let's see. He isn't walking as much as his career average (IsoD!) and he isn't hitting the ball for as much power as normal (IsoP!), maybe he's just getting impatient (Swinging %!!!)"

Look at you, you sabermetrician, you!

To Close or Not to Close

2008-12-17T22:33:00.007-07:00

Going into the 2009 season, I will say something strange:

I think that our bullpen (as it is as of December 17, 2008) is one of the stronger parts of our team.

I know, gasp, right? Something good about Rockies pitching? Get out of town.

We have 3 strong pitchers in the back of our bullpen in Manny Corpas, Huston Street, and Taylor Buchholz, that all have closing material. Buchholz put up a 0.95 WHIP and a 3.11 K/BB ratio. Corpas’ K rates dropped a bit, but he still put up a decent K/BB ratio. It seems the BABIP bug might’ve gotten to him a bit, maybe he was tipping his pitches a bit, whatever. Huston Street, while wilder than both Buchholz and Corpas, brings a much higher K rate than the others, which can give him the edge over the other two.

Behind them, we have part time STUD and part time batting practice instructor Luis Vizcaino, Veteran LOOGY (Lefty One-Out GuY) Alan Embree, and castaway Jason Grilli to fill in the 6th and losing efforts. And in the event that those SIX PITCHERS are unable to get the job done, we can turn to AAA closer Ryan Speier to pitch several for us. We’ll also have Hirsh in AAA trying to figure out how to pitch again, so he might be available for callup as a workhorse.

So let’s rehash real quick.

We have:

1. RHP Manny Corpas

2. RHP Taylor Buchholz

3. RHP Huston Street

4. RHPDUI Luis Vizcaino

5. LHP Alan Embree

6. RHP Jason Grilli

7. RHP Ryan Speier

At the very least.

This brings us to the million dollar question:

Who’s the closer?

1. The case for Corpas

Corpas was the closer during the magical run to the World Series in 2007, posting a 2.08 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and a 50:23 K:BB. He was slated to be the closer in 2008, before a series of somethings caused him to fall apart and give the job back up to Brian Fuentes. Corpas has the most Coors Field closing experience, gets solid GB%, and is also being paid the most. He brings a big slider and a well-located fastball that can induce weak contact as well as punch guys out.

2. The case for Street

2005 AL RoY Huston Street has been closing in Oakland the past 4 seasons, all relatively successful. Out of the 3 candidates for closing in Coors Field, Street has the most experience, and has by far the goofiest grin. Similar to Corpas, 2008 was not a great year, showing a career high in ERA, WHIP, and BB/9. However, between Bill James and Marcel the Monkey, we’re anticipating a 1.15 WHIP and a 66:21 K:BB. Street, very similar to Corpas, brings a low 90s fastball and a strong slider that he throws effectively for strikeouts.

3. The case for Buchholz

Taylor Buchholz started with Houston as a starter, and also attempted to be a rotation regular with Colorado in 2007. Post all-star break, the Rockies decided to have Buchholz pitch strictly out of the pen, which he succeeded at. Since he’s been made a bullpen fixture, his game has gotten significantly better. He’s striking more guys out, he’s throwing his curveball more effectively, and he seems to be rediscovering his pitches now that he doesn’t have to pace himself for 6 innings. While Buchholz has no closing experience, he’s seeking a bigger role in the pitching staff, and he’s also demonstrating that he has the stuff to do it. He throws a low-to-mid 90s fastball along with a big 12-6 curveball. He’ll occasionally mix a slider in, but it’s just an extra offspeed pitch. His money is in his curve.

So who should it be? We have a Coors Field style former closer, a strikeout machine that will replace Fuentes’ swingin’ finishes (for better or for worse), or a newcomer to the 9th inning who has been improving with every step he’s taken. Do you go with experience, and give it to Street? Do you try something new, and give it to Buchholz? Or do you go with familiarity, and give it to Corpas?

How about none of the above?

Don’t roll your eyes too hard yet. I am obviously proposing the Rockies close by committee, and here’s why:

1. (hey, it’s another list!) None of the 3 stands out as the obvious choice of closer. Buchholz has never done it, Corpas kind of imploded last year, and Street’s shown himself to be kind of a headcase in Oakland. This isn’t to say they can’t still succeed in the late innings, but there isn’t a Fuentes or Hoffman or KRod ready to jump out and take command.

2. This is the perfect opportunity to play matchups. We aren’t doing anything big in 2009, barring more magic, so why not experiment a bit with the bullpen? We have setup men/closers, why not see how many ways we can pitch them against the opposition? Granted, it will take more time from the coaching staff to research the matchups and who does best against what, and there might be a lot of success to be had. Sure, nobody’s gonna rack up all the SAVES, but maybe they’ll be able to rise above a flawed stat and see that they’re doing something pretty cool.

3. There are 9 outs, they should be recorded the most effectively, not just based on who has the most seniority or anything. You could have Corpas knock down 2 contact hitters and then pull him because the next batter has a good history, get Street to pitch a 4-out “hold”, and then have Buchholz seal up the bottom of the lineup. Or maybe Buchholz can bury 4 guys, Street comes in for a big K, and then Corpas pitches another 4 outs. Buchholz has always been tougher on Lefties, so you can bring him or Embree in the later innings to get the big LHB out, and then put it back on the shoulders of Street or Corpas. Either way, it becomes a closing STAFF and not just a Closer and the Setup guys. I like the idea of a 3-headed monster finishing games for the Rockies.

4. If they don’t play matchups, it’ll at least be a good way to play the guy who’s hot and take the load off the guy who’s not, hopefully without any hard feelings.

So this is really just a pipe dream for me, because I don’t think that Hurdle would run a bullpen like this. But here’s my second proposition: Close with Buchholz. He may seem like the least logical choice, but he is good enough to do it, and it’ll more than likely give him a lot of 3-out saves, and leave more workload on the more experienced relievers. And call me crazy, but I want my best pitchers pitching the most innings.

The reason I pick Buchholz over the other two is that the other two are very similar in their pitching styles. They are both low 90s Fastball + a big slider, but one tends to pitch to contact and the other the lack thereof. So depending on the batting styles, ie. if you have Jack Cust, Adam Dunn, and Mark Reynolds coming up in the 7th, put in Street to strike out the side, Corpas in the 8th, and then in the 9th you have to prepare for the curve coming over the top when you’ve been watching sliders coming in from both sides. I’d rather change things up in the 9th anyhow, because if batter shave been watching sliders for the previous 6 outs, if they start to adjust, Corpas can get the GB or Street can get the big K, and then they have to readjust to the big hammer in the 9th.

The reason this is even crossing my mind is because Closers are stupid. They’re never used in the right situations, because they’re all about SAVES, which is a stupid statistic. The 9th inning may have its own mentality to it, but it’s not always the highest leverage situation. You might have the 2-3-4 guys coming up in the 8th, so Scot Shields gets lit up while K-Rod sits back waiting to face the 6-7-8 so he can get a fistpumping 3-out save with a 3 run lead backing him. I’d rather use K-Rod against the big dogs and let Shields mop up what’s left in the 9th.

Financially, any moneyball type GM knows that you shouldn’t pay someone big bucks in free agency to come be a closer, because there’s a chance that at any given point, there’s a guy between your pen and AAA that is just mowing batters down that year, and you could probably squeeze a season out of luck/batter unfamiliarity and have an effective bullpen for next to nothing. That and locking up relief pitchers is just a bad idea to start with.

Basically, O’Dowd is making some subtle smart moves. The team is now comprised of high OBP high Power kinds of batters in Iannetta, Stewart, Hawpe, and the general OBP of the team is looking to be higher, just based on Spills and Helton putting in more time, and Tulo hopefully being a more patient batter. Don Baylor should help here too.

OBP is the new way in thinking about how to build a team, so why not use this season to condition the new lineup, maybe see some Dex, and then trot out a solid bullpen that works as a unit, not just the sums of pieces? I think it would be cool to see a young team bring in new ideas and succeed while doing it.

2009 – Who plays where? A mathematical look at lineup construction.

2008-12-15T01:04:00.016-07:00

Looking forward to the 2009 season, the Rockies find themselves a logjam at roughly every position, SS excepted. Let’s take a look at the 14 position players we anticipate being on the roster, along with their offensive and defensive capabilities.

Name	Position(s)	2008 OPS	2008 VORP	2008 UZR @ #1 position	2008 UZR @ #2 position
Chris Iannetta	C	0.895	30.4	N/A	N/A
Yorvit Torrealba	C	0.687	-1.4	N/A	N/A
Todd Helton	1B	0.779	8.6	5.1	N/A
Clint Barmes	2B, SS	0.79	19.1	2.1	-3.9
Troy Tulowitzki	SS	0.732	8.1	-3	N/A
Ian Stewart	3B, 2B	0.804	10.3	2.7	0.3
Ryan Spilborghs	CF, LF	0.875	17.7	-3.8	-0.8
Brad Hawpe	RF	0.879	29.7	-37.2	N/A
Garrett Atkins	3B, 1B	0.78	18	-7.4	-5.6
Carlos Gonzalez	CF, RF	0.634	-6.6	2.7	4.1
Seth Smith	RF, LF	0.785	3.7	-2.5	1.1
Jeff Baker	1B, 2B	0.791	11.2	-1.5	-3.8
Scott Podsednik	CF, LF	0.656	-0.7	-4.6	-0.8
Omar Quintanilla	2B, SS	0.635	-3.6	-0.2	-0.8

The above should have a few notations to it: Barmes’ and Tulowitzki’s 2008 UZR performances are most likely low due to hasn’t-played-there-in-awhile (Barmes) and injury concerns (Tulo).

So let’s get to the point. Not everyone buys OPS, not everyone buys VORP, but I’m sure most everyone will buy one or the other.

If you don’t know what either is, I’ll give a quick rundown on what they both are.

OPS = OBP+SLG = On-Base percentage + Slugging percentage.

OBP = On Base Percentage = (Hits + BB + HBP)/Plate Appearances
SLG = Slugging Percentage = (1*1B’s +2*2B’s + 3*3B’s + 4*HR’s)/AB

OBP is essentially how often a player doesn’t make an out. SLG is batting average, weighted for extra base hits.

VORP = Value over replacement player = A park-adjusted measure of how many runs a player will provide above/below replacement level player will add to his team. For more information on VORP, refer to Keith Woolner’s Introduction to VORP article.

UZR = Ultimate Zone Rating = Number of runs prevented based on defensive play

So this chart here basically tells us how many runs a player will add to the team’s offensive totals with his bat, and how many he’ll prevent with his glove.

The Rockies have a good number of options at each position, both defensive and offensive. The question is which will be the best, and how can we adjust players to maximize runs?

The All-Bat Lineup
C: Iannetta (VORP 30.4)
1B: Garrett Atkins (VORP 18)
2B: Jeff Baker (VORP 11.2)
3B: Ian Stewart (VORP 10.3)
SS: Clint Barmes (VORP 18)
LF: Seth Smith (VORP 3.7)
CF: Ryan Spilborghs (VORP 17.7)
RF: Brad Hawpe (VORP 29.7)

The saddest part of this might just be that 3.7 VORP in LF. Smith would most definitely produce better than that given an entire season. The lack of Tulowitzki is surprising, especially with Baker at 2B and Barmes at SS, but there’s a couple things to note:
1. Tulowitzki slumped terribly early in the year, but finished strong;
2. Tulowitzki was hurt for a good amount of time this season. Even with the terrible slump, he’d probably be good for about 12-15 runs over the season were he to play the entire season;
3. Stewart’s VORP would be similarly higher, probably around 20+ were he to get a full 550AB as a starter, bumping Baker from the lineup when Tulowitzki reemerges at SS and Barmes is slid back to 2B.

Depressingly, this is our best lineup. 56.8 runs above replacement, above a AAA squad. Granted, if we added in the runs if Stewart and Smith were full time players, and adjusted Tulowitzki’s numbers a bit to somewhere between this season and 2007, the number would look far better. But as it stands, we are hurting somewhat from Holliday’s absence.

The next lineup to look at is the all-glove lineup.

C: Iannetta (UZR doesn’t really apply to catchers)
1B: Todd Helton (UZR 5.1)
2B: Clint Barmes (UZR 2.1)
3B: Ian Stewart (UZR 2.7)
SS: Omar Quintanilla (UZR -0.8)
LF: Ryan Spilborghs (UZR -0.8)
CF: Carlos Gonzalez (UZR 2.7)
RF: Seth Smith (UZR -2.5)

Again, things that stand out:

1. The lack of Tulowitzki is again no good, but remember he had quad problems all season. A properly rehabbed quad will more than likely move Tulowitzki from the -3 he’s sitting at back to the +5 rating he was at last season.

2. Quintanilla’s low UZR surprised me, but it might also be due to a lack of range, just because he’s a smaller fielder. He has a good glove and makes good plays on the balls he can get to, but he’s not really ideal; the bigger SS has taken over the thoughts of a lot of GMs. He plays as a just below average fielder, but again, it’s Range vs. Ability to make plays, and ErrR (runs avoided by not making errors) is above average for Q, while RngR (runs avoided by ability to get to balls) is definitely below.

3. Spilborghs really didn’t log any time at RF this season, but an ideal defensive OF at this point (that doesn’t involve bringing up Cory Sullivan) would have Smith in LF, Spills in RF, and Gonzalez in CF.

4. Brad Hawpe is absolutely awful in RF. Like atrocious. I mean oh my lord he’s bad. If you just do VORP + UZR to see how many runs Brad Hawpe added to the team this season overall, he’s at a nice -8. He has to be moved to LF or the Rockies need to move to the AL.

Now, as if this wasn’t all terribly nerdy enough, I’ve topped myself here. I used a computer program to tell me how many games each guy should start over the course of a season. It takes the #runs scored + #runs prevented by each player, above/below the level of an average player, and it maximizes the total number of runs scored and prevented.

The computer’s ideal lineup is:

C: Iannetta
1B: Helton
2B: Barmes
3B: Stewart
SS: Tulowitzki
LF: Hawpe
CF: Seth Smith
RF: Spilborghs

The concept here is that Smith may not really be that great in CF, but his Offense+CF defense is better than Gonzales'. You might think that his CF defense would be bad enough to move him to RF and put Spills in CF, but the concept here is that the combination of Smith's CF defense and Spilborghs' RF defense is better at preventing runs than Spilborghs in CF and Smith in RF.

The immediate thought that comes into my head is "But CF is far more important defensively than RF is, put the better defender in CF at the cost of RF!" and this logic is sound. So sound, in fact that because UZR is in terms of runs (range+error prevention), the relative difficulty of the positions is already taken into effect. This isn't saying that Smith is the same defensively at every position, it's saying he's worth so many runs at LF, CF, and RF, because they all play differently, and UZR accounts for that. So this isn't saying Spills is SO good in RF that he'll pick up all of Smith's slack, it's saying that yeah, Smith isn't a great CF, but by putting him in CF and putting Spills in RF is going to minimize the number of runs we give up. If it were Spills CF Smith RF we'd give up more runs is what we're saying here.

Now, if I were to add Dexter Fowler (and get rid of Podsednik) at a completely average defensive ability (UZR=0) in all 3 OF positions, and a bat slightly inferior to Barmes’ into the equation, my infield stays the same, but the OF changes to:

LF Spilborghs
CF Smith
RF Fowler

Now, I haven’t messed around and made Atkins some sort of garbage player, I used per-game run production from Baseball Prospectus and UZR ratings from Fangraphs, and then just ran the numbers. I didn’t demand Atkins play less than 50 games, I didn’t tell the program to bench Hawpe. In the case of Atkins, it becomes a case of a declining bat plus an already sub standard glove results in becoming a backup. And Hawpe’s issue that his atrocious OF defense simply kills his playing time.

If you read my previous post, you know that I think Atkins should be traded in favor of starting Ian Stewart, and maybe netting some young pitching. In this model, Atkins plays a grand total of 36 games, all at 3B, as Hawpe gets all the 1B time when Helton isn’t playing. I'm not sure how poor Hawpe would be at 1B, but if I say he's exactly as bad as Atkins, he'll still get the playing time thanks to a stronger bat.

The thing I learn from this? Defense is more important than people may think. If the Florida Marlins were defensively stronger, I'd wager they'd improve significantly. Defense is supposed to be a strong point of the Rockies, and it seems that just by the numbers, we're not playing optimally.

The optimal solution, again, just by the numbers, is to let the kids play.

Reasons the Colorado Rockies should trade Garrett Atkins

2008-12-13T13:05:00.006-07:00

To lead this off, I like Garrett Atkins. I do. I don't grouse when he gets playing time, I think he's a nice guy, he has a good swing, and he's a pretty good batter in general.

However, he is right in the middle of a logjam.

He is the established 3B, but Ian Stewart is showing all signs of taking over the position and being far more productive.

He's the backup 1B, but Todd Helton's back surgery sounds like it went well.

The organization has stated that his future with the team is linked to Helton's health.

My opinion? Trade him anyhow.

Here's why.

1. Atkins has a poor glove, and one of the strengths of our organization is our defensive talent. He can make the plays that are within his small zone, but ask him to range to his left, and the ball is going into Left Field unless Tulowitzki comes up with it. He's a converted 1B anyhow, and he wasn't very good at that either. Stewart, however, has an above average glove and will save the team more runs with his glove than Atkins would, and he's showing an incredible amount of power from his bat, as well as a very good eye.

2. Atkins has a declining bat. In 2006, his 2nd year, Atkins looked like he'd be a cornerstone of this organization for years to come. Lock him up long term. But he decided to go year to year, and it's probably helped the organization more in the long run than him. His batting average has dropped, his power numbers have dropped, basically everything about his game has declined. And I fault this specifically: He's getting impatient. His first 3 seasons, he was a very patient hitter, and his OBP showed it. 2006 he was batting .329/.409/.556. Very solid numbers. His next season, he slumped terribly during April/May, but rebounded and caught fire down the stretch to finish at .301/.367/.486 – still pretty solid numbers. 2008 he was borderline worthless, batting .286/.328/.452.

The biggest thing I noticed about this is the IsoD (OBP-AVG). 2006 it was .080, 2007 it dropped to .66, and 2008 it has dwindled to a mere .042. This tells me he's not walking nearly as much, and with the drop in batting average, it suggests he's getting impatient. He wasn't destroying the ball coming out of the gates this year, and Fangraphs.com's plate discipline numbers show me that he is swinging at 19.1% of balls outside of the zone, an increase from 14.7% in 2006. He's swinging at more inside the zone as well. In fact, his swing% has jumped from 40.0% in 2006 to 42.5%. It's not a MASSIVE amount, but when you consider how many pitches they see in a season, it's a lot more swinging, and a lot of it is coming outside of the zone. His strikeout totals have jumped as well, from 76 to 96 to 100. It's still not a MASSIVE amount, but if you look at his declining contact rates, I don't think his AVG and number of K's is going to improve.

3. We don't need him to back up Helton. Atkins may be the guy to play 1B if Helton's out with a sore back, or so it seems, but we're forgetting that we already have a completely viable backup for Helton already on the team. No, I'm not talking about Joe Koshansky, I'm talking about our own Brad Hawpe. Remember that Brad Hawpe played 1B at LSU, so he's not a stranger to the position. You might then say that Hawpe would be a butcher at 1B, and Atkins is more familiar to the infield. Well, true as this may be, Brad Hawpe is one of the worst defensive RF in baseball, Atkins is already bad at 1B, so I'm guessing Hawpe would have far less of an impact on the team's defense if he were at 1B. An IF of Hawpe-Barmes-Tulo-Stewart is strong defensively at 3 of the 4 positions, and getting Hawpe out of the OF might make room to give Smith more playing time. I'm not suggesting Smith is a defensive whiz, but there's no way he's as bad as Hawpe is. (I know Hawpe has a cannon on his left shoulder, but he lets enough balls by him that it just isn't worth it.)

4. Moving Atkins signals that Stewart is the full time 3B, and it could help his production just in terms of not having to think about playing LF or 2B just to get his ABs in.

---

Should we keep Atkins, the only other option really is to juggle him around between 1B, 3B, and LF – because we should NOT move Stewart for anything at this point. The upside is you keep Atkins' bat, which may be due for a rebound, in the lineup, as well as your other guys, but you suddenly have to deal with more players being pushed out of an optimal defensive position. Stewart ends up playing both 2B and LF, Spilborghs is left in CF (which isn't awful, but he'd be better at a corner with a Sullivan or Gonzalez type in CF), Barmes is booted from the lineup at times (Not awful, offensively, but I like his glove at 2B moreso than Baker or Stewart).

Because of the constantly juggling lineups, it's helpful to have replacement players like Jeff Baker and Omar Quintanilla who can play multiple positions, but defensively, all the movement is not good for the regular players. Were Hawpe the #2 1B, Spills would stay in LF, Stewart at 3B, Barmes at 2B, and because Spills isn't bouncing from LF to CF all the time, we could call up Dexter Fowler, because he'd know that CF is his to roam with no competition for playing time. Also, when Hawpe plays 1B, it'd give Seth Smith significantly more playing time, and we might be able to see his bat develop a bit more.

Factor in the fact that Atkins is due for an arbitration raise, it'd be a cost effective move, and we might just be able to get some sort of pitching help in exchange. If we're gonna be cheap, let's be smart about it at least.

All the Woody Paige's floating around Denver would hate it, but trading Garrett Atkins is simply a smart move for this ballclub.

Opinions about the Rockies

2008-02-06T00:25:00.000-07:00

The Rockies will compete for the Wild Card again this season. I find Arizona's pitching too strong to overcome. This time, however, San Diego won't be nearly as in contention as they were, as they have no bats.

I'm glad to see Holliday sign for 2 years, 23M, but I'm concerned that he's just throwing us a bone before he leaves forever for BIG money. But you know, I think that he's in his prime right now, and in 2 years, he'll be on the decline, and he won't be worth what he is now.

I nearly jumped up screaming for joy when I heard Tulo had signed for 6 years. Awesome signing, and Tulo's the kind of attitude and player any team should want around forever.

Kip Wells is gonna get rocked. Josh Towers will take his place, and then he'll last 3 months and then get rocked, and then Franklin Morales will take HIS place and never look back.

Francis, Cook, Jimenez, and Hirsh will all laugh at Kip Wells and Josh Towers.

Fuentes will get traded at the deadline. Corpas will reign supreme. Ramon Ramirez will have a solid comeback.

If they're gonna sign Hawpe for anything longer than a year, please, Lord, don't let it be longer than 3-4 years. Hawpe's the kind of batter that will peak fast and decline horribly. Not to mention inconsistent.

I understand not making BLOCKBUSTER TRADES, but why haven't we inquired about Brian Roberts or Orlando Hudson more? I mean, we have the payroll, and it's not like we're taking on another Helton-sized contract or anything. Frankly, despite his injury troubles, Orlando Hudson between Helton and Tulo is a wonderful idea. I'm not saying sell the farm or trade Holliday, but, you know, maybe we could wheel and deal a LITTLE? I mean, the other floundering clubs are saying "Hey Colorado, quit hogging all the has-been-looking-to-bounce-back pitchers!" I get it, stay the course, but how long do we have to wait for Chris Nelson or EYJ or someone similar to arrive in the majors? Oh, wait, we have Marcus Giles! We're saved!

If Nix shows up defensively, I'll shut up entirely about the prior paragraph.

Speaking of Mark Prior, is anyone else terrified that now he's away from Dusty Baker, he'll suddenly re-blossom into MARK PRIOR, GOD OF THUNDER or whatever he was, and suddenly make the San Diego pitching staff this horrible 4-headed hydra of doom?

And speaking of Hydras of doom, Webb, Haren, Big Unit, Doug Davis, Micah Owings? I just messed myself a little.

And NOT speaking of doom, how about the Dodgers? Well...you know, I have no idea how to feel about the Dodgers. Russell Martin, James Loney, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier? i'll admit I'm concerned. Andruw Jones? Not concerned. Nomar? No more. Kent? Can't. Pierre? Poor. I don't know. Kuroda might be something.

Anyhow, it's late, and I'm done blogging for one night.

Lack of posting

2007-10-06T11:04:00.001-06:00

For anyone who's remotely followed up with this blog, apologies for not having it updated more often. I (Andrew) have been doing some more posting on Purple Row, which is one of the more comprehensive Rockies rundowns I've ever seen. You might wish to check it out.

I'll try to put a few more of my rants and ravings on this site, but until then, GO ROCKIES!

Hey, DENVER! Welcome to the Bandwagon!

2007-10-06T11:02:00.000-06:00

Oh, Hiiii, disgruntled Broncos fans! Good to see you! Now that the Rockies put a near-historic winning streak together at the end of the season, not to mention fielded a MLB-historic team ALL season, it's good to see that you've come crawling the 3 miles from Invesco to watch the team that WE'VE been watching ALL SEASON!

It's kind of pathetic to think that so many of the people chanting "M-V-P" during the 3rd Rockies AB every game didn't actually start watching until he had already hit his 100th RBI of the season.

Were you there to see Tulowitzki's unassisted Triple Play (live, not during Sportscenter), or did you turn off your TV after the 10-16 April?

Remember Willy Taveras?

How about Byung-hyun Kim?

Has Ryan Spilborghs always been a part of your Rockies experience?

What about Tom Martin? Did you watch to see if he'd keep it together, or is that just a weird memory from 2006?

Does the name Rodrigo Lopez mean anything to you?

If none of that stuff made any sense, then I'll let Clint Hurdle do the talking for me:

"Shame on you for not seeing our club more...We've been on a nice roll." - Clint Hurdle, postgame press conference, 10/4/07

If any of that applies to you, and you think you're hot shit because you have NLDS tickets, you need to forfeit them and give them to someone like my Dad, or someone else who started cheering for the 2007 season on April 2nd and hasn't stopped cheering since.

Nobody's saying you shouldn't cheer for the Rockies. I love to see you pack out Coors Field and let our Boys on Blake St know how you feel about them. But how about you start a little earlier than September 27th next season?

Wyoming?!

2007-06-06T07:04:00.000-06:00

Greetings, sportsfans! This is Andrew, reporting from Casper, WY, home of the Rookie league Casper Rockies! Regrettably, their season hasn't even begun yet, so we'll have to suffice with points from last nights' defeat by the Astros.

Personally, I hate the Astros. Our boys seem to have so much trouble with them, and they just always have that knack to do exactly what we need them NOT to do. For example, last season, Jason Jennings took a game where he had allowed only 1 run into the 7th, where on a crucial 2 strike count, painted the corner beautifully against Morgan Ensberg, only to have it called a ball. Ensberg watched for that pitch again, and drove it over the LF wall for a 3-run jack.

Jason Hirsh pitched 6 innings, allowing 2 runs and striking out 4. Jorge Julio, Jeremy Affeldt, and Yorvit Torrealba bailed Hirsh out of a 2nd and 3rd, nobody out jam in the 7th. Torrealba picked off a runner at 3rd and Affeldt forced a 463 DP from PH Mike Lamb. LaTroy Hawkins pitched a scoreless 8th, striking out 2, allowing no hits. Corpas had an off inning, allowing a 2-run homer to Luke Scott to leave the Astros' run tally at 4. He also pitched behind Carlos Lee, eventually plunking him. We'll touch on that later.

This is the point where I'd love to say "And despite that 2-run homer, it was too little too late, as the Astros were already down by 6." Not this time. The Rockies stranded 7, wasting a double by Willy Taveras AND one from Garrett Atkins, and two of THREE triples. Holliday was driven in on one of Atkins' 2 doubles, and Helton was left stranded at 3rd on BOTH of his triples. Overall, the Rockies left 7 men on base while only scoring 1 run.

Touching on Corpas pitching behind and hitting Carlos Lee, give me a break. Do you see any real hostility there? Corpas is a young pitcher and hasn't really had time to work up any rivalries. Phil Garner must have had a mouthful of bitterness after the game. It sounded like he said "There wasn't any (history between Corpas and Lee). There is now." - when we all know it was "Corpas is a young pitcher, and it was a tight game. I doubt it was personal." Please, Phil. Give it a rest. Your team isn't going anywhere for awhile here, and I know you're just protecting your overpaid star, but take the dramaqueen routine somewhere else. We're not interested.

Back to the team though.

Something's gotta give. The series win against Cincinatti came in exciting fashion, with the Rockies rallying from a 2-8 deficit to win 10-9 in extras. Very exciting. It would just be nice if we could beat up on starting pitchers a little earlier, and maybe support our own for a change of pace. I know that's not the team philosophy, but I think it should really become one. These bats just aren't firing. I've seen too many bases-loaded 2-out popouts to end rallies before they start. This team isn't pitching badly, even Tom Martin has an ERA under 4, but the bats just seem to hate producing.

Yes, I'm aware Colorado just got off of a 7-game winning streak, but if you look back at them, it's a lot of late rallies, and a lack of consistent offensive production. As a Rockies' fan, I'll take the wins where they come, but I'm still looking for real improvement from the team before I can say we're even remotely contenders.

It'll come around, I'm sure. But honestly, I'd rather see big things happen in the front office before I expect to see them on the field.

Until later, this is Andrew, signing off.

7 in a row? Inconceivable!

2007-05-29T21:33:00.000-06:00

My last post must've lit a fire under the Rockies, because somehow, they've eked out a few wins.

Things that have worked:

Starting Pitching. Maybe not completely lights out, but consistent enough to give the bullpen a fighting chance.

The bats have slowly started clicking. The boys are STILL leaving an obscene number of runners on base, but as long as the pitching and defense are trying, wins are coming in.

Ryan Spilborghs. 'Nuff Said.

Players coming back off of the DL. Namely, Rodrigo Lopez, who had a solid start against StL, allowing 3 runs over 6 innings in his first start since his return.

Good play from utility players and spot starters. I mentioned Spilborghs. Taylor Buchholz has strung together 2 straight quality starts, allowing only 3ER over 14 innings of work and has watched his season ERA drop 2 full runs. With Josh Fogg going to the DL with a groin strain, Buchholz looks to build on these quality outings, and make himself a more dependable member of the Rockies pitching staff. (Don't count on it. Buchholz, while a hard thrower and a spot starter, isn't really the 'anchor' type of pitcher.)

The bullpen has looked mildly more solid since the Royals series. Jorge Julio has watched his ERA drop from 12.5 to 10.2. DRASTIC improvement. But in all seriousness, the core of the pen has remained solid - and by core, I mean Affeldt, Fuentes, Corpas, and hopefully Ramirez will regain his form.

Many problems still remain with this team, but for now, let us bask in the glory of the Rockies firing on enough good cylinders to provide some solid wins the rest of this homestand. Although, I am going tomorrow night, so if they lose, yeah, my bad.

Until next time, sports fans, this is Andrew, wishing you all a great night.

Quarter of the season away, and ever so far to go.

2007-05-25T02:15:00.000-06:00

The Rockies are 20-27 overall this season, and only 10-13 at home.

The Rockies bullpen is the worst in the majors. The pen’s ERA is just under 9, and starters’ confidence is being repeatedly shot with zero run support and this shaky bullpen to back them up.

Management isn’t sure how to handle this pitching quagmire, and it’s showing game in and game out.

On Friday against the Royals, Jeff Francis allowed 2ER over 7 1/3 innings pitched. Francis gave up a leadoff single and then struck out the next batter before being pulled by manager Clint Hurdle in favor of typical 8th inning setup man Manny Corpas.

Up until this outing, Corpas had been stellar, carrying an ERA of 1.35 into the 8th against the Royals.

I’ll interject into this general analysis of the team at this point with my own personal commentary.

Has Clint Hurdle been watching his own team for the past season? Manny Corpas and Ramon Ramirez are absolute garbage handling inherited runners. They’re both still young relievers, and they need the freedom to walk one or give up a single before they can close out their inning. And if those inherited runners, say, score on these singles, they will completely go on tilt and opposing batters will begin teeing off on them. Given their own innings, the two combine to be reliable relievers whose bad outings are far outnumbered by their lights-out innings.

Additionally, what was Hurdle thinking with Francis? Jeff Francis is NOT Jason Jennings, as much as that might help the team. Francis is not an inning eater; he’s a solid 6- or 7-inning starter who can give the bullpen something to work with on a regular basis. The point being is that after pitching the 7th inning, Francis tends to become shaky and gets himself into trouble. HAD Hurdle been watching the previous inning, he’d have remembered Francis’ 1st and 3rd jam with nobody out that he lucked himself out of with no runs scoring, and maybe had thought twice about pulling Francis after only one out, the game would’ve resulted in a win. I mean, we lost 2/3 to the ROYALS! I hope that we kept Girardi’s number when we traded him in ’95.

Corpas proceeded to walk his first hitter and allowed 5 runs to score, one being Francis’ leadoff single. Corpas only managed 1 out before Hurdle turned to recent callup Darren Clarke, who proceeded to get out of the inning with no further damage. (Clarke had been called up from AA that day to take the place of Zach McClellan who had just gone on the DL.)

Now, all the blame being placed on Clint Hurdle isn’t entirely fair. The Rockies hit the DL hard early in the season. Kaz Matsui went down fast with lower back spasms (after batting ~.360 with 5 SB), Rodrigo Lopez dropped with an arm strain, Byung-Hyun Kim, LaTroy Hawkins, and Ramon Ramirez soon followed. AAA RHP Zach McClellan was brought up, and was an effective replacement for the 14.0 innings he spent with the club before himself falling to the injury bug. Willy Taveras spent some time sitting with a groin strain, giving Steve Finley plenty of time to be old in the lineup.

When injuries weren’t a factor, lack of bats came to play. Uber-utility player Jamey Carroll was soon (and still is) battling the Mendoza line from the losing side, as well as young catcher Chris Ianetta. Tulowitzki was having trouble finding his swing from early on, and prospective lineup fixture Garrett Atkins still hasn’t really moved beyond .240. Bench production was at a minimum, besides Carroll, as Finley and Mabry failed to crack .200 and were a relative non-factor off of the bench. Omar Quintanilla, who has been up and down since his acquisition by the Rockies, was brought up to fill out the void in the infield, and batted above .250 during his short time back in the majors.

Good news soon came, however, as some creative lineup moves began to bring out some production from some of the Rockies. With Matsui still on the DL, Tulowitzki was moved to the #2 spot, and while batting in the 2, his AVG has been .284 with 2 homers and 14 RBI.

Atkins was dropped to the 5-hole and Holliday was moved into the 3. A good move, but it could’ve been done sooner.

Brad Hawpe, while batting poorly through April (although taking more walks, a good improvement for those who’ve been following), began to find his stroke in the early weeks of May, and was soon moved to the #5 spot, dropping the still slumping Atkins to #6.

Willy Taveras began to look like the CF that Coors has needed, and his batting average is still sitting around .300 with an OBP of .375+, and he is still a constant threat to steal.

Holliday has been nothing but astounding so far this season, and Todd Helton is looking like the 1B foundation that the Coors Faithful have been so accustomed to before the past 2 seasons.

And that brings us to today. Kaz Matsui has returned to 2B and the #2 spot in the lineup, and has quickly returned to fine form. John Mabry has been sent down to AAA Colorado Springs, and OF Ryan Spilborghs has been called up, much to the excitement of many in Coors. The downside of these roster moves is that with the return of Kaz, either Carroll or Quintanilla would need to be sent back down to make room on the 25-man roster.

Now let’s look at this objectively. Carroll has gotten himself caught in at least 2 rundowns this season, if not more. He is, to date (5-23-07), batting .184. Defensively, there’s not an issue. So look at Quintanilla, who batted about .070 above Carroll, shows the same, if not better, defensive prowess at both 2B and SS, has the same speed on the basepaths, but is not under a $4M/2year contract. It would seem that Carroll is retaining his spot on the active roster because he is being paid for it, and not the other way around. The front office’s excuse is that they already have 2 young players on the roster trying to find a consistent swing on off-the-bench duty and irregular starts in Ryan Spilborghs and Jeff Baker, they don’t want a third.

Honestly, if I’m going to be fed this much boloney from the front office, I want a weenie whistle.

The Rockies are one of the most promising squads out there, with young stars like Corpas, Tulowitzki, and Taveras, potential superstars such as Matt Holliday, a solid veteran cornerstone in Todd Helton, and even a few players finding a second chance with the Rocks like Kaz Matsui.

It’s not a bad team, overall. I refuse to say it’s completely garbage. But something is not clicking, and if previously performing pieces aren’t moving together like they should, maybe it’s time for a change.

And I don’t mean trade Todd Helton.

Until next ranting update, Coors Faithful, this is Andrew, wishing everyone a fine day.

Inconsistency reigns on high

2007-04-20T10:35:00.000-06:00

On a Thursday afternoon in Coors Field, against division quasi-rivals the LA Dodgers, Aaron Cook finally pitched a game where the offense provided the right amount to actually make Cook the pitcher of record.

Mind you, I didn't say anyone played well.

Yesterday was a cool day in section 331, in the shade, where the LA Dodgers played Batting Cages with Rockies #1 Aaron Cook. It seemed a lot of bounces simply didn't go the Rockies way (including a chopper from Dodgers' starter Mark Hendrickson that rebounded juuuuuuussst over Cook's glove and ended up as a 6-3 RBI putout), but at the same time, the Dodgers simply outplayed them.

This is why I fear the Dodgers more than anyone else in the NL West. Their reserve #6 starter held the Rockies to 5 hits and 1 run through 5 2/3 innings of work and only 76 pitches. RP Joe Beimel went through 2 innings of work on 16 pitches (I pictured Beimel, Broxton, and Rudy Seanez all sitting in the bullpen betting on the next inning -

Beimel: "I bet I can pitch that inning in 20 pitches"
Broxton: "I bet I can do it in 17"
Seanez: "I can pitch it in 13"
Beimel: "I can pitch it in 10"
Seanez: "Pitch that inning!"
Beimel: "....crap"

Actually, Beimel finished the 7th inning in 7 pitches.

It wasn't a good start by Cook. The Dodgers just teed off on him, and while he only allowed 3ER, the hits all came as parts of massive rallies by the Dodgers, and then a 3rd inning rally-continuing error from Jeff Baker at 1st allowed another 2 runs to cross. Oh Jeff, if only we were in the AL, you wouldn't have to worry about all that nasty fielding.

The bullpen didn't look bad at all. And by that I mean Zach McLellan pitched 2 scoreless innings, only yielding 1 hit and no walks. Matt Herges, on the other hand, allowed a coffin-nailing 3 runs in the 9th to give the Dodgers a decisive 8-1 victory over the Rockies.

This is becoming a terrible cycle to watch, Rockies pitching being solid and dependable if not downright Good, and the bats piddling 3 hits or leaving 9 stranded. Baserunners being wasted on 1 out GIDP. That, or the starter gets shelled for 4 innings, and the bats provide 9 runs of support and the decision will go to LaTroy Hawkins who will somehow eke out a loss despite the Rockies winning.

Let's just take a look at the team in general for a moment here. From top to bottom.

Bottom: Minor Leagues - looking good. Woohoo.

Next: The Team

Bats - Still just bursting with potential. Holliday's hitting the ball well, but Atkins hasn't entirely found his stroke yet. Hawpe is batting .200 against lefties thus far, but he's batting .288 overall now, so I'm still expecting a good rest-of-April and then May out of Bradley. Helton is batting .340 thus far, eager to prove to the Coors Faithful that he's back. Willy Taveras laid down 2 bunts, one good, and singled on that bunt, and then used those wheels to score the Rockies only run. Carroll's batting a robust .242 so far, but he's only really appeared in utility. I'm looking to see a bit more production these next two weeks or so before Kaz returns. Oh, and Mr. Matsui was batting .361 with 5 SB before going down with back spasms. Tulo and Ianetta...well, let's just say we're gonna need some drastic improvement and soon or else they might get that time in AAA that they missed out on last year. Torrealba is batting .296 and doing a good job making up for Ianetta's battles with the Half-Mendoza line. Baker hasn't had a hit since April 9, and is staying above .300 on the virtue of a hot hot hot first week.

Defense - Defensively, this is a more or less a pretty solid team. Helton still a GG contender at 1st, the OF is learning better tracking on the ball, and Hawpe still has a cannon. Kaz and Carroll don't cause stress at 2nd and Tulo, while still solidifying his defensive range, has made some nice stops this season. Ianetta is looking good throwing out baserunners, nailing both who tried in Thursday. Atkins however, needs some serious work fielding and throwing at third. Jeff Baker, also, is a defensive liability, but can play the positions in the interest of resting the starters and getting his bat in the rotation.

--In interest of tonight's game, I'll conclude this early-season analysis in a later post. Coming up - Pitchers, Managers, and OWNERSHIP dun dun dunnnnnnn

Continuing with the apologies

2007-04-14T17:58:00.000-06:00

It's been a topsy turvy week or so, culminating in my current trip to New Jersey, watch this space for potential live blogging of the "Storm of the Decade."

Normal blogging activities should resume mid-week.

--Brian

P.S. Eric Byrnes is working his way up to Khalil Greene levels of animosity in my mind.

Apologies for the absences

2007-04-14T17:32:00.000-06:00

This'll be a quick post. Rockies Pitchers have been competitive, if not straight up good. But, as we keep seeing it, the bats are having trouble firing and the talent is going to waste.

As a bright note, last night we DID put up 6 against the Diamondbacks, 5 off of reigning Cy Young champion Brandon Webb. A pleasent relief from the 1-run nonsense we've been playing in this past week.

Tonight, the Rockies come around the horn with Aaron "Iron Chef" Cook taking the mound against Arizona Inning Eater Livan Hernandez. Something to watch for: Todd Helton is a career .510 hitter against Hernandez.

Apologies for the short post, but that's what we're getting tonight. Fare thee well, Rockies faithful!

Rockies in Home Openers: 2-1. After that, 2-3.

2007-04-10T19:54:00.000-06:00

You know, if every game was a home opener of some sort, we'd be playing absolutely amazing baseball, that's for sure. Jason Schmidt left the game in the 5th with an apparent hamstring injury while the Rockies drove on to win 6-3. Reports say that he'll be just fine for his next start, nothing severe.

Jeff Francis, in other news, dropped the appeal of his 5-game suspension and will begin said suspension on Tuesday night. He will miss his next scheduled start, and Rodrigo Lopez will start on 4 days rest.

Lopez pitched 6 innings of 1-run ball, scattering 5 hits while striking out 2 and denying the Dodgers the longball. Kim gave up 1 in 2IP of relief.

The real news of the night was Brett Tomko. Tomko pitched a solid 6, allowing 0 runs on one hit while fanning 9. 9. The Rockies struck out a combined 13 times tonight, while mustering a mighty 4 hits.

Perhaps it's time to take the focus off of PetCo and look at the bats. This was our crippling problem last year, not being able to convert runners. When you have bases loaded with one out and Silver Slugger Matt Holliday coming to the plate, and you fail to convert a single runner, you know that there are problems somewhere.

Is it the lineup? Is it the matchups? Is it just the parks?

Or is the NL West pitching just going to dominate all season?

I personally see BAs dropping division-wide. When your pitcher allows 3ER in a start and you're not sure if your offense is gonna be able to pull out the win, you know that's a monstrous staff you're up against.

Every year Rockies fans just hope they can beat the Dodgers a couple more times, but this is not the season for picking on LA. They have a solid lineup and a pitching staff envied by so many contenders. They'll take this division. They have the best team. I'd argue the Rockies have better bats still, but the Dodgers have proven the ability to silence those bats, and the Rockies' pitching is still developing into a solid, cohesive unit. Add bullpen woes to the Rox' list and we'll be hoping for some pre-deadline moves sooner than later.

To finish up, Jason Hirsh takes the mound for his second start in Rockies purple against Dodgers' fireballer Brad Penny. Both pitchers had excellent first starts, Penny allowing 1 run over 7, Hirsh 1 over 6 2/3. Hirsh also piled 8K onto his impressive debut. Game time is 8:10pm MT.

Until next time, Rockies fans!

--Andrew

P.S. Posts may come somewhat sporadically in the next week here, but we'll try and throw some information up as we are able.

You're breaking my Tuscaloosa Heart, boys.

2007-04-09T07:55:00.000-06:00

Over the offseason, most Rockies faithful and then the occasional bored ESPN analyst (who am I kidding, they still ignored Denver) made thee healthy claim that the Rockies have a lineup that can contend with any lineup in MLB. During winter, I'd make claims that the Rockies DO have a shot at the division, but it was all gonna come down to Pitching again.

I think Aaron Cook heard me.

Cook scattered 5 hits through 9 innings, giving up the Padres' first run on a solo shot from Jose Cruz, Jr that bounced off the top of the wall about 6 inches in.

And yet, Cook is probably feeling like we're in 2006 again. Cook went through the season with one of the lowest run support tallies in all of baseball, and it resulted in a 9-15 record for Cook and a frustrating end to the season.

If this is what we are to expect for the season, expect to lose Cook. I wouldn't want to play baseball under these conditions. If Francis and Cook are going to get paltry run support all season, and pitchers like Fogg and Lopez are going be carried into winning records, then why should we try and make a winning team based off of pitching? Why not just recreate the Blake Street Bombers again, in their entirety, including 24 run games and #1 pitcher's ERAs above 5?

Anyhow, back to the game.

Ups:
* If this is the season we're gonna get from Cook, then we at least know that the top of the rotation is rock solid. Perhaps contract extensions (long ones?) are in order.
* Error-free game!

Downs:

* Hawkins. He gave up 2 consecutive hits in the 10th, one of which I'm not overly surprised by (I'm pretty sure Greene would be getting these hits off of Koufax the way he's batting this spring), and the other was a huge disappointment. Kouzmanoff's barely brushing the ball thus far this season, and last year he only mustered a .214 in his first stint in the Majors last year with Cleveland. Where does he get off making clutch hits like this? I mean, the pitch wasn't even terrible, he kept it down in the zone, and Kouzmanoff just kinda golfed it past a diving Helton (by the way, good to see him dive for a ball). I guess Hawkins wasn't even the worst part, it's just frustrating to see him giving up another game.

* Managing Decisions. Most of the game - not so bad. Not entirely sure about starting Finley, but when him and Willy are both competing for "Who can be the worst leadoff hitter", it's difficult to place blame in this situation. But the decision to put Hawkins in with the game on the line, not so much. How many games do we need to see him in this season? Does it really need to be 83% of them? Because he's on pace to pitch 108 innings in 135 games, and I really don't think we need to pitch someone who's supposed to be a sharp setup man like this. If Hurdle doesn't flex the rest of the bullpen, we'll have pitchers like Buchholz and Affeldt just getting rustier and worse with a lack of work. And does this sound familiar to LAST season? Pitchers (Fuentes) not getting enough work because the games were either tied or blowouts? Clint, pitch your pitchers or they're all going to leave after this season.

* Finally, THE BATS.
Words cannot describe the disgust. I'm not coming out suggesting that we should have lit up Jake Peavy, I'm saying we could have at least capitalized a BIT on baserunners. Let's break it down.

- First inning, one out (Finley, go fig), Kaz Matsui singles, and is then advanced on an Atkins groundout, only to be stranded by Helton looking at a 3rd strike.
- Second inning, Hawpe had a 1-out single, and was left looking on a flyout and lineout from Yorvit and Tulo.
- Jump to the 4th. Atkins singles, and then is advanced by consecutive groundouts (productive outs, boys?), until Hawpe decides to punt a 2-out single into center, scoring Atkins from 3rd. Hawpe was left out there.
- Jump to the 7th, Peavy's last inning. Bases loaded after Peavy issued a walk to Cook, and Ol' reliable Steve Finley grounds out to end the inning.
- The bullpen entered in the 8th, and simply leveled the Rockies for the remainder of the game.

Call me crazy, but judging by Finley's track record this season...maybe a PH would've been in order? By the name of Jeff Baker? I mean, as delicious as John Mabry's 3 PH outs have been, let's go with who produces. Bases Loaded, late innings, I would fear Jeff Baker almost more than anyone else in the lineup.

Blame it on PetCo. I'm not going to say that this is the way the season's going to end up. I'm not going to say anything beyond who's hitting well now until May.

Today, Jeff Francis will lead the Rockies in an attempt to foil another NL West Home Opener as the Rockies bring a 3-3 start into Dodger stadium. Dodgers' FA acquisition Kevin Schmidt will take the mound for the Blue in what will hopefully prove to be a futile effort from the Dodgers.

Until next time, Rockies fans!

--Andrew

I'm not gonna yell about Khalil Greene

2007-04-08T18:31:00.000-06:00

Seriously, I'm not. I didn't even watch the game, all I know is that Khalil Greene's breath smells like pillows.

What I am going to talk about is today's Tulsa Drillers game.

Ching Lung Lo got the start for the Drillers against Corpus Christi and looked shaky from the word go. He gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and hit a guy before he recorded an out. Fortunately, settled down and got Sadler to GIDP and then got Ash to ground to second. When the Drillers went in order in the bottom of the first, there was a general feeling of anxiety in the stadium.

In the second though, Lo was efficient giving up a single to Fernando but he was caught trying to steal third to end the inning. In the bottom half the Drillers scored 2 while only getting one hit as Barthmaier battled through the inning. The highlight of the inning was a double steal advancing Christian Colonel and Matt Miller to second and third. Guarno and Dragicevich got the RBI's for the drillers.

Top three was basically a rehash of top two. Bottom 3 saw the Drillers score another 2 runs off of 3 hits. Jonathon Herrera got a single when the infield was playing in and he hit a ground ball to the left side past the outstretched glove of Drew Sutton and into left field.

Top four was another efficient inning for Lo giving up only a 2 out groundball to Jonathon Ash. Lo struck out Caraballo to end the inning. Bottom 4, Barthwaite struck out the side, I don't wanna talk about it.

Corpus Christi came back to tie the game in the 5th when Osvaldo Fernando led off with a single, was bunted over by Barthwaite, moved to third on Suttons liner and then scored on a fielder's choice.

The sixth saw Lo work through a pretty tight jam. Santangelo grounded to short, Sadler drew a walk, Ash popped to third, Carabello walked and Fernando singled to load the bases. 2 outs bases loaded, Neil Sellers pinch hit for Barthwaite and smoked a ball that fortunately went right to Aaron Rifkin at first to end the inning. Tulsa added another run in the bottom of the sixth.

The 7th was the big inning for the Drillers. Three runs on five hits, including a Joe Gaetti two bagger that hit the 390 marker in straight away center, in Coors it's probably a long fly out but in Drillers Stadium it was oh so close to a dinger. Corpus would add a meaningless run in the eighth before Steve Register pitched the ninth for the save.

Time for the likes and dislikes...

Likes:

Joe Gaetti: 3-5 with a double, and a run scored. Really hit the ball well.

Herrera: 2 for 5 really made Corpus respect his speed. Takes after Willy Taveras though with 2 K's. Looked a little goofy trying the Ichiro trick of swinging and running at the same time and failing badly.

The guy sitting in front of me: Consistently had funny lines. For instance, in the 8th Noochie Varner pinch hit in the 9 spot for Corpus and he yells, "How do you come up with a nickname for a guy named Noochie? I bet his nickname his Charles, YOU'RE GONNA STRIKE OUT CHARLES!"

Dislikes:

Drillers hitters struck out 10 times, looked a bit like the big club honestly.

The weather: Overcast and cold made my hands cold as I kept score, couldn't even enjoy my Shiner since it made me shiver everytime I took a sip.

Hate:

Khalil Greene: Seriously, pillows.

==Brian

Good start overcomes low expectations

2007-04-08T01:46:00.000-06:00

Alright, call me crazy. Say I'm wrong, laugh or whatever.

Josh Fogg strung together 6 1/3 innings, allowing only 6 hits and 2 runs in a 2-3 loss to the division rival Padres.

After a 4-3 victory which displayed Jason Hirsh and his disgustingly breaking changeup, we find offseason stir Josh Fogg bringing his own changeup into PetCo. Through 101 pitches, Fogg struck out 3, forced 7 groundball outs, and began the season displaying the kind of expertise we'd like to see out of a $3.625M salary.

Despite Fogg's well pitched effort, the Rockies only mustered 2 runs on octogenarian David Wells, stranding 4. Interestingly enough, the statlines looked almost identical:

Fogg: 6.1 6 2 2 1 3 1
Wells: 6.2 6 2 2 1 4 0

For two #5 starters, this is a fine sign for two teams preparing for what is projected to be a very close division over the season.

Now, I've said this to people around here, and I'll say it now on here, I'm going to reserve all judgements until at least May. I mean, so far the 'worst' pitcher on staff is our #1 Aaron Cook, and our closer isn't looking so hot either...through 5 games. We'll let another 20 or so pass by and then start making predictions and what have you. I'm still very apprehensive about Josh Fogg and Rodrigo Lopez, and Hirsh is looking very promising, but we'll still have to see.

Anyway, moving back to tonight's game.

The ups:

Josh Fogg gave us a solid 6 1/3.
Willy Taveras made it through a game without striking out.

The downs:

The bullpen was unable to hold a lead - now this is only a minor down, because it's not as if they gave up a walkoff grand slam. It was 1 run in 2 innings of relief.
The bats were unsatisfactory. The Rox managed 7 hits, but only 2 runs scored on said hits. With bases loaded in the 7th and 2 outs, Chris Ianetta popped out to RF to leave behind what could have been a game-winning lead.

For one game, this isn't a lot to worry about. However, last season, cool bats with runners aboard led to many lost games, and contributed to a slump that took the Rockies from right around .500 down to an NL-West worst .469.

But in terms of pitching, this looks to be an almost promising season. We've made it all the way through the rotation once now, and Aaron Cook will wrap up the 3-game series tomorrow afternoon at PetCo against Padres #1, Jake Peavy. Peavy's opening day gig included shutting down the Giants' lineup for 6 innings and getting his season off to a grand start. Rockies starter Aaron Cook is looking to rebound from a 6-inning, 5ER start that came down to dueling bullpens.

However, for those of you watching from last season, you may recall a few forgettable starts for Peavy, namely another Sunday in early April start in PetCo, involving Cory Sullivan performing a feat that hadn't been accomplished in 50 years and Peavy sucking up 8 ER in just 4 IP.

Peavy has a 4.79 career ERA against Colorado.

So for those of you in the SD area, head your way down to PetCo and watch your Colorado Rockies drop yet another division foe. Until next time, Let's Go Rockies!

--Andrew

I could learn to like Hirsh, maybe

2007-04-07T13:27:00.000-06:00

WHen I looked at the pitching matchup I was filled with dread. Greg Maddux, he of 333 career wins and a place in Cooperstown guaranteed, faced off against Jason Hirsh, he of 3 career wins and a place on my my list of players to hate for being involved in the JJ trade. Here are the two lines by the starting pitchers.

5.1 IP 5 H 4 ER 4 K 1 BB

6.2 IP 6 H 1 ER 8 K 0 BB

Which belongs to the Cooperstown bound legend and which belongs to the untested rookie that Brian was bound and determined to hate?

(Hint: before Fuentes gave up a 2 run dinger the score was 4-1 rockies)

Hirsh was disgusting last night. I made homemade pizza for dinner last night and when Hirsh started moving his changeup all over the place I vomited it all back up. The changeup has a sick downward late break that looked borderline unhittable last night. Only two of the hits he gave up were for extras. One was a home run to Termel Sledge and the other was a double to Asshole Khalil Greene. Hirsh's night was over when he gave a shattered bat infield single to Termel Sledge.

Maddux on the other hand....

....was all over the map. Walked four, hit one, and threw a wild pitch that allowed Kaz Matsui to score from third. Maddux also gave up a Jap Home Run to Matsui when Matsui got to first, stole second, advanced to third on a sac fly and then scored on a wild pitch. Then Maddux walked Helton and gave up a 410' dinger into the pen and Maddux would spend the night wondering what might have been.

Tonight, we also got a visit from old friend, "The Brian Fuentes Heart Stopping Save Experience." He hit Mike Cameron, gave up a deep fly to Asshole Khalil Greene. Then he settled down and retired the next three batters including getting Jose Cruz Jr. looking to end the game.

Likes:

Hirsh: Andrew will remind me that this is only one start, but it was still awesome.

Kaz Matsui: 3 for 4, with a triple, a stolen base, and a RBI

Matt Holliday: 2 for 4 with a dinger

Dislikes:

Willy "Seriously guys, I'm better than Cory Sullivan" Taveras: he's now up to 7 K's in three games

Fuentes: Got the save but had to make it interesting

Hate:

Asshole Khalil Greene: go roast in hell you golden-locked cake eater.

Revoltion

2007-04-05T11:25:00.000-06:00

It's April 5, 2007, and I would like to welcome everyone to a new season of Colorado Rockies Baseball!

After what proved to be a tumultuous offseason for the Coors Field Faithful, including the trade of Jason Jennings, the acquisition of Rodrigo Lopez, and the eventual retention of Todd Helton, the Rockies have jumped up to a 2-1 start.

A quick breakdown of the first 3 games:

Opening day was sunny and breezy. The lineup for CO looked as such:
1. CF Willy Taveras
2. 2B Kazuo Matsui
3. 3B Garrett Atkins
4. 1B Todd Helton
5. LF Matt Holliday
6. RF Brad Hawpe
7. SS Troy Tulowitzki
8. C Chris Ianetta

SP Aaron Cook

The score was 3-2 after the 1st, 5-5 after the 6th when Cook finally got the hook. Pinch hitter Jeff Baker pounded one to deadaway center to give the Rockies a 6-5 lead. After a scoreless 7th from righty Manny Corpas, the Rockies handed a 1-run lead to offseason acquisition LaTroy Hawkins. Hawkins surrendered 3 runs to the Dbacks on a handful of base hits and a double to perennial Rockies killer Eric Byrnes. A fierce battle between Byrnes and Hawkins had taken place, ending with Byrnes pounding a poorly positioned fastball to the wall for Willy Taveras to chase. No production in the 8th, with Ramon Ramirez holding the defecit in the top if the 9th. Despite a 0-out double for Helton in the bottom of the 9th, Snakes closer Jose Valverde proceeded to strike the next 3 batters out to end Opening Day at Coors, 6-8 Diamondbacks.

Game 2 showed the same lineup with Jeff Francis (still in the appeal process of his 5 game suspsension) facing off against Livan Hernandez. Bench Coach Jamey Quirk took the helm for the Rockies, as Clint Hurdle was serving his 1-game suspension (from the same incident Francis was appealing). Both pitchers carried a 2-2 game through the 6th. Rockies relievers held that 2-2 game until the 11th inning(including a 3-groundout inning from LaTroy Hawkins and the first Brian Fuentes sighting of the season), when newly-demoted Byung-Hyun Kim took the mound for his first relief appearance since entering the rotation in 2005 after Shawn Chacon's hamstring injury. Kim worked himself to 2 outs before walking Chad Snyder and hitting Alberto Callaspo. Facing Stephen Drew with 2 on, 2 outs, Kim sent a low fastball in, which Drew bounced between the chasing gloves of Matsui and Helton to bring in the go-ahead run. In the Rockies turn, Helton (later PR for by Jamey Carroll) was driven in on a RF double by Troy Tulowitzki, who was then driven in on a seeing-eye grounder up 3rd from Chris Ianetta. Final score 4-3 Rockies.

Game 3 featured the premiere of inning-eating RHP Rodrigo Lopez. Steve Finley got the start in CF, and Jamey Carroll made his first start at 2B. Through 7 innings of fine work, Lopez allowed 6 hits, 2 runs through only 76 pitches, yielding a 4-2 margin going into the 8th. Earning a chance for redemption, Hurdle turned to LaTroy Hawkins for a 3rd straight game. And as Hollywood-esque as it may seem, Hawkins found himself with 2 outs and Eric Byrnes at the plate. Hawkins effectively worked Byrnes to swing on a late slider to get a very satisfying K. In the bottom of the 8th, the Rockies proceeded to tee off on Snakes RHP JD Durbin, notching 7 runs in the inning. Regular closer Fuentes was sat in favor of Jeremy Affeldt for one out, and then making his Coors Field debut, Taylor Buchholz. Buccholz allowed 2 runs before notching the final out, making the final tally Rockies 11, Dbacks 4.

The Ups of this series: Troy Tulowtizki and Chris Ianetta seem to be fitting in well thus far. Kaz Matsui has produced in the 2 games he has played, and Todd Helton looks like the clutch machine we all know and love. Additonally, Francis and Lopez are displaying what appear to be the signs of solid seasons. And despite Cook's 5ER in 6IP on opening day, he showed the familiar capacity to induce countless grounballs as a point of success. Hawpe hit well all 3 games, even against lefties! Holliday tallied himself a single, 2 doubles, and a solo shot to straightaway center on Wednesday, and is showing the signs of the power we've come to expect from him.

The Downs: Willy Taveras misplayed a couple of balls in 2 games he played, and after a leadoff walk, SB, and eventual run, earned the Golden Sombrero (4 strikeouts) on opening day, and did nothing to excite on tuesday. Tulowitzki also earned himself that same Sombrero on Wednesday, fanning 4 times. Atkins has more or less struggled at the place this first series, and his glove has been nothing to write home about either (notched errors in his first chance in game 1).

MAJOR Downs (Double entendre?): Dan O'Dowd and Clint Hurdle both received 2-year extensions. Why? Well, I'm pretty sure the general state of the minor-league system saved O'Dowd's job, as it really is one of the stronger systems in baseball. And honestly, I have trouble blaming O'Dowd for the team's general failure in the past 3 years (except for him not keeping Eric Byrnes...I mean, look at the damage that guy does here in Coors!), but I can't stand Clint Hurdle. The guy just doesn't have the fire it takes to be a winning manger. He hasn't had a winning season as the Rockies' manager, and has taken the team to two straight last-place finishes in the division, despite relatively good play earlier in the season. I frankly don't see this Rockies team doing anything meaningful under the uninspiring leadership of Clint Hurdle. But O'Dowd made it clear that if he's gonna stay, Hurdle's staying with him.

I say let Quirk be the manager. Let Hurdle go interview.

But in the meantime, we're going to get our first look at Jennings' replacement, Jason Hirsch, who squares off against Greg Maddux for the beginning of our road trip, the first stop being a 3-game series in SD. Then, it's off to LA to ruin their home opener. Then, down to Phoenix for the Diamondbacks to attempt to claim revenge.

But in the meantime, keep checking back, and we'll try and keep posting and keep you knee deep in Rockies information. Until next time!

Lord, do I hate the Diamondbacks.

2006-07-22T22:46:00.000-06:00

No fancy header with standings today, you have an idea of what they may be.

I'm just going to put up some numbers.

I'll comment on them in the next writing.

Last 12 games: 1-11, 2 sweeps

During those last 12 games:

*Batting Stats*
*	H-ABs	BA	BBs	OBP	Runs	RBIs
Carroll	11-47	.234	9	.357	5	5
Barmes	13-40	.325	4	.386	6	5
Helton	7-42	.167	4	.239	3	5
Holliday	9-43	.209	3	.261	4	3
Atkins	16-43	.372	5	.438	11	5
Hawpe	9-37	.243	4	.317	3	1
Torrealba	9-35	.257	1	.317	7	9
Freeman	8-22	.364	3	.440	4	4
Sullivan	6-22	.273	1	.304	3	2

*Pitching Stats*
*	IP	ER	ERA	K	BB	Wins	Losses	Saves	Blown Saves
Jennings	20.0	9	4.05	14	6	0	2	--	--
Cook	18.0	9	4.50	4	6	0	1	--	--
Francis	13.0	5	3.46	11	3	1	1	--	--
Fogg	13.0	4	2.77	8	3	0	0	--	--
Kim	12.0	6	4.50	10	4	0	2	--	--
Ramirez	4.0	0	0.00	4	4	0	0	0	0
Martin	4.2	4	7.71	4	2	0	0	0	0
King	2.0	2	9.00	1	1	0	0	0	0
Mesa	6.1	5	7.10	0	2	0	2	0	2
Dohmann	2.1	4	15.43	1	2	0	1	0	0
Cortes	1.1	0	0.00	0	0	0	0	0	0
Fuentes (CL)	3.0	9	27.00	4	2	0	2	0	1

Note: Scott Dohmann, David Cortes sent to AAA Colorado Springs

Still in the hunt

2006-07-21T07:20:00.000-06:00

Date: 7/21/2006
Position: 5th NL West
Games Back: 4.5
Elimination Number: 64

For those of you who haven't been keeping up with the Rockies, I'll begin by rehashing the ups and downs of the past 2 weeks.

UPs: Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes were both selected for the All-Star game. Fuentes pitched a scoreless 6th inning, and Matt Holliday went 0-3 in RF.

Since the Rockies last won a series, the Starting Pitchers have compiled an ERA of 3.31 in 65.1IP.

Yorvit Torrealba has turned his game around, batting .314 with 8 runs and 9RBI in his last 10 games, seeing his BA jump from .200 to .250. While I was down on Torrealba earlier, I think he's snapped out of his funk and is displaying the bat that we expected to see when he was signed on. Torrealba has also caught 7/14 potential basestealers, making him, by far, the best at picking off on the staff.

Additionally, Barmes has slowly started batting again, but I still say ship him off. Lugo's available, right?

DOWNs: Everything else. The bats have been silent for the starters, and the bullpen has been absolutely awful.

And by awful, I mean that Scott Dohmann and David Cortes were sent down. Dohmann's ERA had started crawling up, despite the fact that most of the earned runs had come off of Ray King failing to strand inherited baserunners.

Manual Corpas, Jason Smith, and Ryan Shealy were all brought up.

NOTE - this posting will be cut short due to lack of motivation and joy.

Apologies

2006-07-14T08:26:00.000-06:00

To my (any) readers -

Sorry about the lack of posting activity of late. My computer is in the shop for the time being, and any updates I make are from my computer at work.

As soon as my computer returns, I'll back, updating every game.

Until then, I'll throw a few more updates in.

Ray King is still terrible in my mind. Watching the Rockies down 3-4 to the Reds in the 8th last night, Scott Dohmann gave up a solo shot to Griffey, which almost missed, by the way (hit the foul pole), before getting to 2 outs with men on 1st and 2nd. Rather than trusting Dohmann to get himself of of the jam, Hurdle decided to go with Unreliable Lefty, Ray King, to face a right-hander. King gave up a single to the first batter faced to score 1 run, and then a 3-run homer to put the game out of the Rockies reach. He then put 2 more men on base before finally getting a groundout. The Rockies came back 4 runs in the top of the ninth, but too much damage had been done.

As a note, I am fully of the opinion that Hurdle pulls relievers entirely too fast. Someone on the Rockies homepage forums alerted me to this, I'd never really thought about it before.

Example: the earlier paragraph. Whether or not Dohmann could get himself out of the jam he'd put himself in, I don't know. But Hurdle showed zero confidence in Dohmann, and Dohmann had to suffer 2 more earned runs because of King's incompetence on the mound. I really feel that Dohmann could've gotten out of that jam with minimal damage.

Although, if Dohmann had gotten out of the jam, the score would still have been 5-3, and we might've seen Guardado earlier than we expected, and we wouldn't have been able to rough up a Reds' RP for 4 runs.

The point is, Hurdle isn't letting relievers clean up their own messses. With the exception of King. I think Hurdle leaving him in after giving up 4 runs is a way of punishing him.

Bottom line is, we need another lefty who isn't Ray King in our bullpen.

I'll try and update again sometime soon, but no promises.

Tonight, Jason Jennings (6-6, 3.67) will start against Reds' Strikeout Master Aaron Harang (9-6, 3.70). Last time Harang faced the Rox, he managed a career-high 12 strikeouts. He has pitched pretty consistent ball his last 10 starts, seeing his 3.70 ERA waver between 3.40 and 3.92. Jennings, on the other side, has not allowed more than 2ER in his last 5 starts, including 15 innings of shutout ball between Washington and Oakland.

Expect a lot of K's from Harang, and 6-7 innings of solid ball from Jennings. I expect a low-scoring game, that's for sure.

Bay vs. Holliday

2006-07-06T14:06:00.000-06:00

Can anyone explain to me what the fuss is over Jason Bay? Why is he so much better than Matt Holliday?!

*Holliday vs. Bay*
*	ABs	BA	HRs	RBIs	Runs	SBs	Home/Away	Strikeouts
Bay	316	.282	20	62	53	6	.273/.291	78
Holliday	322	.339	16	56	60	4	.363/.315	54

Bay is batting a full 57 points BELOW Holliday, he has 6 more RBIs, 7 less runs, 4 more homers and 2 more stolen bases. Bay's OBP is a full .005 over Holliday's(.391 - .386). Matt also hit slightly bigger, as his OPS is 59 points higher than Bay's (.979 - .920). Splits? Give me a break. Holliday is batting better than Bay both home AND away. Holliday has more ABs, and he even strikes out less.

So, therefore, Holliday hits more than Bay, hits better than Bay, and is younger than Bay. Bay has a couple more RBIs, which may be competely different in 3 games.

East Coast Bias is all I can think. Nobody takes the Rockies seriously because A. They're such a young team, and notorious for losing, and B. They're in the NL West, which, despite how close it is, is completely swept under the rug by the Mets and the entire AL. The WORST TEAM IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL is getting better attention than the Rockies. "Oh, it's just the humidor, no need to take them seriously!"

I'm not even really referring to specific All-Star votes. It's more just the lack of recognition. Everybody considers Bay to be just so much better, and I completely disagree.

Source of disdain and anger: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=sportingnewsmidseasonall&prov=tsn&type=lgns

5 series in a row!

2006-07-06T07:26:00.000-06:00

Date: 7/6/2006
Position: T-1st NL West
Games Back: -
Magic Number: 77

Apologies for the lack of updates, a trip to Houston combined with shipping my computer in for warranty work resulted in not being able to write about our team.

To start, Seattle.

The Rockies came into Seattle after 3 series wins against the A's, Rangers, and Angels. Looking to finish off Interleague play in good form, Josh Fogg led off the series with a 1 hour, 52 minute complete game shutout, the shortest in Rockies' history. The Mariners struck back, rallying from a 7-2 deficit to take game 2 8-7. Late-inning bats arrived in game 3 to steal the 3rd game, and the series, from the Mariners.

After coming back off of their AL West road trip, the Rockies stayed in good form, taking the first series of the 6-game homestand from the San Francisco Giants.

Game 1, Aaron Cook allowed 4 runs in 6.1 innings, and the Rockies carried a 5-4 lead into the 8th, where Ramon Ramirez and Ray King gave up the lead and allowed a total of 3 runs. David Cortes then topped it off by giving up a 2-run homer to complete the 6-9 loss.

Game 2, the Rockies rebounded, and despite a 2-hour rain delay, pitched 8 innings of shutout ball before a solo shot from Lance Niekro in the 9th to finish the game 6-1. Francis allowed 1 hit over 5 innings, Tom Martin 1 hit over 2, Mesa 1 hit in the 8th (along with 2 walks), and Ramirez 1 hit...a home run over the left field wall. Ramirez has allowed 8 ER in his last 9IP, raising his season ERA to 2.75, and proving that the Rookie is, in fact, mortal.

Game 3, Josh Fogg came back out in excellent form, allowing 2 runs and 7 hits over 7 innings pitched. The Rockies had a 4-run 2nd inning, and Josh Fogg had his first hit of the year in the bottom of the 6th to add another run. King pitched a scoreless, hitless 8th (I'm as surprised as you!) and Fuentes gave up a solo home run to catcher Eliezer Alfonzo (his second of the game) on route to his 16th save of the year.

In other news, Luis González has been recalled and Ryan Spillborghs send down. Why? My only guess is to keep Spillborghs playing. Spillborghs has the potential of starting in CF or RF, whereas González has more the look of a Utility infielder.

The entire pitching staff has been commendable, if not very good these past 2 series. The starters have, for the most part, given the bats enough breathing room to take games away, and the bullpen, while not as lights-out as they were earlier in the season, is staying solid: where one pitcher falters, another steps up to pick up the slack. Example, Ray King, beside being a constant reason to criticize the bullpen, has struggled as of late, what with his inability to strand inherited baserunners and all, whereas Tom Martin has stepped up his performance and become a solid reliever once again.

Taking another series at home is good for the momentum, as the Arizona Diamondbacks are coming in hopes to reclaim their 1st place spot in the division. Friday evening, Byung-Hyun Kim (5-4, 4.83) will lead off the series against Miguel Batista (8-5, 4.94). Kim has a career ERA of 7.88 against the Diamondbacks, but is posting a 3.26 ERA at home over 6 starts. Batista is posing a career ERA of 5.56 against the Rox, with a 3.99 ERA on the road this year; however, he has also allowed 6 or more runs in 3 of his last 5 starts. If the Rockies can take advantage of Batista's recent struggles, they have a good chance of starting this series off well.

So until then, Rockies fans, enjoy the game, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Who is this guy and what did he do with Josh Fogg?

2006-06-30T23:40:00.000-06:00

Date: 7/1/2006
Position: T-2nd NL West
Games Back: 1.0
Elimination Number: 83

Quick update from Houston, Josh Fogg pitched a complete-game shutout in a record 1:52, the fastest in Rockies history. Fogg faced all of 27 batters (and for you mathematicians, that's the minimum amount you can face), including 1 walk, 2 hits, and 3 double plays.

Brad Hawpe provided all the offense, singling and then being driven in by Carroll, and later hitting a solo home run.

Normally, this would be a game that you talk about Jamie Moyer being the winner, scattering 5 hits and allowing 2 runs in his complete-game effort.

However, Fogg outshone Moyer tonight, allowing only the 2 hits and 0 runs.

Tomorrow, Byung-Hyun Kim (5-4, 4.31) will take the mound against Joel Piñeiro (6-7, 5.38) in a bid to take the series from the Mariners, and come out far, far ahead in interleague play. Having already knocked down the Mariners' Ace, hopefully the rest of the series will fall like Dominoes.

Until next time, Rockies fans, good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Response

2006-06-29T07:58:00.000-06:00

"Please tell me you're joking about the Zito trade. First, Shealy is an unproven talent and Barmes has only proven that he's inconsistent.
Second, in your second trade you propose the Rockies trading one of their draft picks, that's not possible either b/c baseball doesn't allow teams to trade picks.
If you're gonna propose a trade at least make it believable for the Rockies to land Zito they would have to give up Ian Stewart or Troy Tulowitzki and one of their top pitching prospects at a minimum."

Having not watched the Free Agent market as much as I should have, I didn't realize that Zito is a free agent at the end of this season. So unless the Rockies suddenly made a rush to a 10-game lead, and put themselves in serious playoff contention, this WOULD, in fact, be a bad trade. If they were seriously interested in Zito, making a move over the offseason would be a better idea.

In regards to giving up prospects, I'd almost suggest passing along Atkins before Stewart. If we can't find anywhere to put Atkins, we'll end up with another Shealy-Helton type situation, and if O'Dowd decides to go with Stewart for the future, we might as well get value for Atkins.

In regards to Shealy, recall last season when Helton made his first-ever trip to the DL. Shealy was called up, and played a very excellent 1B in Helton's absence. Shealy was also brought up as the DH during the 2005 interleague play. So while Shealy still lacks an entire season's experience in the majors, he showcased a firey bat and good defensive play at 1B to anyone watching. If this Zito trade is not to happen (which it probably won't just a pipe dream), perhaps we should shop towards Seattle, or another team hurting for a 1B with Shealy's skills.

For anyone suggesting that Zito in Coors would end up another Hampton or Neagle, I remind them of the fact that breakers are breaking again, thanks to our field-leveler, the Humidor. Imagine how well Neagle or Hampton might have pitched if they had the benefit of balls that break and fly balls that didn't land in the stands.

Thanks for the comment, I'm glad to see somebody's reading this!

Another AL West team bites the dust

2006-06-29T07:22:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/29/2006
Position: T-2nd NL West
Games Back: 1.5
Elimination Number: 84

For those of you not sold on Jorge Piedra, I'd like to use this series to cite specific examples.

In Game 1, after the lead was blown by the bullpen, Piedra knocked a first pitch of F. Rodriguez to bring the Rockies within 1.

Game 2, Piedra went 2-5 with a run and an RBI.

Game 3, after the lead was blown, the Rockies squeaked one more run out of Garrett Atkins before getting the bases loaded on a walk to Brad Hawpe. Piedra then came up and pounded one into deep right center, one of the notorious power lanes at Angel Stadium, clearing the bases and solidifying the Rockies' position with a 4-run lead.

As exciting of a win as this was, the Rockies again failed to provide Jeff Francis with any run support. The Rox had 2 runs going into the top of the seventh, where Francis found himself with 2 outs, a runner on 2nd, and a struggling Vlad Guerrero at the plate. Hurdle, trusting a pitch count of 112 rather than his young southpaw's ability to get himself out of this jam so late in the game, turned to Ramon Ramirez to get the final out.

Now, if you read my additional note from yesterday, you'll see my problem with this situation. To quote,

"...Ramon Ramirez, who will either strike/pop out the next batter, or give up a single. Ramirez seems like the type of pitcher who needs an inning to himself, so he can give up that single and then work around it without letting runs in."

So while the Rockies ended up with the lead and the win, which is the most important thing in a division so tight, the Rockies failed to produce early for Francis, who pitched 6.2 innings of 1-run ball in this winning effort with nothing to show for it.

Hurdle, in my humble opinion, should have turned to David Cortes or Tom Martin, neither of whom have had much playing time lately. (Martin has not given up a run since June 3rd against the Marlins.) Hurdle has been overly reliant on Mesa and Ramirez of late, which I think is starting to show with their sub-par performances. Mesa pitched well last night, yes, and Ramirez by himself hasn't really given up any runs, but with such an excellent bullpen, Hurdle is going to have to start using all of his options, or else the pen is going to start getting rusty.

Friday, the Rockies will start their closing series of interleague play against the Seattle Mariners, where Josh Fogg (5-5, 5.08) will try and start things off right against Jamie Moyer (5-6, 3.51). Seattle has been playing excellent ball as of late, taking 8 of 10 against the NL West.

Basically, the Rockies and Mariners have been playing equally well against each other's divisions. The Mariners swept the Giants, took 2 of 3 from the Dodgers, Padres, and are about to do the same tonight against the struggling Diamondbacks. Meanwhile, the Rockies swept the Blue Jays (not AL West, but sweeping an AL East team? I'll take it.), took 2 of 3 from the Angels, Rangers, and Athletics. All the interleague steam will have built up for both of these teams, and when they collide, it'll either be some great baseball...or a trainwreck.

Some players the Rockies will have to watch out for include Ichiro, for obvious reasons. Also, Kenji Johjima, who sent 2 yard and drove in 5 on Tuesday night. Left Fielder Raul Ibanez is proving quite the threat as well this year, comprising a .288 average with 16 homers and 62 RBI.

So while many other teams may shake, quake, and collapse in the face of interleague play, the Rockies have been standing up strong and showing the AL that the NL isn't just a league of pushovers. Nuts to your moneyball play, the Rox can manufacture runs like it's going out of style (which it very well might be)!

So until next time, Rockies fans, enjoy the game on Friday, as I'll be missing the series while I'm in Houston for the weekend. But for now, I just wanna say enjoy the series, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

King then Ramirez? Not liking it.

2006-06-28T10:11:00.000-06:00

As an additional few comments, I've noticed a trend when the bullpen is blowing the game.

Ray King comes in, and will either walk a few or get himself into a jam. Then, when the lead is about to be blow, Hurdle pulls King and goes to Ramon Ramirez, who will either strike/pop out the next batter, or give up a single. Ramirez seems like the type of pitcher who needs an inning to himself, so he can give up that single and then work around it without letting runs in.

It's similar to Brian Fuentes. Fuentes tends to walk one or two and give up a hit, but will then get the clutch strikeout to end the game.

This is why it's key for the Rockies to have a lead going into the later innings of the game. That way, you can have Ramirez, Mesa, and Fuentes pitch their 7th, 8th, and 9th with no hassles.

We've only seen the bullpen in strange situations lately, as well. The Rockies haven't really carried a 3-run lead into the 7th, it's either tied up or a blowout, one way or another. We've been seeing more of Martin as well.

Strangely enough, we haven't seen Cortes pitch much as of late.

Other Rockies news, Shealy is being eyeballed by the Baltimore Orioles. Who we'd receive in trade, I don't know, but the point is that we need to get value for him, somehow. He's stuck behind Helton, and the OF isn't going to work for him.

I propose Clint Barmes and Ryan Shealy for Barry Zito. That, or Barmes, Shealy, Mike Esposito, a 20th round pick for Barry Zito and Bobby Crosby.

Just a thought.

See you tomorrow, Rockies fans!

Continuing AL West Dominance, the Colorado Rockies

2006-06-28T07:28:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/28/2006
Position: 3rd NL West
Games Back: 1.5
Elimination Number: 85

As Ray King grounded Adam Kennedy out to short, Aaron Cook breathed a sigh of relief. Not over Ray King, who allowed a solo homer over 2IP, but finished the game well. Not over the offense, which pounded in 12 runs to the Angels' 4.

Aaron Cook breathed that sigh of relief over the Win, his first in over a month. Not for any lack of effort, however. Aaron Cook (along with Jeff Francis) is one of the least run-supported pitchers in the majors.

But not on Tuesday night.

The Angels struck first with 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st on 3 hits.

And then the Rockies proceeded to score runs in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th innings. Mostly singles and doubles, as well, including 3 doubles from Matt Holliday, 2 resulting in him being driven in for runs.

Atkins and Barmes had big nights as well, Atkins going 2-5 with 3RBIs and 2 runs, Barmes 2-4 with 1 run and 3 RBIs. Interestingly, Barmes, despite his .212 average, is 4th on the team for RBIs with 41. His defensive prowess and apparent ability to hit in the clutch is what is keeping Barmes in the lineup on a daily basis.

It also should be noted that the Rockies have scored early in nearly all of their last several games, within the 1st or 2nd inning. It's been a struggle for the Rockies all season, making their starting pitchers go 6-7 innings on no runs' support, maybe tallying 1 or 2 in the 5th-7th inning, oftentimes leaving an excellent starter without a decision. And while I can't say that they're doing a completely splendid job of it, scoring in the early innings helps the starter's confidence and helps them take command of a game.

I'd like to come out again and say that the bats are back. The Rockies are producing more runs than before, not leaving quite as many runners aboard, and helping win games for their starters.

Tonight will be a big challenge. Firstly, because we have struggled as a team against the Angels. Secondly, despite all the writing done about how the Rockies will not support Aaron Cook on the mound, they've somehow given Jeff Francis even less run support. Only by like .10 runs, but you have to realize that Cook and Francis are both sitting at under 3.75 runs/start for support (before last night's game).

The Rockies will hope to rectify this tonight in the series finale against the Angels. Francis (5-7, 4.37) will attempt to win his 6th of the season to join Cook and Jennings in the 6-win club against Ervin Santana (8-3, 4.03). Santana has never faced the Rockies, and has pitched EXCELLENT ball this season. Santana has only allowed more than 3 ER 4 times this season, in 15 starts, the most being 6 against Toronto back in the beginning of May in a 3-13 routing.

Francis has also never started against the Angels, and has been roughed up his last two outings, allowing 11 ER over 11.2 IP, watching his ERA jump into the low 4's. Francis is looking for a hot start to bring him another win, lower his ERA, and most importantly, take the series for the Rockies.

So until next time, Rockies fans, enjoy the game, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Oh Purple Glove, why have you forsaken JJ?!

2006-06-27T07:25:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/27/2006
Position: 3rd NL West
Games Back: 2.0
Elimination Number: 85

A rare blown game by the Bullpen.

Jason Jennings carried a 3-hitter with a 3 run lead (thanks to a Todd Helton homer and a Brad Hawpe RBI single) into the 8th inning Monday night against the Los Angeles Angels. He gave up a leadoff single and a walk, and was then pulled in favor of Jose Mesa.

Mesa then gave up consecutive singles to score 1 and load the bases before grounding out Vlad Guerrero...for the first out. Yet a run still scored.

So now, it's 3-2 Rockies, with runners on 2nd and 3rd and only 1 out. So Garrett Anderson was intentionally walked in hopes of inducing a double play from Angels catcher Mike Napoli.

Instead, Napoli doubled to deep right center, right up the power alley, scoring the runners on 2nd and 3rd, and more importantly, giving up the lead.

At the point, Mesa was pulled in favor of Tom Martin, who got a grounder right back to tag out Anderson on his way home.

Hurdle then went to Ramirez, who gave up an RBI single before grounding out Izturis to end the inning.

Now, rather than facing an Angels hold-the-gap pitcher, the Rockies now had to face Francisco Rodriquez, their star closer.

Rodriguez struck out Atkins and Hawpe, looking and swinging, respectively. DH Jorge Piedra then stepped up to the plate, and knocked the first pitch he saw out of the park.

4-5 Angels

Closser then stepped up, and after a couple balls and strike, knocked a big one into deep center -

back -

back -

back -

and into the waiting glove of Chone Figgins.

I can't really complain entirely too much, except about the bullpen, but even then, a game such as this is so rare, that we can't stay mad. It would just be nice to be able to beat the Angels.

With 3 weeks until the All-Star game, the Rockies are right at .500, a goal that a lot of fans realistically set for our boys at the end of last season. Before the break, however, the Rockies will face the Seattle Mariners to wrap up this season's interleague play. The Rockies will then return to the NL West to face San Francisco and Arizona, before enjoying the All-Star break.

Tonight, the Rockies will hope to take the series back under the arm of Aaron Cook (5-7, 3.46) who is looking to take a win from Jeff Weaver (3-9, 5.82). Weaver's high number are more indicative of the beginning of the season, where he was lit up game after game. However, in his last 10 starts, Weaver has allowed more than 3 earned runs only twice.

Weaver has a career 5.06 against Colorado, with a BAA of .273. The homefield hasn't been good to Weaver either, showing an ERA of 7.92, with opponents batting .326 against him.

So while Weaver is seemingly prone to giving up a decent number of runs tonight, it should be noted that the Rockies are drastically failing at supporting Aaron Cook with runs. Cook has not been part of a winning game for the Rockies since beating the Toronto Blue Jays at Coors on May 19th, watching his record drop from 5-3 to 5-7 in frustrating defeat after defeat. Cook seems to be taking it all in stride, still pitching excellent ball and giving the team every opportunity to win their games.

If the Rockies can continue to strike early and often, they'll take the series from the Angels.

But until then, Rockies fans, enjoy the game, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Delayed Rejoicing

2006-06-26T08:08:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/22/2006
Position: 3rd NL West
Games Back: 2.0
Elimination Number: 86

At the time of this writing, the Rockies are at 38-37, and 2.0 back from the Dodgers in the NL West. The Rockies, thus far, have comprised a 31-35 record against the NL, and 7-2 against the AL. So far in interleague play, the NL is losing pretty badly, something to the tune of maybe .400, while the Dodgers and Rockies and Padres are playing downright decently against the AL West (And the Rockies against the AL East).

Game 1 against the Rangers showed a bit of a pitching collapse. After having a 4-1 lead heading into the 6th inning, Francis and Scott Dohmann combined to allow a total of 8 runs in 7.0 IP. The Rox managed another 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th, which proved fruitless, as the Rockies lost 6-8.

Game 2 showed a complete turnaround. Before a 30 minute rain delay, the Rockies tallied 6 runs in the bottom of the 1st, including a 3-run shot from Choo Freeman. I said it, Choo Freeman! Anyhow, Fogg allowed 5 in 5, and the Rockies added another 5 for insurance. The Rangers scored one more on a solo shot from Teixeira in the 9th off of Jose Mesa, but aside from that, it was a thourogh trouncing.

Game 3 wasn't televised in NM, so I'll give you the highlights. BH Kim pitched a solid 7 innings, scattering 5 hits, allowing no runs while striking out 7 (this is his 2nd start without allowing a run). Mesa and Fuentes preserved the shutout, taking another series from the AL West.

It should be noted that the Rockies had 3 shutouts against the A's/Rangers over the past 6 games.

Coming up tonight, Jason Jennings (6-6, 4.02) will continue the interleague divisional matchup against John Lackey (4-5, 3.31). The Rockies have a less-than-stellar history against the Angels, losing 11 of the last 12. After such success against the A's and Rangers, this will be a good way to overcome follies of prior years.

Until then, Rockies fans, enjoy the game, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

I swear, it's a conspiracy!

2006-06-23T07:15:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/22/2006
Position: T-3rd NL West
Games Back: 2.0
Elimination Number: 89

Once again, Aaron Cook pitched a gem, and once again, the Rockies bats failed to support him.

And all the A's needed was Nick Swisher to finish the game for them.

Choo Freeman was batted in twice throughout the game, taking a 2-1 lead into the top of the 9th, where Brian Fuentes gave up the leadoff homerun to Nick Swisher (his second in the game) to blow the save before striking out 2 and taking the game into extra innings.

Jose Mesa pitched a scoreless inning, after getting himself out of a 1st/3rd jam.

Calero then came in for the A's and retired Spillborghs, Helton, and Holliday in a row.

Ray King then came in, walked Nick Swisher in what would prove to be the fatal baserunner. Swisher was then sac'd to 2nd, Eric Chavez walked, before Hurdle decided he'd seen enough of King. Ramon Ramirez came in, gave up a single to Kelty, which scored Swisher (for his 3rd run of the night) before finishing off the A's.

Despite a Torrealba single (I know, I'm as shocked as you) in the bottom of the 11th, the Rockies were not able to produce any more runs that night.

And Aaron Cook had a winning effort left out to dry again.

The Rox mustered more than enough hits to score 5-6 runs, but left 9 on base and only scored the 2 runs. Holliday was the biggest offender, coming up to the plate in the bottom of the 5th with only 1 out, and managed to ground into a 5-3 double play. Holliday left 8 stranded on the basepath.

Barry Zito hardly brought his best stuff to Coors

The Bullpen was a little shaky tonight, nobody pitching perfect ball. Fuentes blew the save, Mesa had runners in dangerous scoring position before retiring the side, King walked 2, and Ramirez gave up the game-winning single. Granted, had Ramon started his own inning, that single might have been meaningless. Hurdle may also have hurried him to the mound, giving him inadequate time to warm up.

However, this writer is still not worried about the bullpen. If Ramirez can get through an inning only giving up a hit or two, Mesa can work himself out of his own jams, and Fuentes being an All-Star pitcher, despite a few blown saves, is still the obvious closer for the Rox.

Tonight, Jeff Francis (5-6, 4.13) will square off against John Koronka (5-4, 5.00). Francis and Koronka have both pitched similar ball as of late, both allowing 6 or more runs in 2 of their last 5 starts. Koronka rebounded well from the beating, allowing only 2 runs in a win against Arizona. Francis was lit up in his last start against St. Louis, and he is planning on a rebound against the Rangers.

So until then, Go Rockies!!!

Folks, you witnessed History

2006-06-21T07:14:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/21/2006
Position: T-3rd NL West
Games Back: 1.5
Elimination Number: 91

Through Jason Jennings, Tom Martin, and Brian Fuentes, the Rockies pitched their first-ever 1 hitter. Jennings struck out 6, walked 6, got himself out of a massive bases-loaded situation in the top of the first, and while he didn't have his best stuff going, it was good enough to nearly no-hit the A's. The only hit the A's managed was in the top of the 1st to A's catcher Jason Kendall, a leadoff shot that Brad Hawpe dived for, caught, only to have slip out of his glove on the ensuing roll.

This marks 22 straight scoreless innings from the Rockies.

Coming into Monday's game, the Rockies had just gotten off a 4-3 road trip, which constituted a sweep of the Nationals and a sweep from the Cardinals. Every had been excited by the offensive prowess the Rockies showed over the wayward Nationals, and then immediately quieted by the mere 7 runs scored against St. Louis over the 3 game series.

Judging by the sweep the A's completed over the (former) NL-West Best Dodgers, contributing to the A's 10-game winning streak, everybody tuned into Coors Field not knowing what to expect.

I'm sure nobody expected that the A's would not be able to score a run against the Rockies in two games.

I also doubt that anyone expected the Rockies to outscore a seemingly superior AL-West team by 13 runs in two games, either.

The Rockies have slowly started to do what they needed to do against StL, and that's strike early. Monday, Matt Holliday pounded a 2-run shot in the bottom of the 1st to send the Rockies to an early 2-0 lead.

Last night, Todd Helton doubled down the left field line to bring in Jamey Carroll, and give the Rox a 1-0 lead.

While the Rockies have only been striking small early in the game, and waiting until later innings to add to that lead. While it'd be good to see 4-5 runs in the first 3 innings, I think that 1 or 2 in the first is a good start. The early strike will put the other team immediately back on their heels, and offer an early turn for the Rox. Combined with good starting pitching, as well as the still-stellar bullpen, these kinds of formulas can, quite often, lead to wins, and eventually, the division.

While it was noted in previous writings that the Rockies have trouble beating tougher teams, the Athletics were on top of the AL West, with winning records against the rest of the AL West and the ever-dangerous AL East. What does it mean, however? Are the A's one of those big teams that the Rockies usually struggle against, or are these last 2 wins stereotypical of another weak western division team? Was the A's sweep of the Dodgers a fluke, or are the legitimately better than than LA?

Whatever it is, I couldn't be more pleased with the team's performance these past two games. The only player last night who didn't have a hit was Brad Hawpe, but he still drew 2 walks. The team is showing an offensive upturn, Helton's starting to look like Helton again, and The Rockies are starting to win again.

Tonight, Aaron Cook (5-7, 3.66) will hope to get another win to go with his excellent pitching, and Barry Zito (8-3, 8.51) will try and stop this interleague sweep. Zito has seen his ERA jump from 2.87 to 3.51 in his past 3 starts, allowing 5 or more runs in 2 of them. Cook's ERA has remained in the mid 3's pretty much all season.

So Here's to the Rockies, may they again strike early and often, and sweep the Athletics at home. So until then, sportsfans, Good afternoon, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Swept, swept, swept.

2006-06-18T22:23:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/18/2006
Position: T-4th NL West
Games Back: 2.0
Elimination Number: 92

It's a darn good thing that the AL West just came in and stomped all over the NL West, or else the Rockies getting swept by the Cardinals might have done some damage in the division standings. As it is, the Rockies are 1 game under .500, coming back to Coors Field to face the Oakland Athletics. I might add that the A's just swept the NL West-best Dodgers.

This was a disheartening series for Rockies pitchers. Aaron Cook pitched 7 strong innings, allowing only 2 runs, yet still was slapped with the loss. Jeff Francis allowed 6 in 6, only the 2nd game this season where he has allowed more than 3 runs, and a late game surge still left the Rockies short. Josh Fogg pitched 5 innings, allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, and only a solo home run to show for the Rockies offense.

As said in the previous post, this seems to be the story of the Rockies season. Tonight, the heartbreak started in the top of the 1st. Bases loaded, 1 out (seems familiar, doesn't it), and Garrett Atkins flew out and Brad Hawpe struck out. Bottom of the same inning, Scott Rolen pounds one over the left field fence, putting the Redbirds up 2-0.

The only run for the boys came in the top of the third, when Matt Holliday singled to drive Cory Sullivan across the plate.

I'm almost convinced that Matt Holliday is the only player still fully committed to winning games for the Rockies. In Matt's last 10 games, he has tallied 8 RBI, 12 Runs, 1 homer, and went, overall, 19 for 41 (.463). We've started calling the Rockies "The Matt Holliday Show."

What this series is showing is that, while much better than previous seasons, the Rox are still not ready to roll with the big dogs. They'll take occasional wins from them, but they're clearly not ready to be beating them on a regular basis. With such streaky batting to match such solid pitching, this team will have trouble finding the postseason. As exciting as it is to watch the team improve and the young players develop, it still disappoints to see such losses.

The Rockies return to Coors to face the Oakland A's. Byung-Hyun Kim (3-4, 5.40) will face off against Dan Haren (6-5, 3.44) in the Rox second interleague matchup.

So Here's to improvements, may they come fast and timely. Until next time, sportsfans, Good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Late surge still leaves Rockies short

2006-06-18T00:57:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/17/2006
Position: 4th NL West
Games Back: 2
Elimination Number: 93

Congrats to Jeff Suppan on his 100th win of his career.

Jeff Francis was lit up for his 2nd time this season. Francis pitched 6 innings, allowing 6 runs while walking 1 and striking out 2. And besides a first-pitch solo shot from Matt Holliday to lead off the 2nd, the bats were quiet for Francis.

By the 8th, the Rox were down 6-1, until Garrett Atkins made a game of it again with a 2-out, 3 run shot over the right field wall.

Brian Fuentes struck out 3 in the bottom of the 8th, allowing 1 hit and no runs.

For the top of the ninth, with Isringhausen on the mound, Hurdle pinched for Torrealba with Jamey Carroll, who struck out on a seemingly high pitch. He pinched again for Barmes with JD Closser, who pounded one into right, bringing the game within 1. For the pitcher's spot, Jorge Piedra struck out swinging on a brutal curve from Izzy, and the Sullivan pulled the old backwards K to finish the game.

Such a heartbreak.

Possibly the biggest blown opportunity of the game for the Rox came in the top of the 4th. Helton singled, and then Holliday and Atkins were both walked, to give a bases-loaded, 1-out at bat for Brad Hawpe. Hawpe then swung at a miserable ball and fouled out to 3rd. Torrealba then grounded out to finish the inning.

Now, I don't mean to blame the game on Brad Hawpe, but it was a clutch moment and he failed to come through.

Which seems to be the story of the Rockies' season. Men on base with a general lack of clutch at the plate. Pitchers unsupported.

Somebody commented during the game: "I'd bet all the starting pitchers leave after their contracts are up." I'm glad we don't have any primadonnas on the mound, because I could really see this happenening if this streak of subpar batting doesn't cease.

Tomorrow, Josh Fogg (4-4, 4.91) is scheduled to start against Cardinals Ace Chris Carpenter (5-3, 2.57) in the close of this series. Fogg may NOT take the hill, however, as hamstring problems have been bothering him this week.

So, hoping for the best before coming back home, this writer is signing off. Until next time, Good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Remember when I said the bats were back? I was kidding.

2006-06-17T15:26:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/17/2006
Position: 4th NL West
Games Back: 2
Elimination Number: 94

I wish I had some good news to bring. But I don't. All I know is that it seems the Rockies hate playing baseball when Aaron Cook is pitching. They seemingly refuse to give the man a win.

The Rockies were trounced by the Cardinals, 8-1. Aaron Cook pitched a solid 8 innings, allowing only 2 runs, both earned.

The Rockies were only down by 1 run, 2-1, thanks to a solo shot by Brad Hawpe in the top of the 7th. Cook retired the side in a scoreless bottom, and then the Rockies in turn were knocked down in the top of the 8th.

Then the bottom of the 8th happened.

Scott Dohmann came in to close down the 8th inning. Aaron Miles doubled to lead off the half, and then So Taguchi sacrificed him along to 3rd. With a runner on third, and Scott Rolen coming to the plate, in a 1-run game, the Rockies intentionally walked Rolen, to bring up lefty Jim Edmonds. And who better to face a lefty than our lefty specialist, Ray King?

Wrong.

Edmonds singled to Right, scoring Miles easily, advancing Rolen to 3rd, and then Edmonds advanced to 2nd on a throwing error from Hawpe. So 1 out, 1-3, no DP, and 2 RISP. 8 straight pitches later, and Rolen trotted across the plate with the bases still loaded.

4-1 Cards.

At this point, Hurdle decided to cut his losses and go for star rookie Ramon Ramirez. I breathed a sigh of relief. This should be the end of the inning, right?

Wrong.

After getting the 2nd out on an IF fly to Molina, Edmonds and Encarnacion scored on a single to center from Hector Luna. And if that wasn't enough, after the throw from Sullivan was cut off by Helton, Helton overthrew the ball to 3rd, scoring Spezio and advancing Luna to 3rd.

7-1 Cards.

Then, to add insult to injury, Perez singled, scoring Luna.

8-1 Cards.

The inning finally, mercifully, ended when Miles, up for the 2nd time in the 8th, grounded out.

Braden Looper then closed the 9th out in order.

The Rockies only mustered 5 hits off of Marquis. Marquis pitched excellently, and the seemingly rediscovered bats did nothing to stop him.

The bullpen did nothing good, either. Scott Dohmann and Ramon Ramirez have definitely pitched better innings, but I'd like to bring some focus on to Ray King.

The Rockies traded Aaron Miles and Larry Bigbie to the Cardinals in December for lefty specialist Ray King. And while I haven't been overly psyched or disappointed in Kings performance, I find him to be a complete liability when we play the St. Louis Cardinals. King seems to go out to the mound with a chip on his shoulder from StL, feeling he has something to prove. If he is, as I suggest, feeling he has to play different ball against his former club, then I think Hurdle either needs to have a meeting with him and put his head on straight, make him ride the pine, or perhaps see how the Sky Sox like him.

Maybe the last alternative is ridiculous, but if Ray King cannot get it through his big gut/head that he is a pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, and that he needs to pitch every game with the same intensity and excellence that he is capable of, then I don't see where he fits into our bullpen.

In about 2 hours, Jeff Francis (5-5, 3.76) will take the mound against Jeff Suppan (5-4, 5.35). Suppan has a 4.40 career ERA against the Rox, and in his last outing against the Rox, his 5-inning 3-ER effort was enough to lead him to a victory.

Francis, however, is posting a 0.66 ERA and 2W in 2 games (13.2 IP) against the Cards. Francis only has 1 outing this year in which he has allowed more than 3 runs. Francis is averaging just above 6IP/start, which is good news for the bullpen. Matt Holliday is posting a .450 career BA against the Cards, Helton a .309, and Jeff Suppan has given up 6 HR in his 5 career starts against the Rockies.

So here's to hoping that Colorado will quickly re-find the batting groove they had set against the Nats. So enjoy the game, sportsfans, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Sweep, sweep, sweep!

2006-06-15T20:22:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/15/2006
Position: T-3rd NL West
Games Back: 2
Elimination Number: 95

4 game winning streak? Atkins with a 14 game hitting streak? 73 runs scored in the last 9 games?

Bring on the Cardinals.

Jason Jennings started tonight against the floundering Nationals, pitched a solid 8 innings, allowing 1 unearned run on 6 hits. Ray King came in for the ninth, and after allowing a leadoff walk, struck the next 3 batters out to end the game.

The bats were turned on again for the 4th night in a row. Helton went 2-2 with 2 runs and an RBI. Hawpe went 2-3 with 4 RBI, 2 runs, and a 2-run shot in the top of the 2nd. The rest of the lineup, with the exception of Jennings and Sullivan, added at least one hit. And Sullivan laid down 3 sacs.

4 fun games, resulting in wins and a whole load of runs scored.

However, I'd like to bring up a glaring stat:

The Rox left 33 men on base, as a team, over the last 4 games.

This stat, I guarantee, will come back to bite the Rockies in the weekend series against St. Louis. Unless the Rockies can get some more efficiency out of their baserunning, I fear that St. Louis will run away with the weekend. With runners in scoring position, St. Louis is batting .297; the Rockies: .259 . However, 35 runs scored in the past 4 games gives me hope that the Rox might still be able to hammer the ball off of St. Louis' pitchers enough to take the winning edge. And with Albert Pujols out of the lineup, you never know.

Colorado has won 7 of their last 10. They swept the Nationals, took 1/3 against the Dodgers, and 2/3 against the Pirates. St. Louis took 2/3 from the Pirates, 2/3 from the Brewers, and were swept by the Reds. St. Louis is 5-5 through their last 10.

An interesting note is that in the past 2 series, StL' starters have taken a lot of damage in early innings and have not lasted long in the game at all. If the Rockies can start to muster some early-game action, they might be able to take advantage of the slumping Cards' starters and perhaps knock a pitcher or two off of the hill.

To lead things off on Friday, Aaron Cook (5-6, 3.75) will lead the series off against Jason Marquis (8-4, 4.88). Both pitchers have been pitching decently of late, yet Marquis holds the career advantage against the Rockies (Cook: ERA - 10.80, BAA .317; Marquis: ERA - 5.14, BAA .268). However, Marquis' last start against Colorado resulted in 6.0 IP with 6 ER and a win for the Rockies. Cook has not pitched against the Cards this season.

So here's to continuation of a hot streak. Until tomorrow, Rockies fans, Good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Finally, back above .500!

2006-06-14T22:09:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/14/2006
Position: 4th NL West
Games Back: 2.5
Elimination Number: 96

14-8, Another bombfest from the boys! Every player in the lineup had a hit, except for Clint Barmes. BH Kim singled in the 3rd, beat out a Fielder's Choice to third, and then scored on the ensuing Todd Helton sac fly.

Garrett Atkins, Jamey Carroll, and Todd Helton homered. Carroll through Hawpe had a combined 15 hits. Carroll scored 4 runs. Helton went 3-3 with 3 runs, 3 RBIs, and a solo shot in the 9th.

Basically, our batters ran away with the game. There was no good pitching from any of the starters though. Armas lasted 3.0 innings with 7ER, and Kim went a grand 3.1 IP with 8 runs scored, only 5 earned.

2 errors though. One, from a fine toss from Cory Sullivan that completely beat the runner going to home, but Torrealba didn't catch the easy toss. Ostensibly, he was fearing a collision at the plate. The 2nd error came with the bases loaded, 2 outs, and Kim drew a grounder to Barmes, who threw the ball low to Helton, which skipped past him and allowed 2 runs to cross, giving the Nats a temporary lead in the 4th. The Rox came right back though, resulting in a 8-8 tie in the 5th inning.

And then the Rockies Bullpen came through yet again. Tom Martin pitched a solid 3.0 innings, allowing only 1 hit and striking out and walking 2, while not surrendering a single run. Ramon Ramirez came in in his perfect style, pitching 1.2 innings, striking out 3, walking 0 and not allowing a single hit. David Cortes finished the game with a 6-run lead, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 2.

So to summarize, the Rockies bullpen again proves to be a solid source of late-game dependability. The Nats' bullpen, however, surrendered 7 runs, 5 from rookie Bill Bray, who was roughed up in his 7th relief appearance for the Nats.

I don't want to get overly excited, but the Rockies have scored 65 runs in their last 8 games. I think this could be a sign that the Rockies' bats have returned. All we need now is Todd Helton to pull above .300, and that'll make all of our 3-6 hitters all batting above .300. Add Jamey Carroll's .335, and I'd say we have a lethal lineup in there.

A couple interesting notes from the game: Cory Sullivan had 4 sac bunts in the game, and he became the 8th player in history to do so, and the first non-pitcher to do so since 1919.

Sullivan's had an interestingly historical season. You may recall back in Petco, when the Rox leveled the Padres in a 3 game series, and Sullivan did something that hadn't been done since the '50s: tripled twice in the same inning.

Another note: Garrett Atkins has a .550 average with an 0-2 count. That's downright scary. FOR OPPOSING PITCHERS!

As a gripe, I'd really like to see more of JD Closser. Despite Torrealba's recent batting success, he's been less than impressive as a defensive catcher. He's missing throwouts of basestealers, he's not making key plays at the plate, he's passing balls, and he's certainly not playing the way a #1 catcher should be. I'm not saying I love Closser that much, but he's showing that he wants it more than Torrealba does. Closser's batting .250 (to Torrealba's .174 - and Danny Ardoin's .191). I suppose this is why I'm not an MLB manager, but I guess Hurdle must have some convoluted faith in the man who's been nothing but a letdown so far this season, all over stupid mistakes. The only plus I can note is that Torrealba has already notched 7 RBIs for the Rox.

Aside from that gripe, I really couldn't be more pleased with the Rockies' play these last 5 games. 3 wins against the Nats, a win and a near-miss against the Dodgers, and we're looking to sweep the Nats tomorrow.

Speaking of Tomorrow, Jason Jennings(4-6, 4.73) is looking to regain dominance of the mound tomorrow against Liván Hernández (5-6, 5.06). History is siding with Hernández, who has a career ERA of 4.95 against the Rox, as compared to JJ's 6.75 against the former Expos. I predict a win for Jennings.

Wrapping things up, things are improving for the Coors Field crew. Let's hope we can take some of this power into StL this weekend, and show the Cards that we're a true force to be reckoned with.

So until next time, Rockies fans, Good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

2 in a row, I smell a streak coming!

2006-06-13T22:07:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/13/2006
Position: T-4th NL West
Games Back: 3.5
Elimination Number: 96

Great game tonight for the Rockies. Josh Fogg was solid in his 6 IP, allowing only 1 run while striking out 4. Scott Dohmann allowed the second run, and David Cortes and Ray King pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th.

The bats came through tonight. The Rockies rallied for 10 hits, scoring 9 runs. Holliday, Helton, Barmes, Torrealba, and Choo Freeman combined to bring all 9 runs across the plate. The only player in the starting 9 who did not have a hit was Josh Fogg.

After 4 innings of shutout ball, both teams drove a run across, bringing a 5th inning standoff at 1 run apiece. The Rockies then unleashed all hell, driving in 8 more runs in the next 2 innings, while completely disheartening the Nationals - namely Alfonso Soriano, who threw back run-scoring singles with a dejected face.

I laughed.

Tomorrow night, Byung-Hyun Kim (3-4, 4.84) will make his 9th start of the year against Tony Armas (6-3, 3.48). Kim is averaging almost 5 strikeouts a game, Armas less than 4. A big point for Kim tomorrow will be to limit the number of bags he gives up on walks. Kim is notorious for walking himself into dangerous situations, but, more often than not, also getting himself out of those situations. Armas has a history of getting roughed up by the Rox (7.48 ERA in 7 games), and the Rockies' bats have been hotter as of late. Here's to hoping that the recent tear will continue.

In other news, Luis Gonzalez has been optioned to Colorado Springs after being brought off of the DL, and he will work on his batting skills and rehab himself into a solid infielder, ready to relieve Barmes or Carroll at a moment's notice.

On a down note, Mike DeJean will be receiving season-ending shoulder surgery this week. DeJean has been experiencing tightness and pain in his shoulder, which just won't seem to go away. So rather than risk career-ending injury, DeJean will go under the surgeon's knife in hopes of a better 2007.

So for now, this writer will sign off, in hopes of another glorious Rockies victory in our quest to take back the NL West. So until then, Good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!!!

A Win on the Road? Perish the Thought!

2006-06-12T20:02:00.000-06:00

Date: 6/12/2006
Position: 5th NL West
Games Back: 3.5
Elimination Number: 96

6-3, That's ballgame ladies and Gents. Francis 5-5, Fuentes SV (14), and heart rate...returning to normal.

Anybody who has been following the Rockies these last 2 weeks or so is fearing a return to an old form...the form being a baseball team that disappoints. And the last 2 weeks have been nothing but disappointing.

But why worry about the past? The fact of the matter is that the Rockies beat the Nationals tonight for a much needed win.

Francis pitched 6.2 innings tonight, striking out 3, walking 3, while only allowing 2 ER. Dohmann struck out the 3rd to close the 7th, The Purple Glove had a scoreless 8th, and Brian "Heart Attack" Fuentes gave up a solo home run to Jose Guillen before finishing the 9th, striking out 2 in the process.

Jamey Carroll went 3-5 tonight, to continue his streak of amazingness as the Rox new starting 2B. JD Closser had a run and an RBI, and he has hit safely in 6 of his last 8 games. And in his last 11 games, Clint Barmes has posted a .314 BA. He's still batting only like .211 on the season, but it's good to see him actually doing something. Also, Atkins is on an 11 game hitting streak.

In other good news for the Rockies, the Diamondbacks have been roughed up by both the Phillies and the Mets. That brings a smile to MY face. And the rest of the NL West. Namely, the LA Dodgers, who claimed 1st from the floundering Snakes. And in my humble opinion, they are the most deserving team in the division to take the lead.

Promisingly, the Rox are showing signs of coming out of their batting slump. While we're not completely out of the woods, we scored 37 runs in the past 5 games, winning 3 of the 5.

Additionally, Matt Holliday is leading every Rockies offensive stat with the exception of SB (another glory of Jamey Carroll).

Coming up Tomorrow, Josh Fogg (3-4, 5.21) will attempt to lead the Rockies to another victory against Nats SP Mike O'Connor (3-3, 3.04).

Sorry about the lack of updates, loyal reader(s), but with an active internet connection, I intend to keep the Rockies news flowing like the Coors beer that flows from the very Rocky Mountains that our team was named after. So until next time, Rockies fans, good night, Good luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

3 Runs in 4 Games?!

2006-05-26T23:11:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/26/2006
Position: T-3rd NL West
Games Back: 3.0
Elimination Number: 112

It's official. Clint Barmes has dropped below the Mendoza line.

After striking out in the top of the 9th in the Giants' trouncing of the Rockies, Barmes dropped to .199 on the season.

There was nothing good about this game: The Rockies only managed 5 hits on the game, and Jeff Francis allowed 7 runs in 5IP (his first roughing up since his first start of the season (Apr. 6)), raising his season ERA to 3.86, and dropping the Rockies runs/game on this NL West road trip to 0.75 runs/game

What happened? Did we blow our wad against Toronto and expect the NL West to just roll over and play dead? Clint Hurdle needs to do something, and now, to make this team function again.

And I think he needs to start at SS.

Clint Barmes is an embarrassment at the plate. Plain and Simple. He has struck out 27 times in 43 games. Not quite as bad as Cory Sullivan (37 in 42), but Sullivan can at least back himself up with a .273 average right now. Solution? Send Barmes down. Bring up Quintanilla. Hell, bring up Stewart, see how he handles SS. Or maybe Jayson Nix. Nix is only batting .253 in CSprings, but here's a key stat: He's been walked 18 times. Barmes: 3. Just a thought.

But Barmes isn't the only one to blame. Hawpe has seen his average drop 21 points over the road trip; Sullivan's bat has dropped 29 points in the past 2 weeks. As a team, the Rockies have stranded 27 runners in the past 4 games. The worst part is that the way the Dodgers beat up our pitchers, we still would have lost those games.

Not to forget Sunny Kim, whose 3 ER in 2 IP since coming off the DL is actually lowering his ERA. Remind me why he's still wearing the black and purple?

Also good news, Danny Ardoin has been placed on the 15-day DL with a strained knee, and JD Closser has been called up. While I'd rather have Marrero in the lineup, Closser is batting .313 in CSprings, with 2HR and 2RBIs in 20 games.

So, now we have injuries, callups, and zero batting right now.

The Rockies have temporarily lost that Lovin' feeling.

Something needs to stir, and soon.

Let's hope for good things out of this next game against SF, as Josh Fogg (3-2, 4.35) will attempt to give the Rockies a chance to WIN a game on this road trip, while Matt Cain (2-5, 5.47) will attempt to take another road series from the Rockies.

Until next time, the Rockies need some mojo, so if you can, tune into the game, cheer loud, send your schpadoinkle. But for now, Good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

2 Runs in 2 Games

2006-05-24T05:59:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/24/2006
Position: 3rd NL West
Games Back: 1.5
Elimination Number: 116

Boy, did Brad Penny and the Dodgers Crew pitch a beauty.

And the Rockies Bats did absolutely Nothing to stop them.

Out of the 7 hits the Rockies mustered, the only one that mattered was Garrett Atkins' 6th inning solo shot, which brought the game within 3. However, after Jennings allowed another 2 runs before getting anyone out in the top of the 7th, everyone knew it was all but over.

Kenny Lofton went 3-5 with 2R and 2RBI. Nomar went 2-5 with a run and a RBI. Just add them to the list, as 7 of the Dodgers' top 8 had RBIs last night.

The only things this writer can say AGAINST the Dodgers was that Penny only spanned 5 innings before being pulled on 104 pitches, and Tim Hamulack's season ERA has jumped to 5.50 after Atkins' homer.

Although that's nothing, compared to our Sun-Woo Kim's ERA: 19.50, and still rising. After a miserable start to the season, Kim managed to get hit with a line drive that mercifully put him on the DL. Then, after a battle of "Starter or Waiver" egos, Kim and Hurdle both caved to allow Kim to return to the Rox bullpen.

And boy did it pay off! 2ER in 1 IP! That's the kind of numbers we need from a late reliever! I suppose he was put in as a refresher in an already losing effory, but still, that's hardly what we like to see after such a hubbub over playing time.

Jennings wasn't quite as dominant as we hoped, and he gave his team chances to take over. After giving up 4 runs in the top 2 innings, Jennings kept the Dodgers at bay until the top of the 7th, where LA pounded Jennings for 2 more runs before he was pulled by Hurdle in favor of lefty Ray King. Good News, King pitched a scoreless inning! I like to see him do well, as it seems to be less and less frequent as the season progresses.

Anyhow, let's hope the Rockies' bats can give Aaron Cook (5-3, 3.28) some support as he takes on Aaron Sele (2-0, 2.29) in the Battle of the Aarons: Who is the dominating Aaron?

As for now, it's time for this frustrated writer to sign off, so Good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

We swept an AL East team?!

2006-05-21T19:14:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/21/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: 0
Elimination Number: 119

Sorry about the delay, I've been in a frantic process of moving to NM. Also, the best I can do to watch games is to listen to them online. So here's to hoping I can be effective and accurate in my writing.

The Rockies just swept the Toronto Bluejays to kick off the interleague play. Player of the series: I'd argue Garrett Atkins. He went 4-12 over the series, 2HR, 5R, 5RBI (including 3 today on a bases-clearing double to deep right center).

Clint Barmes went 3-10, tallying 6 RBIs. Despite this "improvement," Barmes has gone 5-for-36 in his last 11 games. Hardly numbers you'd expect from a starting SS. My opinion? Send him down, let him think about it, bring up Quintanilla. Down in CSprings, Quintanilla is batting .275 with an OBP of .347. Plus, anything Barmes can do defensively, Quintanilla can do better. Just a thought.

Helton continues to bat...well, for Helton, poorly. His season Batting average is .292 with only 3 bombs.

Hawpe got a day off today, but is continuing to bat well. In his last 10 games, Hawpe is 11-for-35, with 8 RBIs and 2 HRs.

Holliday also has been continuing to produce, going 17-for-36 (1 hit below .500, for those math whizzes among you), tallying 2 HR and 5 RBIs, and he has been driven in often for a total of 9 runs, and yesterday's game brought his OPS up to 1.012.

And for the pitching staff, Francis continues to be stellar, Cook is a dominating force, and Ramirez is the best thing to happen to the Rockies' pen since Fuentes started closing. As a team, Colorado's ERA is 4.05 after 44 games, the club's lowest ERA at any point after the first 10 games of a season.

Tomorrow is the battle of South Korea, as BH Kim (2-1, 4.62) faces Jae Seo (1-2, 5.31) in a vengance match between the Rockies and Dodgers in LA. Seo has been struggling this season, so hopefully Kim will have his game on and not have as rough of a 1st inning as he did Tuesday. Although if the rest of the game goes as swimmingly, I'm thinking Kim can do what he wants.

Anyhow, Rockies fans, that's the news. Hopefully I'll be able to give more updates more often, but we'll see what happens in the coming weeks. Until then, Good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

That's a mighty big salary for such a lack of clutch...

2006-05-18T00:28:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/18/2006
Position: 3rd NL West
Games Back: 1.0
Elimination Number: 121

There is no joy in Denver, Mighty Helton just flied out to right.

I think Helton's recent slump doesn't quite leave him in the same position of respect that he still retained last year, despite his batting woes. Last year, Todd Helton dropped to roughly .250 before perking back up, but during that time, he still had an OBP of over .380. Why? Because last season, RPs would just walk him, thinking "Psh, who's this Matt Holliday guy? Preston Wilson? We can strike him out [looking]." This season, though, pitchers tremble at the triple H combination of Helton, Holliday, and Hawpe. So, Wednesday at roughly 3:45 PM in Coors Field, after 8 1/2 innings of dueling pitchers, and a 3-2 lead for the Dodgers, Cory Sullivan singled, Atkins' jersey was caught a bit by the pitch from Dodgers RP Danys Baez, bringing up Mr. Clutch himself, Todd Helton, with 2 on, 2 outs, bottom of the ninth. Helton fouled a few off before skying one that had Dodgers C Martin up with his mask off. Luckily, that pitch barely slipped out of play, giving Helton another chance to save the game for the struggling Rockies.

Instead, he popped out to shallow right field, prompting a curse and a thrown baseball cap from this writer, and the Rockies dropped 2 of 3 to the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers at home.

Helton has only driven 1 run in since May 8th, which prompts me to rephrase yesterday's question: Where have the Rockies' bats gone?

Don't give me any of this humidor crap. Yeah, that's saved a few Rockies starters from a few cheap home runs and helped the breakers break and the sinkers sink, but that doesn't excuse all the terrible flyouts I've seen from the Rockies.

The problem used to be that the dried-out balls lost some of their seams, and breakerball pitchers couldn't get their pitches to work, plus the low altitude and lighter, drier balls would leave the park on what should've been an easy deep-center flyout. So this way, the Rockies learned to hit straightball after straightball, and then on the road they'd get burned by the sliders all day long. But now that the breakers are breaking again, and only earned homers leave the park, does this mean that the Rockies' bats really aren't worth more than 3-4 runs a game? Is Coors Field really a pitcher's park after all?

Nah.

Hawpe is 3rd in the NL for batting average, sitting on a cool .338 right now, and Holliday is 4th in RBIs at 36, 3 behind Andruw Jones, and....12....behind Albert Pujols.

The Rockies will have Thursday off, and Friday, Aaron Cook (4-3, 3.27) plans to embarrass Josh Towers (1-7, 8.45) in an evening interleague matchup. The real humor? Let's see Towers try and bat. Towers has been factored into every decision he's had an opportunity at this season, and with that high ERA and a 1.85 WHIP, maybe it's a good night for Atkins and Helton to find their bats in raging form.

If there's no Friday night postgame, it's because I'm moving into a summer residence.

So Good night, Rockies Fans, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Back after such a long absence

2006-05-16T23:23:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/17/2006
Position: T-2nd NL West
Games Back: 0.5
Elimination Number: 123

Bob Apodaca made an early trip out to the mound tonight.

Byung-Hyun Kim started tonight's matchup by walking Rafael Furcal, letting him steal 2nd, walking Kenny Lofton, and then walking Nomar Garciaparra to load up the bases with no outs, and then gave up the game's first run to JD Drew right after that.

And interestingly enough, that was the only run the Dodgers could manage.

7 innings, 5 strikeouts, and no further runs later, the Rockies led 5-1.

Hawpe had a career-tying night with 4 RBIs (1 on a single, driving Holliday in in the 2nd, and the other 3 on a homer that scored Holliday again and Helton), and Matt Holliday went 4-4 with 2 runs scored.

The Purple Glove has started getting his groove back. He pitched a strong 8th, striking out one, and giving up one hit on a double to Aybar. Scott Dohmann finished the 9th in similar fashion, giving up a deep triple to Martin, but not allowing him to reach home.

And they only left 5 on as a team.

An interesting, if not decent, start from BH Kim, and some good batting to complement it.

As many of you may be asking as well as I, When did Coors Field become a pitcher's park? The trend is seeming to be big pitching duels, and that is very very strange for the thin air of Colorado.

As a down note, Clint Barmes' batting average has dropped to .208. Clearly unacceptable for a starting SS. Suggestions? Bench him, start Jamey Carroll. Also, utilize Smith more at 2nd. Hell, bring up Stewart, see how he can handle SS.

As a preview, tomorrow Jason Jennings (2-3, 5.05) will start the third game against Dodger no-neck ace Brad Penny (3-1, 2.66) in this back-and-forth series. Look for Penny to walk 3, strike out 4, give up 6 hits and 2 ER. Expect Jennings to strike out 5, walk 2, give up 4 runs on 8 hits. I'm banking on the LA bullpen to tank.

Well, it's late, and I hate the computer I'm using. So for now, Good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

A Postgame/Pregame post all in one! What a deal!

2006-05-15T15:55:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/15/2006
Position: 2nd NL West
Games Back: 1.0
Elimination Number: 124

The Colorado Rockies were EXACTLY what Andy Pettitte wanted to see.

Pettitte struck out 7 in his complete game 3-hit shutout. Pettitte, before last night, had posted an ERA of 5.55.

Quoting Houston Manager Phil Garner, "I think this was the Andy Pettitte of old." The Rockies woefully agree.

Jeff Francis had a good outing, despite the result, pitching a solid 7 innings, giving up 3 runs (2 on solo homers) on 6 hits while walking only 2 and striking out 5. David Cortes pitched a scoreless, hitless 8th.

Lance Berkman contributed one of the homers, in his typical batting-well-against-the-Rockies form. And continuing to spite Rockies pitchers was Morgan Ensberg, who enjoyed his slow trot around the bases.

Matt Holliday's hitting streak was snapped at 8 games, and the Rockies' 3 hits came from Brad Hawpe, Choo Freeman, and Luis Gonzalez. I'd start to rant about the LOB problem again, seeing how 100% of our runners were stranded...but it was a 3-hitter. I'd credit Pettitte more than fault the Rockies.

"He was awesome," Francis said. "It was my first time to see him. We have a pretty good offense and for him to shut us down today like he did shows a lot."

The Rockies loss, along with SD's recent tear, has resulted in the Rockies yielding the division lead, falling to 2nd in the NL West (1.0 Games Behind), with Arizona nipping at the Rockies' heels in 3rd, only 1.5 GB.

Tonight, Josh Fogg (2-2, 4.50) will square off against Brett Tomko (4-1, 2.93). Fogg has been roughed up 3 of his last 4 starts, excluding the most recent start against St. Louis, where Fogg went 7.0 IP, allowing only 1 run. Tomko, however, has been all but perfect, having not allowed a run in his past 13 IP, striking out 12 and walking only 5 in that stretch. This will be a big game for the Rockies, whose road trip was less than successful, and they hope to turn it around back on Planet Coors.

A big goal for the Rockies tonight is to capitalize on baserunning. Several players are still sitting on healthy .300+ averages, and with numbers like that, the Rocks should be scoring more than 4 runs in a series. Especially when Jeff Kent has a history of roughing up Josh Fogg, Nomar Garciaparra is putting up NL Player of the Week numbers, and JD Drew and Rafael Furcal all have excellent career numbers against Colorado.

So here's to the pitching staff, may they be merciless and unforgiving. Here's to the bats, may they be refreshed and angry. Here's to the Rockies, may they sweep the Dodgers at home!

So for now, Good evening, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

[All quotes from KRISTIE RIEKEN, AP Sports Writer]

All Hail Aaron Cook, the man who outpitched Roy Oswalt!

2006-05-14T00:04:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/13/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 125

Aaron Cook pitched his way into the seventh inning tonight, striking out 6, walking only 2 and allowing only 5 hits. The only run earned off of Cook came in the bottom of the 6th inning, when Preston Wilson hit an RBI single to bring home Mike Lamb. Another excellent start from Cook, showing more and more that Cook might be the anchor of the starting rotation that brings this team to victory.

The Rockies' 2 runs both came in the 3rd inning, from Luis González (driving in Danny Ardoin) and Todd Helton (bringing Cory Sullivan home). The team left 7 on base tonight, an improvement from the 11 last night, but still far more than should be stranded. To compare, Houston only left 6 on base. This shows that the Rockies CAN hit well (no fooling?), which is a good start, but the consistency is becoming more and more of an issue.

To add to the good news, Todd Helton went 2-4 tonight, and his average is slowly creeping up (currently sitting at .317). Matt Holliday extended his hitting streak to 8 games, and Ramon Ramirez was flawless again, pitching 2 1/3 innings tonight to pave the way for closer Brian Fuentes. Ray King got the lefty he faced to fly out, before being pulled in favor of Ramirez. Brad Hawpe went 2-4 tonight, having been hitless in his last 3 games. Also, Danny Ardoin extended his hitting streak to 4 games, having safely hit in 6 of the last 8 games played. Additionally, Ardoin has broken back above the Mendoza line, finally!!! Break out the champagne, folks, I'm hoping this means Ardoin may someday reach .250!!!

Oswalt pitched an excellent game as well, pitching 7 innings and striking out 4. (By the way, I called Oswalt going 7+ innings, striking out 5, and allowing maybe 1-2 ER, I'd say I pegged that pretty well!)

While the Rockies won tonight, I'd credit this game almost exclusively to the pitching staff. The Rockies bats were quiet tonight, but one would expect no less from Roy Oswalt. Both bullpens were perfect, and this pitchers duel surprisingly came down to the 3rd inning, where Colorado put its two tallies on the scoreboard. Well, perhaps not surprisingly, judging by how well the bullpen has been pitching (up until recently).

The strength of this team, as has been noticed throughout this season, is clearly the bullpen. King has been improving of late, having not had a run earned since April 23rd, and with the exception of last night, Scott Dohmann has been great since April 19th. And David Cortes has been all but perfect, still holding an ERA of under 1.50. Tom Martin's ERA, however, has jumped up to 6.00, and he has not pitched in a winning endeavor since April 18th against San Diego. Mesa has allowed runs his last 3 appearances as well, pushing his season ERA from 0.55 to 4.15. Every pitcher slumps, but when Mesa slumps, he slumps hard. His last two appearances resulted in 3 runs being scored, including what would prove to be a game-winning 3-run homer from a certain Albert Pujols. (But can you really blame him? It's Albert Pujols.)

I have faith that the bullpen will hold, and we just need to wait and see the bats start coming back around (looking at You, Barmes), and the bullpen will have some room to breathe in games.

Coming up tomorrow, Jeff Francis (2-2, 3.16) will take the mound against the banged-up Andy Pettitte (2-4, 5.66). Pettitte, over his last 3 starts, has an ERA of 8.33 and a WHIP of 1.98. Here's to hoping the Rockies will be able to give the pitchers some run support tomorrow, considering Pettitte's struggles, and be able to take another series from the Astros. (I'd like to think that beating their ace in a 2-run effort is something that might break their spirits). As for now, it's time to sign off, so Good night, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Bring on Oswalt?

2006-05-13T13:39:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/13/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 127

Quick pregame post, the Rockies face off against the Astros for Game 2 of the series in Houston. Cook against Oswalt, and after last night, boy, they really have something to prove. Hopefully Hurdle gave the team a nice chewing, namely young shortstop Clint Barmes, and maybe that will light a fire under their seats.

Watch for Oswalt to throw a long game, possibly going 7+ innings, tallying maybe 5 strikeouts, and 1 or 2 earned runs.

On the upside, look for Cook to throw the same game, but drop the Ks to perhaps 2.

The Rockies seriously need to capitalize on RISP tonight, as they hit the ball all over the park, but never when we could score on it.

Anyhow, enjoy the game, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Definitely NOT one for the record books.

2006-05-12T21:54:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/12/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 127

Matt Holliday extended his hitting streak to 7 games, and drove in the first run of the game.

Luis González hit a solo shot in the 9th.

And those were all the runs the Rockies scored.

Jason Jennings pitched 5 2/3 of excellent ball, only allowing 3 hits and 1 run (solo shot by Craig Biggio).

And then hell broke loose.

After a Biggio single and a Berman single, Jennings worked his way to a 2-2 count against a fighting Morgan Ensberg, Jennings threw a fastball in that barely missed the outside corner. Thinking he had gotten the strike, Jennings jumped off of the mound, only to realize that the ump hadn't called anything, and the count was now full. Hoping to catch the corner this time, Jennings threw a nice pitch to the outside of the plate...

And Ensberg rocketed it to left.

Jennings then gave up another run on 3 straight hits before Hurdle pulled him in favor of Scott Dohmann. Dohmann finished the inning, grounding out Adam Everett, but the score was now 5-1.

Dohmann then proceeded to give up 2 more runs in the 7th.

In the 8th, Mesa gave up 2 more before being pulled himself, and left one aboard for Mike Lamb's 2-run shot off of Tom Martin.

Despite giving up a solo shot to Luis González, Trever Miller was able to preserve the remaining 10-run lead to get a win for the Astros.

....

This was not a game where the Astros simply outplayed the Rockies. The Rockies simply stunk.

Nevermind Jennings' 5 earned runs. Jennings was DOMINATING Houston batters until that Ball 3, and then it was over. I sincerely believe that had Jennings struck out Ensberg to finish the inning, he would have pitched into the 8th.

Not that it would have done any good.

The Rockies left 11 stranded today.

5 of them belonged to Barmes.

The Rockies could have blown this game open by the 4th, but poor batting resulted in only 1 run scored in the first 8 innings. The pitching of Fernando Nieve was merely good enough to close down the 2-out batter. Which, really, is all you need. No, this was a case of poor, poor batting.

And tomorrow, it doesn't get any easier.

Aaron Cook (3-3, 3.51) squares off against Roy Oswalt (5-2, 3.62), in what should prove to be a well-fought battle.

Cook, in his last outing, went 8 innings, giving way to Fuentes with 2 aboard in the 9th.

Oswalt was lit up, giving up 7 runs (6 earned) in 4.2IP.

Here's to hoping that he repeats his performance.

As for now, it's time to cut this update short. Good night, Good Luck, and Go Rockies!

Down in the East Texas town called Houston, I fell in love with a Colorado team...

2006-05-12T16:49:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/12/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 128

Tonight, Jason Jennings (2-2, 4.70) faces off against Fernando Nieve (1-1, 5.55) in a cross-division matchup between the Houston Astros and your Colorado Rockies.

The Rockies swept the Astros last week at Coors Field, including a 9th inning collapse by Brad Lidge, an 8IP, 2ER effort from Aaron Cook, and a complete game shutout from Jason Jennings.

Jennings hopes to recreate that magic in Minute Maid Park, against the recently struggling Astros. The Astros are coming off of a 1-2 series in LA against the Dodgers, where they were beaten overall 17-23.

Last outing at Coors, Nieve gave up 5ER in 5.2 IP, including a Todd Helton 3-run homer.

Cook gave up a 2nd-inning single run shot to Jason Lane, but spent the rest of the day thwarting Houston bats.

Matt Holliday hopes to extend his 6-game hitting streak, during which he has 4HR, 5RBI, and 8 runs scored.

So here's to Jennings, may his arm lead the Rockies to more glory over Houston. Enjoy the game, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

StL eats Kim's lunch

2006-05-10T14:22:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/10/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 129 (Pending results of ARI-PIT game)

Kim ER: 7

Suppan ER: 3

Final Score: 4-7, StL

Players of the game:

Albert Pujols (1B StL, 2-4, HR, 2RBI), Juan Encarnación (RF StL, 1-4, 1R, 2RBI), Matt Holliday (2-4, R, RBI, 3B), Cory Sullivan (2-4, R, RBI), Ramon Ramirez (2.0IP, 1H, 3K, 0R, Season ERA 0.00)

Letdown of a start from BH Kim. After a week of excellent pitching across, the board, the rotation came full circle and Kim struggled again. Kim allowed 7ER in 4.2IP, including an Albert Pujols two-run jack and the same from Juan Encarnación.

This game wasn't evidence of Rockies' lack of skill, but rather of the excellence of the Cardinals' bats. Their lineup just read Kim like a book, and then hit that book over the left field fence.

There were good points to the Rockies game, though. Through 14IP this season, Ramon Ramirez still hasn't allowed a run. Holliday has a 5-game hitting streak going, and has safely reached in 7 of his last 8 games, to the tune of .530. Ardoin went 2-3 today, with a run (his 3rd consecutive game with hits), Carroll is still hitting the ball, Helton doubled and scored, and a few other good things. The team only had 5 LOB today as well, 3 with RISP.

Overall, I don't think there's much I can say against the team right now, they've been playing some excellent ball. And don't forget, last season's team split the season with the Cards, so I'm hoping this series here is just a fluke.

I just wanna mention Ardoin for a minute. I'm thinking Hurdle threatened him with designation, and he's finding a way to hit. I'm not sure what had him so preoccupied, but I'm very impressed with his recent production. He's getting hits so the bigger hitters at the top can drive him in. Which is how batting lineups are supposed to work.

However, I do want to gripe about Clint Barmes for a little while. Wasn't this Clint Barmes fellow supposed to be the best thing to happen to the Coors Field infield since Neifi Perez? Well, he's down to about .236 around now, been dropped in the lineup to 7th, and to top it off, has 4 errors and a .969 Field% so far? Yeah, 4 errors isn't that bad, but when the Utility infielders are all playing more efficient ball, it starts to worry me. Here's to hoping he finds his bat again, and we don't have to begin thinking of the word "Tradebait."

Here are stats to cheer everyone up.

Coming up after a Thursday off, the Rockies continue their NL Central road trip in Minute Maid Park against the recently swept Astros, where Jason Jennings (2-2, 4.70) will square off against Fernando Nieve (1-1, 5.55) in a GRUDGE MATCH. Ok, not really that, but I'm sure the Stros are a little sore getting swept on the road by the Rox, and then dropping the next two as well. Here's to hoping the Dodgers keep beating them real good so when we venture down to Houston we'll have a tired, browbeaten team to take on.

Anyhow, that's enough for this postgame report. Andrew signing off. Good evening, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

There is no joy in Denver, mighty Pujols blew one over the fence.

2006-05-10T11:57:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/10/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 128

Fogg pitched 7.0 innings with only 1 ER.

Holliday homered again.

Tom Martin and Scott Dohmann combined for a scoreless inning.

The Cardinals had 3 errors.

...

...

...

And the Rockies lost.

To lead off the 8th, Josa Mesa gave up consecutive singles, zero outs, and then Albert Pujols pounded one to deep left.

You know, I'm not even mad. I'm impressed. That's clutch right there. And then Isringhausen came through in classic Izzy form, striking out 3 for the save.

Not the best game of baseball the Rockies have ever played either. 10 LOB, 6 RISP.

Not much more to add on the game last night. But you have to expect the Pujols wrecking crew to come through at some point. He's just that good.

In a "Preview", BH Kim (1-0, 3.29) faces Jeff Suppan (3-2, 4.46) (in progress during this writing), and boy, it's not looking good thus far. But I'll delve into that after the game.

QUICKEST PREGAME EVER

2006-05-09T16:28:00.000-06:00

Sorry, no big pregame today, both of the authors are going to the Avalanche - Ducks game 3, and don't have time to post much.

Fogg vs. Carpenter tonight, let's hope Todd can find his steady bat again and the 4-6 can go 7-for-13 again!

Good afternoon, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Hoo-rah Jeff Francis, part II

2006-05-08T22:20:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/8/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 129

Worst...news....EVER. THE PURPLE GLOVE'S ERA HAS DOUBLED.

Well, sorta. It's 1.08 now.

Anyhow, another HUGE win for the Rockies. Francis went 7 2/3 IP, and left the final out to the Purple Glove. Mesa started out the 9th inning, let two on, and then Hurdle turned to King in the pen. King, eager to show his old club what's he's amounted to...didn't really do too much. He did however blow his DP chances by means of a wild pitch, and then let Edmonds sac fly to CF allowing the runner at 3rd to score the Cards' 2nd run of the game. Then, despite the desire to keep him on the bench, Hurdle was forced to turn to Fuentes, who lined Taguchi out to 2nd and grounded Miles out to SS.

*Prediction compared to reality*
*	Andrew's Predictions	Reality
Francis Hits	5-8	6
Francis BB	3	3
Francis K	5	1
Francis ER	2-4	1
-	-	-
Marquis Hits	7-8	10
Marquis BB	3	3
Marquis K	4	0
Marquis ER	4	6

OK, so I was a little off. So sue me. Apparently I have the BB category nailed shut, though.

But seriously, what a night for Francis. Not only did he only allow 1 run, he also forced 2 double plays on the quieted Cardinal bats.

Sorry about the bad Marrero call, Apparently Ardoin's 2-4, 1R performance on Sunday was enough for Hurdle to take another risk and keep him in the lineup. And apparently, it paid off, as Ardoin singled in the top of the 3rd. Regrettably enough, though, Danny got caught taking just a little lead, and well, he's a catcher, so he's not exactly Ricky Henderson on the basepath. The problem with that was that the 4th had the pitcher leading off, rather than the top of the order.

To wrap up the bad news, Helton went 0-4. It happens.

In the good news category, the middle of the lineup (Atkins, Holliday, Hawpe) went 7-13 tonight, with 5RBIs, 5 Runs, and 2 homers, both from Matt Holliday. HELL of a game for those boys. And continuing his streak of impressing Andrew, Jamey Carrol went 1-3 with a Run.

Oh, and the pitching staff held Pujols 1-3 with no Runs or RBIs.

This was a fantastic game for the Rockies. Completely. To quote StL manager Tony LaRussa: "How good were the Rockies? They just played a good game from their side in all facets of the game." (from JIM SALTER, Associated Press Writer). Coming from such a successful Manager, that comes off as quite the compliment.

As a preview, tomorrow Josh Fogg (2-2, 5.18) looks to regain his early success on the mound as he squares off against the Cardinals' Cy Young winning Ace, Chris Carpenter (3-2, 2.35). The Rockies hope to take advantage of the Cardinals' batting struggles and claim another victory at Busch Stadium.

That's all for tonight, Andrew signing off. Good night, Good luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Into the Lion's Den: The Cardinals

2006-05-08T13:40:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/8/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 130

Quick preview: Francis (1-2, 3.60) vs. Marquis (3-3, 5.50) in StL. Expect to see a good game today. The Cards are not playing their best ball recently, despite sweeping the Marlins, remember that WE swept the Marlins as well. Prior to that, the Cards were on a 4-game losing streak. In their last 10, the Cards are 5-5, while the Rockies are 7-3. However, we can't take the Cards recent struggles for granted, as they scored 23 runs in that series, they now have the taste of blood in their mouths and want more. But the Rockies have overcome the Astros, possibly the biggest thorn in the Cards' collective sides in the past 2 years.

Francis only has 1 career start again StL, in which he pitched 6 innings of shutout ball. Also, Francis is coming off of 3 strong starts, during which he has posted an ERA of 0.95 with 15 punchouts. Expect to see Francis give up in the range of 5-8 hits, 5K, 3BB, and my best guess is 2-4 ER.

Marquis, however, has the benefit of experience on his side, and has 36.0 innings in which he's posted a 4.50 ERA. However, Marquis has been struggling at home this season, with an ERA of 7.41 and opponent's batting average of .328. Helton has a history of lighting Marquis up as well, with an average of .429 and 2 HR against the righty. Expect Marquis to give up 3BB, 7-8 hits, 4K, and I'm gonna shoot for 4ER.

Holliday has hit well against StL for his whole career, to the tune of .400+, while Atkins and Hawpe have regrettably not. However, Hawpe is at roughly .430 on the road this year, and Atkins is .350 on the road. Hopefully starting Marrero at C won't bite us, but rather, bring us another run or two.

On the other end, Pujols the Mighty has a career average of .363 against the Rockies, including 13 bombs. His .352 at home isn't much encouragement, either. Not to mention Rolen, who's batting .294 at home (career .276 against the Rox). Edmonds has been slumping this season, thus far. Small favors, huh? (As an afterthought, doesn't Pujols have at least a .363 average against everybody?)

As a team, the Rox are batting .279, while the Cards are batting .264. So let's be hoping the Rox can really turn this series into a visiting mortar range.

That's all for now, Andrew signing off, Good day, Good Luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!!

No good teams, huh?

2006-05-08T00:40:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/7/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 130

Aaron Cook pitched 8 innings with 2ER.

Todd Helton sent one yard good for 3 runs.

Danny Ardoin went 2-4 with a run.

I'd call this a good win today.

The only complaints I had were:

A. The wind. It only came up once, seriously, DURING THE 9TH WHEN FUENTES WAS TRYING TO CLOSE THE GAME!!

B. Fuentes giving up 2R. One for him, one for Cook. But then I remember, what's the job of a closer? Preserve the win. Did Fuentes accomplish just that? Yes he did.

Hell of a game for Cook though. 6H, 2K, 2BB, 2ER, all in 8IP. And the only run that actually scored while he was on the mound was a leadoff homer to Lane in the 2nd. After that, it was groundball-flyout-groundball-flyout-popup-flyout-etc-etc. 104 pitches, 67 of them for strikes.

Fuentes came in with a man on 1st and 2nd, no outs, and immediately grounded Brad Ausmus into a nice 5-4-3. Only downside was that it advanced the runner on 2nd to 3rd, and the ensuing Adam Everett triple scored that runner (Morgan Ensberg). A followup single from Eric Bruntlett then scored Everett. But, Fuentes finished the game off in Brian Fuentes style: A strikeout.

"I probably wasn't as sharp as I would like to have been," Fuentes admitted. "I was behind in the count a little more than I would like to be. I was pretty happy getting the double-play ball coming in. That was huge. I made it interesting [after that]." - Brian Fuentes (from coloradorockies.com)

But you know who my hero the last few games has been? Jamey Carroll! The guy's a freakin' workhorse! If he keeps batting this way, we have ourselves yet another starting 2B. Carroll went 1-2 with a sac bunt and a walk, and scored on Helton's 3 run jack, along with Cory Sullivan who had doubled the previous at-bat.

Ardoin led off the 6th with a double off of Mike Gallo, and then Cook and Sullivan combined perfectly to sacrifice him home. We would've had a SECOND Ardoin run in the 7th, but some poor baserunning decisions left Ardoin in a pickle between home and 3rd that resulted in not only him getting tagged out but Sullivan also getting caught stretching his double into a triple. This isn't the first time the Rox have been caught getting greedy on the basepath this year, and I'm sure it won't be the last.

Bad news for Ardoin, however. While nothing official has been said, Eli Marrero will be suiting up as a starting catcher for the 1st time in almost 3 years against the St. Louis Cardinals. Hurdle figures that with Marrero's hot bat, and Ardoin rivaling AL pitchers for OBP, maybe he should take advantage of their third catcher.

Speaking of Catchers, Torrealba is very slow in his recovery. Don't expect to see him for at least another week or 3.

As an afterthough, this homestand was huge, for many many reasons.

Reason the 1st: Our rotation really showed its strength. With the exception of a poor start from Josh Fogg on Thursday against the Reds, the Starting Rotation gave up a grand total of 6 ER. 2 today from Cook, and 4 on Friday from BH Kim. Francis threw 7 innings of shutout ball and JJ went a complete game shutout on Saturday night. And noteworthy, despite giving up 4ER on Friday, Kim also threw his second consecutive game with 9K. This rotation is something we can really start to rely on.

Reason 2: The Bullpen is something we can rely on on a day-to-day basis! We have 7 relievers in the pen with sub-4.00 ERAs, namely: Brian Fuentes, Ray King, Scott Dohmann, Ramon Ramirez (how about that kid, huh? 12.00IP, not a single earned run!), Mike DeJean (lord knows when He'll be back), David Cortes (whom I'd argue is one of the top 3 in the bullpen), and of course, the Purple Glove, Joe Table, with his 0.55 ERA. This is a bullpen we can actually steadily fall back on! And imagine, when we get Chin-hui Tsao back, we'll have another pitcher with closing potential there to snap innings shut.

Reason 3: We won 4 of 5 at home. Before this homestand, the Rox were only 5-7 at home, 10-5 on the road. We've since improved that to 9-8 at home, bringing us to the sole possession of the NL West.

Reason 4: We swept the goddamn ASTROS. Before this series, the 'Stros were tied with the Mets for 2nd in the NL. After this series, they've dropped to 3rd in the NL Central, behind Cincinatti and St. Louis. And before the Astros, we split 2 with the NL-best Reds! We took 4 of 5 from high caliber teams, and how did we do it? Did the Blake Street Bombers return and knock a zillion out of the park, ending every game 11-9? No! We did it with good pitching, and good team play. In fact, we only scored 15 runs against the Stros, 5 in each game, which was just enough as our staff was able to keep the Stros under the 5 run tally. But the point of this 4th reason is that the Colorado Rockies are turning heads in the NL. We're not a joke of a team, trying to match bats and hurlers with the Big Boys, we're outright competitors! The Rockies do NOT suck! (Try saying it out loud. Your mouth fumbles with it a little, but it'll start rolling off of your tongue, I promise)

Anyhow, I'm gonna call it a night. I have a final tomorrow, and I can't stop thinking about Helton bombing it into the bullpen. Good night, Good luck, and GO ROCKIES!!!

Simulated Game

2006-05-07T00:32:00.000-06:00

I figured I'd throw my 2 cents worth in.

My guess is in a simulated game, they have Mike DeJean standing in line at Coors with all the little kids using the speedometer to measure how fast you can throw it. Then he'll take batting practice from either Dinger or the Philly Phanatic.

2 innings of observations

2006-05-06T20:48:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/6/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 131

In the interest of full disclosure it should be noted that neither Andrew nor I were able to watch much of this game. I was on my way back from rafting down Royal Gorge. I will discuss the 2 innings of the game I did see. Jason Jennings. What more can you say? The guy was killing it. CG, 0 R, 7 H, 9 K, 1 BB. Through 20 batters he had thrown pitch one strike to sixteen of them.

*TIME OUT*

Ok as I write this I am watching the end of Lakers-Suns Game 7. The Suns are killing the Lakers. The scrubs are knocking down 3's from 4 feet beyond the arc. This is ridiculous.

*TIME IN*

Getting ahead of hitters is paramount for any pitcher. Doing it that often sets you up to go deep into games because you can shorten the AB. Another key stat in this game for the Rockies is 2 LOB. Leaving men on has been killing the Rockies all season, not pointing fingers at anyone in particular, MATT HOLLIDAY. Choo Freeman got the start in center and went 2 for 4 with a RBI, 2 runs scored and a swipe. Choo seems to be rounding into a decent utility guy/pinch hitter. In the good news column Mike DeJean pitched a simulated game today without pain. And if some could PLEASE explain to me what a "simulated game" is I would appreciate it.

Who schedules Finals on Saturday anyhow?

2006-05-06T12:56:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/6/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 131

Andrew here.

This is gonna have to be a quick update, I'm supposed to be studying now anyhow.

Jennings against W-Rod today.

Things to watch for:

Hits. Jennings is posting a 1.62 WHIP, and Rodriguez just started eating again YESTERDAY after a week with a virus. I'm very surprised that Garner is starting him, despite his weakened state. At the risk of sounding sick/cruel, let's hope that the Rockies can take advantage of his state(moreso an interesting managing decision) and score a few more runs and claim a victory.

Jennings' key to success is to start throwing those good strong 0-1 pitches and claiming early command of the mound and the strike zone. The Astros have a history of roughing our boy up, to a tune of an ERA of 12.05.

Rodriguez...well, let's hope he doesn't puke on the mound. You can't wash that off.

Other things to watch for include a Helton 2B, a Preston Wilson K, an Atkins RBI (and let's hope no DP balls), and Brad Hawpe being reliable.

In Short, Go ROCKIES!!!

Thank God for small favors

2006-05-05T22:29:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/5/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 131

Andrew here.

I wish I could come in and say that the Rockies completely overpowered Buchholz. I'd love to say that Kim was a dominant pitcher tonight. I'd love to say that the Rockies were the better team on the field tonight.

But it was close, either way. What the Stros had in general-team-goodness, they gave up in Fielding Errors.

The Rox and Stros both put 8 hits on the board. Kim was charged with 4 ER, and Buchholz with 3R, 2ER, and then Lidge with 2R, 1ER. The game-ending run was walked in by RP Wheeler, after walking Cory Sullivan to load the bases and hope to ground Jamey Carroll into a DP.

However, 2 strikes and 4 balls later, the winning run came trotting across homeplate for a satisfying, yet anticlimatic, win.

The Rockies looked somewhat better in the LOB category. Only 8 tonight. But they managed to score a few in there, as well.

Atkins REALLY needs to stop grounding into DPs in scoring situations.

Helton looked like he was coming back off of an injury - go fig.

Holliday went 2-4 with a run. Not a bad performance, I'd argue.

Ardoin was held hitless again. Lord, do I love his arm, but the minute Torrealba comes off of the DL, if his BA hasn't started perking up again, I smell a trip to the minors. I mean, members of our pitching staff have better BAs. It's like a dead out, it's not even fun.

Carroll came off as the big hitter tonight, going 3-4 with a RBI and the winning run.

As a complete bonus to the team, Barmes and Freeman laid down PERFECT sac bunts in the 9th. PERFECT.

The Rox scored 2 of the 5 runs on throwing errors, one from Lance Berkman and one from Morgan Ensberg.

Overall, coming from a 'Stros fan and myself, the final score should've looked like this:

Colorado: 5
Garner: 4

I'm inclined to agree. Putting Brad Lidge in the 9th was a bad call. Lidge has been shaky lately, and has also been pitching quite a few innings. Giving him the night off and sticking with Qualls might have given the 'Stros the win.

Anyhow, coming up tomorrow, Jason Jennings (1-2, 5.84) faces off against Wandy Rodriguez (4-0, 2.61). Rodriguez has a 1.38 ERA on the road this year, so the Rox are gonna have their work cut out for them. With any luck, Helton will come back doubling, Atkins won't ground into any DPs, Holliday and Hawpe will stay hot, and Barmes will sit well in the 7-hole.

Speaking of Barmes, where did this .245 nonsense come from? It's obvious why he was placed in the 7 hole now, but what is wrong with the guy? Wasn't he still batting like .400 this time last year? Sheesh.

Anyhow, go Rox, and let's hope to take another from the 'Stros!!!

Damn You Aaron Harang!!!

2006-05-04T22:57:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/4/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 133

12K. Did I NOT JUST WARN THE TEAM?! 12 FREAKING STRIKEOUTS!!!!

Oh, and that's a Career High for him.

Well, thanks to an OUTSTANDING pitching performance by the Reds' Ace, Aaron Harang, the Rockies got Leveled tonight, 7-1.

And some good play by the Arizona Dbacks has brought them up into a tie for 1st in the NL West. And we have the tied-for-2nd-in-the-whole-NL-with-the-Mets Houston Astros coming up as well. Lord God, please let them start hitting the ball, even with runners in scoring position.

In the team's defense, Ardoin had his 2nd straight RBI. Although that's hardly defense of the team there.

Fogg didn't look TOO terrible out there, he threw a LOT of strikes, but apparently LaRue and Dunn thought those strikes were good enough to send yard. Larue for 3 runs in the 2nd.

Tom Martin didn't do too much to reinforce his position. His 2ER in 1.1IP brought his season ERA up to 5.79. Now, don't get me wrong, I really like Tom Martin. But we're only 29 games in, and he's already starting to slip. I'm really looking forward to Mike DeJean to get off of the DL. He's still out with Right Shoulder Discomfort. Stupid "discomfort", it's such an arbitrary term, and it really means that he's gonna be out for freaking ever because "discomfort" is so hard to diagnose. The only downside of less time for Martin is that all lefty duty is dumped on King now.

Although, bullpen discussion can take up its own post itself.

Coming up tomorrow, we see Byung-Hyun Kim (1-0, 1.35) facing Taylor Buchholz (2-1, 2.05). Buchholz has really done no wrong thus far this season, putting up strong start after strong start. Not really a strikeout pitcher, we might have a better chance of getting some runs against him, counting on that Coors Field effect.

BK's last outing was downright fantabulous. He matched a career-high 9K in 6 1/3 IP, only allowing 1ER.

And boy, did I miss that weirdass delivery. Ever so much. I'm so glad we have him back in the 5 spot instead of Day. It sucks, too, I kinda liked Day. He was that kind of pitcher that needed one bad inning to get a groove, but that one inning just kept getting worse and worse. So I guess good riddance.

The best news ever about tomorrow's game is that Helton is returning from the DL. This is huge for a floundering Rockies' batting lineup. We all know how clutch Helton is every single at-bat.

So here's to you, BK, and let's hope that weirdass submarine sidearm of yours is sneaky enough to penetrate the 'Stros bats. And here's to Helton, may his glorious swing bring power and victory to the Colorado Rockies!

GO ROCKIES

2006-05-04T18:24:00.000-06:00

I'm not gonna say that I've been drinking all afternoon, but...well, you can read.

Anyhow, Fogg faces off against Harang tonight, in a rainy afternoon game that apparently like everyone in the world has tickets to and wants to offer me tickets to. Boy, I'd love to go. BUT OF ALL THE AFTERNOONS IN THE WORLD FOR MY DAD TO COME DOWN.

Well, I asked him to because I want to move things out of the room before checkout week, therefore making the move easier. And I'm going to watch the Rox spank the Stros on Sunday anyhow.

ANYHOW, Helton should be back at first tomorrow, that's always good, and we still don't really have a steady 2B. All of our options are defensively sound, but the question really is whose bat is strongest.

Anyhow, Boo Harang, Yay Rockies, Let's kill the Reds!!!

Hoo-rah Jeff Francis!

2006-05-03T22:15:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/3/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 134

Andrew, signing on.

Great victory at home for the Rox, 3-0 over the NL-best Cincinnati Reds.

Francis pitched a strong 7 innings of shutout, 4 hit ball, tacking on 5K and only 1BB. Downright impressive. The Purple Glove entered in the 8th, giving up no hits, no walks, no runs, no questions, no answers, no problems, no guff, no backtalk, and no shortage of purple-glove-awesomeness. His season ERA is now 0.55 . Fuentes came in the 9th then, walked one, gave up no runs, but strangely enough, didn't strike anyone out, and earned a SV.

On the Offensive, Matt Holliday was the big hero. I've been pretty down on him, purely because of the fact that whenever I watch him, he seems to ground out 6-4-3 with bases loaded and 1 out. Basically, he would strand everyone everywhere. Kind of like Royce Clayton back in 2003. However, Holliday went 3-4 with 2RBI. The 3rd RBI came from our sub-Mendoza catcher, Danny Ardoin, who knocked Choo Freeman in in the bottom of the 5th inning.

It was an interesting lineup tonight. With Barmes and Helton gone, we had an infield of Marrero at 1st, Gonzo at 2nd, Carroll at SS, Atkins at 3rd. The outfield consisted of Holliday (obviously), Freeman in CF, and Spilborghs at RF. The thing I noticed is that they fielded the wheels today. Spilborghs, Freeman, Carroll, all lightning fast, and it seemingly paid off, as Freeman stole a base and ended up scoring on Ardoin's single. Holliday also got himself a stolen second. Interesting that Sullivan, who leads the team with 3SB, sat tonight, but he's been doing a lot of playing lately anyhow. Guess he's been tired. I mean, he's batting .311, Hurdle can't be putting him in timeout again, can he? Did I miss something in ATL?

Speaking of SB, there seemed to be a lack of flow b/w Francis and Ardoin tonight, as the Reds stole 3 bags off of us. Managers usually don't send runners with Ardoin behind the plate. Well, it proved to all be for nothing, as we took the game in the 5th.

Francis should feel good about this start. 7 strong innings where he took command of the game and felt comfortable with the pitches he can throw.

Tomorrow, Josh Fogg (2-1, 4.72) will match up against Aaron Harang (4-1, 4.35) in a 6:35 PM matchup at Coors Field. Harang had some early season troubles, but is starting to tack it down. Harang has notched 33 punchouts this year, so certain members of the Rox staff should definitely be on their guard. Fogg is looking to rebound from a couple of rough outings in Florida and Philly.

Good game boys, let's sweep 'em at home!

Andrew, calling it a night.

Andrew Update

2006-05-03T14:41:00.000-06:00

Update:

Jorge Piedra has been optioned to CSprings. Basically, this will be his Spring Training. Piedra led the Majors last year, batting .455 in Pinch Hitting situations.

Clint Barmes will miss the first 2 games of the homestand, as he will be attending a funeral. Expect to see Jamey Carroll and Jason Smith picking up the slack.

Reds@Rockies

2006-05-03T12:59:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/3/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 135

The Rockies are currently in a stretch that will really determine what this team is made of. Tonight the Rockies return home from a 9 game road trip on which they went 5-4. The last two games were a sweep at the hands of the Braves. The Rockies will square off against the Red Hot Reds (shudder), followed by a solid Astros team over the weekend. Canadian Wunderkind Jeff Francis goes against South Dakotan Loser Brandon Claussen. Francis is 0-2 on the year with an ERA of 4.50. While the ERA is not bad he has received no run support zip-zero-none. This has been the story of the Rockies season especially at home where they are averaging a paltry 4.41 runs per game. No Rockies starter has won a home game yet. Claussen is 2-2 with an ERA of 6.04. These stats are aided by his home performance and belie his performance on the road. So far this year in 2 road starts he is 0-2 with an ERA of 13.5, WHIP of 2.25 and a BAA of .351. Hopefully, the Rox can find their home bats tonight against questionable pitching. Brian - OUT.

WTF BULLPEN!!!!!11

2006-05-02T20:39:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/2/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 135

Greetings from the other side of the blog, this is Andrew, here to inform you of any other news that Brian fails to tell you.

It's roughly 9:00 PM right now, and the Purple Glove has failed. The Rockies drop a 4-3 lead to the Braves and lose 4-5. Ray King is charged with the Loss, Scott Dohmann with the blown save, and stunningly, Chris Reitsma earns a save! Buy a lotto ticket, folks, and avoid airlines, because this is a goddamn once-in-a-lifetime!

The Rockies' lack of offensive production wasn't OVERLY apparent tonight, as Brad Hawpe sent one yard and Matt Holliday 2. However, Luis Gonzalez and Jamey Carrol left a combined 9 on base.

Cook pitched a notworthy 6 2/3, giving up 3R and then Scotty Dohce let in the tying run. Cook finished the game with 4ER, 3K, and 3BB.

The Braves didn't even pitch that well. Sosa gave up 4ER in 6IP, leaving the Bullpen to pick up the win. Their bullpen apparently was enough to keep the Rox at bay. Weird.

There is good news, however.

Helton's eligible to return on Friday, he started his rehab assignment in CSprings tonight. Rockies 1B prospect Ryan Shealy sent one yard in his first at bat down in CSprings.
And the Rockies are coming back home. Is that really good news? Colorado is 10-5 on the road, and only 5-7 at home. And in those 12 games, they've only managed to put up 4 runs or less in 7 of them. Not to mention the fact that the Red Hot (hurrrr) Reds are coming in with an NL best 19-8 record. Oh, and they're 9-4 on the road.

Our boys have their work cut out for them. But if Hawpe, Atkins, and Holliday can continue with their hot bats and Helton comes back raging, I think we have a good chance at winning a few.

136

2006-05-02T13:16:00.000-06:00

Date: 5/2/2006
Position: 1st NL West
Games Back: --
Magic Number: 136

Welcome to the Rockies Magic Number blog. This will be your place for continuing updates on the Rockies playoff picture as well thoughts on previous games. I will be your humble host, Brian.

So last night the Rockies took on the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta. Jason Jennings squared off against Tim Hudson. Jennings pitched well only surrendering 2 runs on 8 hits. Unfortunately, Hudson decided to pitch out of his mind. He surrendered only one hit. That hit was to, none other than, Jason Jennings. So a more accurate description of last night's game would be Jason Jennings vs. Atlanta Braves rather than Colorado Rockies vs. Atlanta Braves.

Tonight Aaron Cook goes against Jose Sosa. Sosa has been roughed up on the year going 0-4 with an ERA of 6.89 and a WHIP of over 2. Meanwhile Cook has looked solid so far though the run support has been sorely lacking. Against a pitcher like Sosa look for the Rockies to have a big game.