O’Dowd still in charge…
The Rockies announced earlier today that general manager Dan O’Dowd will be shifting some if his duties to his asst general manager Bill Geivett. Geivett will be handling the day to day operations of the Rockies and O’Dowd will focus on the minor league side and player development. And since the announcement social media has been on fire about the Rockies ownership, the Monforts and management and their lack of ability to do anything right, even firing O’Dowd.
How does a general manager let alone any employee with a work record that O’Dowd has, still manage to keep his job? The Rockies are a bunch of idiots to think the fans cant see the blind loyalty the Monforts, O’Dowd, Apodaca and Tracy have for one another. I’ve said all along that the Monforts and O’Dowd are each sleeping in the same bed with one another and as long as it remains that way, nothing will ever change for this organization and the team is concerned and they will continue to laugh all the way to the bank.
They’re all businessmen and right now business is good despite the second worst record in baseball this season. They’re averaging anywhere from 32-35 thousand fans (though most of them delusional and arent really baseball fans) every night. For example, the Rockies during the most recent series with the Reds averaged 36824 over the 3 game series, with Saturday night having an attendance figure of 42826.
All and all what this “shifting of responsibilities” is a smokescreen and basically means nothing. O’Dowd is still in charge as Geivett still will have to answer to his boss(O’Dowd) and despite Dan “focusing” on the minors and player development(which he is terrible at), he is still in charge of player acquisitions, etc. So spin it how you want Rockies ownership, this fan and a few others that I know and have spoken to arent buying it.
The Monforts arent selling the team and O’Dowd and company dont have the balls to look themselves in the mirror resign their positions. Why should they? Where else can you make money and not have to do anything, but pretend you’re building a ballclub for a fanbase that is made up of many who only attend games for the social aspect anyway and dont care about the club and dont even know what the score is at any point during a game. The hardcore baseball fans at 20th & Blake deserve better. Hell even the players deserve better!
Until that day comes, expect nothing more than the same old tired story year after year at Coors Field.
Oh and while we’re at it, can we get rid of ROOT Sports broadcast team with the exception of Marc Stout and Joel Klatt? The rest are tired and a joke to the broadcasting industry. The fans deserve better here as well.
Rockies take series against Dodgers, get rare Sunday home win…
The Rockies win streak ended Saturday at 5 games and if you have been following the Rockies for any recent amount of time then you know the Rockies and Sunday victories at Coors Field come very few and too far in between. The Rockies last win at home was September 11, 2011, a 4-1 win against the Reds. The last Sunday home win against an NL West opponent prior to today was against the Dodgers back on August 21st of the same season.
Today’s 2-1 win over the division leading Dodgers showed us a couple of things today. Alex White’s best start of the season, with a 6.2 outing, allowing just 2 hits and 2 runs. The Rockies were able to hold on and win a close game with a superb showing by the bullpen(Brothers, Belisle, Betancourt), allowing only 1 hit over the final 2.1 innings. Betancourt recording his 10th save on the season.
The Rockies head to Phoenix for a short 3 game roadtrip against the D’backs looking to make improve their awful 8-15 road record. Monday’s probables are Christian Friedrich(3-1, 5.59) for the Rox and Joe Saunders(3-3, 3.61) for the D’backs.
Rockies extend win streak to 4, Tulo gets 15…
Who knew the Rox had it in them? Completing a sweep of the hapless, soon to be American League Astros, a team which committed 7 errors during the 4 game series with the Rockies, when their overall poor play throughout the series made those 7 errors seem like an understatement in reality.
So with no Tulowitzki in the lineup the Rockies were able to continue their hot hitting. The Rockies placed the shortstop on the 15 day DL after he was initially listed as day to day earlier on Thursday. The Rockies cranked out 11 runs on 15 hits on their way to their longest win streak of the season currently at 4. Carlos Gonzalez again led the way with a 3 run shot in the first inning, his 4th consecutive homerun in as many at-bats. The Rockies 5 run first inning and 4 run second inning knocked out Astros then 5-1 starter Bud Norris from the game after 1.2 innings. The Rockies 2-4 hitters, Scutaro, Gonzalez and Cuddyer went 8 for 13, accounting for 7 runs. Third baseman Jordan Pacheco who has been impressive so far this season went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs from the 7th spot in the lineup. Pacheco is currently batting .304 through 27 games.
The Rockies continue the homestand with a 3 game series against the suddenly again Kemp-less Dodgers who looks to be out at least a month. The Dodgers were 9-5 during the time Kemp was just on the DL previously, so they know how to win. I just dont believe they will be able to maintain that level of productivity over the next month or so.
The Rockies are 2-1 against the Dodgers at Coors Field and 2-4 overall for the season. Probables for tonight’s game – Josh Outman(0-1, 9.64) for the Rockies versus Chris Capuano(7-1, 2.14)
2012 season opener Rockies @ Astros preview…
With some certainty Astros fans have little to look forward to this season, except the end of the season. 2013 the Astros move to the American League which gives them a new, fresher start, if you will. There’s little talent on the Astros roster, so Astros fans shouldnt expect them to surprise anyone in the division, let alone the National League. This years Astros are not last seasons D’backs, and if you followed this blog for any length of time you know I despise the D’backs(as well as almost everything Arizona), so for me to get them the slightest bit of credit, means I must not be feeling well.
With the same amount if not greater certainty Rockies fans arent sure what to expect from this team for the 2012 season. Part of that is that the NL West is still anybody’s game, despite the Giants and D’backs seemingly to be the favorites by the media. Sure, there were moves were made this offseason. Gone are Iannetta(thank God!), Cook, Street, Smith, Stewart, Hammel, Spilborghs and others. In are Cuddyer, Scutaro, Hernandez, Moyer, Guthrie, etc. Is this team on paper better than last season’s team? I believe they are, but not that much better to win the NL West. Pitching of course being the unknown factor.
The Rockies should take 2 out of 3 in the series as I’m giving the Astros game 1 since it is their home opener. God I hope I’m wrong and the Rox sweep! It would be a great way to come into the home opener at Coors Field on April 9th.
Giambi walk off HR leaves Marlins reeling…
In a season where Lodo Magic has been in short supply, Dexter Fowler, Carlos Gonzalez and Jason Giambi each gave the team a boost of it Monday night at Coors Field. Just when you figured the Rockies were abiding by the usual endlessly season script of “coming close but not close enough to win” or the other script of “not taking care of business at home”, the Rockies found away to finally come out on top in the end, for what has only been it seems a handful of times this season.
There was an emotional lift from this team that we usually dont see from the Rockies throughout a season. Honestly something I would like to see more of. EY Jr’s emotions after being called out on a close play at first base late in the game for example. I think if the fans saw more emotion like that from this team then they could more easily get behind them and not feel like the players are just up there going through the motions.
It was an exciting finish to a ballgame that got no love on Sports Center last night. Which all belonged to Jim Thome reaching career homerun #600. Congrats to Thome for reaching that milestone.
Now if only the Rockies can build off last night’s win and have a winning homestand, things possibly could begin to look more interesting in the NL West. The Giants as of late are struggling winning 4 of their last 10, while the D’backs have won 7 of their last 10, including 6 in a row. I’m not saying we can catch the D’backs, but a really good record at Coors Field over these next 8 games, can become a start. And with the Marlins, Dodgers and Astros in town this week, the underachieving Rockies can do it if they want to.
For the Miami Herald’s take on the Marlins loss last night from Herald writer Clark Spencer. Click here.
5 things wrong with watching games at Coors Field…
1. Dinger – Nevermind that he is a senseless excuse for a mascot, much less anything else. But watching him behind homeplate in the latter innings of a game is just dumb altogether and makes Coors Field and the Rockies seem a bit like a minor league team. Even a couple of San Francisco Giants blogs have articles on him from a few months back.
http://www.sflunaticfringe.com/tag/dinger/
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2011/4/19/2118618/on-a-certain-mascot
Now we all know Giants fans can be a bit whiny at times. But I’m sure Giants fans arent the only teams aside from a majority of Rockies fans who would like to see this dinosaur become extinct.
2. The Camarena Macarena inning. This poor attempt to try and sell tequila with a dance that should have been banned before it was even thought of happens I believe before the start of 8th inning. The Macarena song is played while the camera pans the crowd looking for dancing fools doing this pathetic excuse for a dance. Warning! Men if you’re caught doing this dance on the jumbotron, dont even think of asking for your man-card back. It will be permanently revoked on the spot! Here is a recent Tweet from someone attending a game at Coors Field. Again, another minor-league offering from a major league team. Leave the antics to those in the minors.
http://twitter.com/#!/will_e_777/status/74313343652986880
3. The “Hey Baby! I Wanna Know If You’ll Be My Girl” 7th inning stretch. Honestly dont let anyone tell you any differently. This is the Rockies attempt to be like our bigger brothers of the American League East, the Boston Red Sox. The playing of “Sweet Caroline” has become a tradition at Fenway Park over the years and somehow the Rockies felt the need to create their own tradition. I dont blame them for trying, but “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is enough for me.
4. The 25 minute infomercial prior to the actual start of the game. This is what probably irks me more than anything at Coors Field, but dont quote me on it. The Rockies PA announcer begins his spill about the “World’s Finest Ballpark, Coors Field” and then follows through with other announcements and promos and somewhere in there the National Anthem is thrown in there(sometimes horribly). The biggest problem for me is that after the National Anthem is over, there is still about 10-15 minutes before the actual start of the game. Here’s an idea. Introduce the lineups, let the players take the field, then do the National Anthem, throw out the honorary first pitch, and let start the game. To me when I hear the National Anthem, I am ready for the start of the game, not having to wait another 10 minutes.
5. Did I mention Dinger?
Dont worry folks, I will do a post of the 5 things right about watching games at Coors Field in the next day or two.
Tigers(38-31) @ Rockies(33-35) Preview…
Former Rockies manager Jim Leyland and the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers invade Coors Field this weekend for a 3 game interleague series. The Rockies have a bit of momentum on a 2 game win streak and a 2 games to 1 series win over the San Diego Padres. On the other side, the Tigers are a game ahead of the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central, thanks to the Indians recent 3-7 slide in their last 10 games, while the Tigers went 6-4.
The Rockies come into this series with an 11-7 record against the Tigers overall, 7-2 at Coors Field. The Tigers last appearance in Denver was in 2005.
HOT LIST – Miguel Cabrera(1B/Tigers) 4 for 9 with 2 RBIs and 2 walks in his last 3 games. Brennan Boesch(LF/Tigers) 5 for 11 in last 3 games, with a home run and 2 RBIs. Charlie Blackmon(OF/Rockies) 7 for 12 in his last 3 games, including 3 RBIs and 3 stolen bases.
NOT LIST – Austin Jackson(CF/Tigers) 2 for 12 in last 3 games. Magglio Ordonez(RF/Tigers) 1 for 8 in June, though he’s only played in 3 games this month. Jhonny Peralta(SS/Tigers) 8 for 40 in his last 10 games, including 12 strikeouts. Chris Iannetta(C/Rockies) 5 for 28 in his last 10 games, with 10 strikeouts.
Beltran hammers the Rockies out of first place…
Here is the back page of the NY Daily news this morning. Kinda of a lame title to the picture, but it tell the whole story I suppose. The Mets Carlos Beltran single handedly beat the Rockies with 3 two run homers in the game. Beltran went 3 for 5 with 6 RBIs. The Rockies alone had 2 homeruns, but both came with no one on base. Jonathan Herrera in the 1st inning and Todd Helton in the 4th. Rockies pitching, to be kind, underachieved in this game and though the Rockies ability to come back a couple of times in the game were positive signs, the pitching overall ultimately did them in. Ubaldo leaves the game in the 4th having gave up 5 earned runs. Morales and Lindstrom both giving up 2 runs each as well in the 7th and 9th innings. The Rockies series loss to the Mets is their 3rd series loss at Coors Field this season. The Giants and Pirates were the first two series losses at home. The Rockies are 2-8 so far in the month of May this season, 1-3 at Coors Field.
The Rox will continue the homestand with a 3 game series against former Rockie Brad Hawpe and the San Diego Padres.
Rockies(14-7) @ Cubs(10-11) Preview…
The Rockies fresh off of a unsatisfying series with the Marlins losing 2 of 3, now face the Cubs who they just saw at Coors Field a little over a week ago. The Rockies took 2 of 3 from that series, making them 73-78 overall against the Cubs. The Rockies are 32-39 at Wrigley Field and last had a winning record there in 2006(2-1).
THE HOT LIST – ROCKIES
DEXTER FOWLER (OF) – 3 for 9 in last 3 games, scoring 4 runs and drawing 4 walks.
THE NOT LIST – ROCKIES
CARLOS GONZALEZ (OF) – Last 6 games, Gonzalez is 1 for 20. But he was 4 for 9 against the Cubs earlier in the month.
THE HOT LIST – CUBS
ARAMIS RAMIREZ (3B) – 5 game hitting streak, 6 for 19
DARWIN BARNEY (SS) – Also on a 5 game hitting streak, 9 for 25. 6 for 15 in last 3 games.
THE NOT LIST – CUBS
ALFONZO SORIANO (OF) – 1 for 11 in his last 3 games.
Esmil Rogers(2-1, 6.75) will take on Matt Garza(0-2, 4.74).
Rockies shutout Dodgers 3-0…
The Rockies did what they needed to do last night to win their second straight game in shutting out the Dodgers 3-0 at Coors Field.
Jhoulys Chacin had a solid outing allowing just 5 hits through 7 innings on 97 pitches. Two of the Rockies 6 hits were solo shots by Troy Tulowitzki in the 4th and Chris Iannetta in the 5th.
Defensively the Rockies were excellent. Key plays by the Rockies infield, Tulo, Lopez, Wigginton & Helton helped the Rockies to nullify the Dodgers attempts at gaining any momentum during the game. And perfect outings by Betancourt and Street in the 8th and 9th innings simply closed the door completely on the Dodgers.
The Rockies will go for the series sweep this afternoon with Jason Hammel (0-0,) on the mound taking on Chad Billingsley (1-0, 4.50). Game time 1:10pm.
Rox drop home opener, umps miss game…
Two good things came out of yesterday’s season opener at Coors Field. Ubaldo Jimenez in not his best outing yesterday, left the game with a no decision and the return of the Rockies purple jerseys! The Rox havent sported the purple jerseys since the 2007 season. Other good things would be both Carlos Gonzalez and Seth Smith were both 3-6 at the plate. Todd Helton going 2-4 and a Jose Lopez homerun in the 6th inning.
The bad things that came out of the game were the Rockies going 3 for16 with runners in scoring position, leaving 12 men on base. Troy Tulowitzki went 0 for 5 and a couple of noticibly bad calls by the umpiring crew in the field.
One of the best things about baseball, is that the next day you get the opportunity to redeem yourself. Jorge De La Rosa takes the hill tonight to get the Rockies back in the win column.
Rockiesfest 2011…
An exciting day for Rockies fans, players and coaches was had today at Coors Field for the 3rd annual Rockiesfest. The players seemed to have more fun this year with the fans, especially in the Q&A sessions throughout the day. Autograph sessions were filled with long lines of fans waiting to grab the signature of their favorite players. The Rockies Museum was a huge hit as well as the tours of the players clubhouse, batting cages, weight room and training rooms. Players again this year played fans in Guitar Hero, while some younger fans got to enjoy storytime with their favorite players, whether they knew it or not.
The FSN Rocky Mountain Interactive Broadcast Booth is always alot of fun with our favorite Rockies on-air personalities. While we’re on the subject of FSN Rocky Mountain, they let the public in on a bit of a new rebranding that they have currently in the works. I had the chance to speak with Rockies analyst, Marc Stout about the rebranding efforts and basically he told me that FSN Rocky Mountain, along with FSN Northwest in Seattle and FSN Pittsburgh are all owned by Direct TV (and not FOX) and will all be known as ROOT Sports in the spring, beginning April 1st. News of this first came about a month ago, but I imagine most of the general public had little if any knowledge of it until today at Rockiesfest. Dont worry there will be no change in the on-air personalities. And I can still get my Alanna Rizzo fix, which I am certainly grateful for. I can’t say the new name of the channel has grown on me yet, but I will suspect that by summer it will have. All and all it was a great day at Coors Field to be a Rockies fan.
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- The original Dinger suit. No comment.
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- Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki’s Locker
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- The FSN Sports Interactive Broadcast Booth (notice the hints of rebranding to ROOT Sports)
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- Ryan Spilborghs signs an autograph for a fan after purchasing a stuffed Dinger for his daughter.
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- A closeup of a pair of Tulo’s cleats.
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- Holliday, Hurdle, & Cook 2008 All-Star Jerseys in the Rockies Museum.
Rockies continue losing ground…
You can look at this team and tell that the players are spent. The theme over these last 6 games should be “Win big or go home” to borrow from the NBA playoffs if I may. That’s not to say these guys aren’t up for these last few games or that they have thrown in the towel, but I dont get a sense of alot of energy when the Rockies take the field. Or maybe a better way to rephrase it would be a sense of urgency.
I knew as soon as I saw the starting lineup that with Chris Iannetta as the catcher for Ubaldo, that we weren’t going to win. Let’s face it, Iannetta is not the catcher of the future for the Rockies and O’Dowd needs to accept that fact right now. Iannetta hasn’t hit a baseball in 2 seasons, with his current average of .208. I’m not hating on Chris, but he doesnt have it and it’s time to move on. Miguel Olivo despite a lesser 2nd half of the season than the incredible numbers he put up in the first half should be resigned in my opinion to a 2 year extension.
I love the idea of Eric Young Jr and Dexter Fowler at the top of the Rockies lineup, but as it was mentioned during the radio broadcast last night, they need to get on base more than they have been as of late. Over the last 7 games alone E.Y. Jr has a batting average of .071 and an on base percentage of .133. Fowler has an average of .118 and a .167 on base percentage. If these guys are not on base ahead of CarGo and Tulo then the Rox will certainly lose more than win. If you take a look at those last 7 games the Rockies are 1-6.
It’s my hope that at least over the next 2 games at Coors Field that the Rockies will at least finish strong for the fans even if the playoff chances are dwindling, the fans deserve at least that much.
Tonight Jeff Francis (4-6 4.71) will take the hill for the Rox. Hiroki Kuroda (11-13, 3.27) will go for the Dodgers.
Tulo crushes Padres, avoids the sweep…
The Rockies were able to keep the Padres from sweeping the 3 game series this afternoon with a 9-6 victory. Jorge De La Rosa recorded his 8th win of the season. And what has seemed to be the norm the last week or two, Troy Tulowitzki was again the hero and the leader, putting the team on his back with a 3 for 5 day at the plate with 2 homeruns and 7 RBIs. There are those who will say that Tulo might be a bit overrated, but time and time again, especially as of late he continues to show why he is the most important player on this Rockies team.
The Rockies as a team recorded 16 hits on the day, Young, Herrera, Gonzalez, Tulowitzki, Spilborghs and recent callup Jay Payton each had multiple hits on the day, accounting for 15 of the teams 16 hits on the day. De La Rosa got the only other hit of the day for the Rockies, going 1 for 4. De La Rosa also struck out 7 over 7 1/3 innings.
Today’s win now pulls the Rox back to 2.5 games back of the Padres, and 1.5 of the Giants who are right now scoreless in the 6th against the Dodgers. The Rockies have the day off on Thursday and resume play on Friday against the Dodgers in L.A.
EXTRA BASES – The Rockies have announced that Jeff Francis will make his next start on September 23rd. I don’t like the idea and the Rockies in my opinion are looking for something that is no longer there with Francis. Esmil Rogers has been superb coming out of the bullen in medium relief for when pithcers like Francis get into reouble early in a game. It’s completely understandable why Tracy wants to keep him in that position, but I would like to see Rogers move back into the rotation. I would look at any remaining starts this season for Francis as possible auditions for the 2011 season. If he remains in a Rockies uniform next season I’ll be surprised.
While speaking about the 2011 season, the Rockies schedule is now available with the Rox opening the season at home against the D’backs on April 1st. The opening homestand is 5 games, 3 with Arizona and 2 with the Dodgers. The first roadtrip will be an 8 game East Coast roadtrip against the Pirates and Mets. Interleague finds the Rockies taking on the Tigers and White Sox at home in June at Coors Field and on the road to Cleveland and New York for their first visit to the new Yankee Stadium. The Rox finish their interleague schedule with the Royals visiting Coors Field the first week in July. Complete 2011 schedule here.
Ubaldo & Rox sweep Cards, next up… Padres
The Rockies continue to have the Cardinals number and again proved that today with a 4-2 win to complete a 3 game series sweep at Coors Field. Ubaldo Jimenez who normally prefers to wear the black jersey, today instead opted for the white vested jersey and returned to form with a dominant performance striking out 6 through 8 innings of work, while allowing only 1 run. On the offensive side, Jason Giambi went 4 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Brad Hawpe returned to the starting lineup with a 2 for 4 day with an RBI. The Rockies with 11 hits could have really blown the game open, having left 16 men on base in the game. Huston Street came in the 9th to record his 3rd save of the season since returning from the DL. Jimenez heads into the all-star break with a 15-1 record, league best and possibly the chance to start the all-star game, if Phillies manager and National League manager Charlie Manuel isnt a dumbass about it.
So next up for the Rockies are the NL West leading Padres, who lead the Rox by only 3 games, so the importance of this weekends series is very huge. The Rockies took the recent road series in San Diego 2 games to 1 just last week. Jorge De La Rosa will get the start as has been expected now for a couple of weeks since his recent 3 start rehab stint in the Springs. Coming into the 2010 season the Rockies were 137-130 overall against the Padres and 72-60 at Coors Field, with a 5-4 record at home in 2009.
Rockies struggle in series finale to Dodgers…
There’s nothing wrong with a 4-2 homestand. But the Rockies with a combination of inconsistent and at times sloppy defensive play the Rockies looked almost disinterested in the game yesterday. Not to mention at the plate the Rockies lacked being aggressive. Lots of called strikes, and bad swings at pitches nowhere near the strike zone were the difference yesterday between going 4-2 and 5-1 in this homestand. Let’s not forget the Rox going 2 for 1 with runners in scoring position. Of course the lineup that took the field yesterday was not exactly one of any great offensive power. How long are we to wait around for Clint Barmes (0 for 3) to find something more than a wiffle bat to swing with? Iannetta’s struggles at the plate continue, going 1 for 4 yesterday with a .132 average. So the Rockies struggle with against the Dodgers continues.
I have been wondering about Jim Tracy’s use of Dexter Fowler since Fowler lost his starting job in center field. We’ve seen Fowler with single at bats usually replacing the pitcher late in games and while the outfield of Smith in left, Hawpe in right and Gonzalez in center have proved to be right now a better option, one couldnt expect Fowler to just suddenly raise his batting average overnight with very limited appearances. So it is that Fowler after yesterday’s game was sent down to Colorado Springs and Jonathan Herrera being called up in his place.
The Rox remain in the NL West this week as they hit the road with 3 games at San Francisco and then 3 games at Arizona. Todays matchup in San Francisco could be one of the best matchups of the season so far with Ubaldo Jimenez (9-1, 0.88) up against Giants ace and two time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum (5-1, 3.00).
EXTRA BASES: Local news reporter for FOX 31 Jon Bowman was spotted seated in section 145 wearing a Dodgers cap and t-shirt, which I dont understand being that he’s from Chicago.
Here are a few photos I wanted to share from Coors Field yesterday.
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- Kershaw struggles early.
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- Gonzalez on third in the bottom of the 9th.
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- Ocala, FL showing the Rockies some love from the Rockpile.
Cook & Rox pound Dodgers, look to take series today…
Aaron Cook got a ton of run support on his way to his second win of the season yesterday. The Rockies assaulted the Dodgers with 14 hits and 11 runs, while Cook held the Dodgers to 3 runs through 6.1 innings. The Rockies are now 4-1 on the homestand and look to make it 5-1 as they look to win the series this afternoon with Jhoulys Chacin (3-2, 3.09) facing Clayton Kershaw (4-3, 2.90) for the Dodgers.
The only player in the starting lineup last night to not get a hit was Todd Helton, though he did draw 2 walks. I dont know if Miguel Olivo is auditioning for a new contract or a new team, but his play as of late has been very inspiring and I would like to see him get a chance at making the all-star game. Olivo is second on the roster in batting average at .315 and third in RBIs with 27, tied with Tulowitzki. Olivo is also second in the National League in batting average with catchers with over 100 at-bats and appearances in over 30 games this season behind the Nationals Ivan Rodriguez (.325). If you use that same criteria, then Olivo is first among catchers in slugging at .575, second in stolen bases with 4 behind Yadier Molina(6), second in RBIs with 25 behind Molina and Barajas both with 28, second in homeruns with 8 behind Barajas (10) and also second in total bases with 73. So Rockies fans, it’s up to you to get out there and vote for Olivo for the all-star game. For right now let’s hope the Rockies pick up the club option on him for 2011. I havent totally given up on Iannetta, but the idea of him being the catcher of the future for the Rockies, may have come and gone.
Last but not least Rockies fans, please make sure to thank a veteran today if you’re out at Coors Field today or anywhere you may be. Our military past and present have sacrificed greatly for the freedoms we have in the country. We owe it to them.
Rockies take series, looking to sweep…
The man who almost became the ultimate scapegoat in last night’s game on a throwing error in the top of the 9th, ended up being the hero in the bottom of the 10th. Thanks to Chris Iannetta’s homerun in the 10th, the Rox last night have won their second straight series of the season and also their second straight at Coors Field.
The Rockies have extended their current winnning streak to 3 games while sending the Mets further spiraling to their 4th straight loss and last place in the NL East at 2-6. Don’t jump ship just yet Mets fans, it’s still early in the season. The Rockies will go for the sweep this afternoon with Jorge De La Rosa (1-0, 0.00) on the mound. Mike Pelfrey (1-0, 3.00) takes the hill for the Mets.
Photo credit: Sheryl Nields
EXTRA BASES – Now I dont know if anyone else is disturbed by this as much as I am but Troy Tulowitzki has gone 4 for 21, .191 at Coors Field so far this season. The reason for this slump in my opinion is his poor selection for his intro song. If you havent noticed is Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA”. Are you kidding me? WTF Tulo?! Say it ain’t so! I don’t know what the connection is or if he’s a Miley Cyrus fan or he just likes the song, but Tulo do me a favor. It’s time to man up and go for something that will at least get you ready when you step up to the plate. I don’t care what song it is, but please no more Miley Cyrus! I will admit it could have been worse, he could have chosen a Taylor Swift song. I’m seriously hoping Troy changes this by the next homestand. Go Rox!
Rockies take first series at Coors, look forward to Mets…
The Rox I’m sure are enjoying the day after their 2 games to 1 series win over the Padres. The Rockies outscored the Padres 15-7 in the series, including a 7-0 score in the home opener.
Beginning tomorrow the competition get’s a little tougher, at least on paper anyway, with the Mets (2-4) coming to Coors Field. This will be the Mets first road series of the new season. The Rox were 3-4 overall last season against the Mets including a 2 games to 1 series win at Coors Field, outscoring them just barely 16-13. Looking at the pitching matchups for this series the Rockies should take 2 of 3 in this series. The good news is they will not have to face Johan Santana this time around.
Rockiesfest 2010 is today!..
The Rockies hold their 2nd annual Rockiesfest today at Coors Field. The Rox aren’t the only team holding their fanfest today, the Orioles and Brewers come to mind first. If you’re attending Rockiesfest today, have a fun time! It’s gonna be an awesome day today. If I get some good pics, I’ll be sure to post them later today.
Troy Renck of the Denver Post has a great article this morning on Huston Street and two of the reasons, (besides a $22 million contract) that made him want to resign with the Rockies this season and beyond. Story here.
Rockies sign 3 to deals…
The Denver Post reported this afternoon that the Rockies had avoided arbitration with Jorge De La Rosa, Clint Barmes and Taylor Buchholz . De La Rosa reportedly gets a 1 year deal worth just over 5 and a half million. Clint Barmes will get a little over 3.3 million this season, while Buchholz will receive 1.055 million this season after missing the entire 2009 season.
Not that it isn’t possible, but this late in the off season there’s no reason why the remaining players due for arbitration shouldn’t be in Rockies uniforms at the start of spring training. Huston Street, Rafael Betancourt, Ryan Spilborghs, and Jason Hammel are the remaining players up for arbitration.
EXTRA INNINGS – My thoughts on the off season so far. Losing Torrealba will hurt the Rockies some this season, but how quickly Miguel Olivo meshes with the pitching staff and his new teammates, could help the Rockies forget about Torrealba sooner than later. The battle between Olivo and Iannetta in spring training will be something to watch.
As for the loss of Garrett Atkins, losing the 2009 version of Garrett Atkins won’t hurt the Rockies at all. He will be missed in the clubhouse, but nothing he did last season will be.
The Jason Marquis of the first half of last season will be missed a great deal, as he did make the All Star team. What happened in the second half of the season on the mound, not to mention off the mound with the rumors of him wanting to join the Mets will not be missed. If the Rockies are to get to the playoffs this season Jeff Francis has to rebound to win 12-14 games.
– The Rockies 2nd annual Rockiesfest will be held next Saturday January 23rd at Coors Field. This year just like last year will be for season ticket holders only.
– The Denver Post also reported that Rockies TV voice, Drew Goodman won the award for Colorado Sportscaster of the Year. Who really cares? Apparently their criteria isn’t very high at all, kinda like Drew himself.
Rockies 2010 schedule released…
Major League Baseball today has released all team schedules for the 2010 season. The Rockies will again open the season on the road, this time in Milwaukee against Prince Fielder and the Brewers, beginning on April 5th. The Rockies open up at Coors Field on April 9th with a 3 game series against the Padres. Then take a day off before another 3 game series at home against the Mets. I applaud the fact that the Rockies aren’t having to play the D’backs as their first series of the season at home. In fact they don;t meet the D’backs until April 26th at home. If you have followed this blog for any length of time, then you know of my hatred for most things Arizona.
Other highlights of the 2010 season include interleague play begins in Kansas City against the Royals the weekend of May 21st-23rd. June 11th-13th interleague against the Blue Jays at Coors Field. Then on the road to Minneapolis to faceoff against the Twins in their new ballpark, Target Field, June 15th-17th.
The Red Sox visit Coors Field for a 3 game series June 22nd-24th. The Cubs visit Coors Field July 30th- Aug 1st. The Rockies close out their home schedule with 6 games against division rivals, the Giants and Dodgers at the end of September. Then finish the regular season on the road against the Cardinals in St. Louis Sept 30th-Oct 3rd.
Full schedule here.
Inside the Humidor 