The Official Colorado Rockies thread--Now with extra awesome!!

[chazoe60]

Jake McGee ******* sucks. Can we please get a real closer. How about letting Estevez be our closer. McGee is awful.

[chazoe60]

Good job Jake, you suck.

[MOtorboat]

@TracyRingolsby: Rockies place closer Jake McGee on DL with left knee inflammation. Former No. 1 pick Tyler Anderson takes place on roster.

[Buff]

Jake McGee ******* sucks. Can we please get a real closer. How about letting Estevez be our closer. McGee is awful.

The only silver lining here is that Corey Dickerson is hitting below the Mendoza line for TB. So at least it was a fair swap.

[chazoe60]

Oh Jorge.............

[chazoe60]

That was ugly.

[MOtorboat]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=29529


Coors Field is a beautiful ballpark. The field itself is always well tended, as is the little forest beyond the center field wall. The building is constructed with an eye toward grandeur and comfort.

Perhaps this was all done in an effort to mask the evil that lurks there.

Coors Field is home to a monster. It lays in wait and preys upon the unsuspecting. It lures both home and away teams into a false sense of security. Passersby of Coors Field sometime report hearing unearthly screams and roars, and the cracks of ball on bat. Oh, you have a cute little nine-run lead. That’s nice. Oh, you put the best reliever in baseball into the game. That’s nice.

The monster doesn’t care. It will eat you alive, laughing maniacally as it feasts on your flesh and your lead as balls sail over the fence, no matter how deep all that grass looks. What’s left of your lead hangs from its horns as it prances around in the stadium without any pants on.

Dinger has no soul. Look into his eyes.

[chazoe60]

Jose Reyes has been designated for assignment.

[chazoe60]

Hey MO, what's going to happen with Reyes? Are we just gonna eat the vast majority of that contract?

[MOtorboat]

Hey MO, what's going to happen with Reyes? Are we just gonna eat the vast majority of that contract?

There's not much they can do, unless some team would offer to take the contract in exchange for something like a little bit of cash or a player to be named later. Unfortunately, the Rockies have no leverage.

It was an amazingly incompetent trade.

[chazoe60]

There's not much they can do, unless some team would offer to take the contract in exchange for something like a little bit of cash or a player to be named later. Unfortunately, the Rockies have no leverage.

It was an amazingly incompetent trade.

Well Tulo hasn't done shit and I think the trade really hinges on how those young arms do. From a money standpoint it was expensive that's for sure.

[Buff]

There's not much they can do, unless some team would offer to take the contract in exchange for something like a little bit of cash or a player to be named later. Unfortunately, the Rockies have no leverage.

It was an amazingly incompetent trade.

I'm still reserving judgment on the trade. We know Reyes is hot garbage - but he's only signed through 2017, and we got out of 3 additional years of Tulo at his price through 2020. In order for the trade to be justifiable and have any value, we'll need at least one of the 3 pitchers we acquired to do something: Tinoco, Castro or Hoffman... Right now it seems that neither team was really improved all that much - at least we have Story to soften the blow a bit.

[MOtorboat]

I'm more talking about the trade in principal. The entire reason for trading Tulowitski at that juncture was because you had a shortstop at Triple-A that was blocked and had been waiting for about a year too long to make his major league debut. So what do the Rockies do? Trade for another shortstop. It was absolute incompetence. Then this offseason just made it worse. And we haven't even got to the money...

[Buff]

I'm more talking about the trade in principal. The entire reason for trading Tulowitski at that juncture was because you had a shortstop at Triple-A that was blocked and had been waiting for about a year too long to make his major league debut. So what do the Rockies do? Trade for another shortstop. It was absolute incompetence. Then this offseason just made it worse. And we haven't even got to the money...

The trade was for 3 legitimate pitching prospects and ~$50-$60 million in savings from 2017-2020. The reason the Jays were willing to give up the arms was because we were willing to eat the rest of Reyes' money. The fact that we then had a replacement SS so that we're not totally hamstrung by Reyes' declining defense I'd like to think was factored in to the overall deal.

The deal has never been one that could help this team in the short term - it's about acquiring young arms, making room for Story, and getting out from under the back end of an injury-prone Tulo's deal to build for the future.

[MOtorboat]

The trade was for 3 legitimate pitching prospects and ~$50-$60 million in savings from 2017-2020. The reason the Jays were willing to give up the arms was because we were willing to eat the rest of Reyes' money. The fact that we then had a replacement SS so that we're not totally hamstrung by Reyes' declining defense I'd like to think was factored in to the overall deal.

The deal has never been one that could help this team in the short term - it's about acquiring young arms, making room for Story, and getting out from under the back end of an injury-prone Tulo's deal to build for the future.

I just don't believe the only deal they could have received that could bring in some pitching prospects had to include a player at one of the few positions the Rockies had someone ready to go this setting him back another half year.

[Buff]

I just don't believe the only deal they could have received that could bring in some pitching prospects had to include a player at one of the few positions the Rockies had someone ready to go this setting him back another half year.

I'm open to the possibility that we could have found a better deal. I'm also open to the possibility that we did about as well as we could for an injury prone overpaid diva malcontent who is now on the wrong side of 30. It remains to be seen, and we won't be able to judge fully for another few seasons.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

some things from article:


Designating Reyes for assignment means the Rockies technically have 10 days to trade, release or outright him to the Minors. But general manager Jeff Bridich said the move was made so the Rockies can engineer Reyes' exit. Bridich and manager Walt Weiss said they announced the decision to the team after Tuesday night's 13-10 victory over the Yankees.

"It's fair to say it was responsible to the situation and to the organization that we talk though every sort of conceivable situation," Bridich said. "We certainly had enough time to do that. At the end of the day, we determined that it was best we part ways -- best for the direction of the organization, best for what was going on in the clubhouse and best for Jose."

Reyes was due to make $22 million this year, and the suspension has cost him roughly a third of that. The Rockies also are on the hook for $22 million next season, plus a $4 million buyout on a $22 million club option for '18.

For another club to claim Reyes, it must pay him at the least the Major League minimum of $508,000, and that amount would be subtracted from what the Rockies owe.

Trade talks while Reyes rehabbed never turned serious.

"The last two weeks have kind of come and gone, a couple of teams poking around, so nothing real serious ever materialized," Bridich said. "But Jose is still a very talented player. We're hopeful. He's designated for assignment now. We've got a little it of time to figure out exactly what that means in terms of his true exit. We'll see what happens.

full article - http://m.mlb.com/news/article/184199236/rockies-jose-reyes-designated-for-assignment

[MOtorboat]

De La Rosa didn't stand a chance against Stanton, lol.

Welcome to June and the Rockies suck again.

[MOtorboat]

Ozuna goes double dong.

[chazoe60]

That is a terrible expression MO

[MOtorboat]

That is a terrible expression MO

Yes. Yes it is.

Everyone loves the double dong.

[MOtorboat]

Hey Chazoe, Reynolds just went double dong.

[chazoe60]

That sounds better.

[slim]

Chaz, I give you credit for hanging in there. You are a glutton for punishment

[chazoe60]

Chaz, I give you credit for hanging in there. You are a glutton for punishment

My baseball fandom is so much different than my football fandom. If the Broncos were perennial losers the way the Rockies are I would probably lose my mind.

I have really toned down my intensity toward the Broncos since the Ravens loss but it is still a more intense feeling win or lose. However, if you asked me what my favorite sport is I will tell you baseball in a heartbeat . Baseball is a much more enjoyable sport for me to watch.
I don't watch many non-Bronco football games anymore but I do watch a lot of non-Rockies baseball games.

[MOtorboat]

@Buster_ESPN: If the current scores hold up -- Colorado pounding the Yankees, SF over PIT -- Rockies could pass Pirates in NL wildcard standings tonight.

[slim]

If the season ended today...it's freaking June!

[MOtorboat]

If the season ended today...it's freaking June!

Shut up and appreciate it as long as it lasts.

[chazoe60]

Home sick with a nasty head cold courtesy of my coworker who brags about never taking sick days, but that's probably a topic for a different thead, but the good thing is I get to watch the last game of the Rox/Yanks series.
Initial thought that comes to me as the first inning is just underway is that DJ is finally in the spot he was destined to be in. With his high baseball IQ, his bunting abilities and his ability to come through on the hit and run DJ is tailer made to hit in the 2 spot.

[Buff]

Home sick with a nasty head cold courtesy of my coworker who brags about never taking sick days, but that's probably a topic for a different thead, but the good thing is I get to watch the last game of the Rox/Yanks series.
Initial thought that comes to me as the first inning is just underway is that DJ is finally in the spot he was destined to be in. With his high baseball IQ, his bunting abilities and his ability to come through on the hit and run DJ is tailer made to hit in the 2 spot.

I'm off the rest of the week - I love DJ in the 2 hole, but that bunt was an atrocity. He has a hard hit rate in the top 10 in MLB lately, it's early in the game, a bunt just seems like a surrender there. I think all of the modern advanced analytics support the idea that you shouldn't give away free outs with position players. As a traditionalist, I think there is a place for a bunt, but that was not it.

How bout that 0-2 HR from Hundley?

Also, **** your co-worker.

[chazoe60]

Jordan Lyles with some yeoman's work out of the pen.

[chazoe60]

Left lyles in there too long.

[chazoe60]

Have not agreed with Weiss on a couple of decisions lately. He took Anderson out too soon a few days ago and it cost us a game and today he left Lyles in too long and it cost us a game. Not sure who Walt thought Lyles had turned into.

[slim]

I love DJ in the 2 hole


I bet you do!

[MOtorboat]

I bet you do!

Especially when he goes double dong.

[chazoe60]

I freaking love DJ.

[MOtorboat]

https://theringer.com/dj-lemahieu-colorado-rockies-value-debate-348f915a8612#.k2t0qljmk


I’d say I don’t know what to make of DJ LeMahieu anymore, except I’ve never had any idea what to make of DJ LeMahieu.

At a stringy 6-foot-4, he looks more like an outfielder than a second baseman, but he’s been a fixture in the middle of the diamond for Colorado since 2013. And he’s been pretty good, too: He took home a Gold Glove in 2014 and made the All-Star team in 2015.

This year, LeMahieu is having the best offensive year of his career. Long a high-average hitter with little patience or power, the 27-year-old is hitting .324/.386/.486, which will play at any position, in any ballpark. But whether this year represents a quantum leap for LeMahieu‘s all-around game is far less clear. That depends on how you feel about his defense

[chazoe60]

Our bullpen is ******* terrible.

[MOtorboat]

Our bullpen is ******* terrible.

I hope you stuck around.

[MOtorboat]

Or maybe not.

[chazoe60]

I hope you stuck around.


Or maybe not.

Of course I did.

[MOtorboat]

Of course I did.

I'm sorry.

[slim]

Our bullpen is ******* terrible.

No,it's worse than horrible

[chazoe60]

Good inning for the Rox. I love to see Barnes doing so well, he is a good dude and very easy to root for.

[MOtorboat]

When I see Dan O'Dowd on MLB Network talking about team construction, I want to reach through the TV and punch him right in the ******* mouth.

[Timmy!]

When I see Dan O'Dowd on MLB Network talking about team construction, I want to reach through the TV and punch him right in the ******* mouth.

Step 1. Have no pitching.

Step 2. Build party deck

Step 3. Acquire shitty SS in trade and eat 40+ million dollars.

Step 4. ???????

Step 5. Championship

[chazoe60]

Brandon Barnes just made a beautiful throw to get Puig at home. Barnes is honestly a gold glove caliber defender.

[chazoe60]

Our bullpen is shitty.

[chazoe60]

McGee comes back from the DL and he still sucks.

[MOtorboat]

Chaz. You see that bit with the dog on the skateboard? Did they just play that up as if it was live? It was from the last time they were in San Fran.

[chazoe60]

Chaz. You see that bit with the dog on the skateboard? Did they just play that up as if it was live? It was from the last time they were in San Fran.

I didn't see it. I haven't been able to watch a game all week because my kids have had all star tournament games every night this week. My daughter's very young softball team lost in the semifinals. My daughter caught every inning of the tournament, I am very proud of her. My son's team is in the finals tonight at 7 if they win we play again for the Championship tomorrow night. My son pitched a gem on Thursday night pitching 5 innings striking out 6 and only giving up 1 run.


On to the Rockies
Can we please trade Jake McGee? I'd take a bucket of bp balls orsome pine tar for him.

[chazoe60]

Please stop sending Jake McGee out there.

[MOtorboat]

Go CarGo.

[chazoe60]

If the Rockies trade Blackmon I am going to lose it. That is all.

[MOtorboat]

If the Rockies trade Blackman I am going to lose it. That is all.

I hadn't heard that one, yet.

[MOtorboat]

Car Go just crushed one for a 3-0 lead in the 6th. Hopefully they can hang on to it. That was a beauty.

[chazoe60]

Car Go just crushed one for a 3-0 lead in the 6th. Hopefully they can hang on to it. That was a beauty.

That thing was a rocket. I'll have to look up the stat cast on that one. Serious exit velocity.

[MOtorboat]

That thing was a rocket. I'll have to look up the stat cast on that one. Serious exit velocity.

Yeah, he hit that one pretty hard.

[MOtorboat]

Ottovino has pitched 4 innings and the Rockies announcers are bragging about his ERA? Come on, man.

[chazoe60]

Reynolds just crushed one.

[chazoe60]

Ottovino has pitched 4 innings and the Rockies announcers are bragging about his ERA? Come on, man.

He does look good though. Picking up where he took off

[MOtorboat]

Damn. That was one long home run.

[MOtorboat]

Longest home run in baseball this year?

[MOtorboat]

Second longest. Ozuna hit one 491. Sports Science guy on ESPN said the furthest a call could be hit with a wood bat was 511 before the Home Run Derby.

[chazoe60]

Why is there replay if they're not going to get it right anyway. Come in MLB, WTF?

[MOtorboat]

Dahl debuting tonight.

[chazoe60]

That was a heck of a throw he made. Didn't get the out but he sure made it close.

What is up with Nolan? I wonder if he's pressing because he's playing against Machado?

[MOtorboat]

That was a heck of a throw he made. Didn't get the out but he sure made it close.

What is up with Nolan? I wonder if he's pressing because he's playing against Machado?

Shit happens.

[MOtorboat]

I absolutely love Gary Thorne. So the chance to watch the Rockies with Thorne on the call is awesome. However, if he's still calling Arenado "Ariendo" tonight I'm going to be disappointed.

[Buff]

I absolutely love Gary Thorne. So the chance to watch the Rockies with Thorne on the call is awesome. However, if he's still calling Arenado "Ariendo" tonight I'm going to be disappointed.

Gary Thorne and Bill Clemente used to call all the big hockey games on ESPN back in the Avs glory days, as you know.I love that guy.

[MOtorboat]

Gary Thorne and Bill Clemente used to call all the big hockey games on ESPN back in the Avs glory days, as you know.I love that guy.

Yeah. That's why I love him too. But he's pretty good at baseball. Just not the best with names. He fixed it and said it correctly tonight.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Rockies are playing very good baseball now - won 7 out of the last 8 games.

[chazoe60]

How bout dem Rockies!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Tyler Chatwood’s strong start vs. Mets leads Rockies to eighth win in nine games

http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/29/tyler-chatwoods-strong-start-vs-mets-leads-rockies-to-eighth-win-in-nine-games/

[chazoe60]

The Rockies have been a blast to watch since the All Star break. I enjoy watching them even when they're bad so this stretch of great baseball has been amazing. They have the best record since the break and if this lead holds up they'll be .500 and in the mix for the wild card. I'm hoping this means they won't be sellers at the deadline.

We've been pitching well , hitting well and playing very good defense. To think we've been doing all of this with our best player in a bit of a slump. Wait till Nolan gets back to his old self, we're going to be very dangerous.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

crhat Another win

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Patrick Saunders ‏@psaundersdp 45m

#Rockies now have 55 quality starts this season. They had 54 all last season.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

A young fan thought he'd helped his New York Mets get a run on the board Saturday night when he leaned over the left-field railing and caught a deep Wilmer Flores fly ball before Colorado Rockies outfielder David Dahl could make the catch.

The kid then went a little nuts, shaking his glove and yelling toward Dahl, then going with a Dikembe Mutombo-style finger wag at him.

At the time, it was ruled a home run and cut the Rockies lead to 7-3 as the Mets tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth.

Dahl protested and the umpire crew began looking at the replay, along with MLB's central replay review, and eventually ruled it fan interference and called Flores out instead.

And the kid? He was escorted out by security, though he appeared far from shamed as he gave high-fives to anyone he could on the way out.

video on link - http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/young-mets-fan-taunts-rockies-of-after-stealing-catch-gets-tossed-073116

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Colorado Rockies rookie shortstop Trevor Story, who leads the National League with 27 home runs, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb, the team announced Tuesday.

Story suffered the injury Saturday on a headfirst slide into second base in the fourth inning of the Rockies' game against the New York Mets. After staying in the game, he later aggravated the injury when he dove for a ball in the hole.

The 23-year-old slugger is batting .272 with 72 RBIs.

To fill his place on the roster, the Rockies recalled infielder Rafael Ynoa from Triple-A Albuquerque.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/17203888/colorado-rockies-ss-trevor-story-placed-dl-torn-ligament-left-thumb

[Denver Native (Carol)]

The Rockies will have to play one of their biggest homestands in years without one of their biggest stars.

Shortstop Trevor Story, a National League rookie of the year candidate, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb.

Story, who leads the National League in home runs with 27, injured the thumb during the Rockies’ 7-2 victory over the Mets on Saturday.

“It’s terrible to hear that,” Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado said. “It hurts my heart for him. He’s having a good year and you knew good things were going to happen still. It’s unfortunate, but he works hard and he’s going to bounce back.”

Story was scheduled to speak to the media before Tuesday’s game against the Dodgers.

http://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/02/rockies-place-trevor-story-on-15-day-disabled-list/

I know nothing about the injury Trevor has, but is it something that could keep him out for the rest of the regular season, or is the DP just assuming?

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Update on Trevor - local ch4 showed him talking, and he needs surgery on his thumb.

[MOtorboat]

http://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/02/rockies-place-trevor-story-on-15-day-disabled-list/

I know nothing about the injury Trevor has, but is it something that could keep him out for the rest of the regular season, or is the DP just assuming?

Says it requires surgery. That's a pretty good sign, on Aug. 2, that he's done.

[chazoe60]

That sucks.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Says it requires surgery. That's a pretty good sign, on Aug. 2, that he's done.

Yeah, the DP updated their article after Story spoke with the press.

[chazoe60]

Why is McGee still on this team?

[chazoe60]

Rockies on a roll!

[chazoe60]

My boy DJ just went oppo.

[chazoe60]

And DJ just set his career high with 7 HRs. He's not a power hitter, he's just a singles machine with a golden glove and a sky high baseball IQ. Oh and Cargo went ahead and decided to make it back-to-back. Suck it Dodgers.

[chazoe60]

Cargo with another.

[chazoe60]

Why isn't Ottavino our closer? Two blown saves in a row for Estavez. I like the kid but the closer role is too much pressure for him.

[chazoe60]

God dammed bullpen.

[chazoe60]

Twice in three days, FFS.

[chazoe60]

Puke. Come on Weiss, pull your head out. Adam is the closer.

[Buff]

Weiss is dead weight when it comes to managing a bullpen. It would be hard for him to be worse at it.

[chazoe60]

Our bullpen is terrible. Just when you start thinking there's a chance the bullpen decides to have just a god awful stretch of vomit inducing baseball. Yuck. The sad thing is that we're hitting and our starters are pitching their asses off.

[chazoe60]

Our bullpen is the worst thing in the history of things.

[chazoe60]

The homeplate ump was disgracefully bad tonight

[chazoe60]

Atta boy DJ

[chazoe60]

Suck it Cubs.

[chazoe60]

Tony Wolters needs to be our everyday catcher.

[chazoe60]

Rox win in walk off fashion. Nice job boys. Adameswith the winning hit.

[chazoe60]

Jordan Lyles doing Jordan Lyles things. Smh

[Denver Native (Carol)]

John Gray pitched great tonight. New Rockies' records for most strikouts - 16

[chazoe60]

Is the Rockies bullpen the worst thing in sports? Wow!

[MOtorboat]

Walt Weiss is stepping down.

[chazoe60]

Who are some good candidates to replace Walt?

[Buff]

Walt Weiss is stepping down.

I don't dislike Weiss, but he was always in over his head. Not sure if he ever really brought much to the table in terms of value add.

Can't believe I'm agreeing with Kiszla, but maybe this team ought to hire a former pitcher as a manager, like Bud Black... I'm not overly enamored with Black - but for all this teams pitching problems, it can't hurt to try.

[MOtorboat]

Who are some good candidates to replace Walt?

I, honestly, have no clue what this organization will do.


I don't dislike Weiss, but he was always in over his head. Not sure if he ever really brought much to the table in terms of value add.

Can't believe I'm agreeing with Kiszla, but maybe this team ought to hire a former pitcher as a manager, like Bud Black... I'm not overly enamored with Black - but for all this teams pitching problems, it can't hurt to try.

The pitching problem is organizational. Maybe Black might have some success with reclamation projects like Kansas City has, which is a good thing to be good at doing in a small to mid-size market. The Rockies had some mild successes this year in the pitching department, but this is the organization who has never been able to develop pitching and promoted the guy in charge of developing pitching to GM last year.

[Buff]

I, honestly, have no clue what this organization will do.



The pitching problem is organizational. Maybe Black might have some success with reclamation projects like Kansas City has, which is a good thing to be good at doing in a small to mid-size market. The Rockies had some mild successes this year in the pitching department, but this is the organization who has never been able to develop pitching and promoted the guy in charge of developing pitching to GM last year.

Yes, a manager isn't going to suddenly fix all of the organization's pitching problems... But my hope is that with Briedich's renewed focus on it - perhaps a strong leader who understands all of the nuances of pitching in the bigs would bring something to the table that this team's been missing.

[MOtorboat]

Yes, a manager isn't going to suddenly fix all of the organization's pitching problems... But my hope is that with Briedich's renewed focus on it - perhaps a strong leader who understands all of the nuances of pitching in the bigs would bring something to the table that this team's been missing.

I thought Anderson, Chatwood and Gray had positive seasons and could be seen as a positive direction pitching-wise, but until those seasons are repeated, it doesn't mean much.

[Buff]

I thought Anderson, Chatwood and Gray had positive seasons and could be seen as a positive direction pitching-wise, but until those seasons are repeated, it doesn't mean much.

Partially to Weiss' credit - the team was obviously headed in the right direction this year. Still not as good we need - but at least it wasn't an embarrassing dumpster fire as in years past. Briedich deserves more of that credit though.

[Timmy!]

If we had a bullpen worth half a shit, this team could make the playoffs. Therefore, I fully expect them to do something stupid and ignore it.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Walt Weiss, citing a poor working relationship with the Rockies’ front office, officially resigned Monday. There was no meeting between Weiss, general manager Jeff Bridich and team owner Dick Monfort to discuss the possibility of a new contract. Instead, Weiss informed the club he was walking away.

“I told them that I was not going to pursue another contract,” Weiss told The Denver Post Monday. “It was time to move on….I just thought the working relationship with the front office wasn’t healthy or productive. That was ultimately my thought when I made this decision".

AND


Weiss and Bridich have had a strained relationship dating to last offseason. Multiple sources within the organization said Weiss had been left out of the loop regarding major decisions in the past few months, and also said there were major differences about how the team should be run on a daily basis.

full article - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/03/walt-weiss-steps-down-colorado-rockies-manager/

[Denver Native (Carol)]

This article was posted yesterday

from article:


A significant gulf has developed between Weiss and Bridich, according to multiple sources within the organization, some of whom said Weiss has been been left out of the loop regarding major decisions dating to the offseason — when he was not consulted about the acquisitions of relievers Jason Motte, Chad Qualls and Jake McGee or outfielder Gerardo Parra, all of whom have had disappointing seasons this year.

full article - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/02/walt-weiss-rockies-manager/

[Denver Native (Carol)]

So Bridich felt that Walt, the person who had to LIVE with the decisions made, did NOT need to be included in the decisions made???? And if the decisions which Walt had no part of making did not work out, blame Walt.

Once again, I point straight back to the Rockies' ownership. Do they not even know what is happening in their organization???? How many times have we heard Elway say that Kubes is involved in all decision making? What a unique idea to include the person who has to make the decisions work.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

After four long years driving the clown car, Walt Weiss pulled to the curb, hopped out and walked away. He told the Rockies to take this job and shove it, the same as Jim Tracy did when he quit as Rockies manager in 2012.

Is franchise owner Dick Monfort so tone deaf he thinks the rest of Major League Baseball does not hear the dysfunction in Colorado’s organization?

This is where I am supposed to make a list of managerial candidates that can push the long-suffering Rockies to a playoff berth in 2017.

The obvious choice that leaps to my mind is Bud Black, a former pitcher who was well liked inside the clubhouse and throughout the National League during his nine seasons as manager in San Diego. It should be mentioned, however, that Black never once guided the Padres to the postseason.

Unless he’s desperate for money, does Black really need the aggravation of managing the Rockies, an organization that made life miserable for both Weiss and Tracy, two men who not only know baseball but also are as fine of gentlemen as you will find in the game?

Weiss and Tracy got sick and tired of what is a systemic problem in the Colorado organization far bigger than how a pitcher’s earned run average gets inflated in the thin air of Denver.

The Rockies stopped listening to Tracy or Weiss. Weiss and Tracy both felt disrespected and left out of the loop, whether the issue was a half-baked idea for a tandem pitching rotation that limited starters to 75 throws or personnel moves that made a manager wonder if he needed to get front-office approval before posting the lineup card.

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/03/kiszla-dick-monfort-rockies-manager-company-clown-car/

[slim]

Meh, there are plenty of HS manager they can hire.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Meh, there are plenty of HS manager they can hire.

There's a difference hiring a manager who coached HS, versus hiring a manager who played in the majors. There are quite a few which fall into that category, Walt being one of them.

When MLB Managers Were Players

http://www.si.com/mlb/photo/2016/04/07/when-mlb-managers-were-players

[Buff]

Great, now slim pissed Carol off. Good going!

[MOtorboat]

Great, now slim pissed Carol off. Good going!

I blame the Monforts.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

“I want to see someone with some fire and energy, someone who can light a fire under the guys,” the all-star third baseman said Tuesday, a day after manager Walt Weiss resigned.

“At the same time, we need a guy who understands the players and has their back,” Arenado said. “I thought Walt was very good at that, he always had your back. Walt understands how tough this game is and what a grind it is over a long season.”

General manager Jeff Bridich said Monday that he will look for a new manager inside and outside the organization. He confirmed that Glenallen Hill will be a candidate. Hill, 51, has been the manager of the Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate the past four seasons and has been with the organization for 12 seasons overall. He’s believed to be the leading in-house candidate. He did not return calls seeking comment.

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/04/nolan-arenado-on-next-rockies-manager/

[CoachChaz]

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/04/nolan-arenado-on-next-rockies-manager/

Ron Washington. Fiery, excitable, loyal...and a very good defensive coach. Couldn't hurt a team that just finished 28th in team defense.

[MOtorboat]

Ron Washington. Fiery, excitable, loyal...and a very good defensive coach. Couldn't hurt a team that just finished 28th in team defense.

He's interviewing in Atlanta. I know that much. I'm having a hard time coming up with a reason why he'd choose Colorado over Atlanta if offered both.

[CoachChaz]

He's interviewing in Atlanta. I know that much. I'm having a hard time coming up with a reason why he'd choose Colorado over Atlanta if offered both.

Agreed. But an improved defense and continued development of the staff could bump Colorado a few games better. Winning 8 of their last 10 instead of losing 8 of their last 10 and they are a .500 team. Atlanta is still 2-3 years away from that.

But there are other options. Renteria is out there if he isnt offered the ChiSox job, Dave Martinez has learned from one of the best and I've always liked Ron Gardenhire. I think all would be a better option to Hill, but the Rox ownership seems to like YES men.

[MOtorboat]

Agreed. But an improved defense and continued development of the staff could bump Colorado a few games better. Winning 8 of their last 10 instead of losing 8 of their last 10 and they are a .500 team. Atlanta is still 2-3 years away from that.

But there are other options. Renteria is out there if he isnt offered the ChiSox job, Dave Martinez has learned from one of the best and I've always liked Ron Gardenhire. I think all would be a better option to Hill, but the Rox ownership seems to like YES men.

I hadn't even looked at the manager search rumors yet this morning. I don't like that at all.

[CoachChaz]

I hadn't even looked at the manager search rumors yet this morning. I don't like that at all.

My focus would be on Wash and Gardy.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Bud Black, the former manager for the San Diego Padres, told The Denver Post on Tuesday that he is interested in managing the Rockies.

The Rockies are searching for a new manager after Walt Weiss’ four-year tenure ended last week. The club has not confirmed that Black is a candidate to replace Weiss.

Black was a finalist for the Atlanta Braves job, but the team announced Tuesday that Brian Snitker would be its manager for the 2017 season.

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/11/bud-black-interest-rockies-manager/

[MOtorboat]

Good call Buff.

Dear Rockies management,

Don't overthink this.

Signed,
Fans

[chazoe60]

Get it done.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

from article:


Other candidates who have recently expressed interest in interviewing for the Rockies’ open position are former Brewers manager Ron Roenicke and former Padres manager Bud Black. There is also no shortage of candidates who do not have any managerial experience in the majors, including Eddie Perez and Rockies’ Triple-A manager Glenallen Hill

Harding also reported that the Rockies are looking for a manager “who will apply statistics and other research into managing and coaching, and who are adept at various methods for creating team chemistry.” In addition to the candidates expressing interest, the type of manager that the Rockies want is also starting to become clear.

full article - http://www.purplerow.com/2016/10/14/13256560/colorado-rockies-manager-search-atlanta-braves-bo-porter

[Timmy!]

Why hire Black when we can hire somebody inexperienced and completely over their heads?

#becauserockies

[MOtorboat]

The Rockies have hired Bud Black.

[chazoe60]

The Rockies have hired Bud Black.

Woo-hoo ! Yes something to be excited about.

[chazoe60]

The hiring of Black jogged my memory and I'm recalling an interview he did with the Rox crew in which he heaped praise on our entire lineup but especially 3 players whom he said were arguably the best in the MLB at what they do and those 3 guys were Blackmon, DJ and Nolan. He was pretty over the top with his comments on those guys and actually said something to the effect that he believed the Rockies had the best lineup in all of baseball.

He's probably pretty excited knowing that the lineup will be strong and he needs to fix the pitching which is his specialty.

With Trevor coming back healthy, Dahl gaining some experience and Tapia looking like a promising prospect to go along with the vets we have the lineup looks to be solid. I wanna know what they're going to do at 1st base. I think the Catching duties will fall to Murphy and Wolters which is a young combo that I really like.

It all comes down to pitching and as bad as that usually is I see some things from young guys that I really like. I'm hopeful.

[Buff]

As I said a while back - I'm encouraged that our manager has experience and knowledge about what it takes to be a successful MLB pitcher. That's an improvement.

Until management makes a real commitment to improving the pitching talent it won't matter much, though.

[slim]

As I said a while back - I'm encouraged that our manager has experience and knowledge about what it takes to be a successful MLB pitcher. That's an improvement.

Until management makes a real commitment to improving the pitching talent it won't matter much, though.

Yes. Walt was only part of the problem. The rest of the problem remains...

[Denver Native (Carol)]

For the first time the Colorado Rockies will turn to a former pitcher to guide the team.

The Rockies have reached an agreement with Bud Black to be their manager, according to a major league source. The team announced a news conference Monday at 11 a.m. to introduce its new manager

Black will take over for Walt Weiss, who resigned one day after the season ended following four years running the team.

“I’m really excited and really happy to hear the news,” star third baseman Nolan Arenado said. “I think this can be a huge plus for us. I don’t know Bud personally, but I have heard great things about him. I’ve already talked to some of his former players from San Diego and all I’ve heard is great things about him.”

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/11/06/colorado-rockies-hire-bud-black-new-manager/

[Denver Native (Carol)]

When former Rockies’ outfielder Matt Holliday was asked about the prospects of returning to Colorado, he said, according to Casey Stern of MLB Network Radio: “I'd consider it for sure. Great young team. I'd be interested for a [number] of reasons.” While that’s a patently untitillating remark, Stern followed up with emotional layering. He said that Holliday was “CLEARLY very excited by the idea of returning to the Rockies.” CLEARLY.

There is no report here from the Rockies side, but this looks like a great match for a few reasons.

Holliday is coming off of a poor-for-him season but still above average season. He will be 37 next season. Couple that with the fact that he spent some time on the disabled list in 2016, and a move to first base makes sense if he’s to continue playing at all in the National League (he also profiles as a solid DH). Holliday wouldn’t be completely unfamiliar with the position, as he also played 10 games at first for the Cardinals last season.

rest - http://www.purplerow.com/2016/11/9/13579434/colorado-rockies-matt-holliday-first-base

[Denver Native (Carol)]

The baseball rolls slowly up the third baseline, but like a flash of lightning, Nolan Arenado bare-hands the ball and throws a strike to first base, nipping the runner by half a step.

The baseball sizzles toward left field, looking like a sure base hit, but Arenado is there to snag it, throw across his body and start a double play at second base.

Game after game, the Rockies’ 25-year-old slugging third baseman pulls off another web gem. The spectacular has become routine, but not to be taken for granted.

Tuesday night, Arenado won another Gold Glove, becoming the first third baseman in major-league history to win four consecutive Gold Gloves to begin his career. The only other third baseman to begin his career with three Gold Gloves in a row was the Red Sox’s Frank Malzone, who won from 1957-59.

“Yeah, it’s an amazing thing,” Arenado said. “I have worked really hard at my defense. This is something I take a lot of pride in that. I have to thank God that I have been able to stay healthy, for the most part. It’s a good feeling that your hard work pays off.”

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/11/08/nolan-arenado-fourth-gold-glove-award/

[Timmy!]

I'd be cool with Matt at 1st if the money was reasonable. Since we now have a real manager, gimme that, and some bullpen help and I might actually enjoy sports in the spring/summer for once.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

The first big piece of new manager Bud Black’s Rockies administration fell into place Wednesday.

The club announced that Mike Redmond, a former catcher who then managed the Miami Marlins from 2013-15, will be the Rockies’ next bench coach.

Redmond, 45, is clearly someone Black has been interested in for a while. Before landing a job as the Marlins manager in 2013, Redmond interviewed to be the San Diego Padres’ bullpen coach when Black was managing the Padres.

“I’ve known Buddy Black for a quite a while and I’m really excited for this chance to work with him,” Redmond said. “I think this is a good fit, him being a former pitcher and me being a former catcher. It feels like a perfect situation.”

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/11/16/mike-redmond-rockies-bench-coach/

[Denver Native (Carol)]

The Colorado Rockies have agreed to a five-year, $70 million deal with free agent outfielder Ian Desmond, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. The deal is pending a physical.

Desmond hit .285 with 22 home runs and 21 stolen bases last year for Texas. Rosenthal reports Desmond, who played primarily centerfield for the Rangers after playing exclusively at shortstop for the Nationals for seven years, will play in the outfield and at first base in Colorado.

ESPN’s Jim Bowden reports the deal includes an option for a sixth year that would raise the overall value of the contract to $83 million.

rest - http://www.si.com/mlb/2016/12/07/colorado-rockies-sign-ian-desmond-free-agency-contract

[Buff]

Wow - didn't see the Ian Desmond deal coming. Didn't even know he was on our radars.

He was my keeper league shortstop for a couple years so I'm relatively familiar with his game... He is a dual threat speed/power guy whose glove failed him at ss so they moved him to the OF last year and he exceeded expectations in Texas.

My only issue with the guy is that he is prone to long cold spells and strikes out too much. He's kind of streaky hitter - but can absolutely crush for sustained periods where he's hitting bombs and stealing bases.

I like that he's tough and reliable and plays everyday. Should be a nice addition.

[chazoe60]

So is Desmond going to be our primary 1st baseman?

[Buff]

So is Desmond going to be our primary 1st baseman?

I kind of doubt it. His infield glove is questionable and he is a righty - I think he'll see time there but I'd be surprised if he was our everyday 1B. I think we will move one of the other outfielders to acquire a 1B - too many guys with Blackmon, Cargo, Desmond, Parra and Dahl.

[MOtorboat]

So is Desmond going to be our primary 1st baseman?

Gonzalez or Dahl might convert. Or more moves are out there (as in a trade for either Blackman or Gonzalez).

[MOtorboat]

Also, I love this move.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Troy Renck ‏@TroyRenck 48m

Can confirm from major league sources that #Rockies signed Ian Desmond to be their primary 1b. @DenverChannel

[Buff]

Troy Renck ‏@TroyRenck 48m

Can confirm from major league sources that #Rockies signed Ian Desmond to be their primary 1b. @DenverChannel

Wow - that's surprising. Maybe they decided that the majority of his errors at SS were throwing errors but he still has the range to field the position. I just remember him racking up an inordinate amount of errors at shortstop to the point that it was really hindering his production.

[MOtorboat]

Seems like an odd guy to convert to first. He has some speed.

[Buff]

Seems like an odd guy to convert to first. He has some speed.

I agree - he's right handed, he has speed, and he has had trouble as an infielder in the past. All of which seem to make him an odd choice to be an everyday 1B. But I suppose that the logic is regardless of that he'll be an upgrade over the platoon we threw out there last year.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Desmond is a shortstop by trade, but over the past couple of years, he has evolved into more of a utility player who can play both outfield and infield positions. The two-time All-Star (2012, 2016) slashed .285/.335/.446 with 22 home runs and 86 RBI for the Rangers in 2016.

http://bsndenver.com/colorado-rockies-sign-ian-desmond-to-play-first-base/

[Buff]

So here is a contrarian viewpoint, from a commenter on Hardballtalk:


They are committing to his age 32-36 seasons, he’ll be about a league average hitter at the start of the deal and will likely decline at some point, they are giving away a lot of his value by sticking him at 1B…and they are giving him $70M while forfeiting the 11th overall pick.

Da fuq?

[spikerman]

So here is a contrarian viewpoint, from a commenter on Hardballtalk:

Typical Rockies move.

[Buff]

Interesting that it seems to be Blackmon that they're trying to move in the OF...

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/806617852807671808


https://twitter.com/psaundersdp/status/806655589145313281

[Timmy!]

Somebody tell me how to feel about this........some $$$ into 1b is cool....and im down to trade a OF for any pitching (no cargo plz.....) but....ummmm....bullpen? Hello?

[MOtorboat]

Somebody tell me how to feel about this........some $$$ into 1b is cool....and im down to trade a OF for any pitching (no cargo plz.....) but....ummmm....bullpen? Hello?

He'll rake in Denver. Just relax, it's December.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Colorado Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis was diagnosed with testicular cancer last month but expects to make a full recovery, according to a report by ESPN.

Bettis had surgery on Nov. 29 to have a testicle removed, he told ESPN in a statement, but he expects to report to spring training in Arizona in February and be a part of the Rockies starting rotation next season.

“During an appointment in November, my doctor noticed an abnormality and ordered further tests and advanced blood work,” Bettis said in a statement released to ESPN through his agent, Matt Sosnick. “The following Monday, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer and had one of my testicles removed the next day.”

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/12/12/chad-bettis-testicular-cancer/

[Denver Native (Carol)]

The Rockies’ plan to rebuild their bullpen took a big step forward Thursday when the Rockies signed left-handed free-agent reliever Mike Dunn to a three-year contract.

Multiple major-league sources confirmed that the deal is for three years, $19 million. The Rockies have announced a 12:30 p.m. news conference to announce the signing.

Dunn, 31, formerly a reliever for the Miami Marlins, has close ties to new Rockies bench coach Mike Redmond, the former Marlins manager. He will become the Rockies’ primary left-handed reliever, taking over for Boone Logan, who is now a free agent.

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2016/12/15/mike-dunn-rockies-reliever-deal/

[MOtorboat]

Sheehan and Rany on Effectively Wild today. Bagging on the Rockies' offseason moves. Maybe I should be more skeptical.

[Buff]

Sheehan and Rany on Effectively Wild today. Bagging on the Rockies' offseason moves. Maybe I should be more skeptical.

Paying for Desmond on his declining years and overpaying for Dunn? Were those generally their critiques?

[CoachChaz]

I think part of the problem is they have WAY too many outfielders and are trying to convince the rest of MLB and the fans that some of them will fit in other spots. meanwhile, they are setting ridiculous expectations in trade opportunities. I can understand asking for Gausman or Stroman for Blackmon at first...but when you get 3 months into the winter without anyone conceding, you have to alter what you expect in return. they havent done that.

Deal Blackmon for a mid-rotation pitcher and a prospect...plug Desmond in CF and sign Trumbo. Offense will be loaded and pitching will be better.

[MOtorboat]

Paying for Desmond on his declining years and overpaying for Dunn? Were those generally their critiques?

Somewhat. The critique on Dunn was too much money for a 6th inning guy who's 3.8 ERA is probably going to get worse at Coors. The critique on Desmond was giving up the 11th pick to sign a guy in his 30s who you don't even really have a spot for.

[Buff]

I think part of the problem is they have WAY too many outfielders and are trying to convince the rest of MLB and the fans that some of them will fit in other spots. meanwhile, they are setting ridiculous expectations in trade opportunities. I can understand asking for Gausman or Stroman for Blackmon at first...but when you get 3 months into the winter without anyone conceding, you have to alter what you expect in return. they havent done that.

Deal Blackmon for a mid-rotation pitcher and a prospect...plug Desmond in CF and sign Trumbo. Offense will be loaded and pitching will be better.

I have heard that our asking prices are too high in general. I still don't understand how Desmond makes sense as an everyday 1B and think something has gotta give. While I don't love the idea of overpaying for Trumbo on the wrong side of 30 - he sure would make all of the pieces fit a lot better.

FFS though - we better get another pitcher out of all this. We got some borderline bullpen help and our starting rotation still blows. It's as if they don't realize our pitching has been horrendous since the beginning of time and is in need of an upgrade.

[CoachChaz]

I have heard that our asking prices are too high in general. I still don't understand how Desmond makes sense as an everyday 1B and think something has gotta give. While I don't love the idea of overpaying for Trumbo on the wrong side of 30 - he sure would make all of the pieces fit a lot better.

FFS though - we better get another pitcher out of all this. We got some borderline bullpen help and our starting rotation still blows. It's as if they don't realize our pitching has been horrendous since the beginning of time and is in need of an upgrade.

I dont think you'll overpay for Trumbo. At this point, I could see him accepting a 3/45 deal...or even 1/17 to pad numbers in Denver and hit FA again next year when a pick isnt attached to his signing.

I'm with you on Desmond. Dude was league average at SS, but looked good converting to the OF. Now they want to introduce a whole new position all together. No, 1B isnt the hardest to play, but with his OF development...why change it again?

Personally, I'd give you Brad Brach and a starter prospect (not named Sedlock, Akin, Harvey or Dietz) for Blackmon. Unfortunately, the Rox wont talk about anyone other than Gausman and Duquette seems to think Seth Smith will be our answer in RF.

[MOtorboat]

@psaundersdp: By signing a two-year deal for $29.25 MM, #Rockies Arenado avoids arbitration for two years, would still have 1 ear of arb left in 2019.

[MOtorboat]

Rockies also avoided arbitration with one-year deals with Tyler Chatwood and Charlie Blackmon today.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Troy Renck ‏@TroyRenck 1m

According @mlbtraderumors, Blackmon projects at $9 million and Chatwood at $4.8 M. @DenverChannel

[Denver Native (Carol)]

MLB Free Agency: Colorado Rockies, Greg Holland agree to deal

http://www.purplerow.com/2017/1/25/14387738/mlb-free-agency-colorado-rockies-sign-greg-holland-reliever

MLB Free Agency: Colorado Rockies close to deal with Greg Holland, per reports

http://www.purplerow.com/2017/1/25/14387348/mlb-free-agency-colorado-rockies-greg-holland-deal-close

[Buff]

Seems like a good calculated risk. Holland was money when he was healthy so the hope is he can return to form... Of course, that is always the case with the Rockies - it's a good signing, but not a great one, and has embedded risks. What say you, MO?

[MOtorboat]

Holland was electric before his injuries. If he can recapture any of that, it's a good signing.

[Timmy!]

Im worried that Im begining to think we might not completely suck this year.

[Buff]

Im worried that Im begging to think we might not completely suck this year.

And then we remember that our starting rotation remains unimproved and that thought quickly fades.

[chazoe60]

And then we remember that our starting rotation remains unimproved and that thought quickly fades.

There is hope there though Buff. I love Anderson and Gray.

[Timmy!]

And then we remember that our starting rotation remains unimproved and that thought quickly fades.

Right. I'm losing the extra innings package so won't get games anymore anyway, so my luck we will be great.

[Buff]

There is hope there though Buff. I love Anderson and Gray.

Gray is the first legit arm to get excited about since Ubaldo. I worry that Anderson was over his skis last year. It's not the dumpster fire that it has been in prior years, but the depth is still a problem. I also still don't love the idea of Desmond as our 1B - I'd like to move one of our OF for a reliable starter.

[chazoe60]

Right. I'm losing the extra innings package so won't get games anymore anyway, so my luck we will be great.

I'm a glutton for punishment, I watched all or part of over 100 games last season and will do it again this season.

[chazoe60]

Gray is the first legit arm to get excited about since Ubaldo. I worry that Anderson was over his skis last year. It's not the dumpster fire that it has been in prior years, but the depth is still a problem. I also still don't love the idea of Desmond as our 1B - I'd like to move one of our OF for a reliable starter.

The thing about Anderson that I like is that he relies on a changeup and location, that seems like a strategy with a better chance at staying power. It seems like we see guys flame out all the time who have "electric stuff" while guys who can throw a good change up and hit their spots may not wow you but they can be more consistent.

[MOtorboat]

The thing about Anderson that I like is that he relies on a changeup and location, that seems like a strategy with a better chance at staying power. It seems like we see guys flame out all the time who have "electric stuff" while guys who can throw a good change up and hit their spots may not wow you but they can be more consistent.

Been saying for years that fastball-changeup guys make more sense in Colorado.

[Poet]

Can I ask a baseball question about my team in here?

[MOtorboat]

Can I ask a baseball question about my team in here?

Here or in the MLB thread. I will answer to the best of my ability.

[Poet]

Here or in the MLB thread. I will answer to the best of my ability.

Do the metrics, or sabremetrics if memory serves, really do taht good of an accounting for baseball analysis?

[MOtorboat]

Do the metrics, or sabremetrics if memory serves, really do taht good of an accounting for baseball analysis?

Yes.

[Poet]

Yes.

So Trout and Harper are that good?

[chazoe60]

So Trout and Harper are that good?

Yes. Especially Trout

[MOtorboat]

So Trout and Harper are that good?

Trout is on pace to be an inner-circle Hall of Famer, like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Micky Mantle, Ted Williams, Ty Cobb, Willie Mays inner circle.

[MOtorboat]

The lineup I'd roll out:
CF - Charlie Blackmon
1B - Ian Desmond
SS - Trevor Story
3B - Nolan Arenado
RF - Carlos Gonzalez
LF - David Dahl
2B - D.J. LeMahieu
C - Tom Murphy
Pitcher

Bench
C - Tony Wolters
IF - Alexi Amarista
IF - Cristhian Adames
OF - Gerardo Parra

SP - Jon Gray
SP - Tyler Anderson
SP - Tyler Chatwood
SP - Jeff Hoffman
SP - Germain Marquez

LR - Chad Bettis
LR - Jordan Lyles

MR - Jake McGee
MR - Eddie Butler
MR - Jason Motte

SU - Adam Ottavino
SU - Mike Dunn

CL - Greg Holland

[Buff]

The lineup I'd roll out:
CF - Charlie Blackmon
1B - Ian Desmond
SS - Trevor Story
3B - Nolan Arenado
RF - Carlos Gonzalez
LF - David Dahl
2B - D.J. LeMahieu
C - Tom Murphy
Pitcher

Bench
C - Tony Wolters
IF - Alexi Amarista
IF - Cristhian Adames
OF - Gerardo Parra

SP - Jon Gray
SP - Tyler Anderson
SP - Tyler Chatwood
SP - Jeff Hoffman
SP - Germain Marquez

LR - Chad Bettis
LR - Jordan Lyles

MR - Jake McGee
MR - Eddie Butler
MR - Jason Motte

SU - Adam Ottavino
SU - Mike Dunn

CL - Greg Holland

Bud Black was on the "On the Rox" podcast with Patrick Saunders over the weekend. Nothing earth shattering - but I like Black - he sounds like a solid leader. Also sounds like he's in a better place in terms of working with the front office than a lot of our previous managers have been.

He said Ottavino has the inside track on closing, but it'll be open to competition.

I don't think Desmond and Story hit for high enough average to be your #2 and #3 hitters everyday. But lots of different ways to roll it out. I think mine is something like:

Blackmon
Lemahieu
Arenado
CarGo
Story
Desmond
Dahl
Wolters

[MOtorboat]

Bud Black was on the "On the Rox" podcast with Patrick Saunders over the weekend. Nothing earth shattering - but I like Black - he sounds like a solid leader. Also sounds like he's in a better place in terms of working with the front office than a lot of our previous managers have been.

He said Ottavino has the inside track on closing, but it'll be open to competition.

I don't think Desmond and Story hit for high enough average to be your #2 and #3 hitters everyday. But lots of different ways to roll it out. I think mine is something like:

Blackmon
Lemahieu
Arenado
CarGo
Story
Desmond
Dahl
Wolters

I like the potential of his speed in the 2-hole and his .316 OBP is good enough, I think. Story has a .341 OBP, which is only six points short of Gonzalez's career OBP. I also like the idea of LeMahieu's .300/.351/.400 protecting the pitcher spot because he does have a little less pop and is more of a contact guy. I'd even contemplate hitting him eighth for that reason. It will be interesting to see who ends up getting more playing time, Murphy or Wolters.

Also, Ottavino closing is intriguing. If Holland is healthy and remotely near his pre-Tommy John ability, I think he'll end up closing, though.

[Buff]

I like the potential of his speed in the 2-hole and his .316 OBP is good enough, I think. Story has a .341 OBP, which is only six points short of Gonzalez's career OBP. I also like the idea of LeMahieu's .300/.351/.400 protecting the pitcher spot because he does have a little less pop and is more of a contact guy. I'd even contemplate hitting him eighth for that reason. It will be interesting to see who ends up getting more playing time, Murphy or Wolters.

Also, Ottavino closing is intriguing. If Holland is healthy and remotely near his pre-Tommy John ability, I think he'll end up closing, though.

I just think both guys strike out too much to be relied on up there - but that's just my novice take without looking at the numbers. They both present speed and power upside from the right handed spot, so they kind of have similar profiles too. Which maybe seems like another reason for separating them in the lineup.

[MOtorboat]

I just think both guys strike out too much to be relied on up there - but that's just my novice take without looking at the numbers. They both present speed and power upside from the right handed spot, so they kind of have similar profiles too. Which maybe seems like another reason for separating them in the lineup.

I think separating them in the lineup in some way is probably the best argument for not having both at 2-3. Desmond does have the lowest OBP in that lineup, so I can see why you wouldn't want that in the 2-hole. Story's strikeouts aren't too worrisome for me, unless his OBP begins to slip.

[MOtorboat]

FWIW, Paul Sporer of Fangraphs, who does the Fangraphs fantasy podcast, is recommending fantasy people to draft Ottavino right now.

[Buff]

FWIW, Paul Sporer of Fangraphs, who does the Fangraphs fantasy podcast, is recommending fantasy people to draft Ottavino right now.

Black was talking about how people around the league were abuzz about him before he got hurt, which we knew, but was good to hear it validated by an insider who was working for Anaheim at the time.

[BroncoJoe]

I'm glad you two are focusing on MLB and the Rockies...

:couch:

[MOtorboat]

I'm glad you two are focusing on MLB and the Rockies...

:couch:

Yeah, if I were getting owned in P&R as much as you do, I'd prefer other posters to focus on other things too.

[BroncoJoe]

Yeah, if I were getting owned in P&R as much as you do, I'd prefer other posters to focus on other things too.

LOL. That's rich, MO. Inaccurate, but rich.

[Buff]

I'm glad you two are focusing on MLB and the Rockies...

:couch:

From one thread about failed leadership to another.

[MOtorboat]

Black was talking about how people around the league were abuzz about him before he got hurt, which we knew, but was good to hear it validated by an insider who was working for Anaheim at the time.

That is good. The baseball blogger nerds are also recognizing it.

[BroncoJoe]

From one thread about failed leadership to another.

Thankfully, one entity made a leadership change.

[MOtorboat]

LOL. That's rich, MO. Inaccurate, but rich.

You set yourself up.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Rockies pitching prospects Sam Howard and Ryan Castellani, along with infielder Ryan McMahon, head the least of 22 non-roster invitees receiving invitations to major league spring training. The list was announced Thursday.

The left-handed Howard, 23, and the right-handed Castellani, 20, are considered two of the Rockies most promising young pitchers. Howard was drafted out of Georgia Southern in the third round of the 2014 draft, while Castellani was selected in the second round of the 2014 draft out of Brophy Jesuit High School in Arizona.


Two other pitchers to keep close watch on this spring are left-handers Kyle Freeland and Harrison Musgrave, both of whom advanced to Triple-A Albuquerque last season.

Veteran first baseman Mark Reynolds, who signed a one-year, minor-league deal with the Rockies on Wednesday, also received an invitation to major-league camp.

full article - http://www.denverpost.com/2017/02/02/rockies-spring-training-invites-2017/

[Denver Native (Carol)]

It didn’t take the Rockies long to swing a deal for right-hander Eddie Butler, the former first-round pick who was designated for assignment on Saturday.

The Rockies traded Butler to the Chicago Cubs Wednesday in exchange for right-handed relief prospect James Farris. Additionally, the clubs exchanged international draft slots as part of the trade.

“It would not surprise me if there is a lot of interest in Eddie,” general manager Jeff Bridich said after the Rockies designated Butler in order to make room on their 40-man roster for new reliever Greg Holland. “Eddie’s got a good arm and good stuff, and that’s why it was a tough decision.”

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2017/02/01/eddie-butler-trade-chicago-cubs/

[Buff]

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2017/02/01/eddie-butler-trade-chicago-cubs/

That's great - I can't remember the last prospect of ours who flamed out so dramatically. Butler was horrendous. Not just bad, or average - but dumpster fire horrific. The idea that we could trade him for an asset leaves me a little bit incredulous.

[MOtorboat]

Baseball America podcast guys are pretty high on the Rockies, and the farm system looks pretty deep right now. There's hope.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Rockies’ new color of purple drawing mixed reviews in clubhouse

http://www.denverpost.com/2017/02/16/rockies-new-color-purple-clubhouse-review/

I like it

[MOtorboat]

By Game 3, won't even notice....

[Poet]

Mo, I'm all in on baseball this year. If you would do me the honor and start a thread entitled 'Mo and King's baseball thread'. By making the thread I'll know that you will mentor me about baseball.

[MOtorboat]

Mo, I'm all in on baseball this year. If you would do me the honor and start a thread entitled 'Mo and King's baseball thread'. By making the thread I'll know that you will mentor me about baseball.

Started.

[Timmy!]

Ugh. Light purple.

[MOtorboat]

Rockies have 5 of BA's top 53 prospects this year. Not bad.

[slim]

Rockies have 5 of BA's top 53 prospects this year. Not bad.

They are all in the best shape of their lives.

#championship

[chazoe60]

I'm pretty optimistic for this season.

[Buff]

I'm pretty optimistic for this season.

Lack of pitching depth will be our downfall as it has been every year of the franchise's existence. But I'm feeling more optimistic than I can remember in any recent season.

[MOtorboat]

Lack of pitching depth will be our downfall as it has been every year of the franchise's existence. But I'm feeling more optimistic than I can remember in any recent season.

Hoffman is major league ready, if he doesn't make the opening day roster, Kyle Freeland is ready to come up this season. That, hopefully can provide some depth. Not relying on Jorge de la Rosa to be healthy in your rotation is a good thing. You're right, they can't sustain a lot of injuries, but there is a little wiggle room.

[spikerman]

I'm gonna be optimistic a few give them until mid-May before they're officially eliminated from playoff contention.

[Buff]

Hoffman is major league ready, if he doesn't make the opening day roster, Kyle Freeland is ready to come up this season. That, hopefully can provide some depth. Not relying on Jorge de la Rosa to be healthy in your rotation is a good thing. You're right, they can't sustain a lot of injuries, but there is a little wiggle room.

That's not depth - that's a guy who can help fill out our incomplete rotation, hopefully. Depth would be a proven entity inning eater with a track record.

[MOtorboat]

That's not depth - that's a guy who can help fill out our incomplete rotation, hopefully. Depth would be a proven entity inning eater with a track record.

That's fair, but at least if you have a healthy rotation that doesn't have de la Rosa missing 100 games, you're in a better spot than you were before. It all kind of depends on Gray, anyway. He's the guy that's supposed to be the innings eater for the future. PECOTA has his mean projection at 165 innings and I guess you're hoping he's a little better than his projection and you're getting 170-180, maybe 190 out of him. Yes, if he can't eat innings then the entire rotation has problems.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Rockies hitters were gifted 35 free passes to first base last season. Their intentional walks accounted for 140 lobbed pitches from opposing teams. This season, though, those walks will come without a single throw.

Major League Baseball on Wednesday received official approval from the player’s union to install a rule that allows for intentional walks without a pitch. Instead, a manager will signal to the home-plate umpire to send a batter to first base.

“It’s stupid,” Rockies catcher Dustin Garneau said. “It lets pitchers off the hook. One bad throw, it’s a base for somebody, or a run. And there are probably a lot of pitchers out there saying, ‘awesome.’ If I’m playing against a guy who can’t do it, I want to see him throw it to the backstop.”

Rules changes in notoriously staid MLB tend to be rare and bubble up over time. But the league seems bent on speeding up its game. Eliminating the ceremony of throwing four wide pitches to walk a better is meant to save time.

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2017/02/22/colorado-rockies-on-mlb-intentional-walk-rule/

[MOtorboat]

Karl Ravech likes the Rockies and Jon Gray. Could challenge Giants for wildcard.

[chazoe60]

Pretty cool article written by Nolan Arenado about the WBC

https://www.theplayerstribune.com/nolan-arenado-world-baseball-classic-team-usa/?partnerId=as_col_20170309_70661626&adbid=10154893124306113&adbpl=fb&adbpr=64466991112

[Denver Native (Carol)]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Chad Bettis beamed with relief last month when doctors showed him promising test results about his testicular cancer. But now, just two weeks later, the Rockies right-hander will require chemotherapy after doctors found the cancer had spread, he said Friday.

“It’s unfortunate,” he said. “It sucks, to be honest.”

Bettis, 27, who led the Rockies with 14 victories last year, is the oldest member of what sets up as a young-and-promising rotation. But Bettis will now require several weeks of treatment for a new round of cancer. Bettis said oncologists found in a recent checkup that his lymph nodes had swollen. A biopsy followed which showed that the cancer had spread.

His prognosis for a healthy recovery is good, in the 90 percent range, he said. Bettis will start chemotherapy treatment in Arizona sometime soon. And he and his wife Kristina are expecting their first child later this month.

But Bettis’ return to baseball this season is in doubt. “Optimistically? This year,” Bettis said. He was given a broad timeline of potential outcomes.

rest - http://www.denverpost.com/2017/03/10/chad-bettis-require-more-treatment-cancer-spreads/

This is really sad. I wish him only the best in beating this.

[chazoe60]

Nolan just got a 3 run Jack in the WBC.

[MOtorboat]

Dong town!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Rockies leaped into a risky move in December when they signed shortstop-turned-outfielder Ian Desmond to a rich, lengthy contract to play first base. The risk, it seemed, was asking him to suit up for a position he had never played.

But the danger waiting for Desmond was at the plate. The Rockies’ high-profile offseason free-agent signing was hit by a pitch in the fourth inning of a Cactus League game Sunday and broke his hand, the team said.

X-rays showed that Desmond fractured a bone on his glove side. His prognosis was not immediately known. He will be re-evaluated with a hand specialist in the coming days.

AND


Within the past week, the Rockies lost starting pitcher Chad Bettis after his cancer spread, along with starter Chris Rusin, who suffered an oblique strain. Less than two weeks ago, they lost outfielder David Dahl to a rib injury. And relief pitcher Chad Qualls is suffering with an elbow injury, it was learned Sunday.

“Real tough week, no doubt about it,” Black said.

full article - http://www.denverpost.com/2017/03/12/ian-desmond-rockies-hand-injury/

[chazoe60]

I'm so excited. I finally get to watch a Rockies game today. They're airing the Rox/Giants game on root as well as on MLB Network.

[chazoe60]

John Gray is the real deal.

[chazoe60]

I jinxed him.

[MOtorboat]

Good start to Opening Day.

[MOtorboat]

Well shit.

[Timmy!]

Same old rockies....

[Timmy!]

Way to pitch out of a jam!

[MOtorboat]

Way to pitch out of a jam!

It was a rough inning.

[Timmy!]

It was a rough inning.

Bullpen pitching pretty well though.

[Timmy!]

Tacos! (Well not for me...but still)

[MOtorboat]

Bullpen pitching pretty well though.

Yeah, Ottavino is probably the least of the Rockies' worries. Dunn pitched really well. Is Holland available yet, is he coming in in the ninth?

[slim]

John Gray is the real deal.

Yeah, his 11.25 ERA is pretty sweet!

[Timmy!]

Yeah, Ottavino is probably the least of the Rockies' worries. Dunn pitched really well. Is Holland available yet, is he coming in in the ninth?

Ya he's coming in to close.

[Timmy!]

Yeah, his 11.25 ERA is pretty sweet!

Lol. To be fair he was doing well before he completely train wrecked the 5th.

[slim]

2 run lead going into the bottom of the 9th and he walks the leadoff hitter.

******* brilliant.

[MOtorboat]

2 run lead going into the bottom of the 9th and he walks the leadoff hitter.

******* brilliant.

Woo-sah. He just wasn't biting on the slider.

[Timmy!]

Arenado is a beast.

[slim]

Woo-sah. He just wasn't biting on the slider.

Walking him was inexcusable. Throw a ******* strike and let the defense make a play.

[MOtorboat]

Walking him was inexcusable. Throw a ******* strike and let the defense make a play.

Piping one to Villar is a bad idea. He got Braun on the slider for a DP.

[slim]

Piping one to Villar is a bad idea. He got Braun on the slider for a DP.

A win is a win!

[Poet]

I am probably picking up the deal so I can catch all the games.

[MOtorboat]

Mike Dunn is filthy y'all.

[Buff]

Mike Dunn is filthy y'all.

Anytime you get 3 guys looking in the same inning you are a badass.

[slim]

The BP is going to be gassed by May.

[MOtorboat]

The BP is going to be gassed by May.

If the starters can get through five or six every night, they'll be OK. That's a big if.

[slim]

If the starters can get through five or six every night, they'll be OK. That's a big if.

It is a huge if.