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

[Timmy!]

HR Hawpe! Rocks have the lead!!!!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

HOW LONG HAVE WE WAITED FOR THIS KIND OF GAME :elefant:

[Denver Native (Carol)]

rockies ROCKIES WIN :elefant::elefant: ROCKIES WIN crhat

[BroncoAV06]

heck yes. Got back from the cages at a great time to catch the cycle!!

[Watchthemiddle]

HOW LONG HAVE WE WAITED FOR THIS KIND OF GAME :elefant:

ALLLL season!!

What an 8th inning. Thats the Rockies we all know and love.

[Broncospsycho77]

Didn't get to watch the game (stupid Ohio :tsk:) but "watched" the last 3 innings on Gamecast. What a win! Looked like an old-school victory for sure.

[Watchthemiddle]

Didn't get to watch the game (stupid Ohio :tsk:) but "watched" the last 3 innings on Gamecast. What a win! Looked like an old-school victory for sure.

www.mlb.com has video highlights.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

What a GREAT move by Clint :salute:

http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080606&content_id=2856201&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col

Hurdle names Baylor to All-Star staff
Rockies skipper honors former manager with auxiliary role


DENVER -- Part of the thrill for Clint Hurdle as he prepares to manage his first All-Star Game next month has been the opportunity to honor a man who was instrumental in his big league coaching career. On Friday, Hurdle announced that he was able to name that man, Don Baylor, as an auxiliary part of his All-Star Game coaching staff.

Baylor was the Rockies' first manager, serving from 1993-98 and promoting Hurdle from Minor League hitting instructor to his role as Major League hitting coach and first-base coach in 1997, a role Hurdle held through two changes in managers until becoming the skipper himself in 2002.

"I believe Don Baylor has done a tremendous amount for me personally, and this is a small token of my appreciation, to be able to give an opportunity for him to be back at an All-Star Game," Hurdle said. "Being an ex-Yankee, and having added so much value to the Rockies organization over the years, and to be part of it as an auxiliary member of my coaching staff, I'm very, very happy to afford him this opportunity."

Hurdle has been working on the logistics of getting Baylor approved throughout the year, dealing directly with MLB vice president for club relations Katy Feeney.

"It's something I felt strongly about very early in the new year and approached Katy Feeney about it," Hurdle explained of the unusual appointment. "Throughout the course of discussions with the National League, [Commissioner] Bud Selig and Major League Baseball, they wanted to be sensitive that it was something of worth and added value."

Baylor's six years managing the Rockies produced their first postseason appearance, when they won the Wild Card in 1995. He remains the Rockies manager with the best winning percentage (.484), though Hurdle passed him in total wins on the second-to-last day of the 2007 season. Baylor was an American League All-Star in his MVP season of 1979, and he served as a member of Jim Leyland's All-Star Game coaching staff in 1998, when the Midsummer Classic was held at Coors Field. Ironically, Leyland succeeded him as Rockies manager the following season.

As recently as Spring Training, when Baylor spent a week with the Angels as a special instructor, he reflected on the Rockies' spectacular World Series run in 2007, taking pride in the organization's accomplishments.

"You think of all the people who really got them to that point," Baylor said. "For me, it was pretty sweet for them to win on the road like they did. No one said anything else about that Rockies, mile-high difference. They played as a team. They had a lot of homegrown guys that came through the organization and did well for them. They had such a layoff, and I think that really hurt them. They had a lot of momentum. I wish it would have been different. Now they're going to have to repeat and do it again."

Baylor will be in a Rockies uniform for the festivity, participating in the workout and Home Run Derby on Monday. He will not be in the dugout for Tuesday's game, but he will be in the clubhouse beforehand.

Hurdle got clearance from Major League Baseball toward the end of May, and made the invitation to Baylor before leaving on the Rockies' recent road trip.

"It was very exciting to have the opportunity to ask him," Hurdle said. "And I think he's very excited about the opportunity that's out there for him to get to New York, to be in a Rockies uniform for the All-Star Game and to be a part of the Yankees' tradition of the last All-Star Game in that stadium. It was all good."

[BroncoAV06]

Clear that the nijuries have affected this club...

Hawpe wit the Grand Slam, back in the line-up 2 HR's baby! Chirs follows that up with a solo shot.

Reynolds with run support don't let the Brew Crew get right back on the board. Got to keep Fielder/Hart/HArdy off the board coming up at least one of them.

Figures that the night I am producing the Isotopes game that I miss all this, at least I have game track.

[Timmy!]

Welcome back Brad Hawpe!

[Watchthemiddle]

Back to back HR's.....oh how nice.

Welcome back Bradley.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080607&content_id=2862811&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col


DENVER -- Fans at Coors Field on Saturday night had a chance to enjoy shortstop Troy Tulowitzki's bobblehead doll, but it doesn't appear long until they can behold the real player.

Tulowitzki's progress from his torn tendon in his left quadriceps has hit such a high gear that the Rockies' staff will meet Monday with the expectation of sending him to the Minors on an injury rehab assignment in the middle of the week, according to head trainer Keith Dugger.

Tulowitzki, who suffered the injury on April 29, said he has stopped thinking about the injury in recent days, and just needs to regain sharpness. He's not sure how long that will take.

"If I'd done it before, I'd have a better guess on when I'll be ready, but i want to get some at-bats under my belt, plus be out there and get that first step on defense," Tulowitzki said. "I'm thinking maybe a week, maybe a little more."

Tulowitzki worked out on Saturday with Dugger before batting practice as the Rockies try to increase his conditioning level.

"He's doing very well," Dugger said. "I'd say the last week he's been taking full ground balls. The last four or five days, there's no hesitation. He looks normal."

Early estimates had Tulowitzki out until some time around the All-Star break, either before or just after. Now his pending quick return adds to a suddenly healthy outlook for the Rockies, who started the season poorly and became beset with injuries but entered Saturday night's game against the Brewers with a three-game winning streak.

Right fielder Brad Hawpe homered on Friday night in his return from a right hamstring strain. Right-handed reliever Luis Vizcaino, a key free-agent acquisition during the winter, was activated Saturday night after not pitching since April 3 because of a right shoulder strain. Two-time All-Star left fielder Matt Holliday is expected to complete his rehab assignment from a left hamstring strain this weekend at Triple-A Colorado Springs and return to the club on Tuesday.

Additionally, second baseman Clint Barmes, who suffered a right knee sprain on May 23, is increasing what Duger calls "baseball activity" -- hitting, fielding, agility drills -- but is still "a ways out." Right-handed reliever Kip Wells, who had surgery to remove a blood clot from his right hand, is throwing bullpen sessions of 35 pitches and using all of his pitches. Lefty reliever Micah Bowie began a rehab assignment in Colorado Springs on Friday night as he recovers from a left forearm strain.

Righty Jason Hirsh, who has not pitched this season because of a strain deep in his right rotator cuff, has thrown two injury rehab starts at Colorado Springs.

"We're definitely looking forward to getting all our pieces back when we can get them back, putting them into play and developing a more consistent theme with our lineup, and our rotation, and our bullpen as we move forward with the season," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said.

[Timmy!]

Tacos!

[Timmy!]

Rocks are starting to come around. Reynolds looked like a different pitcher out there with some run support. 4 in a row! Make it 5 tomorrow Rocks! All of this without Holliday who should be back on Tuesday.

[Watchthemiddle]

Rocks are starting to come around. Reynolds looked like a different pitcher out there with some run support. 4 in a row! Make it 5 tomorrow Rocks! All of this without Holliday who should be back on Tuesday.

WHOO HOOO!!!:elefant:

And Tulo is supposed to start rehab on tues or thurs. Way ahead of schedule.

I was thinking today that these injuries might have been a blessing in disguise.

Thest players are coming back and not pressing so hard. The whole team is. THey are looking good.

[BroncoAV06]

Holliday was 4-4 yesterday. Tulo is coming along great. Quads are death, I dont know what i did to mine but both are tight and burn which makes it hard to walk! Francis today see if he can build off his last start.

[Kapaibro]

Tulo link (http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080607&content_id=2862811&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col)

Fans at Coors Field on Saturday night had a chance to enjoy shortstop Troy Tulowitzki's bobblehead doll, but it doesn't appear long until they can behold the real player.

Tulowitzki's progress from his torn tendon in his left quadriceps has hit such a high gear that the Rockies' staff will meet Monday with the expectation of sending him to the Minors on an injury rehab assignment in the middle of the week, according to head trainer Keith Dugger.

Tulowitzki, who suffered the injury on April 29, said he has stopped thinking about the injury in recent days, and just needs to regain sharpness. He's not sure how long that will take.

"If I'd done it before, I'd have a better guess on when I'll be ready, but i want to get some at-bats under my belt, plus be out there and get that first step on defense," Tulowitzki said. "I'm thinking maybe a week, maybe a little more."

Tulowitzki worked out on Saturday with Dugger before batting practice as the Rockies try to increase his conditioning level.

"He's doing very well," Dugger said. "I'd say the last week he's been taking full ground balls. The last four or five days, there's no hesitation. He looks normal."

Early estimates had Tulowitzki out until some time around the All-Star break, either before or just after. Now his pending quick return adds to a suddenly healthy outlook for the Rockies, who started the season poorly and became beset with injuries but entered Saturday night's game against the Brewers with a three-game winning streak.

Right fielder Brad Hawpe homered on Friday night in his return from a right hamstring strain. Right-handed reliever Luis Vizcaino, a key free-agent acquisition during the winter, was activated Saturday night after not pitching since April 3 because of a right shoulder strain. Two-time All-Star left fielder Matt Holliday is expected to complete his rehab assignment from a left hamstring strain this weekend at Triple-A Colorado Springs and return to the club on Tuesday.

Additionally, second baseman Clint Barmes, who suffered a right knee sprain on May 23, is increasing what Duger calls "baseball activity" -- hitting, fielding, agility drills -- but is still "a ways out." Right-handed reliever Kip Wells, who had surgery to remove a blood clot from his right hand, is throwing bullpen sessions of 35 pitches and using all of his pitches. Lefty reliever Micah Bowie began a rehab assignment in Colorado Springs on Friday night as he recovers from a left forearm strain.

Righty Jason Hirsh, who has not pitched this season because of a strain deep in his right rotator cuff, has thrown two injury rehab starts at Colorado Springs.

"We're definitely looking forward to getting all our pieces back when we can get them back, putting them into play and developing a more consistent theme with our lineup, and our rotation, and our bullpen as we move forward with the season," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said.

[Kapaibro]

Holy schmoly


The 1.2M feed on mlb.tv is super fine!!!!!!!!!

[Kapaibro]

hmmmmmmmmm

Jeffy has another dodgey first inning

[Kapaibro]

Jeff got a RBI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kapaibro]

8 pitch inning for Jeffy!

[Kapaibro]

RBI to Ianetta

3-2 Brewers

[Broncospsycho77]

Well, Quintanilla ruins a good attempt with a man on third :tsk:...

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Could have picked up a game on Arizona today :tsk: :banghead:

[BroncoAV06]

Farm Report:

Kendall Albaugh, a blogger at purplerow.com, writes a weekly Farm Report for the Rocky Mountain News.

Tools Turning to Skills for Fowler
Tuesday, June 3 at 3:14 PM
To see where Fowler's at, it would be helpful to draw comparisons to other top center field prospects that have advanced through the Texas League. Unfortunately, the TL has been sort of a dead zone for center fielders the last couple of seasons with one bright and notable exception, too bright, as it turns out. The St. Louis Cardinals' Colby Rasmus last season had a breakout year at their Texas League affiliate in Springfield. Rasmus is five months younger than Fowler, so being a level ahead at a younger age automatically puts him in a higher tier to start. Rasmus had a huge 2007 season, with a .274 batting average, he belted 29 homeruns and 37 doubles on his way to being considered one of the top prospects in the game. Fowler, just about half way through his AA season, is well short of Rasmus' power pace, hitting five homeruns and ten doubles thus far. Dexter is showing slightly better contact skills, hitting .285 with a lower strikeout percentage than Rasmus had, but the age differences would mitigate that.

This doesn't quite tell the whole story, however, as there are several indicators that Rasmus' 2007 was a spike in his progression and that he's not quite as skilled a player as he showed last year just yet. This season, Rasmus' production has dropped considerably to a more pedestrian level at the Cardinals' AAA Memphis affiliate. While he should still be considered an elite prospect, what seems to have driven Rasmus' success at Springfield was a one season aberration in his line drive rate. Over the last three seasons, his LD% has looked like this:

2006 13%
2007 23%
2008 10%
Fowler's been much more consistent, his 17% line drive rate in 2008 is higher than what it was at Asheville or Modesto (both years were at 13%) but not nearly the same sort of dramatic and unsustainable spike that Rasmus saw, plus Fowler's gain is consistent with a player gaining familiarity with switch hitting. Rasmus also benefited from a stadium that has generated about 20% more homeruns than the league average over the last couple of seasons, while Drillers stadium has been a little less hitter friendly than usual in that time. Once you cut through the benefits Rasmus got from his good fortune and his kind stadium, Fowler does close some of the gap. And while Rasmus should still be considered the better offensive prospect by a good margin, Fowler also gains by having a better defensive profile that should keep him in center field longer.

Another encouraging sign for Fowler is improvement in his contact. He's lowered his strikeout rate from 21.4% in 2007, to 17.9% so far in 2008. As a likely table setter in the big leagues, Fowler's on base percentage should be in the .380 range at this level, and while he's just shy of that figure right now at .372, his .383 clip in May shows that he's moving the right direction. Fowler still hits much better from his natural right side than from the left, he's hitting .390 with a .585 slugging percentage against left-handers, .260 with a .405 slugging percentage from the left side against right-handers.

With a bit more than half a season left to play, Fowler's positioned himself well for the summer months when offense in the Texas League rises with the temperature. With a particularly strong summer, he could see a cameo in Coors late this year, but it seems a little more likely at this point that he'll make his debut in 2009. The ceiling at this point Fowler seems to be a strong center-fielder who's capable of regularly hitting 15-20 homeruns and stealing 25-30 bases in his prime. His contact and speed skills still suggest that he should be able to have a couple of 200 hit seasons, particularly playing at Coors Field. Keep in mind that the switch-hitting makes projections a little tricky, because his average could be better if he hit from the right side only, but his power would suffer.

Colorado Springs: The Sky Sox roster has begun to resemble an open tryout camp for players cut by other teams, as well as a couple drawn from independent leagues, in the wake of injury mandated call-ups to Denver the past couple of weeks. Former Rockies outfielder Dustan Mohr was signed from the Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association and former Red Sox prospect Kenny Perez has been signed from the York Revolution of the Atlantic League to fill spots on the Sky Sox roster. The roster shift has also meant increased playing time for players like Christian Colonel, Chris Frey and Doug Bernier, and the three are taking advantage of it. Colonel has sixteen hits in his last ten games (.381 AVG) including nine doubles. Bernier homered twice Monday night (one was inside the park thanks to a bad hop) and he's hitting .355 over his last ten games while Frey is hitting .366 over that span.

Tulsa: The Drillers have had some bad luck with hands and wrists this year. Besides Chris Nelson, who broke his hamate bone just as Eric Young Jr. was returning from a similar injury he suffered in April, outfielder Daniel Carte has been out since May 29 after jamming his wrist and was expected to see a doctor Tuesday. Right hander Alan Johnson has had some mixed results this season, but on Monday he had one of the system's most dominant starts of 2008. Johnson struck out twelve in seven innings, allowing just five hits and two walks. Perez and Eddie Cornejo are among the candidates to fill Nelson's roster spot once Clint Barmes returns from the DL.

Modesto: Right-handed pitcher Shane Lindsay broke his pitching hand in an off field incident and will be rehabbing in Tucson. He is expected to miss six to eight weeks. Closer Andrew Johnston sprained his ankle while pitching Sunday night but should return in 5-7 days. Not all the news is bad or about injuries for the Nuts, Aneury Rodriguez pitched his second complete game shutout of the season Monday night, allowing just two hits and striking out ten. Rodriguez has had five straight quality starts.

Asheville: The Tourists had a nine game win streak snapped today, but they still lead their division by two and a half games with twelve games left before first half playoff spots are decided. Seven Tourists players as well as manager Joe Mikulik were selected to the South Atlantic League All-Star team; pitchers Jhoulys Chacin, Joey Williamson and Randall Taylor, and position players Darin Holcomb, Brian Rike, Michael Mitchell and Everth Cabrera. The four position players and Chacin were also named starters for the game to be held June 17. Taylor leads all of the minor leagues in saves with 19, and was named the SAL's co-pitcher of the week after notching five in the past week alone.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080608&content_id=2870120&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col

Holliday to return for Giants opener
Colorado (24-39) vs. San Francisco (28-35), Tuesday, 7:05 MT
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com


DENVER -- Every few days it seems, the Rockies roll out the welcome mat for a player regaining health. Now they're rolling it out for their biggest star, left fielder Matt Holliday.

A left hamstring strain on May 24 forced Holliday to the disabled list, but after three games at Triple-A Colorado Springs he is ready to return. Holliday is slated to return Tuesday for the opener of a three-game set against the Giants at Coors Field.

He finished his stint on Sunday by hitting a home run in his first at-bat and going 2-for-4 in the Sky Sox's 6-3 loss to Salt Lake City. In three games, Holliday was 6-for-10 with a home run, a double and three RBIs during his rehab.

Holliday returns with a .321 average, eight home runs (tied with Garrett Atkins for the club lead) and is second on the team with 26 RBIs, despite the time missed.

The Rockies also have seen Brad Hawpe hit home runs in two of his first three games back from a hamstring injury and have brought back Luis Vizcaino from a shoulder injury. Infielders Troy Tulowitzki and Clint Barmes aren't far from returning.

It's happening at a time when the Rockies have won four of their last five games.

"I'm excited for Holliday to get back," Hawpe said. "I'll be excited for Tulo to get back, and Barmes. They're not far away. We've got a chance to get our offense together and a chance to score some runs.

"That's the trick. We have a good offense, but it doesn't matter if we're not healthy. I think we've got a bunch of good players coming back right now, which is good for us."

Pitching matchup
COL: RHP Aaron Cook (8-3, 3.16 ERA)
Cook was sharp in his last start, allowing a run over eight innings to pick up his eighth victory of the year. He also tied a season high with six strikeouts and helped the Rockies build a modest two-game winning streak after losing eight straight. Cook is 4-6 in his career against the Giants, but was 2-0 against them last season.

SF: LHP Pat Misch (0-2, 5.79 ERA)
Misch threw a scoreless inning in Saturday's 6-0 rout of the Nationals and will rejoin the rotation for Tuesday's start in Colorado. The Giants skipped over Misch last time after he went 0-2 with a 6.39 ERA in six starts. He moved to the bullpen after that, but goes back to the starting rotation this time. The Giants recalled him from Triple-A Fresno on April 27.

Tidbits
Jeff Baker went into Sunday's game against the Brewers with a bruised right knee. He didn't start, but singled in a pinch-hit appearance. Cook pinch-ran for him. Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs had a stiff lower back, but made a pinch-hit appearance. ... Vizcaino saw action on Sunday for the first time since early April, and threw a scoreless eighth. He walked two with two out, although on the second walk he -- and the booing patrons at Coors -- felt his 2-2 pitch to Joe Dillion should have finished the inning. Vizcaino ended the inning by forcing Gabe Kapler to pop foul to first baseman Todd Helton. "I feel comfortable throwing the ball, and with my pitches," Vizcaino said. "I'm ready to go. I'm happy they gave me the opportunity today." ... Triple-A Colorado Springs first baseman Joe Koshansky earned organization hitter of the month for May by hitting .306 with eight doubles, seven home runs and 31 RBIs in 28 games. Class A Modesto right-hander Aneury Rodriguez earned Rockies pitcher of the month honors by going 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA in five starts. He threw a complete-game one-hitter on May 11 against Lake Elsinore. ... Righty reliever Ryan Speier gave up two hits during a scoreless inning on Sunday against the Brewers. It was his first Major League outing since May 11, when he was hit on his throwing shoulder by a line drive against the Padres. ... Pitcher Kyle Ottoson of Eaton, Colo., a Rockies Draft pick, participated in the Colorado Senior Top 50 All-Star Game at Coors Field after the Rockies' loss to the Brewers on Sunday.

[Rick]

7-1 Rocks...

Here is to hopefully turning this damn season around...

[BMF Bronco]

nice, put up ten tonight, most runs in a long ass time, good job boys

[Timmy!]

I'll be at the game tonight. If you see some drunk guy in the upper deck behind home plate that's me :D

[BMF Bronco]

Unless you fall from the upper deck on to home plate, I doubt we'll see you my friend

[DomCasual]

The lead is down to 8.5. Tulo coming back. Hirsh coming back. Barmes is coming back. Ubaldo is showing signs of turning it around. Cook is an anchor.

I wouldn't bet on them climbing back into it, but I wouldn't bet against it. :cheer2:

[BMF Bronco]

let's hope we can keep this momentum going!!!

[Timmy!]

As previously stated, the Rockies don't lose when I attend the game :D

[Rick]

Let management know...you will end up with season tickets :)

[BroncoAV06]

Great game for Ubaldo.

On a side note a buddy of mine that I work with a couple of weeks back got a position with the Rockies, he runs the Game Track and gets a great seat to the games in the boxes, I hate him...


DENVER -- Willy Taveras once again started in center field Wednesday against the Giants, as manager Clint Hurdle gave Ryan Spilborghs another day to rest his sore lower back.
But once everyone is healthy, a situation to watch is the playing time dynamic in center. Taveras has been the starter since arriving in a trade with the Astros before last season. But Spilborghs put up strong numbers in spot starts the last two years and entered Wednesday hitting .312 to Taveras' .234.

Hurdle hinted at giving Spilborghs increased time in center Tuesday and went there again Wednesday. He did not call Spilborghs his new guy in center, but said he would receive increased activity.

Spilborghs, who said he has healed from being beaten up on dives defensively, said he feels comfortable in center, even though he lacks the speed of Taveras. Spilborghs said he and Hurdle haven't talked about the issue of increased time in center.

"I think I play center field as well as you can play it," said Spilborghs, who gained a hitting rhythm while replacing left fielder Matt Holliday and right fielder Brad Hawpe when they were injured. "Obviously, Willy's going to make some plays that few guys in the entire Major Leagues can make.

"I don't think I'm a liability at all in center field. I feel super-comfortable out there, and it's a natural position for any outfielder."

If the playing time tilts Spilborghs' way, however, it will be because the Rockies want to improve offensively. Taveras entered with a .290 on-base percentage. Rockies leadoff hitters this season had the lowest on-base percentage in the National League at .276 and the next-to-lowest batting average, .217.

Scott Podsednik has fared better as a pinch-hitter than as a starter (.218 average, .290 OBP in 15 games as leadoff man). Also, Spilborghs hasn't fared well in limited leadoff duty (.194, .257 OBP in nine games).

Hurdle said Taveras has been "incrementally better" recently. Taveras, one of the league's top stolen base threats, is 23-for-25 on steals. But Hurdle believes competition for playing time is healthy.

"Nobody stays hot the entire time, so when guys can piggy-back off one another -- until a guy just takes off and runs away with the position -- that's always a good thing to have," Hurdle said. "It keeps people sharper and fresher."

Taveras, however, said he feels the competition mentality leads to the selfish pursuit of stats.

If Taveras, making $1.975 million this season with two years of arbitration to follow, is the odd man out, he is aware it could lead to his departure in a trade. He feels extra work with hitting coach Alan Cockrell will help, and he would prefer to stay as the regular center fielder.

"It's not a competition for me; that's not why they traded for me here -- it was to be the everyday leadoff and center fielder, and hopefully they still need it," said Taveras, who battled injury last season but finished with a .320 average,.382 slugging percentage and .367 on-base percentage, all career bests. "If the future is not here for me, it might be somewhere else.

"It's happened to me before; I've been traded before. But I'm ready to do whatever they want. They want me to steal bases, and I want to be hitting better so I can steal the bases they want. I'm going to keep working hard. But I'm not going to compete for a job and just get numbers."

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Willy has struggled but does make up for it with his defense. I like the idea. Not so much the attitude of Willy about the situation. Not sure what the Rockies would do, Spilly lead of or Omar with the stats of Spilly not having great stats in 9 games at leadoff. You love that speed at the top, but at the same time Willy has struggled getting on base and alot of his steals come in bunches, 2-3 in a game which means there are many times in which he is not on base.

[BroncoAV06]

By Nick Giannandrea, Special to the Rocky
Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki showed no noticeable problems Wednesday night from the torn left quadriceps tendon injury he suffered April 29.

More important to Tulowitzki and the Rockies, he didn't feel any worse for wear after playing his first game in more than a month.

Tulowitzki made a rehabilitation start for Single-A Modesto of the California League, going hitless in three at-bats and fielding his only ball at shortstop cleanly during the Nuts' game against the Visalia Oaks.

"I felt real good, no pain," said Tulowitzki, who has been on the disabled list since April 30. "It was nice to be in the batter's box and play some defense in a real game."

Tulowitzki didn't reach base, but he did hit the ball hard three times before leaving to receive an ice treatment after the fifth inning.

He hit a sharp grounder to shortstop in the first inning, sent a sacrifice fly to the warning track in straightaway center field in the third and hit a rocket right at the third baseman in the fifth.

Defensively, Tulowitzki turned the only ball hit to him into a double play.

"I hit the ball hard and I got a double-play ball," said Tulowitzki, who sent five balls out of Recreation Park during a pregame batting-practice session that seemed to get better with every turn he took in the cage. "I'm happy with where I'm at."

Originally thought to be sidelined until about the All-Star break, Tulowitzki will continue his rehabilitation tonight and is expected to play seven innings for the Nuts in their series finale at Visalia.

He will remain with Modesto for a three-game series at Rancho Cucamonga, where he is expected to test the leg more by playing nine innings. Tulowitzki will return Monday to Denver to be evaluated.

If everything checks out, he'll continue his rehabilitation with Triple-A Colorado Springs. Tulowitzki tentatively is targeting a return to the Rockies lineup for their June 20-22 series at home against the New York Mets.

Tulowitzki was hitting .152 with one home run and 11 RBI before injuring his quadriceps while charging a groundball against the Giants.

Always good to hear positive news from rehab work.

Line-ups for todays game:
The lineups


Rockies
CF Spilborghs
2B Baker
LF Holliday
1B Helton (L)
3B Atkins
RF Hawpe (L)
C Torrealba
SS Quintanilla (L)
RHP Reynolds

Giants
LF Lewis (L)
3B Castillo
2B Durham (S)
CF Rowand
RF Bowker (L)
1B Aurilia
SS Burriss (S)
C Holm
LHP Sanchez (L)

[BroncoAV06]

Bad outing for Reynolds, Rocks 3-18 with RISP, just could not get that big hit for the sweep. Chi-town this weekend, Francis vs Floyd tomorrow.

[Watchthemiddle]

Bad outing for Reynolds, Rocks 3-18 with RISP, just could not get that big hit for the sweep. Chi-town this weekend, Francis vs Floyd tomorrow.

I am happy with winning every series. 2 series won in a row. Keep this thing rolling.

[BroncoAV06]

Rocky Moutain News
Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki went 0-for-3 and made two fielding errors while playing seven innings in his second game on a rehabilitation assignment with Single-A Modesto on Thursday night.

Tulowitzki flied out to right, grounded into a force out and grounded out to the pitcher before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.

On Wednesday night he also went 0-for-3, but he turned a double play on the only ball him to him.

Tulowitzki suffered a torn left quadriceps April 29 in San Francisco and was thought to possibly be out until after the All-Star break. But if all goes according to plans Tulowitzki will return to the Rockies for their series at Coors Field against the Mets June 20-22.

8 innings this game, good sign, just have to keep getting out there and get into the flow of the game again.

[Kapaibro]

Tulo time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Timmy!]

Keep getting series wins, then get Tulo, Barmes, and Hirsh (for the 1st time) back.

9.5 back with just under 100 left to play. Plenty of time. Time for the snakes to go on a 10 game losing streak.

[Timmy!]

Nothing special but I figured why not share?

Pregame from our seats at Coors on Wednesday night:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb304/timmy80906/IMG_0023.jpg

[slim]

Nothing special but I figured why not share?

Pregame from our seats at Coors on Wednesday night:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb304/timmy80906/IMG_0023.jpg

You lucky SOB. I would love to watch a game there.

It looks bleak right now, but...it looked bleek last year at this time. Get healthy and get back in the race.

[Timmy!]

You lucky SOB. I would love to watch a game there.

It looks bleak right now, but...it looked bleek last year at this time. Get healthy and get back in the race.

Coors is really a sweet friggin park. Lots of ball left to play, they have actually been playing pretty well as of late, tough loss tonight, but it was very close. 95 or so games to play, just need to keep getting series wins and things will work out.

[Watchthemiddle]

Coors is really a sweet friggin park. Lots of ball left to play, they have actually been playing pretty well as of late, tough loss tonight, but it was very close. 95 or so games to play, just need to keep getting series wins and things will work out.

4 HR's on the road and lose 4-5. That sucks!!

Hitting is contagious...now we just need the pitching to catch on.

[BroncoAV06]

Walks kill. Tough one last night but good to see Stewart get a hold of a couple.


Hirsh off DL; Officially at the Springs
Friday, June 13 at 7:46 PM
RHP Jason Hirsh was removed from the 60-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs, according to MLB.com. In a corresponding move, the Rockies outrighted OF Cory Sullivan to Coloardo Springs, removing him from the 40-man roster to make room for Hirsh.

The Rockies did not announce the moves, but they were listed on the Major League Baseball transactions list supplied to MLB.com.

Sullivan had to clear waivers to be outrighted, but with a $1 million salary, Sullivan was not of interst to the 29 other major-league teams.

The move with Hirsh will provide a minimal financial break for the Rockies -- $1,138 a day while Hirsh is in the minor leagues. More than that, however, it will keep Hirsh was gaining major-league service time while he is on the disabled list.

Hirsh is currently working his way back into shape after suffering a strained right rotator cuff in spring training. He had made three starts in his rehab assignment and was expected to make at least three more. He pitched only two innings during spring training.

[Timmy!]

Good win. 2nd shutout in less than a week! The Rocks need to get it together with runners in scoring position. Worst in the NL isn't going to cut it, they should be putting up WAY WAY more runs. Cook tomorrow with a chance for another series win.

GO rockies

[Denver Native (Carol)]

crhat ROCKIES WIN - ROCKIES WIN :elefant:

[Timmy!]

The snakes are also getting crushed by the Royals. 8.5 back. That's a 3 game gain in less than 10 days :woot:

[MOtorboat]

The snakes are also getting crushed by the Royals. 8.5 back. That's a 3 game gain in less than 10 days :woot:

Don't count your chicks before they hatch. It ain't over till its over with the Royals lately.

[Timmy!]

Don't count your chicks before they hatch. It ain't over till its over with the Royals lately.

If the Royals blow a 9 run lead in the 7th I will personally drive to Kansas City and stun gun every last one of them :D

[MOtorboat]

If the Royals blow a 9 run lead in the 7th I will personally drive to Kansas City and stun gun every last one of them :D

Well, they gave up 10 runs in the seventh on Wednesday. Of course, they were only up by four in that game.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

crhat ROCKIES WIN - ROCKIES WIN :elefant::elefant:

[Kapaibro]

The Rockies win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5-3!

[Timmy!]

That's a road series win. Against a pretty good ball club at that. When the Rocks get Tulo and Barmes back, lookout!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Rockies - ONLY team to win in the Division today :salute:

[Kapaibro]

That's a road series win. Against a pretty good ball club at that. When the Rocks get Tulo and Barmes back, lookout!

There were a couple of plays that Stweart and Quintanilla missed that you just KNOW Tulo and Barmes would have killed!

[Timmy!]

Frigging ouch. No worries.....time to get another series win against the Indians.

[Watchthemiddle]

:elefant: = Brad Hawpe again

:elefant::beer:= Jeff Baker inside the park HR...:salute:

[Timmy!]

The Rockies win!!!

5 series wins in a row :woot:

[Denver Native (Carol)]

The Rockies win!!!

5 series wins in a row :woot:

And - 10 wins out of the last 14 games :elefant:

[Timmy!]

The pitching is really starting to come around. Q and Baker are both doing a pretty good job as well. When the Rocks get Tulo, Barmes, and Hirsh back we'll have depth coming out of our ears!

[Rick]

3-2 Rockies, come on pitching...

[Rick]

4-3 Rockies...

[Rick]

5-3...


Lets go Rocks!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Another win - SWEEP :elefant: Lookin Good :elefant:

[Watchthemiddle]

SWEEP!!!!

Is that our first one this year?

That makes 5 series wins in a row!! :beer:

[Thnikkaman]

Lets hope that we keep this pace on for the rest of the marathon <knock on wood/>

[Timmy!]

Rocks are whopping some arse....I couldn't ask to go out on a better note.

I'll going to try to make it to Coors again in July sometime. If you see a drunk fat guy dive from the upper deck after a foul ball, drink a beer for me :D

[MOtorboat]

Per ESPN Fantasy:

Tulowitzki (left quadriceps) has professed himself ready to return on Friday night, but the Rockies' coaches and trainers will make the final decision on Friday afternoon, the Rockies' official web site reports.
Spin: He is likely to play on Friday and should immediately regain his starting shortstop role. Tulo was hitting .152 (16-for-105) at the time of his injury, so he has to battle rust and a lack of confidence.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

crhat - MOVIN UP:

Arizona 39 34 .534 - -
Los Angeles 34 38 .472 4.5
Colorado 31 42 .425 8.0
San Francisco 31 42 .425 8.0
San Diego 31 43 .419 8.5

[Thnikkaman]

I don't expect LA to do very well against St. Louis.

[BMF Bronco]

st louis is going to be pissed after being swept by the royals.

[Kapaibro]

Tulo got his first out! And it was David Wright!

Great to see him back!

[Watchthemiddle]

Tulo got his first out! And it was David Wright!

Great to see him back!

Yes it is.

This team is playing good ball right now. All the pieces are slowly coming back together.

[MOtorboat]

It's GOING!

[Kapaibro]

And Baker just HOMERED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4th HR in 4 games!, drove in Willy T!

[Watchthemiddle]

And Baker just HOMERED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4th HR in 4 games!, drove in Willy T!

:elefant:

Once Willie gets on, it adds a whole new demension for pitchers.

I am really loving the depth of this team.

To have the amount of injuries we have had and for our depth to keep us in this race, its amazing.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

And Baker just HOMERED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4th HR in 4 games!, drove in Willy T!

Can you believe it - right now, Baker is a homerun machine :elefant:

[Rick]

Baker is making it a hard decision for management.

he is playing just too damnm good to not play him...but who the hell do you sit when they come back? Atkins? Not likely. Holliday? Dream on. Barmes? He was playing great before getting hurt. Hawpe? He can have his days were he isn't hitting but the games were he hits everything...

So who sits...

Maybe good problem to have...

[slim]

Baker is making it a hard decision for management.

he is playing just too damnm good to not play him...but who the hell do you sit when they come back? Atkins? Not likely. Holliday? Dream on. Barmes? He was playing great before getting hurt. Hawpe? He can have his days were he isn't hitting but the games were he hits everything...

So who sits...

Maybe good problem to have...

Barmes will sit and Baker will play second. Not saying it is the right move, but that is what will happen.

[slim]

Barmes will sit and Baker will play second. Not saying it is the right move, but that is what will happen.

Actually, I take that back. It is the right move.

[Kapaibro]

And Arizona are getting whupped! Thanks again to the Brewers!

[Kapaibro]

How hard it must be to be Hurdle!

Such depth at 2nd, and out field!

[Kapaibro]

Well hell

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Baker is making it a hard decision for management.

he is playing just too damnm good to not play him...but who the hell do you sit when they come back? Atkins? Not likely. Holliday? Dream on. Barmes? He was playing great before getting hurt. Hawpe? He can have his days were he isn't hitting but the games were he hits everything...

So who sits...

Maybe good problem to have...

What was discussed last night after the game was that Baker would stick, at least for awhile, when Barmes comes back, because shortly the Rockies will be on the road playing American League teams, and Baker will be the designated hitter.

[MOtorboat]

Well hell

It wasn't a bad pitch...Delgado has been pulling everything...of course...too bad he decided to snap out of that tonight...

[slim]

How hard it must be to be Hurdle!

Such depth at 2nd, and out field!

Not really that difficult. Barmes started out as a utility guy and Baker has gone deep in four straight games. I honestly feel that Barmes is a better player and I'm sure he will take over at second eventually, but you gotta play Baker while he is hot.

[Kapaibro]

Not really that difficult. Barmes started out as a utility guy and Baker has gone deep in four straight games. I honestly feel that Barmes is a better player and I'm sure he will take over at second eventually, but you gotta play Baker while he is hot.

Not just Barmes and Baker, but Omar, Herrera and even Stewart have shown they work well thrown into the mix, and even Atkins can do it!

[slim]

Not just Barmes and Baker, but Omar, Herrera and even Stewart have shown they work well thrown into the mix, and even Atkins can do it!

I think Herrera has already been sent down. No way you bench Atkins, and Tulo will take over at SS...no question about it. The only question his who plays second base.

[Kapaibro]

I think Herrera has already been sent down. No way you bench Atkins, and Tulo will take over at SS...no question about it. The only question his who plays second base.

I wasn't suggesting benching Atkins (hell no), but I was pointing out how well the guys we have had played at second.

[Kapaibro]

Well thank goodness that inning is over.

[slim]

SMH...I will henceforth refrain from posting in this thread. It is apparent to me that I am bad luck to my beloved Rocks.

[Watchthemiddle]

SMH...I will henceforth refrain from posting in this thread. It is apparent to me that I am bad luck to my beloved Rocks.

Bye.

We got some work to do now.

[Tned]

Let's Go, Met's Go!!! :D

[Kapaibro]

Let's Go, Met's Go!!! :D

Booooooooooooooooooo


Hissssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[Kapaibro]

Yeah baby!

Garrett with the kick ass double play!

Okay, it's 4.30 am, maybe I should go to bed

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Let's Go, Met's Go!!! :D

Oh no - the boss is here - he never posts here :behindsofa: Are you hitting this Tned - :wine:

[Tned]

Oh no - the boss is here - he never posts here :behindsofa: Are you hitting this Tned - :wine:

No, just enjoying the Mets beating up on the Rockies :laugh:

[Thnikkaman]

No, just enjoying the Mets beating up on the Rockies :laugh:

Where is my neg rep button?

[Denver Native (Carol)]

No, just enjoying the Mets beating up on the Rockies :laugh:

:censored::censored:

[Rick]

No, just enjoying the Mets beating up on the Rockies :laugh:


Anyone know of a way to temp ban an admin? :)

[Thnikkaman]

Anyone know of a way to temp ban an admin? :)

Possibly, but it would involve my permanent ban when I gave control of the site back to him, or after he had to restore the web server from backup.

[Rick]

Possibly, but it would involve my permanent ban when I gave control of the site back to him, or after he had to restore the web server from backup.


Come on, take one for the team man :)

[Tned]

Anyone know of a way to temp ban an admin? :)

M.... E.... T.... S....

Mets
Mets
Mets

[Denver Native (Carol)]

M.... E.... T.... S....

Mets
Mets
Mets


8. Don’t post “flame-bait” – That is a post just to irritate members or designed to get a reaction from people. Those type's of posts will be removed. :tsk: :tsk:

[Rick]

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Tned]

8. Don’t post “flame-bait” – That is a post just to irritate members or designed to get a reaction from people. Those type's of posts will be removed. :tsk: :tsk:

Hmmm, I guess I could edit the name of this thread to "The Official New York Metropolitan's thread -- Now with extra awesome!!!" ;)

[MOtorboat]

Pwned.

[MOtorboat]

Modddddd Fiiigggghhhhtttt!

[Watchthemiddle]

Hmmm, I guess I could edit the name of this thread to "The Official New York Metropolitan's thread -- Now with extra awesome!!!" ;)

Hey, how is that manager thing going for ya??

--- anyway --

Atleast Ariz got waxed also. No ground lost.

[Watchthemiddle]

8. Don’t post “flame-bait” – That is a post just to irritate members or designed to get a reaction from people. Those type's of posts will be removed. :tsk: :tsk:

pwned

:coffee:

[Tned]

Ok, off to bed. See you guys tomorrow in this thread. Have you guys met Pedro? I think you will tomorrow ;)

[MOtorboat]

Ok, off to bed. See you guys tomorrow in this thread. Have you guys met Pedro? I think you will tomorrow ;)

You mean I need a mo-"ped-ro to get to the mound" Martinez?

[slim]

What an insufferable douche. Not that I would be any different if I were in his shoes.

[Kapaibro]

M.... E.... T.... S....

Mets
Mets
Mets

Well the good news is, our administrator can spell.

The better news is, The Mets choke like a President with a pretzel!

[Watchthemiddle]

3 inniings and some piss poor base running so far :tsk:

[Watchthemiddle]

WHooo Hooo!!!

Atkins and Hawpe back to backers!!!:elefant:

[Watchthemiddle]

Bye bye Pedro...

so far a 6 run inning in the bottom of 5th....the hit parade has started. :elefant:

[Timmy!]

Paging Tned. Tned, please report to the Rockies thread.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Keep it up Rockies :elefant::elefant:

[Watchthemiddle]

AZ got beat by a 6 run 7th in Minnesota...:elefant:

[Tned]

3 inniings and some piss poor base running so far :tsk:

Crap. First, I was thinking 'west coast' start, even though Denver is MTN time, so I was thinking it was just starting around now. Second, I turn it on and the Mets are getting their butts kicked. :mad:

[Tned]

Crap. First, I was thinking 'west coast' start, even though Denver is MTN time, so I was thinking it was just starting around now. Second, I turn it on and the Mets are getting their butts kicked. :mad:

Did I mention Pedro is on one of my fantasy teams :sad: :mad: :sad:

[Denver Native (Carol)]

AZ got beat by a 6 run 7th in Minnesota...:elefant:

AND LA and SF also lost :elefant:

[Watchthemiddle]

Crap. First, I was thinking 'west coast' start, even though Denver is MTN time, so I was thinking it was just starting around now. Second, I turn it on and the Mets are getting their butts kicked. :mad:

Ya right....you just didn't want to show your mug in here after last nights gloating

[Tned]

Ya right....you just didn't want to show your mug in here after last nights gloating

Hey, if I showed it when down 7-1, I am truly fearless!!

[Rick]

What has me more excited in this game than beating the Mets is that Jimnez went 8 innings allowing just 2 hits...

Walk to strike ratio not great yet at 4 walks to 2 strike outs but only 2 hits.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

crhat ROCKIES WIN 7 - 1 ROCKIES WIN AND TACOS TOMORROW :elefant::elefant: 7 BACK OF AZ

[Watchthemiddle]

What has me more excited in this game than beating the Mets is that Jimnez went 8 innings allowing just 2 hits...

Walk to strike ratio not great yet at 4 walks to 2 strike outs but only 2 hits.

I knew he had 4 walks, did not realize he only allowed 2 hits....and if I am not mistaking, those two hits were in the first inning.

[Watchthemiddle]

crhat ROCKIES WIN 7 - 1 ROCKIES WIN AND TACOS TOMORROW :elefant::elefant: 7 BACK OF AZ

I need to remember that taco thing. I havent' done it in fear of long lines.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

I need to remember that taco thing. I havent' done it in fear of long lines.

It is always the day after the Rockies score 7 or more and win, from 4 - 6 - 4 tacos for $1.00 - but only one order per person - so take help. :D

[Watchthemiddle]

It is always the day after the Rockies score 7 or more and win, from 4 - 6 - 4 tacos for $1.00 - but only one order per person - so take help. :D

I have to plot out a big circle of taco bells on a map. Hit one up, eat the tacos on the way to the next one, do the same thing on the way to the next one and so on....lol:laugh:

[Kapaibro]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080622/capt.528ebb157a0f43f2ac1f2729822a5b30.mets_rockies _baseball_codz113.jpg


Can I just say


Hell-to-the-oooooooooooooooooooooo yessssssssssss! :D

[Denver Native (Carol)]

http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080622&content_id=2983322&vkey=news_col&f

DENVER -- The brace that Rockies infielder Clint Barmes strapped on his right knee Sunday morning was the only reminder that he's been on the disabled list since May 24 with a sprain.

"The brace slides down occasionally," Barmes said. "But I have no issues with the knee."

The Rockies concluded the same. They activated Barmes on Sunday, in time for the start of a three-game series with the Royals on Monday, and sent infielder Ian Stewart to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Barmes hit .278 (5-for-18) with three RBIs, a walk and a strikeout in five rehab games at Colorado Springs.

Barmes said he comes back with sharpness, something he couldn't do in 2005 when he missed 78 games with a broken collarbone.

"Hopefully, I can still hit and mix back in with the team, the way they're playing right now," said Barmes, who received a steady diet of changeups and breaking balls during his rehab stint.

A month ago, the Colorado lineup was without Barmes, right fielder Brad Hawpe, left fielder Matt Holliday and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Now all will be back, and their return comes when the Rockies are surging -- with 12 wins in 17 games entering Sunday's finale of a three-game set with the Mets.

Barmes' .343 batting average is still the highest on the team, and he had five home runs and 20 RBIs before the injury. After starting the year as a utility player, Barmes supplanted Jayson Nix (now at Triple-A Colorado Springs) as the regular at second base. Barmes was one of the few hot Rockies during their cold start.

Manager Clint Hurdle has said the Rockies' best lineup is with Barmes at second base, even though Jeff Baker entered Sunday with a seven-game hit streak, during which he has hit .393 with four home runs, seven RBIs and three doubles, and scored 11 runs.

However, playing six Interleague road games means Hurdle can use the designated hitter, and therefore get both on the field. With Baker's ability to play both corners of the infield and right field, Hurdle can move him around for starts after the team returns to National League play.

[BroncoAV06]

KC is on fire, sloppy game by the Rocks. See if Cook can slow them down tomorrow and get some momentum out of the bats heading to Detriot.

[BroncoAV06]

Preview of the Rockies short season teams, Single A ball etc..:http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/rockies_farm_report/archives/2008/06/casper_and_tricity_season_prev.html

Mid-season review of the Rockies full season clubs:
http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/rockies_farm_report/archives/2008/06/midseason_review.html

[MOtorboat]

Sweep :D

I'm so torn...:cool:

I hate watching my team get sweeped, but Sweep! for my other team!

[Timmy!]

Sweep :D

I'm so torn...:cool:

I hate watching my team get sweeped, but Sweep! for my other team!

Told ya to bring the brooms.....

Thankfully, the Rocks have only lost 1 game to the D-backs this series.

[Broncospsycho77]

Steamrolled. Yikes. At least we're just a statistic of a winning streak, so we have an excuse:couch:

[slim]

:tsk:

[Timmy!]

4 in row...thankfully we've only dropped 1 game to the D-back during the losses. Only 8 games back, with half the season to go. Just have to start winning series again.

[Thnikkaman]

4 in row...thankfully we've only dropped 1 game to the D-back during the losses. Only 8 games back, with half the season to go. Just have to start winning series again.

I blame the Pick on MB thread for giving the Royals some Karma

[MOtorboat]

I blame the Pick on MB thread for giving the Royals some Karma

:laugh:

[BroncoAV06]

Detriot this weekend. Still can not put everything together, bats are still in hiding for the most part but if they can find some momentum to close out the first half that would be great. Just play baseball the right way and stop trying to find that spark. Inconsitent zone last night but tough one for Cook.

[Kapaibro]

I blame the Pick on MB thread for giving the Royals some Karma

Yeah, him watching the game from a worm's POV really screwed the Rox :mad:

[MOtorboat]

Yeah, him watching the game from a worm's POV really screwed the Rox :mad:

It was actually just a box up in the second deck...we were mislead...but I'm not complaining, free food and free beer and replay. It was still pretty cool being a high roller for a night.

[BroncoAV06]

The Downs Trump the Ups for the Rockies:http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jun/27/the-downs-definitely-trump-ups-for-rockies/

[MOtorboat]

BA's Hot Sheet
No. 7 JHOULYS CHACIN, RHP
ROCKIES
Team: low Class A Asheville (South Atlantic)
Age: 20
Why He's Here: 0-0, 0.00, 12 2/3 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 14 SO
The Scoop: After a few weeks' absence, Chacin makes his return to the Hot Sheet after putting up a pair of strong starts this week. Chacin has gone six innings or more in 15 of his 16 starts this season, and he's still yet to allow more than three earned runs in any of them, which was one of the reasons he got to start the SAL all-star game for the Southern Division. In his two starts this week, Chacin pitched six shutout innings on the road against Augusta last Friday, and then followed that up by allowing only one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings at home against Hickory on Wednesday. He ranks as the SAL's leader in wins, strikeouts and innings pitched, and his 1.86 ERA is the circuit's fourth best.

[slim]

It was actually just a box up in the second deck...we were mislead...but I'm not complaining, free food and free beer and replay. It was still pretty cool being a high roller for a night.

Gotta love it. We always take the whole office (and their families) to one game each year. Catered food, open bar, the whole nine. It is always a good time. This year the game is the snakes v the Rocks in late September :D

I am stoked for it. Just hope the Rocks are out of the cellar by then :sad:

[BroncoAV06]

Wow......

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Wow......

Uh - yeah - UNBELIEVABLE - :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[Broncospsycho77]

No way!!!! Ugh...

[Timmy!]

Somebody call a coroner, because this team is officially dead.

On the other hand....after losing 6 in a row, they are only 9 games back (having lost only 2 games to the d-backs during that slide). Still have a season to go, but the life support machines are failing.....

[Kapaibro]

Fuentes you punk!

[Watchthemiddle]

I am done getting my hopes up with the Rockies.

Last night we should have won.

Today, we should have won.

Why does Hurdle keep putting in Fuentes? Can we get Bucholz to be our closer PLEASE!!

And today's game, why was Reynolds taken out in the 6th with a 3-2 lead?

I am beginning to question Hurdles decision making.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

I am done getting my hopes up with the Rockies.

Last night we should have won.

Today, we should have won.

Why does Hurdle keep putting in Fuentes? Can we get Bucholz to be our closer PLEASE!!

And today's game, why was Reynolds taken out in the 6th with a 3-2 lead?

I am beginning to question Hurdles decision making.

It was Herges today - Fuentes did not pitch. The only thing even close to promising, is that the Rockies were in a similiar position at this time last year. Hopefully they can turn this around like they did last year.

[BroncoAV06]

Well Reynolds had runnres at 1st and thrid, and Hurdle liked the match-up of Herges vs the 29-year old catcher that was 0-11 in his career up to that point.

No way can you put it on Hurdle. Is he the one that grounded into the double play with the bases loaded? Which has happened more then once this week, is he the one that does not get the hit with RISP? And to add insult to injury the Rockeis had the bases loaded with no outs and brought no runners in. They had the bases loaded three times last night and left 13 on base.

I really don't see Hurdle as the problem, he has managed the pitching staff as well as he can, its the starters that are not putting quality starts together that is hurting the pitching.

As for Fuentes, you have to figure that the Rockies are close to lifting the white flag. You can not demote a player that you are looking to trade in the coming weeks which could bring a nice prospect the Rockies way.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

FINALLY - a hit with bases loaded :elefant:

[BroncoAV06]

My optomism is wearing off. Every pitch is hit, no breaks...Damn.

[Broncospsycho77]

Oh man, not again... It'd be tough to play baseball with any confidence after 3 heartbreakers... come on Rocks!

[BroncoAV06]

Well I still feel that the Rockies were to complacent (spl?) with the pitching before the season. Putting alot on Morales and Ubaldo to continue there ridiculous pace. And the one signing that I voiced against was Vizcaino, seeeing as how he pitched in at least 70+ games in the last five years. It has shown. I hope that the team is not blown up, its not like they don't have talent, just not working. I know moves are in the comming weeks just hope not the the extent that the team will be in rebuilding in the next couple of years.


By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News
Several clubs with scouts following the Rockies say indications they have been given are Colorado will decide at the All-Star break whether to deal players. And there are several players on the Rockies that teams are interested in.

The Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, Rays, Cubs and Cardinals are known to have interest in left-handed reliever Brian Fuentes.

An Oakland source says Fuentes is not on the Athletics' wish list, but they would kick the tires on Matt Holliday but more likely would be involved in discussions for Willy Taveras.

Holliday has also has drawn interest from St. Louis, Tampa Bay, the Angels, Dodgers and Kansas City.

Its all rumors but if Holliday did end up in LA I don't know what I would do, would be like Elway in a Raiders uni....

[BroncoAV06]

High five Cook! CG, 79 pitch, 5 hit, shut out in an hour 58.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

FINALLY - :elefant: :elefant: :elefant:

[Timmy!]

*cue 15 game winning streak*

[Kapaibro]

Cooky is god-like!

I'll forgive his little blip games, cos a shut-out complete game kicks arse!

[BMF Bronco]

Dude, Cook has 1/3rd of our victories!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

DUH - it took them this long to do something to see if Francis had a medical problem :banghead:

http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_9767220

Manager Clint Hurdle confirmed Wednesday the Rockies will place opening-day starter Jeff Francis on the disabled list and replace him in the rotation with veteran Mark Redman.

"He's all about grinding, putting his head down and going hard," Hurdle said of Francis. "But this course we're taking is the best thing for him. The important thing for him is the next time he's on the mound, he's healthy."

Redman is expected to join the rotation Thursday, pitching in Francis' scheduled start at Coors Field against the Marlins.

Francis is believed to be suffering from the equivalent of a tired or dead arm, an injury that is not considered serious. Rest is the most common treatment.

The left-hander underwent an MRI examination Wednesday that showed inflammation in his pitching shoulder.

"He's been suffering from an inconsistent arm slot since opening day," Hurdle said. "I don't think he's felt the inflammation since then, but it's become more a part of the problem."

Francis has suffered through his most difficult season in the big-leagues, going 3-7 with a 5.67 ERA. His velocity has been down at times, which has prompted questions whether last season's workload created fatigue in the pitcher this season.

He has said repeatedly that is not the case. But his performance has suggested otherwise.

Redman has performed well in Triple-A Colorado Springs since being sent down earlier this season. He began the season as the Rockies' fourth starter, but eventually lost that spot.

Taveras out with leg injury

After injuring his left quadriceps in Tuesday night's fifth inning, centerfielder Willy Taveras will not be in the starting lineup tonight against the San Diego Padres as a precautionary measure.

"If feels better, but it's probably going to keep me out a couple of days," Taveras said. He injured his leg while stealing third base on Tuesday.

He insisted this injury is no where near as serious as the right quadriceps strain he suffered last season that forced him onto the disabled list.

Taveras leads the major-leagues with 38 stolen bases.

Ryan Spilborghs will start in his place.

[Timmy!]

Am I missing something, or did the Post not say if it was the 15 day DL or the will he be out for months? Stupid Denver Post.......

Redman? Aren't we suppose to get Hirsh back here shortly?

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Am I missing something, or did the Post not say if it was the 15 day DL or the will he be out for months? Stupid Denver Post.......

Redman? Aren't we suppose to get Hirsh back here shortly?

On DL



Francis placed on disabled list
Southpaw having tough season due to shoulder inflammation
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com

http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080702&content_id=3052007&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col

DENVER -- Finally acknowledging that left shoulder inflammation is contributing to pitcher Jeff Francis' inconsistency this season, the Rockies placed their No. 1 starter on the disabled list on Wednesday afternoon.

Lefty Mark Redman has been promoted from Triple-A Colorado Springs, and he will start on Thursday night against the Marlins at Coors Field.

Francis (3-7, 5.67 ERA) matched the club record last season with 17 wins and won two postseason games to help the Rockies reach the World Series. This season, however, Francis did not earn his first win until his ninth start, and his ERA has not been below 5.01.

The club said that after Francis' most-recent bullpen session, he decided to have an MRI, which occurred on Wednesday.

Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said he and Francis have discussed whether the inflammation has led to an inconsistent arm slot and fluctuating fastball velocity. A location pitcher, Francis relies on repeating his delivery and a consistent motion. The steadiness helped him win 44 games from 2005-07. No lefty won more during that stretch.

However, this year, the Rockies are 5-12 in Francis' starts. That's one of the reasons they entered Wednesday night's game with the Padres 18 games under .500. Hurdle said putting him on the DL, which will keep him out of action until after the All-Star break, could mean a chance to regain health and consistency.

"He's all about grinding, putting his head down, going hard, and this is part of the game, but that's one of those tough decisions and conversations you have to have," Hurdle said. "Let's talk about what we've tried, what has worked, what hasn't worked, where you feel like you might be hung up. This is the course that has taken."

[Timmy!]

So 15 day....good. Get him healthy. As terrible as this season has been, we're only 9 games out with 80 games or so to play. Just need 2 digit game winning streak.....

[Denver Native (Carol)]

crhat ROCKIES WIN - 8 - 1 - ROCKIES WIN :elefant: :elefant: :elefant:

[BroncoAV06]

Hirsh is earning his way back with the Sox. GG Ubaldo, series win! Need the bats tomorrow, hope Red can keep it close.

[Kapaibro]

Thank god we know what's up with Jeffy!

[Timmy!]

Spillie!!!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

crhat ROCKIES WIN - 6 - 5 in 11 innings - ROCKIES WIN :elefant::elefant:

[Timmy!]

That was a HUGE win. It's only 1 game, but you could just tell how big that comeback was. 8 games back, 76 to play. We might have just witnessed the turning point.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

That was a HUGE win. It's only 1 game, but you could just tell how big that comeback was. 8 games back, 76 to play. We might have just witnessed the turning point.

Hurdle is talking now, and he said the "want to" was there all night, and then they found the "how to"

Hopefully, this IS the turning point. :elefant:

[Watchthemiddle]

That was a HUGE win. It's only 1 game, but you could just tell how big that comeback was. 8 games back, 76 to play. We might have just witnessed the turning point.

Lets hope so.

I have heard myself say that after a few games this year....

[Broncospsycho77]

Good game Rocks!!! Everything seemed to be working today... even if it took a few extras to finish 'em off...

[BMF Bronco]

man, I thought they were going to piss that game away

[Kapaibro]

Jeebus Reynolds.

What in the heck are you doing?

[Timmy!]

Not to sound unpatriotic or anything, but I think the hats are kinda ugly.

[Timmy!]

*cue bullpen* *cue channel change*

Somebody get Reynolds a greyhound ticket to the Springs.

[Kapaibro]

Not to sound unpatriotic or anything, but I think the hats are kinda ugly.

There doesn't seem to be enough contrast , so the team logos/symbol etc doesn't pop.

[Kapaibro]

Okay, so that start helps

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Spillie's HOT - :elefant:

[Timmy!]

Wanted:

Pitching that doesn't suck more than a hooker on payday. References and low ERA preferred, but will train a promising prospect. Please inquire at Coors Field, Denver, CO.

[Watchthemiddle]

Rockies pitching = :rolleyes:

Hurdle = :rolleyes:

Chances of making the playoffs = :rolleyes:

Inconsistent offense = :rolleyes:

Is it training camp yet for the Broncos, because its time to move on to football.

[Timmy!]

You might have just posted a bit to soon on that WTM......We got the bats tonight, the pitching has just put us in a huge hole.

[slim]

Holy Hell...13 - 9??? WTF is going on in LoDo tonight?

[Timmy!]

Slim, man it's crazy. Rocks have been getting pounded, but they are battling at least. I can stomach a loss as long as they bats are rocking. Way to much time left in the season (75 games) and only 8 games out to give up. The pitching on the other hand, :tsk: I think I'm going to apply. I couldn't do any worse than Reynolds.

[Watchthemiddle]

You might have just posted a bit to soon on that WTM......We got the bats tonight, the pitching has just put us in a huge hole.

I hope so. Nice bottom of 5th...the offense has come alive.

We have runs in all 5 innings so far and trail by 4 still.

I am surprised that Florida has kept their starter in to get beat up with 9 runs. Do they have a weak bullpen? I hope so, hopefully we see it soon if they do.

[slim]

Slim, man it's crazy. Rocks have been getting pounded, but they are battling at least. I can stomach a loss as long as they bats are rocking. Way to much time left in the season (75 games) and only 8 games out to give up. The pitching on the other hand, :tsk: I think I'm going to apply. I couldn't do any worse than Reynolds.

I was wondering who would be sent down when Hirsh is ready...now I know.

[Timmy!]

I hope so. Nice bottom of 5th...the offense has come alive.

We have runs in all 5 innings so far and trail by 4 still.

I am surprised that Florida has kept their starter in to get beat up with 9 runs. Do they have a weak bullpen? I hope so, hopefully we see it soon if they do.

Actually, they have a pretty good bullpen. Then again, the kid the just put in just got recalled from AAA, so we'll see.

[Timmy!]

Spillie is on FIRE!!!!!

[Timmy!]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOO

My neighbors hate me so much.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT :elefant::elefant:

[slim]

Holy crap...what a freaking game. Just wish I could see it :sad:

[Timmy!]

Holy crap...what a freaking game. Just wish I could see it :sad:

Man...a combined 25 runs and 30 hits. Coors is PACKED tonight (was last night too). 5 HR's for the Rocks tonight. Holy cow. I think Lo-Do has been sucked into a time machine and is currently in 1996 or something.

[Watchthemiddle]

:eek:

:rockon:

:crhat:

[Watchthemiddle]

Man...a combined 25 runs and 30 hits. Coors is PACKED tonight (was last night too). 5 HR's for the Rocks tonight. Holy cow. I think Lo-Do has been sucked into a time machine and is currently in 1996 or something.

The humidor must be broken

This is good ol old school Rockies baseball

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Holy crap...what a freaking game. Just wish I could see it :sad:

Can you listen to it on KOA 850 am?

[slim]

Every time I flip over to cbs.sportline it looks like a Rockie is having a 10 or 12 pitch at bat. I love it.

[Timmy!]

Stupid pitching. :tsk:

[Watchthemiddle]

Stupid pitching. :tsk:

gEESH!!!

well, we will just have to counter in the bottom of 7th. Keep our runs every inning streak going. :beer:

[Timmy!]

Crap. Well at least they battled. Just to many runs to overcome at this point you'd think.

[Watchthemiddle]

how in the world do we give up 17 runs in 7 innings?

And hasn't Hurdle and the pitching staff ( coaches ) learned that Corpas can't get the job done?:rolleyes:

[Timmy!]

And that will be it. Holy cow does our pitching just suck. Here's to a hopeful Snake loss and still only being 8 back. 2 games left with the fish, win them both and it's another series win. Let's all hope that Hirsh is part of the solution.

[Timmy!]

how in the world do we give up 17 runs in 7 innings?

And hasn't Hurdle and the pitching staff ( coaches ) learned that Corpas can't get the job done?:rolleyes:

I don't think we had anybody left :tsk:

[Watchthemiddle]

I don't think we had anybody left :tsk:

Were can I get one of those applications?

[Watchthemiddle]

6 doubles so far for the Rox, and 5 HR's and still losing.

[Timmy!]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

[Denver Native (Carol)]

GRAND SALAMI :elefant::elefant:

[Watchthemiddle]

this is not happening:elefant:

[Watchthemiddle]

Padres have a no hitter going in AZ in the bottom of the 6th

[Broncospsycho77]

Wow, come home to see this! What a game! rockies

[Watchthemiddle]

Scoreless inning....now lets counter with some runs!!!

[Broncospsycho77]

Dang, first scoreless inning...

[Watchthemiddle]

Time for a walk off win after this crazy night...:pray:

[Timmy!]

Lets Go Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

NEED 1 MORE RUN :elefant:

[Broncospsycho77]

Atkins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Timmy!]

I think I just cracked a floor board......

9 run comeback, largest in ROCKIES HISTORY!!!

If anybody is counting this team as out for the year, you need to get your head examined. God bless my DVR, as I'm going to have this game for YEARS to come. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so getting evicted!

[Timmy!]

Al;jdsl;djfaopieyhoipwhgiowaehgaop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

[Timmy!]

*cue fireworks*

[Broncospsycho77]

Unbelievable...

[Denver Native (Carol)]

HOLY COW - crhat ROCKIES WIN - ROCKIES WIN :elefant::elefant:

[Watchthemiddle]

:faint:

[Timmy!]

Did that really just happen?

[Watchthemiddle]

Did that really just happen?

Largest comeback win in Rockies history....9 runs....I am still on cloud 9

[Kapaibro]

And this is what I get for going to bed after the 1st inning.

Still, it was 3 am here

[BroncoAV06]

Just the night that I was stuffing my face and blowing things up for freedom and I miss this!

[slim]

The Rockies win. Theeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Rockies win.

[BroncoAV06]

Tulo on 15 day DL, hand. At least Clint is back to fill that hole.

[Timmy!]

Tulo on 15 day DL, hand. At least Clint is back to fill that hole.

Not good news, he playing pretty well lately. Thankfully, Q or Barmes can fill in nicely. Baker is doing a stellar job at 1st for Helton. If this team could ever get everybody back healthy and get the pitching together, watch out. Only 7 games back!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

If this article is accurate, VERY childish what Tulo did!!!!!!

http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080705&content_id=3069990&vkey=news_col&f

DENVER -- Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was placed on the disabled list on Saturday after needing stitches to repair a cut on his hand on Friday night, according a Rockies press release.

According to The Denver Post, Tulowitzki pounded a bat into the ground after he was replaced by Omar Quintanilla in the seventh inning of Friday's game, slicing his palm.

This is the second time Tulowitzki has gone on the disabled list this year. He missed nearly two months rehabbing a torn left quadriceps that he injured April 29. He hit just .152 before going on the DL, but had improved since he rejoined the Rockies on June 20. He's now hitting .166 and has two home runs, five doubles and five RBIs since he's been back.

Jay Alves, vice president of communications and public relations for the Rockies, confirmed that Tulowitzki was injured on Friday night and said Tulowitzki would speak with the media at Coors Field at 3:30 p.m. MT.

Also, right-handed pitcher Greg Reynolds has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs, while outfielder Seth Smith and left-handed pitcher Glendon Rusch have been recalled from Colorado Springs and will be in uniform for tonight's game against the Marlins.

[Timmy!]

If this article is accurate, VERY childish what Tulo did!!!!!!

http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080705&content_id=3069990&vkey=news_col&f

DENVER -- Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was placed on the disabled list on Saturday after needing stitches to repair a cut on his hand on Friday night, according a Rockies press release.

According to The Denver Post, Tulowitzki pounded a bat into the ground after he was replaced by Omar Quintanilla in the seventh inning of Friday's game, slicing his palm.

This is the second time Tulowitzki has gone on the disabled list this year. He missed nearly two months rehabbing a torn left quadriceps that he injured April 29. He hit just .152 before going on the DL, but had improved since he rejoined the Rockies on June 20. He's now hitting .166 and has two home runs, five doubles and five RBIs since he's been back.

Jay Alves, vice president of communications and public relations for the Rockies, confirmed that Tulowitzki was injured on Friday night and said Tulowitzki would speak with the media at Coors Field at 3:30 p.m. MT.

Also, right-handed pitcher Greg Reynolds has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs, while outfielder Seth Smith and left-handed pitcher Glendon Rusch have been recalled from Colorado Springs and will be in uniform for tonight's game against the Marlins.

He's young, and was probably very frustrated. It was one hell of an emotional game. I'd bet he won't do it again.

[MOtorboat]

He's young, and was probably very frustrated. It was one hell of an emotional game. I'd bet he won't do it again.

One hell of a stupid mistake though.

Of course, at least he didn't "fall down the stairs carrying deer meat ;)"

[Timmy!]

One hell of a stupid mistake though.

Of course, at least he didn't "fall down the stairs carrying deer meat ;)"

Or trip over a dog....or break a bone in his foot getting off the couch :heh:

[Denver Native (Carol)]

He's young, and was probably very frustrated. It was one hell of an emotional game. I'd bet he won't do it again.

I know he is young, but it appears he was upset because he was taken out of the game - I would not expect that of him, as all we have ever heard is how he is a team player.

The Denver Post article:

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_9794969

Rockies' shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was placed on the 15-day disabled list today after requiring stitches to repair a cut in his right hand.

Tulowitzki pounded a bat down into the ground after coming out of Friday's game. It broke and sliced his palm, requiring medical attention. The injury is to his palm, not his thumb, as previously reported by other media outlets. His frustration was not directed at manager Clint Hurdle for the move, but was rather just an emotional reaction in the moment, Tulowitzki said.

"I was just mad because I wanted to stay in the game. It felt like we were going to come back and win. It was just frustration coming out," Tulowitzki told The Denver Post.

"It is something I have done before, and I am sure a lot of players have, where you hit the bat down. It is obviously disappointing. I have to get these stitches out and go from there."

Tulowitzki had previously missed nearly two months with a left quadriceps strain, returning two weeks ago. He is hitting .166 with three home runs and 16 RBIs.

He will address the media before tonight's game at Coors Field against the Marlins, providing details on whether he will be out for more than the minimum two weeks. Outfielder Seth Smith from Triple-A Colorado Springs will take Tulowitzki's roster spot. Smith was recently named to the Triple-A all-star team.

Joe Koshansky will start at first base tonight, with Jeff Baker moving over to second base and Omar Quintanilla starting at shortstop.

Tulowitzki wasn't the only young player to suffer through a tough evening. Greg Reynolds received a verbal lashing from Hurdle while on the mound, but never got back on track. Hurdle's disappointment made it obvious why the Rockies optioned Reynolds back to Colorado Springs today.

Reynolds retired just four batters and allowed seven earned runs as his ERA inflated to 6.71. The team called up pitcher Glendon Rusch to replace Reynolds and will decide where he fits into the rotation in the next few days.

Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com

[Watchthemiddle]

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[Kapaibro]

In the press conference they showed he said he wasn't frustrated at the decision to be taken out, he was mad at his own performance which lead to it.

He seemed real embarrassed.



Also, Yay for baby Joe K! First start and first HR!

[Watchthemiddle]

Nice start so far....

Where is Helton? He has been MIA recently. Did I miss something?

[MOtorboat]

Nice start so far....

Where is Helton? He has been MIA recently. Did I miss something?

DL. 15 Days.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Nice start so far....

Where is Helton? He has been MIA recently. Did I miss something?

http://www.9news.com/sports/article.aspx?storyid=95112&catid=295&GID=8dLLGg0ReyZtcO/MfQ72qxU3pg//2yn6uVwr55zDaIs%3D


DENVER (AP) - A Colorado Rockies' season soured by injury and inconsistency took yet another ugly turn Friday when slumping slugger Todd Helton went on the disabled list for just the third time in his career.

"It's definitely a relief to get a chance to feel better and hopefully be productive when I get back," said Helton, whose strained lower back landed him on the 15-day DL.

"It's disappointing, too. You never want to go on the disabled list," Helton said. "You always feel like you're letting your team down, fans down. But you also let them down when you go out there and stink every night."

The 34-year-old first baseman who brought a career .332 batting average into the season is hitting just .266 with seven homers and 29 RBIs. Over his last 22 games, he's hitting .182 (14-for-77) and was moved from the cleanup spot to hitting second in the lineup.

Helton aggravated his chronically bad back when he took a big cut and whiffed on a pitch from San Diego left-hander Randy Wolf on Wednesday night.

"It's been bad for a while," Helton said. "I've been feeling pain going down into my leg for a while and my butt. Then my back, the last few days, really locked up. I felt like I could deal with one. One's affecting the other."

After sitting out Thursday night's game against Florida, "he walked in and felt a little worse today," team athletic trainer Keith Dugger said. "That made our decision even easier."

The Rockies recalled power prospect Joe Koshansky from Triple-A Colorado Springs to take his place.

"We feel we're best served by shutting this thing down for a while and give him a chance to heal rather than pushing his way through this one," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I don't think he's capable of pushing his way through this one."

Helton said he's likely going to get a cortisone injection Tuesday and won't push his return.

"I'm not going to set a time deadline," he said. "I'll be back when I feel like I can field a ground ball and swing a bat and hit it farther than second base."

This is the third trip to the DL in Helton's 11-year career and his first since 2006. In his first 10 full seasons in the major leagues, Helton played an average of 154 games, and he's never missed more than 18 games in any one season.

Even with a bad back, Helton's stellar defense was on display night in and night out. Starting all but five of the Rockies' 86 games, he led National Leaguers with 79 double plays and was tops among NL first basemen with 890 chances.

Helton is the second Rockies starter to go on the DL in 48 hours. On Wednesday, the Rockies placed ace Jeff Francis on the 15-day DL with shoulder inflammation, which they believe explains his fall from a 17-9 record last year to 3-7 this season.

Also, center fielder Willy Taveras missed his third straight game with a sore left quadriceps Friday night and could be another candidate for the disabled list if his recovery lingers through the weekend.

Koshansky is hitting .281 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs in 82 games for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. He was expected to be in uniform for Friday night's game against the Marlins.

"He's leading the league in RBIs, he's hitting home runs, he's playing first base and he plays about every day," Hurdle said. "So, he's steady."

[Kapaibro]

Jeeeeeeeeessssssss Jorge, way to scare me!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Keep those HRs coming :elefant:

[Timmy!]

Man, Iannetta is sure packing a serious bat this year. I like Yorbi, but Chris needs to be the starter 75% of the time because of his bat. This team his depth everywhere......except on the mound :tsk:

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Man, Iannetta is sure packing a serious bat this year. I like Yorbi, but Chris needs to be the starter 75% of the time because of his bat. This team his depth everywhere......except on the mound :tsk:

Definitely wish they would have kept Fogg