Monday Morning Rockpile:

by Rox Girl on Jul 23, 2007 7:12 AM MDT in Rockpile

The Rockies' pursuit of another relief arm highlights the difficulties GM's have been having this season in obtaining useful players. Those most desired (such as the four relievers mentioned in the Renck article) would typically only be available in trades of multiple young players for the single relief arm. At the same time in opposition to this, teams (including the Rox) are hording their young prospects because last off-season's escalation of the free agent market indicates quality veteran help might be harder for most teams to retain going forward. Uncertainty is breeding relunctance for the time being, but in the next ten days some contending team will roll the dice and crack open their prospect vault for help, just don't count on that team being us.

Meanwhile, despite their slight advantage on the Rockies in the standings, some behind the scenes movement by the Diamondbacks definitely makes it seem like they're willing to sacrifice contending in 2007 for the future by feeling out the market for Eric Byrnes and Livan Hernandez. Given how young and talented their team is, it's a wise move by Josh Byrnes to keep the overall picture in mind ahead of this one year but for the Rockies' sake I wish he was more like Brian Sabean. Mediawise, it's been quiet on the Dodger and Padre trade fronts lately, but both are still looking for parts that might aid them this year.

Of course, the bullpen wasn't the primary culprit for our losses the last two days, despite the homerun allowed by Julio. Being shutout by the Nationals for two games plus indicates some serious flaws on offense are in need of correction. I think the people we've got will have to get us there at this point, so I'm not sure what that correction is outside of shaking up the lineup as some have suggested here. At the end of this week, we'll definitely know for sure what needs to happen, though.

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Woody Paige & Lollygaggers

had a column saying this is the most important homestand in years. I'm not sure about that, but, it's the most important series of THIS year. A terrible road trip followed by a less then inspiring road trip, doesn't make us look like contenders.

Now we play the big boys for 7 games. We have to win both series 2-1, and 3-1 or 5-2 total to have any shot at a post season berth. If we lose either series, we're sunk. And the season will be over (if it's not already)

But after watching the Rockie over the last few weeks, I don't think the players see they are in a playoff race. Too many sleep walking games. Too many phoning it in games. Is this Hurdle's fault? (You lollygag the ball to first, you lollygag when you bat, What does that make you? Lollygaggers!)Does Hurdle need to throw some bats into the shower? Or is this a real lack of winning veteran leadership? (real verteraniness..not the fake Mabry kind) Or is this team really not good enough? And if it's not good enough this year, how will it be any better next year?

Shake up the line up...sure, but lets do it before it's potentially too late (like next week/end of this home stand)

Treasurer of the Kazuo Matsui Fan Club! Still waiting for Broncos training camp.

by Redhawk on Jul 23, 2007 8:50 AM MDT reply actions

I agree

with about everything. Without question, this homestand is huge. For lack of a better saying, "it's go time".

If we play like we did the last two games against the Nats then our postseason hopes are just about finished. However, if we play like we have the last two homestands, we are right there and it will make for exciting baseball in August and hopefully September.

by Knepster on Jul 23, 2007 1:11 PM MDT up reply actions

It's been GO TIME...

For about a month now. We are 11-9 in our last 20 games. Needed to be 15-5 to be a contender. (Could have been!!) Not sure if it's Hurdle or talent, but this team doesn't have the feeling of the playoffs.

My fear is that we are going to kid ourselves for too long and lose an opportunity to bring up some of our young pitchers and give them some experience over the final couple of months to see what they have. Hirsh/Bucholz/Jimenez/Reynolds need an opportunity to get in a regular rotation to see what they can do.

TGFPR!!

by jlot10 on Jul 23, 2007 2:23 PM MDT up reply actions

atkins

had a good deal of very hard hit balls in the nats series. it's just that most of them ended up in gloves. seemed like he was really seeing the ball well; he's a little bit of luck away from breaking out again like he did in mid/late june.

rockies in october.

by LarryB303 on Jul 23, 2007 9:15 AM MDT reply actions

Sure would be nice

If we could convince Josh Byrnes to make a Pierzynski type trade. I got to see Justin Upton in spring training. He's going to be giving us nightmares for years.

President of the Kazuo Matsui Fan Club

by MattTheRock on Jul 23, 2007 10:39 AM MDT reply actions

I agree with both points and

Maybe the hukuna matata approach within the clubhouse is going more good than harm. Young guys may beneift from not having a Larry Bowa type breathing down thier necks.

Demotions of Finley, Mabry, and Martin show that weak performers cannot stay but often so much damage has been done by this time it puts a strain on others to shoulder the weight. Tough talk in the Spring surrounding "taking the next step" and "moving forward" is cute but substance is found in moving a Helton or an Atkins around in search of more production. Garrett is hitting .252 down almost 40 points and .226 with runners in scoring and while I don't think Garrett will forever be a .250ish hitter it makes little sense to continue to go through the motions only to look back at the end of the season and say " Wow, Garrrett was crappy this year".

InToddwetrust

by InToddwetrust on Jul 23, 2007 10:40 AM MDT reply actions