Thursday Rockpile:

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 7:08 AM MST in Rockpile Comment 48 comments

Thomas Harding has done some digging on the failed Taveras for Redding swap, and implies that the health concerns that eighty-sixed the deal were with Rockies right-hander Juan Morillo, who was to be included in the Rockies package. Harding also has a pretty decent rundown of the status of various players including Franklin Morales and Glendon Rusch and says that the Rockies aren't going to make an offer to free agent pitcher Brad Penny.

Tracy Ringolsby's article this morning reinforces some of what Harding says, and paints a better picture of where there are expected springtime battles, left field between Seth Smith and Ian Stewart, fifth starter between a foursome of young pitchers and a veteran like Redding, in addition to Harding's mention of a couple of spots in the back of the bullpen (Glendon Rusch or Morales as long LHP's, Ryan Speier, Jason Grilli or Morillo for a RHP spot). The implication of the Rockies wanting a fifth outfielder who could play centerfield like Scott Podsednik is that Carlos Gonzalez might well start the season in AAA even without Taveras. Ringolsby says that the Mets asked for either Huston Street or Dexter Fowler(?!) for Aaron Heilman before shipping him off to Seattle as part of a massive three team trade with Cleveland.

Patrick Saunders and Troy Renck add that Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez is going to get some work in the DR starting this week, and that the team may be interested in adding reliever Luis Ayala to that bullpen scrum.

John Manuel at Baseball America backs up the word that Ringolsby gave early in the week that Corey Wimberly's getting some buzz as a Rule 5 candidate. Jonathan Mayo proposes Everth Cabrera, which I'd probably take personally, as Cabrera's one of my favorite prospects to watch.

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Penny

Interesting that Brad Penny was specificly named. Of all the Free Agents available for the Rockies to not sign, he was actually named. Which of course means that the Rockies ARE interested….but I’m sure at the right price, OR they don’t like Penny’s injury situation.

Speaking of injured free agent pitchers…..I’m hoping his arm has regrown and he had a very, good year for the Rockies in 07. Minor league non roster invitee type, that I would much rather have a look at over Mark Redman, Josh Towers or Tim Redding

OH…and the Crush are back for 09! (ok…more like, the Arena Football league hasn’t officially shut things down yet, so the Crush are on at the moment!, but I’m still not sending in any money)

Thought Clint Hurdle should be fired before it was cool.

by Redhawk on Dec 11, 2008 7:42 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

wow.....Poof redding kneaded

Middle paragraph….Rodrigo Lopez is the pitcher I was talking about.

Sorry

Thought Clint Hurdle should be fired before it was cool.

by Redhawk on Dec 11, 2008 7:43 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I do think there is a chance

that a decent pitcher will fall through the cracks and be available on a two or three year deal at say $8-$10 million per season. Now I’m not sure if even that is too expensive for the Rockies, but its something they should consider.

Second half run?

by moomacher on Dec 11, 2008 7:57 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

That's the kinda deal I thought Lowe could be had for

That is, until the GM meetings actually began. There just aren’t that many actual decent pitchers out there this year. Seriously, what does it say about the quality of available arms if someone was willing to take Heilman in a deal? I’d take a chance on Redding, if only because once you get past Lowe, there’s so little left.

Actually, I’d rather we not even go after another likely mediocre starter, and see if we have a chance at O Hudson, instead, but that’s not likely.

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Dec 11, 2008 8:05 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Hudson

has shown a steady decline defensively, but he’ll still bring in top dollar on reputation and the fact that he has a decent bat for a 2B. I wouldn’t recommend signing him.

Pitching? Adam Eaton can be had for a song from the Phillies. (Well, not a song, but apparently, if you pay just $1 million of the $9 million he’s due this season, the Phillies will pay the rest and give him to you. Seriously.)

Fire Vinny Cerrato, the raquetball partner.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 11, 2008 8:14 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oliver Perez?

Second half run?

by moomacher on Dec 11, 2008 8:16 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

fantasy

Oliver Perez has a great arm, but he really is like a fantasy league pitcher. He gets a lot of strikeouts which hides the games he walks 6 people in some inning. There’s a reason the Mets (a team that could use an arm and have money to burn) aren’t going hard to re-sign him.

The one positive on him is that he might not get the big contract he thinks he should.

by brainteaser on Dec 11, 2008 8:58 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Whooo HOO

Paid 8 Million to not pitch! Sounds like a quality pitcher!

/sarcasm off

Thought Clint Hurdle should be fired before it was cool.

by Redhawk on Dec 11, 2008 8:25 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The guy

won 4 games last year with a 5.80 ERA. He’s sucked ever since he was traded to the Phillies from SD. I didn’t say he’s a quality pitcher.

But for $1 million? Don’t you think he might be worth the risk? It’s like when the Padres last year signed Mark Prior to a low dollar deal.

Fire Vinny Cerrato, the raquetball partner.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 11, 2008 8:34 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I would rather take that 1 million dollars...

and light it on fire.

Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.
MHCSports - Denver sports analysis from Denver sports fans

by Franchise26 on Dec 11, 2008 9:19 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I would rather take that 1 million dollars...

and invest it, but not in housing.

Fire Vinny Cerrato, the raquetball partner.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 11, 2008 9:24 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

or, along the lines of lighting in fire, I’d even rather see it spent on Horacio Ramirez (who signed for $1.8M). He’s a trainwreck and he’s still better than Eaton.

This is my favorite Eaton game of all time. July 12, 2008. Eaton gives up 2 to the DBacks in the 1st. Phils get it back in the 3rd. Eaton proceeds to give up 6 runs, including a 2-run DOUBLE to RANDY JOHNSON.

He’s not so good.

by deacs on Dec 11, 2008 3:25 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

No, it's not like when the Pads signed Prior

Mark Prior is Mark Prior, Adam Eaton is Adam Eaton.

See, if Prior turned out to be healthy, he’s a stud on the hill. Adam Eaton is no better than any of the scrubs we brought in last year. I’d rather just get back on the Reynolds/Hirsh/Morales carousel than burn money on a pitcher who is highly unlikely to be better than any of those three can end up being. I felt the same way about signing Towers.

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Dec 11, 2008 10:41 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Adam Eaton is NOT Mark Prior, that's true.

My point is only that there’s little risk there.

Fire Vinny Cerrato, the raquetball partner.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 11, 2008 11:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree, but very little potential reward

I mean, once a pitcher reaches a certain point in their career, you know what you’re going to get. And for $1m, you’re not going to get any better from Eaton, even if heathy, than you will from your other existing options. For $1m to Prior, you can potentially get a LOT better.

I’d rather fire an incentive laden non-roster invitee contract to Rodrigo Lopez, who has actually pitched well here.

I just can’t see the point in spending any $$$ on such a near-bottom feeder when we already have cheaper options that actually have some measure of upside.

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Dec 11, 2008 11:23 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

If there was a loophole that would make it possible

To trade him directly to the AAA roster and off the 40, that $1 million would almost make it worth it as insurance, but there are still probably equivalent pitchers who’d sign a minor league contract for less (we had like a half dozen of them last season) so it makes little sense even at that rate.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 12:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I like how Hurdle is preaching back to basics, focus on fundamentals and defense, and then the club is putting their players in positions where they are not playing their natural defensive position. Sounds like great management.

Anyone have any idea what’s wrong with Morillo?

by Hizilla on Dec 11, 2008 8:35 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Rule V Draft

What time does the Rule V draft go off?

by pedalpusher on Dec 11, 2008 9:09 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

10:00 MT

by malakian on Dec 11, 2008 9:40 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Cheers!

I just bought my Opening Day tickets. (should there be an ‘!’…?) If anyone else wants to jump in before the 10 AM ticket sale time, just log into your ColoradoRockies.com account, and use the PromoCode: ROCKIES.

I got me some L326, Row 3, Seats 15-16.

I at one point had some like 33 rows behind home plate, but lets just say Opening Day prices aren’t cheap.

by roxintober on Dec 11, 2008 9:23 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

More Rule 5 buzz from BA

John Manuel specifically mentions the Rockies as a team that could lose several players.

Rule 5 buzz remains faint, but that doesn’t mean teams will sit out the draft. Most writers and scouts we talked to Wednesday in the Bellagio think 10-12 players will be picked. The Rockies could be the hardest-hit club, as rumors persist of players such as righthander David Patton, infielders Corey Wimberly and Everth Cabrera, and outfielder Matt Miller could be picked.

Link

by malakian on Dec 11, 2008 9:45 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Ugh... I really really will hate it if we lose Cabrera

I just thought he was too far away to get this sort of consideration.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 9:47 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Rockies, Rangers, Dodgers, Blue Jays and Yankees

Are the five teams with full rosters for the Rule 5. The Dodgers surprise me given how many holes they have to fill.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 10:05 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Stupid Padres...

Selected Everth Cabrera. Urgh.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 10:06 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

David Patton just went to the Reds.

Those are the two I’d least like to lose from the organization.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 10:09 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Interesting pick by the D-backs

James Skelton, a catcher, will have a hard time sticking, but it makes a trade of one of their current catchers more likely, I’d think.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 10:11 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

MLB's not updating their page

are you listening somewhere?

by Hizilla on Dec 11, 2008 10:14 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

They broadcast it live

The MLB phase just finished and those were the only two players selected.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 10:18 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I figure

Cabrera will probably stick in SD considering how monumentally bad they will be next year, he can’t really cause too much damage.

by Hizilla on Dec 11, 2008 10:20 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That's what I worry about

I’d much rather have lost Wimberly, frankly. Cabrera’s got a much better set of tools. This sort of depresses me.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 10:22 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Overachieve

He will still have to be extra special to stay on their 25 man roster the entire year. With their holes, injury issues and in experience, he will have to hit and hit well to stay active.

by brainteaser on Dec 11, 2008 10:28 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

If he is underperforming

It would be pretty easy to stick him on the DL with an ‘injury’ if they really want to keep him.

by Hizilla on Dec 11, 2008 10:30 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

He's got to perform somewhat adequately for half the season

There’s a 90 day roster rule that prevents teams from doing that. The thing is that I actually wouldn’t put it past him. He’s not going to give up easily.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 10:35 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

There's some discussion

of moving Skelton to 2B, since he’s tiny for a catcher.

Fire Vinny Cerrato, the raquetball partner.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 11, 2008 11:13 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like

Biggio.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." ~Rogers Hornsby
JFK

by jrockies on Dec 11, 2008 1:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know about the rest of you....

but all these offseason pickups and runored pickups have got me hunching my pillow at night.

by PinchHitLancePainter on Dec 11, 2008 10:55 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yes....

plus, the Dbacks signed Felipe Lopez.

READ IT AND WEEP, ROX FANS! READ IT AND WEEP!!

Fire Vinny Cerrato, the raquetball partner.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 11, 2008 11:18 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Advantage, Rockies

I’ll take Barmes/Baker combo over Lopez eight days a week.

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Dec 11, 2008 11:38 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I would agree, if it's just them vs. Lopez.

But Barmes/Baker vs. the new Lopez/Ojeda combo??

Might as well just give us that “NL West Champion” banner now.

Fire Vinny Cerrato, the raquetball partner.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 11, 2008 11:54 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah... you guys clearly have it locked up, unless the Giants do

With Frandsen/Velez. Or the Dodgers with that scary Blake/DeWitt/Loretta 4-5 trio. Or the Padres with Antonelli and now E-Cab. Clearly the NL West has taken major strides at second this offseason.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 11:57 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Nah.

Felipe Lopez clearly puts us over the top. No competition.

Fire Vinny Cerrato, the raquetball partner.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 11, 2008 12:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Although, actually,

you guys DO have Alan Embree now. Clearly, this race might go down to the wire.

Fire Vinny Cerrato, the raquetball partner.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 11, 2008 12:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

Jiri Hudler...our underrated MVP

by TuLoRocks2008 on Dec 11, 2008 4:33 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oy. Felipe "How to be considered a decent hitter in one easy step" Lopez?

Going from Great American to Chase is going to make this guy the next Neifi.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 11:42 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Although now I see he hasn't been in Cincinnati for two years

Which probably indicates how intoxicated I have to get to watch Reds games now that I live here.

by Rox Girl on Dec 11, 2008 11:47 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

Nats and Cards.

Fire Vinny Cerrato, the raquetball partner.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 11, 2008 11:52 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Try this one:

Felipe “I picked one hell of a time to do a Ted Williams impression for 150 at bats, didn’t I?” Lopez.

Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.
MHCSports - Denver sports analysis from Denver sports fans

by Franchise26 on Dec 11, 2008 1:06 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Goosefraba!

Someone needs to pick up the phone, call whatever grocery store Shawn Chacon is bagging groceries at and invite him to Spring Training. With the amount of promise we’re looking at so far in the back of our rotation, Chacon (if he’s willing to take some anger management classes) is worth a non-guaranteed contract.

by jefe_13 on Dec 11, 2008 10:09 PM MST reply actions 0 recs