Monday Morning Rockpile:

by Rox Girl on Apr 28, 2008 9:42 AM MDT in Rockpile

I feel a bit bad for Jayson Nix, as he was as much a victim of a lot of outside factors as he was his own inability to adjust quickly to MLB play. If Tulo hits well, if Helton and Hawpe get off to hot starts or Yorvit Torrealba somehow actually was as good as he himself said he'd be this Spring, than Nix probably would have been given more time. The same probably would have been true if the Diamondbacks weren't looking quite as good as they are, as it is though, there's not much margin for failure with the team right now.

Unfortunately, failure's about all we have going for us. Though they're numbered, this isn't in any particular order, but these are the positions on the Rockies that haven't been up to contender caliber thus far this season:

Starting Pitcher #1
Starting Pitcher #4
Starting Pitcher #5
Second Baseman
Shortstop
Catcher
Relief Pitcher
Relief Pitcher
Relief Pitcher
Right Fielder
First Baseman
Center fielder

Some of these we can expect to turn around, and a couple, like Helton, are only marginally worse than what we should want anyway. Some of these will need outside help. We're not talking about one or two guys that are dragging the team down, but close to half the active roster. This will require more than a shuffling of the deck. More than a Jose Capellan spot start or two in replace of Jimenez or Morales or Redman.

The Rockies basically need to stand up and start playing as if their batters really are better than the Esteban Loaiza's of the world and as if their pitchers can actually retire Russell Martin once or twice. I'm not sure where to start, but considering all the wasted chances yesterday and throughout the season , right now I'm leaning toward the idea of calling up Ian Stewart instead of Omar Quintanilla to help kickstart the offense from the bench when we do decide to go back to twelve pitchers. I think we really need to get the offense in gear first, then we can address the arms.

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I don't think so...

I don’t think you can call Helton not up to par. Even Pods in center.

The two guys are getting on base like wild fire. Both guys have less power than a lot of the line up, and both are now at the top of the order. Their job is to get on base, and if you look, they are both getting on base like crazy. I hate batting average, as it’s a poor show of what the player is doing. Look at Hawpe, who’s BA is like .247, but his OBP is 4th best on the team, at .396. Sure, the slug% is down, and that’s what you want from a 5/6 guy in the lineup, but this team just needs to model after the high OBP guys right now.

by roxintober on Apr 28, 2008 9:49 AM MDT 0 recs

Pods isn't our center fielder, he's our backup

And before yesterday, when I had conceived of the list, Helton’s line looked a bit worse, so you’re probably right that I should bump him out, particularly since he’s batting second now.

by Rox Girl on Apr 28, 2008 10:03 AM MDT up 0 recs

Your list

should have a thirteenth on it. We need to be unlucky.

"Don't give up the ship!" - Capt. James Lawrence

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Apr 28, 2008 9:54 AM MDT 0 recs

Well

I’d cut the list off at 10, as Helton and Tavares/Pods aren’t the problems.

BUT if you need a 13th I’ll offer one up: Dinger. That’s always a safe whipping boy to go to.

What am going to do with all these "Jeff Baker for 2nd" bumper stickers?

by Redhawk on Apr 28, 2008 10:11 AM MDT up 0 recs

I probably could have added a couple more relievers...

They all seem to run together in shakiness right now. Or Jeff Baker, he could be on there.

by Rox Girl on Apr 28, 2008 10:27 AM MDT up 0 recs

You could have also easily

added Starting Pitcher #3

As bad as this team has been, sadly, there’s plenty of fault to go around

What am going to do with all these "Jeff Baker for 2nd" bumper stickers?

by Redhawk on Apr 28, 2008 10:39 AM MDT up 0 recs

From the Rockies Offical Site

Harding wrote, “Sunday’s game was the type that championship teams win, and the kind struggling clubs lose”.

But besides the Rockies’ Pitching, Hitting, and Defense we are doing just fine. 5 games under .500, 8 games out of 1st. We aren’t out of April yet, and we are almost buried. the ONLY bright spot is it’s only April.

As far as Stewart. I was thinking/wondering the same thing. Should he be brought up? And if so where should he play? The bench doesn’t help him or the Rockies much? 3rd where arguably our best hitter is playing? or 1st where our best OBP is at? or 2nd…where we have a hole, but Stewart really blew off in spring training? How about RF where Stewart hasn’t played, but it would put a hot AAA bat in for a really struggling MLB bat? OR SS where our biggest slumping player is at? OR if he can’t play anywhere….maybe he should stay in AAA? If he could be traded for a quality starting pitcher I’m all for it as he is blocked. (or trade some one blocking him)

What am going to do with all these "Jeff Baker for 2nd" bumper stickers?

by Redhawk on Apr 28, 2008 10:07 AM MDT 0 recs

Atkins would bring back a far better pitcher than Stewart would

But frankly, I don’t think either brings back the kind of pitcher we’d need -some guy who can start and throw seven innings every other day. Plus he’s got to be Cy Young quality every third start. The other two he can be just pretty good and it will be fine…

Seriously, though, the problem and what Renck seems to ignore in his Atkins fest is finding a team with a big enough hole at third base to fill that would be willing to trade a quality pitcher for either Stewart or Atkins. The best fits for Atkins would be with the Giants or Indians, whereas I think Stewart would be a better fit for the cost conscious teams like the Pirates or Marlins. There aren’t a whole lot of other teams that need a third baseman right now. I don’t think any of those teams gives us back that ace you’re looking for, but an as good option would be getting multiple players back to fill a couple of holes. I think an Atkins trade can do that, but I think we’d be lucky to get back one for one value for Ian.

by Rox Girl on Apr 28, 2008 10:26 AM MDT up 0 recs

I think you are right on the pitcher trade

and I don’t think a move HAS to be made now…but one will have to be made this coming off season. Which doesn’t help our staff. In fact next year, I think (assume?) our staff will be just fine. Jimenez and Morales will be a year more mature and Reynolds should be healthy. Throw in Hirsch and will young, there’s both talent and enough bodies in case one doesn’t step up.

and CY Young start every other day is doable….damn it Dizzy Dean could do it. These kids now days now days are a bunch of over coddled whimps!

What am going to do with all these "Jeff Baker for 2nd" bumper stickers?

by Redhawk on Apr 28, 2008 10:49 AM MDT up 0 recs

Oh, and when I talk about

getting a tough, #1 pitcher, I’m thinking of this guy:

I mean….I don’t see him getting pulled for a widdle blister on this fingwer.

What am going to do with all these "Jeff Baker for 2nd" bumper stickers?

by Redhawk on Apr 28, 2008 11:54 AM MDT up 0 recs

Renck's

latest mailbag:

Hi, Troy. I’ve been a Rockies fan since their inaugural season, and I absolutely loved the Rockies’ run to the World Series. Living in Phoenix, it’s hard to get a lot of information about the Rockies, so I really enjoy your mailbag and The Post’s coverage. I adore “Dinger,” but I have no idea how a purple dinosaur became the mascot of the Colorado Rockies. Can you explain? Thanks so much!
—Deb Allen, Phoenix
Deb – I have to admit that since Dinger hatched, I have tried to pay as little attention to him as possible. Little kids like him. He’s friendly. Makes them smile. But since he was born on April 16, 1994, it’s been impossible for me to view him as anything but Barney the Dinosaur’s lost lovechild. Again, those of us with kids who have ever watched a Barney video cringe when we see Dinger. I would prefer a mascot that had a broader appeal.

And that answers the question how? Also “it wouldn’t shock” Renck if the Rockies take a chance on the recently released Matt Morris.

"Don't give up the ship!" - Capt. James Lawrence

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Apr 28, 2008 10:45 AM MDT 0 recs

I think Renck's answer

Is a polite version of “I don’t know and I don’t care.”

Every day is a Holliday!

by free7694 on Apr 28, 2008 10:53 AM MDT up 0 recs

Matt Morris?

I’d rather we go after this Free Agent pitcher:

What am going to do with all these "Jeff Baker for 2nd" bumper stickers?

by Redhawk on Apr 28, 2008 4:43 PM MDT up 0 recs

He cheats on his wife

with 15 year old country singers….

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 12:19 AM MDT up 0 recs

Call ups

Redhawk , is right, so you bring up Stewart, where does he play?, and play , is what makes Stewart effective. At this point in his career, he is not an off the bench player. Truth told, that is the problem with stock piling so much youthful talent. They need to play. Now if you want a left hand bat off the bench that just might be able to handle that kind of assignment…........................BARRY BONDs

by roxtalk on Apr 28, 2008 10:58 AM MDT 0 recs

But

can I still boo him (Bonds)?

Speaking of “youthful talent” I don’t see much besides Fowler and Stewart. I wouldn’t be opposed to trading some higher up talent, for promising but younger talent, and stock piling a little. We currently have only a couple openings for position players in the major league roster in the next 2 years due to our long term signings. (though I’m admittedly walking into an area, I’m not an expert, and there are on this board/group) (and by talent I mean guys that project as everyday starters on the major league level)

What am going to do with all these "Jeff Baker for 2nd" bumper stickers?

by Redhawk on Apr 28, 2008 11:48 AM MDT up 0 recs

Game tonight

So, I’m going to the game tonight (and tomorrow). Aside from hoping that I don’t freeze and that the Rockies actually do something worthwhile, I’m excited to be going to a game again. Are there any specific in-person insights that anyone wants a report back on?

by holly96 on Apr 28, 2008 12:17 PM MDT 0 recs

Pitching

Tomorrow Cook vs Lincecum should be a great dual. If you could give us insight on that dual, especially how lincecum handles runners on, or his pitching style, cause the rox got these two pitchers (UBALL and MORALES) who could learn a thing or two from cain, lincecum and sanchez (wed starting pitcher). The giants young pitchers are handling MLB hitters WAY better then UBALL and MORALES are. So i guess my interest in this series is really the young pitchers and if you could give any personal accounts on how UBALL and MORALES could mimic these pitchers would be appreciated

by ColoroxWS07 on Apr 28, 2008 1:09 PM MDT up 0 recs

...

I’m actually really excited for Cook vs Lincecum tomorrow. Despite living here, I don’t actually watch the Giants much, but I do know that Lincecum has been near unhittable. And that he’s quite the intense, emotional guy (in a positive way, unlike our young guys at times). And Cook has been great, too, so I’m glad I’ll get to see him. For tonight, Morales vs. Cain could be interesting. Morales has good stuff and is capable of being dominant, but he definitely has issues with consistency and focus. I don’t know all that much about Cain, other than he’s one of the Giants’ good young pitchers and that (at least based on his record/era so far), he hasn’t been quite as good this year yet.

As for reporting back, I’ll do my best. I’m far from a scout or any kind of student of the game. So in terms of mechanics, pitch selection, etc., I won’t be much help. But I will definitely keep an eye on poise, control, style, etc.

by holly96 on Apr 28, 2008 1:34 PM MDT up 0 recs

Thanks

Yeah , thats what i am looking for, the poise control style stuff. i am far from a scout too, but i know that the poise is missing from Morales and uball esp with runners on base. antyhing you see in person is more then what i will see on TV.

by ColoroxWS07 on Apr 28, 2008 1:47 PM MDT up 0 recs

I say we offer up

-Koshansky
-Stewart
-Fowler
-Smith
-Gaetti
-a pitching prospect.

To the Giants for Matt Cain or Lincecum. We get a solid pitcher and the Giants get some much needed young talent. It will never happen since they are division foes but they have what we want and we have some things they need.

by PinchHitLancePainter on Apr 28, 2008 3:29 PM MDT 0 recs

How about

Atkins, Gomez, Smith, Fowler, and either Ubaldo or Morales for Cain and Lincecum…...while we are fantasizing….

by moomacher on Apr 28, 2008 3:42 PM MDT up 0 recs

How about a pony, too?

You’re on crack cocaine if you think a division rival is going to trade us an ace-caliber, cost-controlled, future-of-the-franchise pitcher, no matter how large the prospect haul they’d get in return.

Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.

by Franchise26 on Apr 28, 2008 4:06 PM MDT up 0 recs

Methinks

that was why the “while we are fantasizing” disclaimer was included.

PLEASE DEAR GOD MAKE IT STOP!!!

by Silverblood on Apr 28, 2008 4:38 PM MDT up 0 recs

It would have been easier...

to draft Lincecum instead of Reynolds, eh?

Obviously, there were (and are) concerns about his violent delivery and many teams felt he was an arm injury waiting to happen. But so far, the Giants have been rewarded.

And given the Rockies’ previously penurious ways, that old bugaboo of ‘signability’ may well have factored into their decision.

by alex colfax on Apr 28, 2008 5:41 PM MDT up 0 recs

I actually like Reynolds

and I think its too early to tell if it was better or not to draft Lincecum. Like you said, his delivery is an injury waiting to happen.

Its ironic that the one team in baseball with surplus pitching and a huge need for decent positional talent is in our division.

by moomacher on Apr 28, 2008 5:46 PM MDT up 0 recs

Signability wasn't really a factor in Lincecum's case.

He was actually thought to be affordable, unlike other pitchers available in that draft. The Rockies simply thought Reynolds was the safer bet to be productive for a longer duration. Given how quickly Lincecum was able to get to the majors, and that Reynolds has had more of an injury marred professional career to date, at least at first blush it seems that they could have been mistaken in that opinion

by Rox Girl on Apr 28, 2008 6:19 PM MDT up 0 recs

And we still wind up fourth place this year

Lincecum tears a rotator cuff, Holliday bolts for Red Sox money, and the Giants use the guy they kept and the guys we traded to them to win the division over the Diamondbacks for three straight seasons in 2010-2012, while for those same three years, the Rockies front office tells fans that they’ve got a pretty good five year plan to get us out of the cellar again.

I just think it’s very rare that a single player is worth that kind of multi-player package, and I think it’s even rarer that a pitcher is.

by Rox Girl on Apr 28, 2008 6:11 PM MDT up 0 recs

Dan Haren?

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 12:21 AM MDT up 0 recs

Don't make me pull out my GLB stick.

You and I both know that trade can’t be considered a success until we see what happens in October.

by Rox Girl on Apr 29, 2008 10:56 AM MDT up 0 recs

True, I spose.

The results of next year are important as well, also, looking at how well the guys we traded (especially CarGo) end up doing compared to the guys we kept, since the guys we traded were slightly younger and further behind in their development.

Max Scherzer is all out of bubblegum.

by DbacksSkins on Apr 30, 2008 10:01 AM MDT up 0 recs