Game #129: De la Rosa vs Lowe
by Rox Girl
on Aug 21, 2008 12:16 PM MDT
Colorado Rockies @ Los Angeles Dodgers
After last season, it surprises me sometimes how much opportunity I see for the team to crawl back into the playoff discussion. In these cases, fantasists such as myself, should normally be institutionalized as a danger to a pessimistic society, but I know I'm not the only one who's had this thought.
Two things that Saunders doesn't mention: One big advantage we have over last season is a far easier schedule. No Philladelphia trip and the NL West isn't best. One big disadvantage that he points out but doesn't give the emphasis it deserves, is that there's a huge difference between a team that's gone 59-69 over its first 128 games and one that's gone 65-63. We were coming back from a position of strength then, this season, we'd be coming back from one of considerable weakness, and that would make it that much more difficult, albeit admittedly all the more sweeter were it to happen.
More good news is we were 19 games under .500 on June 30 and have cut that deficit almost in half. More bad news, however, is that we were 10 games behind the D-backs then, 8 games behind them two days later on July 2, and 8 games behind them now nearly a month and a half on.
Five in a row makes me a little happy. I would have been much happier had we won against the team it mattered more for last week. If we get back to within five games by the beginning of September, then maybe I'll allow myself to get really excited. In the meantime, I think this game today is more important for the intriguing recent work done by George of the Rose.
He seems to have hit on something that makes the cost/benefit analysis of keeping him into 2009 more complicated than it was a month ago, if you allow me the indulgence of slipping into middle-management speak. While the proposal on the table is interesting, I want to see him make it work against a lineup that has some teeth to it today.
Go Rockies!
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I've been saying at the start of this winning streak
that 15 game winning streak would put us right in it, comfortably, as it puts us right at .500. But I agree, 5 more in a row would be great, and with their recent play on the road, things are looking up, maybe not playoffs up, but looking good.
by roxintober on Aug 21, 2008 12:56 PM MDT 0 recs
I think it's too late for this year
But lots of positive developments. But then, I get fixated on us matching last year’s record, which only allows for going 30-4. 85 wins? Sure, we can go 25-9 the rest of the way.
Man, that horrible Nationals series looms big now, as three of four would leave us only four wins behind last year’s pace, in a weaker division.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 1:07 PM MDT 0 recs
In the "anyone but Willy T department"
Seth Smith gets the start in CF today.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 1:14 PM MDT 0 recs
This is
that little voice in your head that says, “Go for the sweep, Rockies….”
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
by DbacksSkins on Aug 21, 2008 1:14 PM MDT 0 recs
ha
Why are you against girls and I don't have time for "bitchassness". -Kalinda
by pierzynskirules on
Aug 21, 2008 1:16 PM MDT
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Gameday audio?
Is anyone listening on Gameday Audio? I can’t seem to login (I put in my e-mail address and password and hit submit, and it just refreshes to the same login page). Annoying.
by holly96 on Aug 21, 2008 1:17 PM MDT 0 recs
Debating getting that 5 day free MLB.TV trial
Seems silly to get it just for today’s game, given we’re at home starting tomorrow, and thus blacked out.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 1:19 PM MDT 0 recs
how much is that?
Why are you against girls and I don't have time for "bitchassness". -Kalinda
by pierzynskirules on
Aug 21, 2008 1:22 PM MDT
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It's free, but...
I have to pay attention and cancel it within five days or my CC gets charged. And I could see how it could slip my mind given the weekend of home games and the start of the DNC…
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on
Aug 21, 2008 1:28 PM MDT
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Sweet. 1-0.
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
by DbacksSkins on Aug 21, 2008 1:19 PM MDT 0 recs
Well, there ya go.
You guys should win 9-0.
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
by DbacksSkins on Aug 21, 2008 1:26 PM MDT 0 recs
Alright, a hit for Baker!
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
~Vince Lombardi
"Spilly picked me up...He came into the dugout and said, 'We're going to get a win for you right now,' and he did it. "
~Matt Herges (on the Rockies July 3 win)
by AtkinsandTulofan on Aug 21, 2008 1:31 PM MDT 0 recs
Hopefully Atty can bust out the slump soon...
Iannetta with a hit!
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
~Vince Lombardi
"Spilly picked me up...He came into the dugout and said, 'We're going to get a win for you right now,' and he did it. "
~Matt Herges (on the Rockies July 3 win)
by AtkinsandTulofan on Aug 21, 2008 2:10 PM MDT 0 recs
Walk to Baker...
Cmon George of the Rose!
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
~Vince Lombardi
"Spilly picked me up...He came into the dugout and said, 'We're going to get a win for you right now,' and he did it. "
~Matt Herges (on the Rockies July 3 win)
by AtkinsandTulofan on Aug 21, 2008 2:12 PM MDT 0 recs
Hmmm.....
right after a walk, probably shouldn’t have swung at the first pitch.
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
by DbacksSkins on
Aug 21, 2008 2:13 PM MDT
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true
but he was probably so happy to get a pitch he could hit
by fatheadX on
Aug 21, 2008 2:14 PM MDT
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Lowe
66 pitches through 4
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
by DbacksSkins on
Aug 21, 2008 2:16 PM MDT
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At least it flips the lineup over..
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
~Vince Lombardi
"Spilly picked me up...He came into the dugout and said, 'We're going to get a win for you right now,' and he did it. "
~Matt Herges (on the Rockies July 3 win)
by AtkinsandTulofan on Aug 21, 2008 2:15 PM MDT 0 recs
What's up with defense today?
Are we trying to emulate last night’s Dodger Debacle?
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 2:19 PM MDT 0 recs
There goes
the no-hitter. :-/
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
by DbacksSkins on Aug 21, 2008 2:26 PM MDT 0 recs
And the shutout…and the lead…
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on
Aug 21, 2008 2:27 PM MDT
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DP ends the threat
at least.
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
by DbacksSkins on
Aug 21, 2008 2:30 PM MDT
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Double Play!
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
~Vince Lombardi
"Spilly picked me up...He came into the dugout and said, 'We're going to get a win for you right now,' and he did it. "
~Matt Herges (on the Rockies July 3 win)
by AtkinsandTulofan on Aug 21, 2008 2:28 PM MDT 0 recs
Lowe looks good
I still think we should go after him in the offseason. He’s no ace, but can still be a very solid #3:
Cook
Jimenez
Francis
Lowe
JLDR/Morales/Reynolds
Does anyone not like that rotation going into next year?
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 2:38 PM MDT 0 recs
Are we going to give Lowe the $8 to $10 MM he is going to want?
Second half run?
by moomacher on
Aug 21, 2008 2:39 PM MDT
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i doubt that pretty much
Why are you against girls and I don't have time for "bitchassness". -Kalinda
by pierzynskirules on
Aug 21, 2008 2:42 PM MDT
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3 years at $8m per year?
I wonder if years will be a bigger issue.
But given we spent around $5 on Livan/Wells, I don’t see why not. He’s shown himself to be a far better pitcher than Wells, and at this stage, far more effective than Livan. Paying Lowe $8m/per isn’t like paying Carl Pavano $10m/per.
I suppose that depends on things such as whether Fuentes accepts arbitration or not, because that will have an impact on payroll.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on
Aug 21, 2008 2:43 PM MDT
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just think....
You could get two Livan Hernandez’ for that kind of money.
Actually, if it were just one year, it would be well worth it…The problem is that he is going to want several years—beyond the time he is likely to be good.
by DenverBears on
Aug 21, 2008 2:46 PM MDT
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agreed
a one year deal would make a lot of sense
Second half run?
by moomacher on
Aug 21, 2008 2:47 PM MDT
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He'll ask for and get three years, and here's why...
He’s barely missed a start (if at all) since 2001, when he was mostly a reliever. His WHIP, BAA, etc. have been remarkably consistent for the last four seasons. He’s consistently good for 195-200 innings per year. He turns 36 years old next June.
If he doesn’t get it from us, he’ll certainly get it from someone.
This isn’t Josh Fogg we’re talking about, and there’s no way spring training starts next season with Lowe still waiting for a contract.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on
Aug 21, 2008 2:53 PM MDT
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He will get three years, but here's why:
Scott Boras
Three years would cover ages 36-38, at which point Lowe may look to call it good. Coming off one of his more consistent years and not showing signs of slowing, I would imagine that both Boras and Lowe would see this as a good time to cash in. my guess is 36 mil/3 years as a good barometer of his worth releative to the market. Whether or not we have that in the budget depends on several factors: Does Fuentes accept arbitration, does Holliday get dealt, does Atkins get dealt? If Fuentes leaves and one of the two is moved, then I think there’s easy room for that type of deal.
Because the Rockies have been forward in locking up guys to team friendly deals, arbitration doesn’t look too scary over the next three seasons. If you aren’t giving Holliday his big money, than for sure we could spend an extra 12 mil a year for Lowe.
I think pursuing Lowe also gives the Rockies more freedom in Holliday trade talks. You aren’t going to get a present number one pitcher for one year of Holliday, so it’s foolish to expect that. Getting Lowe would mean the Rockies could look at all options for Holliday (Colby Rasmus?)
by David OhNo on
Aug 21, 2008 6:53 PM MDT
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I can see why...
Those of you who usually ‘watch’ games via Gameday are frustrated. It’s really lacking in speed. I’m trying to watch at work (yes, during a meeting!) and I’m not really following the action. And why does that batter look like a cricketeer. And whyi is there no pitcher – just a black hole firing pitches? Maddening! This keeps up and I’m tuning back into this meeting.
by Since1993 on Aug 21, 2008 2:43 PM MDT 0 recs
yeah its sucks alot
Why are you against girls and I don't have time for "bitchassness". -Kalinda
by pierzynskirules on
Aug 21, 2008 2:45 PM MDT
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C'mon Rockies....
lets get that run back right now!
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
~Vince Lombardi
"Spilly picked me up...He came into the dugout and said, 'We're going to get a win for you right now,' and he did it. "
~Matt Herges (on the Rockies July 3 win)
by AtkinsandTulofan on Aug 21, 2008 2:46 PM MDT 0 recs
Good outing, George
I say that now, in wishful thinking that we get runners on and PH for him…
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 3:00 PM MDT 0 recs
Mulhuse
He was announced, but now Troy is PHing for the PH. Mulhuse gets credit for a game played, right?
by fatheadX on Aug 21, 2008 3:05 PM MDT 0 recs
Did they sub out for Lowe when Melhuse was announced?
He does get credit for GP, I’m pretty certain.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on
Aug 21, 2008 3:06 PM MDT
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What did I miss?
Yahoo is woefully behind…still showing JDLR in to bat against Lowe
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 3:10 PM MDT 0 recs
Thank You Luis
Um, not so much.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 3:17 PM MDT 0 recs
At least we got the Good Jorge today
The very good Jorge, actually. Pity it looks like the rest of the club is letting him down.
Still, can’t get too upset about a 5-1 roadtrip, but when it ends in this fashion…ugh. Please make a comeback and make my comments moot.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 3:28 PM MDT 0 recs
Makes you feel any better,
Roy Oswalt pitched a two-hit shutout against us on Sunday. :-(
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
by DbacksSkins on
Aug 21, 2008 3:31 PM MDT
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Matty lays out for the catch!
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
~Vince Lombardi
"Spilly picked me up...He came into the dugout and said, 'We're going to get a win for you right now,' and he did it. "
~Matt Herges (on the Rockies July 3 win)
by AtkinsandTulofan on Aug 21, 2008 3:35 PM MDT 0 recs
Okay, Tulo, one time
Plz.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 3:46 PM MDT 0 recs
and he fails
Why are you against girls and I don't have time for "bitchassness". -Kalinda
by pierzynskirules on
Aug 21, 2008 3:48 PM MDT
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Poor Jorge :(
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
~Vince Lombardi
"Spilly picked me up...He came into the dugout and said, 'We're going to get a win for you right now,' and he did it. "
~Matt Herges (on the Rockies July 3 win)
by AtkinsandTulofan on Aug 21, 2008 3:47 PM MDT 0 recs
I'm actually getting more excited with every start
He’s turning out to be not just another scrapheap find but actually worth the trade. Actually he’s turning out to be pretty dang good. People are putting him as a potential #5 next season with a group, but he seems to be even better than that lately. Five out of his last six starts is some pretty solid consistency and he just went toe to toe with the Dodgers #2 and looked as good. I’m feeling pretty confident our rotation will be back to 2007 form if we can just get one starter. Lowe? I’d be on board with that, even maybe at three years.
by Rox Girl on
Aug 21, 2008 3:53 PM MDT
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I'm withholding judgment
Pitching coaches have salivated over JDLR’s potential before, but he has run out of chances with other teams, who wanted to tap into his ability but couldn’t get him past the hiccups. It’s not as if the Brewers and Royals didn’t know that he was capable of this. As we know, he’s still prone to disasters, and our pitching staff isn’t exactly the “pitcher-fixer-upper” panacea they like to pretend they are (at least I think that’s their explanation for all the retreads they collect…?) He could be great for the next two weeks and then absolutely blow monkey chunks next year, but since this is the case with a depressing majority of the team, I guess he’s similar to everyone else…
Free Casey Weathers!!!!
by Silverblood on
Aug 21, 2008 4:23 PM MDT
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Always a possibility
Well….. Chunk-blowing is a distinct possibility with almost any young pitcher from game to game. Especially when they have an incredible arm and zero control or consistancy. Denny Bautista would be another example that appears to have finally harnassed his ability (in what must be his seventh organization) this year. It’s a gamble, but every once in awhile it works out after they get shipped from organization to organization before they finally stick. In this regard, while it may be approach of the new pitching coach, it doesn’t really measure his ability to teach in general. Perhaps even a bad pitching coach may possess that unique technique (ie: waterboarding) that finally helps put it all together. In JDLR/Apodaca’s case….. I’m really hoping it’s a sucess story for both.
by IowaRockie on
Aug 21, 2008 4:40 PM MDT
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I'm just saying...
Would you rather the team offer arbitration and keep JDLR or go find another Rusch/Livan/Redman/Wells? Young and promising untapped potential retreads are always a better option in my book than old and washed up ones, and usually less expensive to boot. The main thing is that he’s been much less of the disaster prone pitcher of late and in none of those stops has he shown the signs that his talent’s actually emerging that he is now. The K rate is way up, the walks are way down, so while the Brewers and Royals knew he was capable of performing like this, they never actually saw him perform like this which is a key distinction and not at all a reason to be pessimistic.
I called him a hot potato when we got him, where he’s the type of player that just gets tossed around from team to team until he’s cool enough to be of value. It’s looking more and more like the Rockies got him at the right time with a little bit of hand burning at the beginning.
by Rox Girl on
Aug 21, 2008 5:44 PM MDT
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I would rather the team keep JDLR, of course
as I am up to my ears in crappy washed-up retreads. But I still wish (most likely futilely) that we’d make a deal for an actual starting pitcher, not just some thirty-something who throws in the eighties and who no one else wants. But this is a beef with the FO more than with JDLR himself — if he continues to perform like this, he’s welcome to stick around. It’s just that I can’t quite get my head around the idea of, well, Jorge de la Rosa being a key part of our rotation. Hopefully he makes me eat those words.
Free Casey Weathers!!!!
by Silverblood on
Aug 21, 2008 6:52 PM MDT
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Right with you
Same here on JDLR. Between him, Hirsch, Reynolds, and Morales (Who reminds me a bit of the struggles Jimenez had, so I’m hopeful)…. We have some pretty good hope for the #‘s 4 and 5 starters. But, I also agree we should go after ol’ Steady Lowe aggressively. Only problem is I’’m thinking 3 years at $8-10M may even be a bit optimistic when you consider how much pitchers with less consistant results have been getting the last two years. Still, if the Rockies would ever decide to hire me as GM (and just why don’t they return my calls anyway?) I think I’d seriously consider going overboard in Lowe’s case unless a better option came about. My reasoning being that the rest of the team is there, and unlike the last couple of seasons this could be that one key player that could fill the a significant hole and justify the risk of high-dollar free agents.
by IowaRockie on
Aug 21, 2008 4:24 PM MDT
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Only problem is I’’m thinking 3 years at $8-10M may even be a bit optimistic when you consider how much pitchers with less consistant results have been getting the last two years.
Two words: Carlos Silva.
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
by DbacksSkins on
Aug 21, 2008 5:11 PM MDT
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He has an FIP of 4.28 entering today
and is suffering from a BABIP problem, and at times a homer one. I think the homers will always be an issue, given his short stature and reliance on a big breaker, however the BABIP problem can be corrected with a little better luck.
I was happy when Hurdle stuck him back in the rotation, and I like the gamble of using as the number five. When you can strike out over 9 per 9, you have the ability to “steal” victories.
by David OhNo on
Aug 21, 2008 5:47 PM MDT
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We didn't deserve to win
I mean, JLDR did, but no one else on the team did.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Aug 21, 2008 3:47 PM MDT 0 recs
that's over
Why are you against girls and I don't have time for "bitchassness". -Kalinda
by pierzynskirules on Aug 21, 2008 3:47 PM MDT 0 recs
GameDay says Broxton throwing
101, 101, 99, 101, 99, 99
Yikes
"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game
"I wouldn't say he's nowhere near T.O." - Pacman Jones on Brandon Marshall
"I love your analysis of our team. Its kinda like watching a spider monkey trying to figure out a jar of peanuts.. you know whats going on.. you know whats in there, but to actually figure it out, is just a bit beyond your mental skills..."
- Bronco Dano from DP Comments
by DesertBroncoFan on Aug 21, 2008 3:47 PM MDT 0 recs
Not quite.
Those figures are actually the number of brownies he’d eaten over the past 6 days.
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
by DbacksSkins on
Aug 21, 2008 5:06 PM MDT
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In my opinion...
I don’t think Hurdle should have messed so much with the lineup today. Not that Seth or Barmes/Baker were terrible, but Taveras has been doing well in the two hole and brings speed in the field and on the basepaths that no one else on the roster can. Baker and Barmes had as solid batting days as anyone, but different guys can bring different things to the line up. Also Seth isn’t that experienced in center if I remember correctly. Yes it was a bad day for the lineup in general hitting, but who knows what a difference Taveras could have made and also having Tulo in the whole game. Tulo was the one who started the Rockies rally last night with his HR. In these late games in the season, it’s not about playing everyone you have, it’s about putting your best lineup out on the field. And this stuff about giving people a rest since it’s a day game following a night game makes sense in some cases, but when you have been winning games, I don’t see any reason to change people out. The one exception I would say to this would be the catchers, especially since CDI has been out a few days with the foot problem. Also the umpire cheated JDLR a few times especially with the pitch that would have been strike 3 right before the Ethier hit. That’s the part I am really saddest about…he deserved to win and definately doesn’t deserve the loss.
"A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."
~Vince Lombardi
"Spilly picked me up...He came into the dugout and said, 'We're going to get a win for you right now,' and he did it. "
~Matt Herges (on the Rockies July 3 win)
by AtkinsandTulofan on Aug 21, 2008 4:04 PM MDT 0 recs
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