Colorado Rockies @ Los Angeles Dodgers GameThread, Aug 21, 2008 1:10 PM MDT

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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 reply actions 0 recs

Atkins

not having a good road trip.

by DieHardRox on Aug 21, 2008 2:09 PM MDT reply actions 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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

true

but he was probably so happy to get a pitch he could hit

by fatheadX on Aug 21, 2008 2:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

a one year deal would make a lot of sense

Second half run?

by moomacher on Aug 21, 2008 2:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

Damn

But, nice throw.

by onholliday on Aug 21, 2008 2:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

Derek Lowe isn't this good

by Ghoulowitzki on Aug 21, 2008 2:52 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

by onholliday on Aug 21, 2008 3:05 PM MDT up reply actions 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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

Melhuse

I spelled it wrong twice. Sorry Adam.

by fatheadX on Aug 21, 2008 3:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Cmon Tulo

by onholliday on Aug 21, 2008 3:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

bah

by onholliday on Aug 21, 2008 3:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

how did baker not score there?

by Ghoulowitzki on Aug 21, 2008 3:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I

was wondering the same thing.

by DieHardRox on Aug 21, 2008 3:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

Dodgers defense

by onholliday on Aug 21, 2008 3:09 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

I can't stand Taveras

by Ghoulowitzki on Aug 21, 2008 3:10 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Hurdle

overmanaging.

by DieHardRox on Aug 21, 2008 3:11 PM MDT reply actions 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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs