Dodgers 5, Rockies 0: Divisional Dreams Die at Dodger Stadium
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:27 PM MDT
in Rockies Game Wraps
Email
PrintIt was a nice dream while it lasted, but the Rockies' fairy-tale hopes for the end of the season imploded in Hollywood tonight. Had Colorado won tonight and tomorrow, they would have secured the NL West title and home field advantage throughout the National League playoffs. Instead with the loss, the Rockies will be the NL Wild Card and will open their NLDS Wednesday in Philadelphia. First, they'll play a meaningless game tomorrow for the first time in 162 regular season games.
Morales Implodes
With Matt Daley unavailable from a 28-pitch outing last night, Jim Tracy turned to Franklin Morales in a scoreless game in the bottom of the seventh. Casey Blake singled to left-center field, where Carlos Gonzalez bobbled the ball for an error, allowing Blake to advance to second base. That error completely changed the complexion of the inning.
After a sac bunt moved Blake to third, Ronnie Belliard pinch-hit for Orlando Hudson (who saw that coming in May) and poked an infield single in the hole between first and second. Clearly unnerved, Morales went on to walk two - one intentionally - and give up run scoring hits to Mark Loretta and Juan Pierre in an inning where the Rockies phones to the bullpen mysteriously ceased functioning.
Morales' final line was ugly - 0.1 IP, 5 ER, 4 hits, 2 BB, raising his season ERA to 4.50. He has been unquestionably uneven of late, but he remains a weapon that Jim Tracy cannot draw from elsewhere. He will/needs to be on the playoff roster.
Also of note: this was just the 3rd time in 38 relief appearances that Morales has permitted multiple runs. That's 7.89% of his appearances. For comparison, Huston Street has been guilty of that offense 7.81% of his outings this year. I know Morales has been frustrating, but we'll need him - we can just hope he can get his head on straight.
Dominance From the Start
After six days of Los Angeles playing with the composure akin to a roster filled with September call-ups, it was their youngest member that finally showed up to play.
Clayton Kershaw, 21, pitched six sterling shutout innings, striking out ten and allowing just three singles. He retired the first 11 Rockies hitters, nine by strikeout, before Todd Helton pulled a single to right in the fifth to break up a perfect game.
Jorge De la Rosa was up to the task though, as he retired all nine batters he faced, four by strikeout, before leaving two pitches into the fourth with an apparent right groin strain, ruining his bid to tie the Rockies record for wins in a season
The Rockies' lefty had thrown just 40 pitches, and his absence cannot be understated. Jose Contreras deserves a pat on the back for throwing three scoreless innings around traffic, but the way de la Rosa was throwing, Franklin Morales would have never seen the field. In a season where injuries have largely left the Rockies rotation alone, it's unfortunate that minor groin tightness at the eleventh hour ended the Rockies hopes.
Comment of the Night
Game
Oh well. I can’t bring myself to be too too upset, especially considering a week ago we didn’t even think we’d be in this position.
I think I might be more upset about not being able to see what Jorge could have done had he stayed in, than I am the game itself.
I'll second everything holly96, but I'll add this: the Rockies have had an epic run, they remain the hottest playoff team in the National League, and though Colorado will face a scary southpaw triumvirate without homefield, the Phillies will have a tough series on their hands.
Join after the jump for the fangraph and the row call.
WPA Heroes:
Jorge de la Rosa (.145) - 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 4 K, 0 BB. 0-for-1, K.
Jose Contreras (.139) - 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 3 K, BB. 0-for-1, K.
Todd Helton (.052) - 2-for-4, K.
WPA Zeroes:
Franklin Morales (-.372) - 0.1 IP, 5 ER, 4 H, 2 BB.
Brad Hawpe (-.188) - 0-for-3, K, GIDP
Troy Tulowitzki (-.109) - 0-for-4, K
Row Call
Poseidon's Fist, amoeba, CM85, realmenwearpurple, MohrPlease, The Lodo Magic Man, SoxRoxFan, ddavis539, jefe_13, MarshallMcCard, wolf213, Colsportsfan, holly96, fantasyfencing, BlakeBomber, Silverblood, Russ, GoRoxInNSB,FL, fatheadX, HeltonsHeroes, GoodOleBoyCo, Chrysicat, Wetwilly, Cargo's Ball Sack5, SDcat09, RdRnnr, Charlie77, arpagamos, RhodeIslandRoxfan, jcn7vc, El Paso Jeff, MissR, Rox Girl, RockiesDave, OrangeTorpedo, GoRockies!!, BroJB, LACK, free7694, Kumquat, moose14, ntsfinest, GoRoxGo, roxintober, mkorpal, Rutabaga, WanderingRoxFan, prettyinpurple, butterfly, Rock Oax, befizzle, coolopotamous, purplesocks, Hollidayrain, Jabberwocky, WolfMarauder, hawperox, DomCasual, squalene203, Clemenx00, Maris6161, EricMedic, Jesse Sparks, RockiesMagicNumber, Ivdown, shaqfor3, thewild_viking_twins, DieHardRox, BeefySwats, Latrock, jmacattak, Jim Jiminez, Syler, CombatChuk, alacy9513, Teekalong, Neclord56
1827 comments, 77 Rowbots and Guests
127 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Tip of the hat to the Dodgers
It’s time for us to focus on the Phillies.
Playoff baseball in Denver next weekend.
http://twitter.com/blakebomber
yep congrats Dodgers
i am not disappointed at all in losing tonight…it would of been crazy if we won the division and an epic collapse on there part…i just want Jorge to be ok and lets bring on the phils
we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE
ROCKTOBER HAS BEGUN!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Oct 3, 2009 11:31 PM MDT up reply actions
I'll be there!
I was actually worried I would have to change my work schedule around significantly, as I’m supposed to be on the road up north Monday-Friday this week.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:32 PM MDT up reply actions
As will I!
I was fearing the drive up from Colorado Springs during the work week. Weekend home games are more better for me.
Home field would have been nice, but personally inconvenient
by WanderingRoxFan on Oct 3, 2009 11:39 PM MDT up reply actions
The drive from the Springs is shorter than from Thermopolis, Wyoming though :)
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:41 PM MDT up reply actions
I'm looking forward to them
I get free entrance for working up there for the week
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 3:21 PM MDT up reply actions
So what's the best role for Morales?
He has been unquestionably uneven of late, but he remains a weapon that Jim Tracy cannot draw from elsewhere. He will/needs to be on the playoff roster.
Fair enough — but what’s his role? I can live with him as a LOOGY, but Tracy hasn’t shown any interest in using him that way. Is bringing him in to start innings the best way to use him?
If not, how should this weapon be used?
I am not sure...
He is a great weapon when he has confidence and stuff, lately he seems like he has neither. When would you put him in? situational? leverage situations? I just have no confidence in him now and I feel like he really doesn’t have much confidence in himself
to be honest here....
Morales has lost it at the worst time and I don’t see him changing anytime soon. Its postseason time and we don’t have time to “develop” him to turn it around. Just use the best pitchers who are pitching the best right now.
by Colsportsfan on Oct 3, 2009 11:36 PM MDT up reply actions
Matt Belisle is pitching his best now
Would you pick him over Morales to face Ryan Howard with runners on? I certainly would not.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:38 PM MDT up reply actions
I honestly don't know.
I really don’t.
I guess I can only say that I hope that situation doesn’t arise.
I don't have the answer either - I don't think there is one yet
A month ago, we were all excited to have two legit LHers in the pen.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:52 PM MDT up reply actions
As i mention below...
perhaps the solution is not to worry about righty/lefty and just go with the best, most reliable guy available. I feel good, for example, with Beatancort or Street going against lefties.
Unfortunately, though, that can't be an option before the 8th inning too many times
If it were a 1-game series, sure, but we’ll need Betancourt and Street a lot, hopefully
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 12:02 AM MDT up reply actions
Right...
but I have to work on the assumption that, in the 7th, Beimel and/or Daley would be available.
And actually, I have no problem with bringing Morales in to face one guy. If he gets him, great. If he doesn’t, hopefully the damage would be repairable. But the damage that can be created by bringing him in to start an inning is another matter.
So, I guess I answered my own question — I’m fine with using him as a pre-8th inning LOOGY. Beyond that, I’m less comfortable.
I'll agree with that
Except, given that the meat of Philly’s lineup is a lefty, it would be nice for him to be able to expand from the LOOGY tag. That all sounds nice, as long as your starter doesn’t leave in the 4th with an injury
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 12:09 AM MDT up reply actions
He's the backup option for the 7th inning, with Daley as the primary option
However, as it pertains to the Philly series, he will be needed against Rollins/Utley/Howard/Ibanez. We only have one Beimel, and Morales is still a better option than Rincon against them
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:38 PM MDT up reply actions
Daley had better be the primary option.
EXECUTE: It's the Clutch thing to do
by Andrew Martin on Oct 4, 2009 2:57 AM MDT up reply actions
Fair question
and this is where Tracy will start earning all those millions we’ll be paying him over the next few years. I am wholly onboard with Morales making the playoff roster, and I also think he needs to be prominently featured. Let’s not forget, just because he brings a gas can to the hill every time out doesn’t change the fact that he also has the most raw talent of any cat out there in the pen (including sixteen). Talent wins out in the short playoff series.
The last time we beat Philly in the DS was largely due to Corpas being unrealistically awesome. We’re going to need that kind of skill to survive their ludicrous lineup—including the lefties they roll out there (Howard, Utley, Ibanez). Morales is going to have to be key for us.
If Morases is the key, we're screwed
Batters who walk to first usually come running home.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 3, 2009 11:46 PM MDT up reply actions
By the way, many of us will have responses to this question, but I don't think anyone really has an answer
If Morales is right, he is the second most important reliever for the NLDS. If he’s not right, it’s going to be hard to bring him in. He certainly has a history of imploding in the playoffs as a reliever before. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know what we’ll get from him. I think his issues are mental, so maybe Jorge’s shrink can help him out
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:42 PM MDT up reply actions
I guess the trick
lies in detecting if he’s on or not.
When I re-watched the end of the SD game, they mainly got some bloop singles, that probably didn’t signal anything was wrong initially.
Tonight started with an error by Cargo, which wasn’t Franklins’ fault, but it went downhill pretty quickly after that.
THe point is that at this point
we simply don’t have time to make him “right”. I think the game in SF “broke” him. Confidence is tough… It takes months or even years to build and can vanish completely on just one pitch.
I'm OK with treating game 161 as an experiment of sorts...
…but the playoffs are no time to cross your fingers and hope for the best. And, frankly, that’s what all of us are doing when we see Frankie take the ball.
I suppose my response to what I would do if Ryan Howard is up and Beimel has been used is this — bring in your best available reliever, regardless of right/lefty. If Betancort is out there -fine. If its the 8th, maybe Street.
But just using a guy because he has great stuff and is a lefty, even as he continues to be ineffective, is perhaps not the best approach.
This is how I see it too
Use your best guy, regardless of handedness.
EXECUTE: It's the Clutch thing to do
by Andrew Martin on Oct 4, 2009 2:58 AM MDT up reply actions
Yep, this was bonus time
That home field advantage did start to look tantalizing the closer to our reach it got, but that’s life.
Time to treat the Phils the way we did back in ’07.
Tracy on in the post-game
Very interested to see what he says
please summarize what he says
for those of us who don’t have access tonight
Ok here's what I heard
- Credit to Kershaw
- Thought DLR was pitching as well as he did in that pivotal Giants game
- DLR had tightness in his left groin, and they shut him down, took no chances
- He felt if Morales could have gotten the leadoff guy out, Dodgers probably would not have scored
- He said spoke with Contreras in Spanish (thought that was funny), and gave him a lot of credit for keeping us in the game
- He wants to win game #162 so we can end up just one game back
Still going on too …
More from Tracy
Not much more, he just emphasized how proud he was of the team. He definitely wasn’t too shaken up by losing today, and I guess neither should we :) They’re interviewing DLR now …
Comments from DLR
DLR said he started feeling tightness in his groin in the second inning. He felt bad for staying out there, because it did worse in the fourth. Sounded like maybe he pulled something. He plans on doing some running tomorrow morning to test it out.
No mention of Cargo’s error.
No worries
I’m actually back at my parent’s home in Green Bay, watching on my sling box – know what it’s like to not get the post game :)
How about what would have happened had CarGo not committed an error
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:43 PM MDT up reply actions
Good Luck in Playoffs Rockies
Both Nl West teams will have a tough road, but im hopeful that both of us will be in the NLCS.
by SeanMillerSavior on Oct 3, 2009 11:36 PM MDT reply actions
Congrats Dodgers and Dodgers fans.
The good news is that I can do something else tomorrow afternoon.
Which playoff team is hotter in their past 10 games?
Dodgers 3-7
Phillies 4-6
Cards 3-7
Rockies 7-3
Order a Rocktober t-shirt in time for the playoffs and donate to charity at:
Purple Row Cares
No, because the tenth game prior to this one was also a loss
Drop a loss on the back end, add one on the front end. Still 7-3 in the last 10
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:45 PM MDT up reply actions
Nope. 7-3 is correct..
Won 5 in a row, 6 of 7 and 9 of their past 12.
Order a Rocktober t-shirt in time for the playoffs and donate to charity at:
Purple Row Cares
I was doing it from memory and thought the win
against SD was the game that dropped off…
I stand corrected
Congrats to the Dodgers.
When the Rockies were in the playoffs two years ago, TBS and MLB had scheduled the two games in Philly at 3pm ET/1pm MT. I wouldn’t be surprised if we have similar start times than in 2007. FIrst game matinees on Wednesday and Thursday, then get probably stuck late in the evening after 7pm on both Saturday and Sunday. We’ll keep an eye out on how the times are posted, probably on Sunday.
Plan towards an afternoon matinee on both Wednesday and Thursday.
If the Yankees start their series on Wednesday, expect TBS and MLB to place their game in primetime ET, followed by the NLDS in L.A., which will place the Rockies and Phils first. Same for Thursday, with a primetime game in either L.A. or L.A./Anaheim, with the other SoCal game to follow.
Let’s see what happens to the Twins and Tigers on Sunday AND/OR Tuesday.
likewise.
EXECUTE: It's the Clutch thing to do
by Andrew Martin on Oct 4, 2009 3:00 AM MDT up reply actions
I'm being mildly sarcastic here
It took poisoning half the Rockies’ clubhouse, hitting our perfecto-starting starter with a blowgun, and cutting off the phones to the bullpen when they were needed most to do it, but the Dodgers have finally ended their 5-game (or half-season-long) chokefest to finally clinch the Division. Congratulations, Dodgers.
by Yokel on Oct 3, 2009 11:39 PM MDT reply actions 5 recs
S'ok
Disappointing loss, but what the heck. So we don’t get our gravy now. We’ll just have to get it later. As noted, a tip of the hat to the Dodgers. They won the division fair and square.
Now let’s get some rest, relax for a day or two and then get back to work. It’s the playoffs now. Anything can happen. But no matter what happens, 2009 has been a great year for our Rockies. Let’s not lose sight of that.
Go Rox!
Rocktober is the best time of year, yes?
THIS
we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE
ROCKTOBER HAS BEGUN!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Oct 3, 2009 11:43 PM MDT up reply actions
Let us take a moment to reflect on the season as a whole.
It was tough to watch the Dodgers celebrate tonight but when you fall 15.5 games back in June winning the Wild Card is quite an accomplishment. This has been a magical summer filled with thrilling games and I will not let tonight ruin any of them. I’ll gladly take my chances with this Rockies team against any NL opponent regardless of the location.
Lets hope for a healthy JDLR and Go Rockies
Batters who walk to first usually come running home.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 3, 2009 11:43 PM MDT reply actions
i am glad to see this team in the playoffs
cause giants fans are a bunch of classless a-holes….
good luck :)
Because when I think of Boris Diaw, I think of Beethoven and the age of Romanticism....
by shaqfor3 on Oct 3, 2009 11:43 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
haha damn right
you too
we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE
ROCKTOBER HAS BEGUN!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Oct 3, 2009 11:44 PM MDT up reply actions
While I'm happy we're in the postseason,
both JDLR being questionable and us playing our first 2 NLDS games in Philly have me slightly concerned. We just got absolutely hammered by Kershaw tonight, and going into Philly we’ve got Hamels and Lee for games 1 and 2. Yes, Colorado is hot right now, and yes we’ve great pitching of our own…but still… I’d much rather have faced the Phils at Coors first.
"Admirably obsessive." - Uni Watch, March 24th, 2009
NA34 | HK | RMN
"Even our depth has depth." - Silverblood
Good point
We seem to play reasonably well in Citizen’s Bank, the Pre-Humidor Coors of the East.
"Admirably obsessive." - Uni Watch, March 24th, 2009
NA34 | HK | RMN
"Even our depth has depth." - Silverblood
I'm terrified of those red left-wingers
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:53 PM MDT up reply actions
hehe
That reminds me of the other day when Jason Bourgeois came to the plate for the Brewers.
“DOWN WITH THE BOURGEOIS!!!! Up with the proletariat.”
"There are only two important things in life: baseball and breathing. But at least you can survive without breathing for 3 minutes."
www.soundclick.com/hollidayrain
by Hollidayrain on Oct 4, 2009 11:48 AM MDT up reply actions
I think tonight showed...
that our staff can match anyone’s aces and get the game to the late innings. Once there, I always like our chances. Especially with Lidge performing as he has.
I think we take 1 of 2 in Philly and beat them twice at Coors.
True enough,
the Phillies bullpen isn’t nearly as unnerving as the Dodger bullpen.
"Admirably obsessive." - Uni Watch, March 24th, 2009
NA34 | HK | RMN
"Even our depth has depth." - Silverblood
IAWTC
All the hand-wringing and gnashing of teeth over the Phil’s rotation is understandable, but I have a good feeling about the series. Playing in that bandbox, it only takes a couple of good swings from a rather powerful line-up to alter the game. Take one there, then bring it home and finish it off, as you said.
Rocktober is the best time of year, yes?
Lidge AND Cliff Lee....
EXECUTE: It's the Clutch thing to do
by Andrew Martin on Oct 4, 2009 3:03 AM MDT up reply actions
We are terrible against lefty pitching...
that is what worries me about facing the Phills
by Colsportsfan on Oct 3, 2009 11:54 PM MDT up reply actions
In that regard...
Spilly has picked a tough time to go cold.
Regardless, I think we can figure out how to scratch out a win against anyone right now.
I'm not worried about Cole Hamels
Career against the Rockies (including postseason):
0-2, 8.70 ERA, 10 1/3 IP, 14 H, 5 BB, 8 K
The Colorado Rockies aren't a team, they're an armada.
All I can think of ...
is getting shut-out in SF over and over
by Colsportsfan on Oct 3, 2009 11:55 PM MDT up reply actions
August 28 in SF against Lincecum
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 3, 2009 11:59 PM MDT up reply actions
Last time the Rockies were shut out was on August 28th, losing 2-0 at SF.
Before that, shut out August 7th at Philadelphia, against J.A. Happ, 7-0.
I like our chances against Happ
much more at Coors than at Citi Bank – good thing we’ll be home game 3.
"Admirably obsessive." - Uni Watch, March 24th, 2009
NA34 | HK | RMN
"Even our depth has depth." - Silverblood
Before that, the two shutouts in New York against Santana and Pelfrey
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 12:00 AM MDT up reply actions
The only thing I can predict for certain about the playoffs:
About a week in, we’ll all be nostalgic for Drew Goodman and George Frazier.
Drew, yes
Frazier, sorry no. Never been a fan, never will be a fan. But that’s just me.
Rocktober is the best time of year, yes?
I just realized I won't get to hear Jeff's last broadcast with the team
…because I’ll be in the stands watching as the Rockies clinch the World Series over the Yanks :)
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 12:08 AM MDT up reply actions
I wish my car had some sort of
radio DVR for something like that
Dude
Totally invent that device, and you’re rich. Seriously. Who hasn’t been driving along and have something come on the radio you want to hear again/remember? Push record, transfer to USB. Brilliant. I’d pay for it.
Rocktober is the best time of year, yes?
well mute the TV and listen to 850 KOA :)
by Colsportsfan on Oct 4, 2009 12:09 AM MDT up reply actions
Doesn't work with my HDTV delay
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 12:10 AM MDT up reply actions
It seems that when I've tried that in the past
the Radio feed is about 20 seconds ahead of the video, which makes it a little disconcerting, but it does work well for afternoon games when I’m at work. If a great play comes up, it gives me enough time to watch it a few seconds later on a video feed.
Yeah, KOA actually sells a radio...
…that syncs up the sound for just that purpose. I’ve filed that into “luxuries I don’t need”, but I might just change my mind if the Rox make to the WS (I beleive Fox has that series.)
Yes, FOX has it.
Maybe while he’s in town for the Cowboys/Broncos game, Joe Buck can stop by Coors Field and pick up his copy of the Rockies postseason media guide for their World Series appearance.
As disappointing as tonight's loss is..
I am so proud of this team. To accomplish all that they have is just amazing!
Go ROCKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Rockies - Thank you for proving John Kruk is a pertinacious nincompoop.
Troy Tulowitzki - THE best SS in the game..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba - En Fuego
Brad Hawpe- Big Bad Brad is Back BABY!
Dexter Fowler - prowling CF, perched on the Wild Card, stalking the Dodgers!
Oh yeah....
It’s really extraordinary that they even had the chance to win the division.
Playoffs two out of three years with the budget limitations we have? Wow — that’s really something to honor.
And the best part — this is a team that’s built to succeed next year and the year after that and….
I agree, what a year
After the big streak in June, they really stayed on target and kept playing great baseball. There were some tough stretches in there but they still kept the wins coming.
I look forward to Wednesday!
Leave Dexter alone! You're lucky he even performs for you!
they really stayed on target and kept playing great baseball.
This can’t be stated enough. There were so many people worried that the team “peaked too early,” and frankly, I personally acknowledged the possibility they might not be able to handle adversity once the immortality feeling fell off.
But they withstood a five game losing streak to close August and a 5 of 6 loss stretch in mid-September. That showed me something
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 12:37 AM MDT up reply actions
Yep everytime this team is knocked down they get back up
Batters who walk to first usually come running home.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 4, 2009 12:43 AM MDT up reply actions
With a large amount of homegrown talent, especially.
Helton, Tulowitzki, Barmes, Stewart, Smith, Spilborghs, Fowler, Iannetta, Cook, Jimenez, etc.
I made the mistake of reading some of the comments on Facebook tonight – the ones in response to the official team site’s recap of the game. Wow. The bandwagon is apparently making some stops in Idiotville.
lol, its amazing how many bandwagoners show up when the Rockies play well.
I never seen so many Rockies attire on the CSU campus before.
by Colsportsfan on Oct 4, 2009 12:20 AM MDT up reply actions
I thought our campus changed their official color to purple in 2007 for two weeks
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 12:34 AM MDT up reply actions
Suddenly this week, my stream was filled with dozens of Rockies related statuses from people who never seemed to care about the Rockies all season. It’s kind of annoying
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 12:34 AM MDT up reply actions
I know you're trying to make people feel better but...
this seems specious:
this was just the 3rd time in 38 relief appearances that Morales has permitted multiple runs. That’s 7.89% of his appearances. For comparison, Huston Street has been guilty of that offense 7.81% of his outings this year.
Given the quick hook and other short innings for Morales, that stat doesn’t fairly compare him to Street and doesn’t capture the degree to which he’s been struggling lately.
Last 9 outings: positive WPA 3 times (including 0.00 two times, and a 0.01 and a 0.02); 35 batters faced, 13 outs (14 hits, 8 walks [2 IBB’s])
However, you are right about them still needing him, which is what makes this so nerve-wracking. Unless he’s hurt, you’d think he has to be on the roster. In a small way the DLR situation may make this more difficult, as with him healthy you’d need one fewer long guy/starter type and could carry Morales and get him into a lower leverage spot, relatively speaking. However, there’s got to be room on the roster anyway given his talent and what he showed while filling in for Street.
Leave Dexter alone! You're lucky he even performs for you!
Given the quick hook and other short innings for Morales
I’m not so sure about that. Morales hasn’t exactly been a LOOGY. Six of his 38 (16%) appearances have gone for more than one inning, while Street has in just 4 of 64 (6%). Street does average 1/10 of an inning more per appearance though, as Morales doesn’t last long when he does in fact implode.
doesn’t capture the degree to which he’s been struggling lately.
It wasn’t intended to. It seems no one needs help understanding how much he’s been struggling lately – they need help remembering that in a greater sample size, he’s been a very solid pitcher for the Rockies. I myself am very frustrated with Morales and I’ll freely admit I don’t trust him either. I’m a bit befuddled how to handle him, but the DFA MORALES rants and LEAVE HIM OFF THE PLAYOFF ROSTER takes needed to be addressed
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 12:33 AM MDT up reply actions
With the DLR injury and the current fragility of Morales' mental frame
Tracy will have a tough time filling out his playoff roster. I’m pretty sure he’ll go 14 position players (EY2 over Q) and 11 pitchers.
In a close game Morales will only be used as a LOOGY (Utley and Howard are both 0-3 vs Morales career-wise). He’s completely lost his confidence.
I think Contreras has won a spot. Belisle, Morales, and carrying a 5th starter are question marks.
May the Rockies bring me to paydirt!
I knew I shouldn't have been digging around Dodger Stadium
(cut the wrong phone cables)
EXECUTE: It's the Clutch thing to do
by Andrew Martin on Oct 4, 2009 3:05 AM MDT up reply actions
Also I will kill you
EXECUTE: It's the Clutch thing to do
by Andrew Martin on Oct 4, 2009 3:06 AM MDT up reply actions
Hi Rockies
Just wanted to stop by and say hi.
To be fair, I’ll just say what I’ve been telling all of the ROcky fans all week.
IT JUST DOESN’t Matter. New season starts Wednesday, and opponent and schedule really doesn’t matter. Its a new season and we all start off EQUAL.
HOPEFULLY SEE YA REALLY SOON. CONGRATS, good job, I am verry verry happyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
get healthy the next few days boyss
and lets crush them champss
we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE
ROCKTOBER HAS BEGUN!
Overall, huge accomplishment for this team!
Just out of curiousity, I know we’ve never won the division, but what’s the closest that we’ve been?
One game
In 1995, we finished one game behind the Dodgers for the division title, though this is the latest we controlled our own destiny for the championship. We won our final two games in 1995 against the Giants while trailing by one game, but Los Angeles won their last two games over the Padres. They owned the tie-breaker anyway, so we needed them to lose twice while we won both.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 4, 2009 10:04 AM MDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Photo: Padres fan regrets letting mother capture moment with Trevor Hoffman
- Marlins agree to unretire No. 5 for Logan Morrison, who will honor his father’s favorite player
- Weatherman Derek Holland does Dallas TV
- Ask Alex: Will Julio Teheran or Matt Moore win rookie of the year?
- Ku Klux Klan, umpires and bowling: Why the minor leagues tossed out Jim Evans academy
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
