Tuesday Rockpile: CHONE is back in town (not Figgins)

by Andrew T. Fisher on Nov 17, 2009 7:41 AM MST in Rockpile Comment 193 comments

CHONE doesn't buy CarGo's strong 2nd half.

The 2010 CHONE Projections have been posted. I recommend switching to wide view to see the table.

In case you're curious what would happen if Colorado opened the season with Jeff Kindel, Rex Rundgren, Daniel Mayora and Darin Holcomb in the infield, their projections (among others) are in the link. However, I filtered out the minor leaguers, and here are the projected main contributors for 2010.

Note CHONE tempers its expectations on Tulo and Cargo, which is typical for a projection system for young players. Exceeding those expectations would give the Rockies not only on-field success but offensive starpower the team lacked.

Player	Pos	Age	G	HR	RBI	SB	CS	PA	AVG	OBP	SLG	wOBA
Helton, Todd	1B	36	134	13	68	0	1	582	.284	.385	.430	.364
Young, Eric	2B	25	149	8	38	39	18	547	.276	.347	.398	.332
Barmes, Clint	2B	31	136	15	58	8	6	509	.258	.306	.420	.314
Stewart, Ian	3B	25	145	22	75	6	4	499	.263	.349	.483	.359
Iannetta, Chris	C	27	105	15	53	0	0	384	.260	.370	.465	.367
Fowler, Dexter	CF	24	124	4	31	21	11	414	.271	.365	.391	.338
Smith, Seth	OF	27	135	15	60	4	2	428	.291	.374	.489	.376
Hawpe, Brad	OF	31	144	23	86	1	2	572	.271	.365	.482	.368
Gonzalez, Carlos	OF	24	134	15	66	12	6	462	.285	.342	.478	.354
Murton, Matt	OF	28	129	10	52	5	2	438	.280	.349	.427	.343
Spilborghs, Ryan	OF	30	127	10	49	7	4	398	.271	.352	.424	.342
Tulowitzki, Troy	SS	25	142	22	80	10	8	580	.292	.369	.497	.373

Should we be surprised few outside of Colorado expected the Rockies to make the playoffs down the stretch? The Rockies won with depth, which just isn't sexy. They are projected to have great depth again in 2010, with only Clint Barmes having a below average wOBA. Their third "most valuable" hitter in 2009 came off the bench in a third of his games. The 3-4 hitters combined for 15 HR in 2008. The team's two All-Stars combined for just eight AB's in the playoffs. Th top three hitters were only 15th in WAR in MLB, behind the Padres, Nats and Mariners as well as every playoff team/contender sans Atlanta and the Giants. In addition to the team's history, is it any wonder the Rockies weren't viewed as legitimate?

The idea that Rockies pitching can be good has yet to truly sink in among casual fans, and Joe Fan/John Kruk don't have the time/desire to evaluate depths of teams. They look for starpower, and admittedly, the Rockies were a little shy in that department last season. Should we see a repeat performance from Cargo and Tulo in 2010, there may be some recognition of the mountain time zone, although truly, it was a joy to expect and then see the Rockies defy expectations down the stretch.

Links

The Rockies and Diamondbacks officially broke ground on their spring training facility in Scottsdale, Arizona yesterday. It is set to be completed approximately 435 days from now, just in time for use for the 2011 season.

As linked in the Rockpile yesterday, Juan Morillo is headed to Japan. Remember when Dan O'Dowd replaced him on the roster in April with some dude from Tampa Bay? Good move.

Patrick Saunders opines that Dexter Fowler deserved better than eighth place in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. I would disagree with his assessment that this is a "banner year for rookies," but I am a bit surprised he got no more love than Gerardo Parra or Everth Cabrera.

Fangraphs awarded their 2009 Carter-Batista Award, an award given to a player whose perceived value is most inflated by RBI. The winner was rumored to be acquired by the Rockies before the season, while Bengie Molina tops the three-year leaderboard.

The Hardball Times compares Jonathan Sanchez and Clayton Kershaw, noting both electric young NL West southpaws have something else in common - traffic on the basepaths. Who would you rather have on your team in 2010? Troy Patterson's answer may surprise you.

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Hawpe's projection

Do we buy this for a full year from him? Or was the second half the beginning signs of Atkins 2.0?

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 8:31 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Now's the time to ship him. Any further regression

(if that’s what we’re seeing) will make it impossible to move him. And we are deep enough in OFers now. So let’s do it.

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

by pedalpusher on Nov 17, 2009 11:06 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I love how every year Todd Helton is due for that MASSIVE REGRESSION

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 8:41 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

no way in hell Todd doesn't OBP under .400

he’s the gawd dam Toddfather, you silly machines

I am the Knight Silverblood, chivalrously protecting right-minded people from the dangers of delusioned Yankees fans everywhere.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 11:36 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

that is I think I mean

no way in hell Todd OBPs under .400

silver’s brains <—- fried

I am the Knight Silverblood, chivalrously protecting right-minded people from the dangers of delusioned Yankees fans everywhere.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 11:38 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I knew what you meant

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 11:42 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

oh good then, my work here is done

/falls over backwards

I am the Knight Silverblood, chivalrously protecting right-minded people from the dangers of delusioned Yankees fans everywhere.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 11:43 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Star Power

Get used to this now, folks. If Tulo starts off 2010 with his typical dismal .220/.300/.350 line, nobody’s going to notice, follow, or bother with this team. He’s our biggest star.

This team is incredibly boring. Good, but boring. Everybody is decent-to-good, nobody is OMG, except Tulo, Ubaldo, and Street, but why bother following them when Derek Jeter just bought a small island somewhere?

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 8:48 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I MISSED THIS

What island?

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 8:53 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Davis Islands

in Tampa.

NEVER SURRENDER DREAMS

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ Oates on Nov 17, 2009 8:58 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

ha, nice

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 9:00 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

or Fantasy Island...

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 9:11 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

This just in

Derek Jeter recognizes hyperbole, sneezes.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 9:00 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I am going to miss Hi Corbett

I got to watch Friedrich pitch from directly behind home plate. I got to share a bench with Weathers. I got to have Quintanilla drool over my french fries as he walked by. I got to hear Embree joke that his arm was throwing bolts, just like the broken pitching machine. I got to see Woody Paige’s ridiculous calf muscles as he walked around the back fields.

There was so much fan interaction with the team at Hi Corbett. I sure hope they capture that in the new park (that and the free parking)

by mkorpal on Nov 17, 2009 9:40 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Hear you about Hi Corbett but it will be really nice to be able to take in other games as well.

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

by pedalpusher on Nov 17, 2009 11:08 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

How come

EY and Barmes both have over 500 PAs? Will the Rockies be allowed to field 2 second baseman at a time next year? This will really help our ground-ball pitchers.

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 9:53 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

CHONE basically projects how many PAs a guy would get as a starter

more or less, some guys are still bench players, you know?

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 9:57 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Gotcha

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 10:01 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That Seth Smith, he's so hot right now. Seth Smith.

Seth Smith is such a manbeast.

Eschew Obfuscation!

by Jeff Aberle on Nov 17, 2009 9:56 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

he's...pretty good?

what?

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 9:57 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Zoolander, maybe?

Never seen it.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 9:59 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That in and of itself is a felonious offense.

Eschew Obfuscation!

by Jeff Aberle on Nov 17, 2009 10:05 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I really tried once and didn't really care for it.

Some things just aren’t my cup of tea.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 10:10 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I really don't understand

The reverential reaction of people to that movie. I saw it. It was alright. But there seem to be a number of people who regard it as legendary that is not commensurate with its quality.

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 11:20 AM MST up reply actions 2 recs

Rec'd

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 11:43 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Cult films usually have this effect on those that aren't in on whatever brilliance they find in the text.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 11:44 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Cult films usually don't have Will Ferrell and Ben Stiller in their "prime" either

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 11:49 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I can usually understand why most "cult" films are that way

Regardless of whether I actually regard them as great. A couple examples would be Pulp Fiction and The Big Lebowski. Saw both. Didn’t think either was all that great, but I can understand why some would think so. Zoolander, not so much.

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 11:59 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Pulp Fiction and The Big Lebowski have become mainstream favorites.

Cult status is signified by mainstream denial, usually.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 12:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

By that standard

Big Lebowski – $17M gross, zero popularity until DVD
Zoolander – $60M gross, including multiple “MTV awards”

One is a cult film, the other doesn’t really fit the mold.

Pulp Fiction can only be classified as a cult film because of its subject matter and narrative style than anything else. It was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and should have won Best Picture.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 12:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Let me clarify:

Both Pulp Fiction amd The Big Lebowski WERE cult films. They are not anymore. Both films experience a pop renaissance about four years post-release, and now are both fairly well traveled.

Zoolander began as a mainstream success because of the star presence. It has since slipped into a niche of low-cult status with only a few devoted fans.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 12:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Glad to have you back

You disappeared there for awhile during the season

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 12:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I've basically just been here to post about transactions.

I generally tend to fade away during the end of the season, especially on a playoff situation, because the attendance surges, and I prefer smaller groups of posters.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 12:25 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Me too, to be honest...

it makes it easier to develop a commenting rapport.

Eschew Obfuscation!

by Jeff Aberle on Nov 17, 2009 2:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Petition for a film day

We already have a History Day in the works

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 12:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see why we need to go the "crazy hat day at the office" routine.

The subject never changes from baseball. As long as the off topic discussions aren’t inflammatory (hence the unfortunate but admittedly necessary ban on politics), I find the off topic discussions here to be far more interesting than most baseball related ones. :D

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 12:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I think that the random off-topic conversations are much better in a Rockpile than they would be in a specific thread. I think it would be really stilted in there.

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 12:25 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

don't let me miss that

with my brain these days it’s entirely possible

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 12:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

We'll make sure to schedule it on a day when you have a paper or exam

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 1:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

you are a mean person

although at the rate my professors are piling on, that may be every day

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 1:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I've been there many times

Why am I applying for grad school? I forget sometimes.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 1:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Trying to be

educated, sane, responsible, productive member of society yadda yadda

ov-er-rated amirite?

(please do not take anything I say today seriously, I am clinically braindead)

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 1:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Thankfully I took a couple of years off after my bachelor's

Now that my brain feels better and I remember what reading for pleasure feels like again, it’s time to get back on the horse.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 1:33 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That's precisely my plan.

Not heading straight to grad school. I want to get a grip on my financial situation/sanity first.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 1:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

It's highly recommended.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 1:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

History grad degree for you?

or something else?

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 1:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Secondary Social Studies Education

I want to warp poor, innocent high school brains.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 1:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oooh, sounds like fun

I’m hoping to ~~torture~~ edumacate college kids at some point myself

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 1:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I want to be one of those teachers that says

“okay kids, the Civil War was NOT about slavery!”

And then see their confused little faces…awwww….

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 1:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, then, what was the

Civil War about? Sounds like someone is selling Lost Cause mythology to their students?

NEVER SURRENDER DREAMS

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ Oates on Nov 17, 2009 8:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Warning...

As a person with that degree, let it be known that it’s a royal pain to find a job in that area. Around the Denver area, I was going up against 400 other applicants for the job.

It’s a great field, but I know too many other people who are great teachers, but cannot find a job doing it. If you go for it, make sure you know plenty of high school teachers willing to go to bat for you.

You know you want to check out Matt's Korea blog: http://koreamatt.wordpress.com

by MattTheRock on Nov 18, 2009 1:12 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

As for me, I'll be headed back to film school, or to some other media studies program.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 1:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I wish CU had a film minor

I would have snagged that one so fast..

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 1:50 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I did a film minor

(with an Italian major) but it was critical rather than practical, but that’s probably not what you would have been after? It was great, but really hard work – easily the most intellectual study I ever did.

by biondino on Nov 17, 2009 1:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm a critical studies major at USC.

I got my practical education in high school at Denver School of the Arts.

And for the record, I took 3 semesters of Italian. Penso che io non recordo molto. :(

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 2:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Goddamn all of you

55 new comments, 2 of them about baseball

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 2:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Switching to Star Trek talk...now

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:07 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

let's shoot for baseball talk

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 2:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

it's the offseason

we’re bored

shit happens

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

OK

88 days until pitchers and catchers report

"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart." - A. Bartlett Giamatti

by Rawktober on Nov 17, 2009 2:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I love the offseason.

So many transactions happening. :D

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 2:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I like the regular season much better

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:25 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, where's your subjunctive ;)

by biondino on Nov 17, 2009 2:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The void.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 2:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I love the intellectual side of film

I took several film classes, and showed up for screenings and lectures of other “film major only” classes. It was great, but I couldn’t afford a third major.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

as a double major

I hear you

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I bet you $10

your second major is more practical than mine. Ready?

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:06 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

okey dokey

Writing and History.

and this is coming from a small liberal arts school, too.

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

History and Theatre

Your second is much more practical.

sigh

At least I had fun with it.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, as much as I love history

I’m still not too sure where the practical part is…

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I meant your writing degree

trumps my Theatre degree. At least you write everyday, I gave up my dream of being a street performer years ago.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of writing

how’s the alternate-universe-historinerd-child-labor-whatever-else-was-in-there book going?

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Should hit 25,000 words sometime tomorrow

Now it involves time travel and future political ethics. It’s so much fun, I am writing whatever the hell I want.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

and now I want to read it

any chance you can email it to me when you’re done?

it will be a total gas after my science class, trust me.

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

It is potentially completely incoherent.

Sure, I can email it to you whenever it is done. Keep in mind I have never written anything even half as long as this before. Also, I am a terrible writer.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:25 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

By the time you're done with it

I will be so loopy that I will probably think it is the best thing I’ve ever read.

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You severely overestimate my abilities.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

But you may underestimate my braindeadness

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You too could write every day, though.

Writing doesn’t get done unless you do.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 2:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Because education is good.

I’ll be going for a PhD. Eventually.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 1:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

One step at a time for me..

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 1:33 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you would appreciate this

I saw a trailer for “Avatar” yesterday, as ‘from the Director of Aliens, Terminator 2, and…True Lies!’

I screamed out in the bar, “what about The Abyss??? Or even Titanic?”

No one else understood.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

They took a generic approach as opposed to the prestige approach.

True Lies more closely fits the bill of Avatar than does The Abyss.

Plus, with the exception of its relevance to the progression of digital technology in filmmaking, The Abyss has been surprisingly forgotten by filmgoers as a whole. I was surprised how many of my peers here at USC had never heard of it.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 2:19 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I haven't read enough about Avatar, then

It sounded more Abyss than True Lies from a plot/new world exploration standpoint.

And it is tragic that your peers had never heard of it.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The only similarities, really, are extracinematic.

Digital technology, for example. But most people watching the trailer won’t understand that both films are historically relevant to the digital age.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 2:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I see what you're saying

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 12:19 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Zoolander is great

I wouldn’t say legendary, but great. But like many cult classics, takes several viewings to appreciate because you have to get beyond the plot and just enjoy the brilliance of the individual moments/scenes for themselves. You should listen to your friend Billy Zane…

by Teekalong on Nov 17, 2009 1:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I've been somewhat surprised by how strongly he projects for 2010,

given his relatively few career PA’s, I just thought it would bend even more toward average than it does.

by Rox Girl on Nov 17, 2009 10:03 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Morillo was replaced on the roster by Matt Belisle.

It didn’t seem like a great move at the time. I wanted them to give Morillo a chance.

Anyway, in other news, half the Sky Sox were processed for minor league free agency today. Christian Colonel, Sal Fasano, Paul McAnulty, Damian Moss, Scott Munter, and Dan Ortmeier are all gone.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 10:20 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Belisle was a temporary placeholder.

That roster spot was intended for Hammel, it’s one of those issues where the technical means of the transactions end up being more confusing than the actual end.

I never understood that argument about Morillo. The Rockies gave him a chance. They gave him plenty of chances, and in fact, he had all Spring to convince the team that he was worth hanging on to. An inning or two more wouldn’t have proven anything at that point. The Rockies have absolutely been justified in their decision to let him go since then.

by Rox Girl on Nov 17, 2009 11:49 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure this was the plan before they even acquired Hammel.

After Spring Training, the only reason they took Morillo instead of Belisle was to give them a few extra days to look for a trade partner. Hammel may have changed those plans had they not chosen to send Morales on optional assignment for two weeks, as they’d have obviously picked Hammel over Belisle were they only dumping one of the two.

And I’m not saying the Rockies didn’t give him ANY chances. I think he earned a bullpen spot over Belisle (keeping in mind that I believe that was the intent before Hammel even entered the picture).

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 11:58 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

Toddfather with a Caught Stealling? Dear god if I ever hear a game where “Helton takes off to second” that will be the day.. not to mention it would take him a day to get to second :)

by Jester76 on Nov 17, 2009 10:24 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Howard stole a base

In the World Series

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 11:18 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he tries it against the Red Sox

They have problems throwing anyone out

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:01 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

he could steal a base against the team that signs torrealba

by purplesocks on Nov 17, 2009 9:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Minor League Free Agency

Wolf, where did you get the info on the minor league free agents?

by roxtalk on Nov 17, 2009 10:46 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I can't really talk about that at the risk of getting in trouble, but below is a helpful link:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?cat=7

This blog isn’t updated daily, and it tends to lag around a week behind, especially in the offseason, but Matt Eddy posts every minor league transaction here eventually. It’s only updated through Nov 5th now, but if you check back in a few days, it should have another update.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 10:51 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Fangraphs has a minor league FA list

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/minor-league-free-agents/

"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart." - A. Bartlett Giamatti

by Rawktober on Nov 17, 2009 11:28 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Speier! Nooo!

by biondino on Nov 17, 2009 1:42 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Speier seems to have declared today as well.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 1:50 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

As did Kenny Perez.

The AAA transactions list now shows them filing on the eligibility date, the 9th. Looks like they’re all only getting processed now.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 1:51 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The only one on the list who is eligibale that hasn't yet happened is Wilhite.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 1:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

And Wilhite's gone now too.

Bye, useless depth players!

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 7:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

MLB.com has a list

although I don’t know how up-to-date it is:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/minorleagues/y2009/free_agents.jsp

JFK

by jrockies on Nov 18, 2009 12:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

i'd be most happy

with those numbers from stewart and ianetta.

watch this space for a soon to be created clever remark....

by RockyMtnCat on Nov 17, 2009 12:16 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I would like to see what CHONE projected for Torrealba just for fun :-)

but yeah I like those projections. Apparently it dosn’t hate all young players

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:06 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.baseballprojection.com/2010/free2010.htm

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 2:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess we know who CHONE thinks should start next year

If Torre comes back that is

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:20 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Hooray

Zack Geinke wins the AL Cy Young

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 12:19 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I can't believe I misspelled

Greinke’s name.

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 12:20 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Geinke. Hehe.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 12:21 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

(I used"Tulowitzky" through the All Star Break 2007)

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 12:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't say that out loud here

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 12:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Too late.

I also fell victim to the “Ianetta” phenomenon, but I corrected that more quickly.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 12:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I had that particular issue too, as Russ has reminded me

even though I successfully blocked it out of my memory for a time. Now apparently, I mainly have to get over my “cachet” issue, until the next one that will inevitably come up and get corrected in some humiliating fashion by this harsh mistress we call the Internet.

by Rox Girl on Nov 17, 2009 12:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Everyone's a grammar critic on the internet.

Thankfully, I’m harder on myself in that department than anyone else. I do get the frustrating urge to correct ever “Houston Street”, even when I know they’re on purpose.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 12:56 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

hell I'm a grammar critic in real life too

one of those annoying people who squawks and squawks about misused apostrophes

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 12:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I can usually hold my tongue, except in your/you're and their/there/they're issues.

Of, and lose/loose, a popular one on sports blogs. :D

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 12:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh*

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 12:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

lose/loose drives me NUTS

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 1:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't stand when people misuse good and well

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate it when people overcorrect

And say things like “it was going well between he and I”. Object follows preposition! Stupid hypothetical idiots.

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 2:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate it when yanks bastardise the queen's English :)

by biondino on Nov 17, 2009 2:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

It's our English now, chump

So are you actually English? If so, how come you’re on a baseball forum and not on one for Cricket or Rounders or whatever the sack?

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 2:33 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Cricket's fine, but it's no baseball, is it?

I also have a massive crush on the US and it’s my favourite place to visit, whether Denver or Western Mass or Arizona or NYC of the Nevada desert. You’ve got quite a country there.

by biondino on Nov 17, 2009 2:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I like British things

I need to visit sometime. I hope that everyone speaks like it’s a PG Wodehouse novel.

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 2:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately, they don't

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Still an awesome place though

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I know

I miss Oxford like my right arm

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I sort of do

(posh chap, public (i.e. private) school, middle class background)

by biondino on Nov 17, 2009 2:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Smashing

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 2:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I snicked the giggly-toodles with a right smoke boddler, though my liver blagged straight nottingly for a good grog afore-wight.

Winners never quit, and quitters never win. But if you never quit *and* never win, you are an idiot

by squalene203 on Nov 17, 2009 6:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Well we stole most of it

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:42 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

What am I saying we stole all of it

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:43 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Ooooh

how about “lesser” and “fewer?”

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

less and fewer?

I get SO ANAL about that.

by biondino on Nov 17, 2009 2:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

ats the one mate

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Me too

And, as seen above, I’m not too proud to correct myself.

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 12:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

*every

Winners never quit, and quitters never win. But if you never quit *and* never win, you are an idiot

by squalene203 on Nov 17, 2009 1:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

oh snap

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 1:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

no other defensible choice on the planet

although I am admittedly shocked they realised that

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 12:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not too shocked they got this one right but I am nervous about the MVP race

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Mauer and Pujols are SUCH gimmes

even they couldn’t screw that up…..

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I bet the AL race will be closer than you think

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Derek Jeter!!!11

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:21 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

If that happens, I will do something drastic.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

.

"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart." - A. Bartlett Giamatti

by Rawktober on Nov 17, 2009 2:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that'll work too...

/climbs back in from 12th story window

/removes “Mauer For MVP” shirt

/exposes “Gold Glove 4 Tulo” shirt

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I want a "Gold Glove 4 Tulo" shirt

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd settle for a Gold Glove 4 Tulo

No shirt necessary.

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

by Mondogarage on Nov 17, 2009 4:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope not but he has won what four Gold Gloves

I try to never underestimate stupidity

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups

it hurts cause it’s true

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you just described the city of New York

Well about 90% of it anyway

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll forgive its stupidity

as I’m very much looking forward to spending my Thanksgiving break in the city with my sister

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:50 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That sounds like a good time

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:56 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh it will be

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, football and pizza, and Hamlet on Broadway. plus just hanging out. :)

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not much of a parade guy, unless it's a Rockies World Sreies parade

But the the other stuff sounds awesome. Sometimes hanging out is the best part.

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 3:01 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Lots and lots of football is the important part

she has a TV and I don’t, so last time I was down there (during the World Series) we spent a whooole lotta time watching sports.

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 3:03 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

But I want to do all of it

and not do homework. yeah, THAT is the ticket.

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 3:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately the first two games on Thanksgiving kind of suck

But that Broncos Giants game should be a wild one. I’m sure that’s the one you care about anyway.

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 3:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Derek Jeter gets a Yankees bonus.

It’s complete trash.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 17, 2009 6:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Good choice

Though I wouldn’t have shed a single tear if Felix won.

Impossible not to have positive thoughts.

I want Sam Deduno to pitch already.

by bballrox4717 on Nov 17, 2009 1:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep and some Yankee fans are not happy about it

Idiots

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Lemme guess

they thought CC should win it over Grein…

HAHAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

They probably think Burnett deserved it over Greinke too. After all, only the Yankees are important.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 2:19 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Joba too

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 2:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

And whatsisname

the chimneysweep

Phil Coke

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Mark Texeira for Cy Young!

by WolfMarauder on Nov 17, 2009 2:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Or

Derek Jeter

by controlled_slide on Nov 17, 2009 2:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

A-Rod

must be taking it hard.

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That is great

though not at all what I thought when I saw your sentence…

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

welp

TWSS

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts exactly

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah

They think “CC Sabathia had to pitch in the AL East and the better hitters there more than make up for the difference in Sabathia’s and Greinke’s numbers” Plus Sabathia had three more wins which they seem to think is very important.

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

They're Yankees fans

abstract concepts are beyond their grasp

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:26 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Well beyond their grasp

They also think the Giants would be willing to trade Matt Cain for Robinson Cano because they neeeeeed offense. Even they don’t need it that bad.

I wonder if Bud Selig will give the Yankees a receipt with their World Series purchase

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 17, 2009 2:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't see anything wrong with that

why wouldn’t the Giants want to give up their co-Cy Young pitcher for Princess Robinson?

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

"Princess"

Perfect.

by Muzia on Nov 17, 2009 2:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Hell

while the Yanks are offering premium talent, why don’t they just go ahead and ask for that Linecum dude? The one who was busted smoking pot? Giants probably want to get rid of him now, right?

Waiting out the Rockies' offseason by watching the Broncos succeeding at not failing to fail once the giddy rush of success has failed.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2009 2:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs