Thursday Rockpile: More Jim Tracy reaction; Rockies to battle for hearts and minds of Albuquerque next Spring

by Rox Girl on Nov 19, 2009 10:35 AM MST in Rockpile Comment 72 comments

More photos » Elaine Thompson - AP

He who laughs last...

Troy Renck has compiled the overwhelmingly positive reactions from Rockies players toward Jim Tracy and his extension and notes that his three year deal is north of $1 million per season.

The Rockies should be a high quality club over the course of that contract, so Tracy has definitely found himself in a better situation than he did with his last gig in Pittsburgh. I don't think anybody has shown that they can predict managerial performance with any accuracy beyond what we would expect the team itself to do, which is a large reason why I feel that the manager is less important to the regular season than a lot of fans, but I do think at a very basic level that it's important to have a guy that has the trust and confidence of the players. The Rockies did not have that with Clint Hurdle, they do now with Tracy, he's earned it (and the extension) and let's hope he keeps it.

****

While the Rockies full Spring Training schedule for 2010 has yet to be announced, press releases from other teams/venues this week have shed some light on who and where they will be playing. For instance, we know that there will be five games against the Diamondbacks, four in Tucson and one in Hermosillo, Mexico.

We now also know that the team will be finishing its Spring schedule in Albuquerque, where they are set to play two games at Isotopes Park against the Mariners. Albuquerque remains a valuable prize as far as the expansion of the Rockies brand is concerned, but the Dodgers affiliation with the Isotopes, and the added bonus of the Manny Ramirez PED suspension drama that played out there last year, has suggested that the Rockies might be losing some branding ground with Colorado's neighbor to the South. I don't know how far two exhibition games will go in rebuilding our base down there, but they certainly don't hurt.

Part of why the Rockpile this morning is so late was that the Hermosillo and Albuquerque exhibitions got me to thinking of where the Rockies would seem to be a natural fit as favorite or second favorite MLB team, or where the brand has the most promise of expanding. Outside the state of Colorado, Albuquerque has to be first or second on the list depending on how one views Salt Lake City, which seems to have a bit more of an antagonistic element toward Denver and its teams as a result of the spillover of the Jazz/Nuggets and MWC rivalries. Outside those two cities, I would think the entire cattle/energy corridor that roughly follows the I-25 in the US and extends to Calgary/Edmonton in Alberta and down to Chihuahua in Mexico would be where the bulk of Rockies fans get nurtured.

Yeah, that last one is really the reason for most of the delay. I just never really thought about Chihuahua the city before. I think I avoided thinking about it because of the connection with those annoying little wheezy dogs (except for Russ's of course, those that don Rockies gear get immunity from my bias) but I ended up reading a lot about the history and development of the city that really had nothing to do with the Rockies at all. So, uhm, sorry about that. Hey, it's the offseason. But really, somewhat back on track, the sister city of Pueblo should be a natural fit for Rockies fans. I suggest Purple Row organize an advertising expedition to head there at once. Russ, what's our budget for that?

0 recs | Comment 72 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

RG, you should never apologize for reading history.

by Muzia on Nov 19, 2009 10:46 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

The Battle of the Sacramento was kind of like yesterday's MOY voting

by Rox Girl on Nov 19, 2009 11:18 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

When does the Twilight GT go up tonight?

…and do we have to choose sides between Team Jacob and Team Edward to participate?

Donate to charity by shopping for Purple Row Merchandise at:
Purple Row Cares

by Charlie77 on Nov 19, 2009 4:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I will kill you

as will the Lost Boys and most of the characters from Underworld.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 8:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm cheering for Team Buffy!

Ignorance of the American League is a sign of good moral character.
Look out Dodgers...Purple objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

I'll be the guy in a orange shirt EVERY Monday...Broncos are my team win or lose.

by RdRnnr on Nov 19, 2009 8:52 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Never in my life have I wanted to shit something up so badly

I remember when the 7th Harry Potter book came out, and all the douchebags around went inside, bought the book, came outside, and started spoiling major plot points, all for the “lulz”, and it just pissed me off to no end.

for some reason, this whole twilight phenomenon has me just so completely and utterly annoyed that I would do anything in my power to completely ruin it, and I just don’t know why this seething hatred of this stupid hot topic craze has sprung up inside me.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 10:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm so confused

You want to ruin Twilight because douchebags ruined Harry Potter for you?

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

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 19, 2009 11:07 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

not really that

Harry Potter WASN’T ruined for me, but I hated the people who decided to ruin it for others anyway. Why ruin someone else’s fun for no reason other than to be a jerk?

What confuses me is why I suddenly have the desire to ruin Twilight for everyone. I don’t know why I’m so fiercely and completely annoyed by this stupid vampire chick flick. It’s just stupid fun, why should I want to ruin it for them?

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 11:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The thing is, with the movies, most of thecrazies have already read the books anyway.

So you can’t really ruin anything.

by holly96 on Nov 19, 2009 11:45 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

MAYBE YOU"RE A JERK

In all seriousness though, it may make you happy to know that my sister is a huge fan of that series and she was furious after the first movie came out because she thinks the actress who plays the main character “sucks”. I believe the words “I hope she gets hit by a train” came out of her mouth.

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

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 19, 2009 11:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

well that's....good?

I’m more just curious/a little weirded out at the …. well, I don’t even have words for it, but whatever this boiling black tar of hatred brewing inside of me is.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 20, 2009 8:45 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My wife attended the midnight showing of New Moon last night...

I swear she should replace Shatner as the Negotiator. She talked her way into the last ticket after it was sold out, met up with some friends, had middle aisle seats, a free New Moon t-shirt and ice cream afterwards. It was funny seeing her go to work this morning after only 3 hours sleep and leftover goth/vampire makeup still on her face.

Donate to charity by shopping for Purple Row Merchandise at:
Purple Row Cares

by Charlie77 on Nov 20, 2009 10:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

She wants Kristen Stewart

to be hit by a train. Geez, that’s harsh.

NEVER SURRENDER DREAMS

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ Oates on Nov 20, 2009 9:02 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Kristen Stewart is the only good thing about Twilight

Eschew Obfuscation!

by Jeff Aberle on Nov 20, 2009 10:27 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

there are good things?

any movie/book series that makes me not want to watch vampire flicks anymore deserves to be burned in the fire of a thousand suns.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 20, 2009 10:35 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My wife attended the midnight showing of New Moon last night..

Donate to charity by shopping for Purple Row Merchandise at:
Purple Row Cares

by Charlie77 on Nov 20, 2009 10:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll have to ask her the details of why she hates her so much and get back to you on that :-)

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

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 20, 2009 1:19 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

She means business

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

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 20, 2009 1:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

huh, Cliff Lee was near my hometown yesterday...

He was signing autographs in Craig while on a hunting trip. I like how the URL omits a word and tells what’s more likely the truth than the actual headline.

by Rox Girl on Nov 19, 2009 10:47 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I’m sure all 6 people in Craig were thrilled.

Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.

by UZ on Nov 19, 2009 10:57 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, I laughed at the URL.

by holly96 on Nov 19, 2009 11:48 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My chihuahua

will take on any dog, anywhere, at any time, and emerge victorious. He may have a bout with a poodle on Thanksgiving.

As for the budget, if I liquidate some stock we can have an advertising expedition to several places.

NEVER SURRENDER DREAMS

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ Oates on Nov 19, 2009 11:06 AM MST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Russ= Featherweight Michael Vick???

by Muzia on Nov 19, 2009 11:16 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like to see

your chihuahua take on my pug. She’s 18 lbs of solid muscle, built like a rock. Other than that, she’ll win by hypnotizing your chihuahua by wagging her tail.

by Prospector on Nov 19, 2009 11:28 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

poodles used to be guard dogs

and are pretty vicious, iirc.

Toy poodles, however…

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 11:34 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought they were originally hunting dogs

And that their unusual haircut patterns were to protect their joints from cold water and such.

by controlled_slide on Nov 19, 2009 11:56 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

maybe that's it

all I knew was “fierce”

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 12:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

They were originally retrievers

The name is a contraction of poodlehund, or “splash hound”.

by crazedjohn on Nov 19, 2009 4:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Kip Wells is available!

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

by Rawktober on Nov 19, 2009 11:35 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Opening Day starter 2010!

NEVER SURRENDER DREAMS

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ Oates on Nov 19, 2009 11:37 AM MST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

"In other news, a meteorite has struck the Colorado Rockies team bus, killing everyone in the mayhem"

Kip wells stands up with a determined look on his face

“This is your time, Kip”

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 11:40 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Kip pitches 8.2 innings of no hit baseball, only to give up a home run to Mark Redman on an 0-2 count.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 19, 2009 11:42 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't be able to move my eyes from the television

it’d be too glorious to not watch.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 12:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm a bit dissapointed we're finishing up in our big ST finale against the Mariners again...

… but at least it’s in a different city than last year.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 19, 2009 11:40 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Lincecum for Cy Young.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 19, 2009 12:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Even though Wainwright got more first place votes, he finished third. Interesting.

by controlled_slide on Nov 19, 2009 12:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

as well he should

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 2:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't wait to see what he gets in arbitration...

by Muzia on Nov 19, 2009 2:26 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

They may just sign him long term before it gets that far.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 19, 2009 2:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

They probably have to

but it would be an incredible case to follow.

Arbitrar: San Fran, why shouldn’t he be one of the three highest paid pitchers in baseball?

SF: uhhhh…he didn’t win the Cy Young his first year! So…yeah! He totally sucks! And smokes POT!

by Muzia on Nov 19, 2009 2:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

"He's only been really good against the Rockies instead of great!"

by WolfMarauder on Nov 19, 2009 2:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

"His body is 13 innings away from exploding!"

And he smokes POT!

by Muzia on Nov 19, 2009 2:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Is he up for arb

this year because of Super 2

Jabberwocky?

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

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 19, 2009 4:50 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 19, 2009 4:52 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My work here is done.

Eschew Obfuscation!

by Jeff Aberle on Nov 19, 2009 7:56 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

bleh

130+ long days till we meet again...

by prettyinpurple on Nov 19, 2009 5:20 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

well, like him or not, he's the best

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 8:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Diamondbacks acquired Aaron Heilman from the Cubs.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 19, 2009 2:41 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Saw that

I feel kind of meh about it. I don’t think he’s really that good. I guess he gives them a little more stability, and is a good complimentary part, but they’re a long way away from complimentary parts pushing them over the top.

by Hizilla on Nov 19, 2009 3:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

We could have totally beat their offer

Alan Johnson and the rights to Don Johnson.

Who could pass that up?

by Muzia on Nov 19, 2009 3:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I remember when we were going to acquire him and Pedro Feliciano for Huston Street

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 3:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

he will reunite with Schoenweiss

and they will go back to there vintage mets days together and blow a bunch of games…if they don’t make him a starter

we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE

thanks for a great season Rockies!

LETS GO WINGS!

by TuLoRocks2008 on Nov 19, 2009 3:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Now it appears the story was a bit early.

by WolfMarauder on Nov 19, 2009 4:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oop, nope, same as originally reported

Never mind

by WolfMarauder on Nov 19, 2009 4:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree with your manager is less important in the regular season statement..

I would contend that in 162 games the manager contributes more towards a teams win than in the playoffs. Tthe manager can have marginal affects upon the outcome of the game based on defensive starters, batting lineup and certain in-game plays that will contribute to a handful of wins or losses which isn’t as likely to be seen in a 5 or 7 game season.

Donate to charity by shopping for Purple Row Merchandise at:
Purple Row Cares

by Charlie77 on Nov 19, 2009 5:05 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

arguable either way, both sides with fair points

I look at the postseason more simply because everyone’s watching and there’s that much less room for error.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 8:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

According to the Purple Row Map…

There are as many Rockies fans in North Korea as there are in Central America right now. I fear Kim Jong Il is responsible for this.

Donate to charity by shopping for Purple Row Merchandise at:
Purple Row Cares

by Charlie77 on Nov 19, 2009 6:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

That's cool

How come I’m not on the map?

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

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 19, 2009 8:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That'd be South Korea...

Unless I missed something important in the past couple of days. I don’t think my school turned into a labor camp, but I spend a lot of time in my room, so it might have.

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

by MattTheRock on Nov 20, 2009 1:56 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually there's more members in South Korea..

than Mexico. I was using a play on words.

Donate to charity by shopping for Purple Row Merchandise at:
Purple Row Cares

by Charlie77 on Nov 20, 2009 10:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

It still bugs me that DBS is on there.

by Hizilla on Nov 20, 2009 7:50 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Especially after the Redskins game.

Donate to charity by shopping for Purple Row Merchandise at:
Purple Row Cares

by Charlie77 on Nov 20, 2009 10:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

awwww I love DBS

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 20, 2009 11:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Just one hour left until Free Agency begins

Can you feel the excitement?

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

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 19, 2009 9:01 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

actually yes.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 10:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Who do you think is the first team to make a stupid signing?

I think it’s a tossup between the Giants and the Mets.

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

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 19, 2009 11:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The Dodgers need pitching and a 2B as well, that could be interesting

I feel as if the Royals might be stupid players as well.

Hope got in my eyes

by Andrew Martin on Nov 19, 2009 11:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Dayton Moore wouldn't have anything to do with that would he?

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

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 19, 2009 11:51 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The only reason why I didn't say the Royals is because they don't have much money.

Dayton Moore is an idiot but he is also on a leash so how much damage could he really do? (Royals fans are probably cringing as I ask that question)

Maybe the Dodgers overpay for Placido Palonco?

The reason I say the Giants is that it seems like every year they overpay for someone every year. Barry Zito in 2006, Aaron Rowand in 2007, Edgar Rentaria in 2008, (? ??) in 2009.

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

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Nov 19, 2009 11:56 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Sonuva

And I’m not going to be in the Land of Entrapment for the fun.

Isotopes park is pretty sweet, too. Rats.

Also, when I was in A-town this week, they had a billboard for the sports radio station advertising being “Your home of the Dodgers.” The Rockies have a ways to go in that market.

by Yokel on Nov 19, 2009 10:23 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

It also doesn’t help that they get Fox Sports Arizona on Comcast in Albuquerque and not Rocky Mountain. My mom can see all the Dbacks games, but not the Rockies.

by fatheadX on Nov 20, 2009 9:10 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs