Tuesday Rockpile: The Closer Battle, D-Day for Jeff Francis?, Uniform Numbers
by Andrew T. Fisher on Feb 17, 2009 8:00 AM MST
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PrintRenck's Rapid Pen
In one of his many posts yesterday, Renck reports most notably that Manny Corpas was the most impressive pitcher over the weekend. The re-emergence of a dominating Corpas would greatly soften the blow from losing Brian Fuentes, not to mention setting up an exciting closer battle. To that, Huston Street says "Bring it on!"
Clint Hurdle is hoping to lean heavily on Todd Helton, enough to even make him the #3 hitter. Why?
"We talked over the winter about him being the toughest out in the National League, and you'd like your toughest out to hit third."
That's tough to argue. Even when Helton is off his game, he's still the toughest out in the lineup. Renck also notes that Alan Embree is old and that Dexter Fowler can no longer fit through a fax machine.
At 1PM MT today, Troy Renck and Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post will we available for a live chat.
Courtesy of The Cowboy, Jeff Francis will throw today in a bullpen session. Have a watchful eye. Today might be the day that Francis gives in to surgery.
The Power of Going Digital
Recently, the Rockies released their 40-man roster, complete with all player names and numbers. You could find it here or on the left side of your screen. A few purely cosmetic observations:
- Carlos Gonzalez may keep the tradition alive for #5 in left. GarGo has rudely taken Big Daddy's number.
- Be forewarned - if you see a #16 Rockies uniform in Tuscon, don't fret. It's not Kip Wells - it's Huston Street. Or me.
- New outfielder Matt Murton will be wearing one of the most popular numbers in the franchise's history: 14. Other notable 14's: Andres Galarraga, Greg Norton, Sean Barker, Troy Tulowitzki, and Dexter Fowler.
- Fowler switched from 14 to 24, taking the number Ian Stewart has worn for the past two seasons.
- Stewart will now be wearing #9. That struck me as odd. Maybe because of Vinny Castilla. Maybe because of the Cousin's defensive position. Maybe because of Juan Pierre....or maybe more. Something about the idea of Stewart wearing that small number and poking a pitch in the second deck from the south batter's box struck me as strange.
As odd and inconsequential as it sounds (and is), the Rockies have never had a good Left-Handed Home Run Hitting Single Digit Wearing Guy. In the spirit of the LOOGY, let's call this a LHHRHSDWGy. The franchise leading LHHRHSDWGy's:
| Name | LH Home Runs |
| Neifi Perez | 15 |
| Jorge Piedra | 12 |
| Jason Bates | 10 |
| JD Closser | 8 |
The best LHHRHSDWGy in Rockies history was a switch hitter! We've had plenty on the right handed side - Castilla (271), Matt Holliday (128), Troy Tulowitzki (32) and Yorvit Torrealba (23) - but no lefties. If CHONE is correct, Ian Stewart will be a franchise record holder by September.
I'll Have Extra Cheese Please
Patrick Saunders at the Denver Post tries to have a little fun by suggesting the most cliched and lame headlines possible by using the Rockies roster. The one I'd most be interested to see?
"Hynick maneuver rescues Rockies.”
Feel free to make up your own.
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Hangon
We’re forbidding Iannetta to bat 5th because of limited playing time, but we want Helton batting 3rd?
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I honestly have no idea
I wouldn’t put Helton 3rd unless he regained his power stroke. I’m not sure he could hit twenty, and except Barmes, we could get 20 from every other spot in the lineup
"Winning doesn't really matter as long as you win." - Vinny Jones
by Andrew T. Fisher on Feb 17, 2009 9:24 AM MST up reply actions
I think we're having this argument in the Hawpe batting #4 thread.
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by Andrew Martin on Feb 17, 2009 9:25 AM MST up reply actions
Well I'm hijacking it to pimp my rock pile.
so there
"Winning doesn't really matter as long as you win." - Vinny Jones
by Andrew T. Fisher on Feb 17, 2009 9:25 AM MST up reply actions
oh I was just saying it
so we don’t have two simultaneous incidences of me posting FJM links everywhere
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by Andrew Martin on Feb 17, 2009 9:31 AM MST up reply actions
this is a side note
but did anybody see the Preseason Power rankings on CBS.Sportsline.com….i usually don’t care to look at the rankings but they have us 26th….unreal
Jiri Hudler...our underrated MVP
we don't look good on paper
And that’s because we’re relying on guys like Ian Stewart, Tulo, Spilborghs, Chris Iannetta, guys who just came off of lousy years, years of being a part time player, young players, injured players, do you see where I’m going?
CBS Sportsline is full of idiots who eat dirt.
Follow me on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/rockiesmagicnum
by Andrew Martin on Feb 17, 2009 9:18 AM MST up reply actions
Good for a morning chuckle
"Winning doesn't really matter as long as you win." - Vinny Jones
by Andrew T. Fisher on Feb 17, 2009 9:35 AM MST up reply actions
Get used to it
There is not a single “national” media outlet that is going to give us any respect until we earn it. I live in LA and have heard countless Dodgers season predicting radio discussions with national media folks, and not only do they never list Colorado as a legitimate contender, they don’t discuss us at all. Literally, not at all. We are presently a non-entity. Get ready for a steady stream of 4th place predictions.
FoxSports
#21
The loss of Matt Holliday is a big blow to an offense that did nothing to replace him. Brian Fuentes is gone, too, but the Rox added Huston Street to close. Hard to see how this team got better this offseason.
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
what
Follow me on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/rockiesmagicnum
by Andrew Martin on Feb 17, 2009 6:45 PM MST up reply actions
Even though you've used this twice
it still tickles me
"Winning doesn't really matter as long as you win." - Vinny Jones
by Andrew T. Fisher on Feb 17, 2009 7:00 PM MST up reply actions
I'd just as soon
they not mention us until they know wtf they’re talking about. The “national” media equates to major market media (MMM), which clearly does not include Colorado. The MMM knows the MM teams because they see them consistently. Either live or through the ubiquitous tv coverage. In 2007, I firmly believe that Tulo lost the ROY award because 75% of the voters never saw him play until the play-in game. (Yes, I realize that Braun doesn’t play in a major market. But he does play in the Selig market and had gaudy offensive stats.)
You’re right on with your point that the Rox must earn their respect, and thus far, that hasn’t happened. I’d just like to think that “pronouncements” over who will contend and who won’t were based more on what really is than what last year’s print-outs may suggest. Yeah, like that’ll happen.
I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better. -Georg C. Lichtenberg:
No way
Gold Gloves are ALWAYS won by the best defensive player. No matter what. Duh.
"Winning doesn't really matter as long as you win." - Vinny Jones
by Andrew T. Fisher on Feb 17, 2009 8:26 PM MST up reply actions
Well, you could always melt them down
Kinda like A-Fraud’s HOF career, come to think of it.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
For real though
If I won one, I think I’d make a youtube video of me microwaving it to see what happens. Then I’d probably sell the remains and donate the money to some charity or something…
Maybe you could send it in
to the Will it Blend guys.
http://twitter.com/blakebomber
by BlakeBomber on Feb 18, 2009 10:15 AM MST up reply actions
Oh man I love those videos
Follow me on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/rockiesmagicnum
by Andrew Martin on Feb 18, 2009 5:02 PM MST up reply actions
Join the club.
Dontrelle Willis winning ROTY over Brandon Webb has always pissed me off…. Webb was better in every category but wins. But, ya know, Willis played in the eastern time zone. And had a goofy leg kick.
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
by DbacksSkins on Feb 17, 2009 11:36 PM MST up reply actions
I'm still bitter about Wood over Helton
"Winning doesn't really matter as long as you win." - Vinny Jones
by Andrew T. Fisher on Feb 17, 2009 11:51 PM MST up reply actions
At least there,
there’s an argument to be made regarding the relative values of starting pitching vs. position players. Webb and Willis played the exact same position…
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
Hynick maneuver
Gave me a good chuckle this morning. Very clever.
A couple more links for you Rowbots: Dave Krieger has a visit with Matt Holliday, and if you can stomach it, Mark Kizla declares that Tulo must be the man in 2009.
As for the headline, howzabout Register Rings Up Big Win?
Best I can do this early.
I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better. -Georg C. Lichtenberg:
I enjoyed that Krieger article
Follow me on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/rockiesmagicnum
by Andrew Martin on Feb 17, 2009 9:25 AM MST up reply actions
Enjoyed it, but some of what Big Daddy says...
…makes me want to hurl
“Obviously, I’m very grateful for the way they treated me. I think as a family we were, I’ll say a little bit heartbroken that we had to leave Colorado. If I’m not going to play there, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for us to live there in the offseason, just because of the weather.”
I’m all for free agency, and players with leverage getting to exercise it. But don’t give us this crap that you had to leave Colorado, when you and your agent essentially said you weren’t signing any extension at any price prior to hitting free agency.
I wish the Rockies weren’t in a position where they had to trade him prior to losing him, but for him to say now that he thought he’d get another offer is just revisionist history. Without beating up on Boras any more than he deserves (which is considerable, more for his lack of ethics as an agent, moreso than his greed on behalf of players), the reality is, Boras simply does not have his clients sign extensions prior to hitting free agency. And for Big Daddy to essentially argue now that the opposite was plausible, is revisionist history.
I have no idea how many $$$ Matt will get after this season, or whom it will be from, but one thing that seems clear is that he won’t be spending those next 4-6 years in one place, like he said was his intention.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Feb 17, 2009 10:32 AM MST up reply actions
I mentioned this in another discussion
Or maybe somewhere else, period, but Holliday is going to be the marquee FA in 2010. The Mets are very excited.
Follow me on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/rockiesmagicnum
by Andrew Martin on Feb 17, 2009 10:45 AM MST up reply actions
Dear Matt,
As much as I love you, I’m a little unclear on the whole turning-down-four-years-with-no-no-trade-clause-since-it’s-not-job-security. (Whoof. Hyphens). So instead you’ll go to Oakland, spend a year there, likely not get re-signed due to Beane’s modus operandi, hit free agency again, and bank on getting your long-term contract then. I understand you might not have been the one to pick Oakland, but since Beane’s reputation for constant turnover is known, it’s not like you’re going to get any stability in Oakland that you wasn’t going to get in Denver — less so, in fact.
You, my darling, are trying to frame a situation that didn’t exist. You sent a pretty clear message when you hired The Devil Scott Boras that you wanted to do it Boras’ way — play until free agency and go elsewhere where the pickings are better, for some mammoth and insane amount of money. Matt, most everyone can live just fine on $72 million, just FYI. The Monforts might have a deserved-or-otherwise reputation as skinflints, but that’s not bad. They offered it, but you weren’t going to take it. Unless you needed to get it all the way up to nine figures, and that’s where Boras comes in. Look, we love you, but you wanted to do it your way, you did your thing, you made your bed. Have fun in Oakland, and wherever you and that agent of yours end up. Stability’s key, remember? Maybe you’ll get that A-Roddian pact next time around, but make sure you don’t get busted for steroids along with it. Have a terrific season, except when we play you. Then you can go 0-fer.
Best regards,
Silverblood
Blast and botheration.
by Silverblood on Feb 17, 2009 11:05 AM MST up reply actions
What are the odds
that the Angels bury Oakland by July and Matt gets flipped by the deadline? I would not be shocked
"Winning doesn't really matter as long as you win." - Vinny Jones
by Andrew T. Fisher on Feb 17, 2009 11:11 AM MST up reply actions
I don't think it'll happen
1) The Angels are definitely weaker than last year. I like Fuentes, but he’s a step down from Rodriguez, and obviously they’ll miss Teixeira. Baseball Prospectus projects the AL West as a close race between the two teams.
2) Beane’s idea is to improve on the young players (Street and Smith) and prospects (Gonzales) that he gave up in the deal. If 1) proves true, it would have to be a pretty impressive haul of prospects (unlikely for a sure-fire rental given the economic circumstances) to give up what is likely to be the player most pivotal to making 1) happen.
The A's are traditionally a slow starting team..
If you look at their 01 and 02 teams they were much better after the all-star break. I think Mr. Beane just wants the draft picks.
Keepin' warm by the hot stove season.
Very well written..
Bravo!!
Now when are you going to stop breaking my heart on Sundays? The last few have been the loneliest ends to the weekends. Without your column it’s like starting my Monday, a day early.
Keepin' warm by the hot stove season.
Seriously
With Spring Training starting, Silverblood, you’ll have material to go off of this Sunday. I haven’t dusted off my thesaurus in a couple weeks…that needs to change
"Winning doesn't really matter as long as you win." - Vinny Jones
by Andrew T. Fisher on Feb 17, 2009 10:38 PM MST up reply actions
Hmmm...
D-Day is my sister’s birthday. I’ll be in Denver this year, though.
Sorry, carry on. ADD.
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
You're distracted thoughts would be easier to follow if...
You posted a pic of your sister.
Keepin' warm by the hot stove season.
Maggie and I at the ChiSox/A’s game last 4th of July:
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
by DbacksSkins on Feb 17, 2009 11:01 AM MST up reply actions
:quagmire:
Follow me on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/rockiesmagicnum
by Andrew Martin on Feb 17, 2009 12:27 PM MST up reply actions
Well,
you could see her picture on Facebook anyway.
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
heh heh
alllright
Follow me on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/rockiesmagicnum
by Andrew Martin on Feb 17, 2009 2:21 PM MST up reply actions
Good lord
The things an old guy has to Google these days. ;)
A pleasure, as always.
I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better. -Georg C. Lichtenberg:
Educational, no?
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
by DbacksSkins on Feb 17, 2009 11:32 PM MST up reply actions
Dude, she looks like a Sox south-sider...
Don’t mess with her.
Keepin' warm by the hot stove season.
She is. Granted, she's also like 5'0...
She’s Dbacks first, but ChiSox second, as she went to UChicago. Now she’s a rocket scientist. (True fact)
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
by DbacksSkins on Feb 17, 2009 11:30 PM MST up reply actions
A Rocket Scientist and good looking?
You are so lucky you don’t live in Arkansas.
Keepin' warm by the hot stove season.
....I'm really not sure how to interpret this.
But yeah, she works for Raytheon.
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
Off the subject
but are games still being televised in CO on FSN this year? I am pretty sure the answer is yes, but I am just seeing MLB TV on the schedule on the Rockies website.
yeah, they are
Follow me on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/rockiesmagicnum
by Andrew Martin on Feb 17, 2009 10:44 AM MST up reply actions
FSN Rocky Mountain reaches long-term television rights extension
From November: http://tinyurl.com/cjxmqt
http://twitter.com/blakebomber
by BlakeBomber on Feb 17, 2009 10:50 AM MST up reply actions
I thought so
it was just weird that it didn’t say that on the game schedule except on a few spring training games. I got very worried that my summer would not be spent in front of a computer instead of in front of the TV, or God forbid, spedning time w/ my daughter, I kid.
Renck/Saunders chat has started
http://www.denverpost.com/rockies
Follow me on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/rockiesmagicnum
Anybody know
of a link to an archive of the chat? I’d like to read what was discussed. I’ve been looking over the DP website and I can’t find it.
Fun trivia
and blog post about a former Rockie.
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
A few more headlines
Rockies cup SPILLS over.
Dodgers Stew as Ian goes wild.
Dex dials up a walk off homer.
Baker and Cook come up with recipe for win.
Very clever!
I had been toying with the Baker/Cook combo, but everything I came up with was underdone. Sorry. Couldn’t resist a groaner.
I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better. -Georg C. Lichtenberg:
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