Tuesday Rockpile: Arms around the world, Ubaldo Jimenez takes on two big roles

by Andrew T. Fisher on Mar 10, 2009 8:00 AM MDT in Rockpile Comment 12 comments

Jack Etkin

A lot is riding on the arms of Rockies at the WBC these days. Ubaldo Jimenez will pitch to today in an attempt to exact revenge on The Netherlands. A loss means the Dominican Republic will be eliminated and Ubaldo can come "home." Jason Grilli matched his MLB career record in saves yesterday alone, as he pitched a ten out save in an upset over Canada. Our northern neighbors are now eliminated.

Jason Grilli

#49 / Pitcher / Colorado Rockies

Height: 6-5

Weight: 225

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Nov 11, 1976

Manny Corpas will return to Arizona in a couple days after Panama was eliminated. He gave up one run in two innings.

Esmil Rogers, Luis A. Gonzalez, Chris Frey and Wilin Rosario were the first to be re-assigned to minor league camp. None ever posed a threat to make the team.

Etkin reflects on the future of the Rockie' rotation, effectively stating that Franklin Morales, Jhoulys Chacin and Christian Friedrich all have the talent to fill be front of the rotation starters.

Troy Renck

Todd Helton enjoyed his first day hitting in 2009 Sunday, he kept right on going through the off day. Helton doubled and singled off Jason Marquis, and Ian Stewart homered off Huston Street in an intra-squad game. It's hard to know if this is a great thing or a bad thing.

Ubaldo Jimenez may be a young up-and-coming pitcher, but he's already a role model for the Rockies' young Latin arms. This is exactly what the Rockies front office needs - a trail blazer for the likes of Franklin Morales, Samuel Deduno, Jhoulys Chacin and maybe even Juan Morillo.

Rolando Fernandez, Rockies' director of international operations: "We have never had another kid like Ubaldo. He's a role model, someone we can always point to."

Glenallen Hill is attempting to sprinkle a little humor amongst the hard work happening in Tucson. The Rockies spent their off-day trying on their acting skills, creating unique (or classic) home run trots.

MLB Network

The infant network featured the Rockies yesterday in their 30 Teams in 30 Days campaign. If you missed it, as I did, the video will be available here, likely later this evening.

What's on Tap

It's reunion time as the Rockies will face the Oakland ~~Hollidays~~ Athletics at 2MDT at Hi Corbett Field

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Wild prediction of the season

Ubaldo throws a no hitter in San Diego on May 5th. However he gets lifted in the 10th of a 0-0 game that goes (only) 21 innings this time around. Rockies win on a home run from Baker.

by moomacher on Mar 10, 2009 8:24 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

That would be fun

But our first no-hitter has to be a complete game :)

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Mar 10, 2009 9:17 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

i love how

the picture of Grilli is him hitting lmao

Jiri Hudler...our underrated MVP

by TuLoRocks2008 on Mar 10, 2009 8:46 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I was taken aback by that…since he had just 3 ABs last year.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Mar 10, 2009 9:17 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

From the look on his face...

…I’d say it was likely another missed slug bunt.

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

by Mondogarage on Mar 10, 2009 12:54 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

30 Teams in 30 Days

Was a let-down. Dan Plesac complained about pitching in Colorado and everyone agreed the Rocks didn’t have a superstar. In the 60 minutes, about 5 was worth watching.

by RMH on Mar 10, 2009 9:34 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Dan Plesac

had absolutely nothing of substance to say. The only real insight was offered by the the Rangers special assistant.

by pedalpusher on Mar 10, 2009 9:50 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

so annoying

and they all picked us 4th….douchebags

Jiri Hudler...our underrated MVP

by TuLoRocks2008 on Mar 10, 2009 11:21 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have not seen the 30 days piece yet

Some marketing genius at the network decided to schedule our piece to air at 3:00 p.m. MT, when 90% of the Rocky Mountain region was at work. I know the WBC games are taking up most of primetime, but that is not the way to grow viewership on a new channel from a small to medium market teams fans. I guarantee the Red Sox or Yankees show would never be aired at 3:00 p.m. EST. The next Rockies re-air was at 2 a.m. this morning, which is equally as ridiculous. Luckily, there is one more semi-reasonable time to watch. 7 am tomorrow, which is thankfully before I have to go to work.

As for Plesac, what did you expect. The Rocks will not get national network love until they win the division multiple times in a row (or go to the Series twice in three years).

by Prospector on Mar 10, 2009 6:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs