Greetings from Tucson! 3/14/09 in Review

Hello Rowbots...After driving 14 hours through the night Friday night with mkorpal, I arrived in Tucson at 9am Saturday, in plenty of time for Photo Day.  I was unsure whether I would have internet access to report from the desert, but I will until at least Monday.

As Rox Girl noted, today's game was brutal.  We suffered through an overcast, rainy, windy and chilly game, a game that was far worse than the weather (and no, that weather report is not exaggerated). 

Jason Marquis didn't pitch as poorly as his line would indicate, at least to start the game.  He was a victim of some seeing-eye hits (two by the pitcher) and poor infield play from Jonathan Herrera and Christian Colonel. 

The first run could have been unearned after Herrera committed a two-base error on an unnecessary throw.  He also made an ill-advised throw to second in a failed attempt to nail a lead runner.  The two-run infield single in the second inning was actually a ground ball to third base, but Colonel fell down after taking one step.  Herrera fielded it behind him and threw high to Helton, allowing the runner from second to score.  As the game wore on though, Marquis left the ball up and got hit hard.

I won't re-hash the game too much more...that would be best left alone.  Instead, here are a few pictures from the day:

Bullpen coach Jim Wright watches Franklin Morales closely as he follows through with his windup.   Wright worked solely with Morales for fifteen minutes before the game.

Maybe Shane Lindsay heard about the massive turnover at Dove Valley, as he worked on his punting for quite a bit before the game Saturday.

Perhaps my favorite picture of the day.  The future of the Rockies outfield, Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler, are all smiles.

Eric Young Jr poses for an official picture.

Fans flood the outfield for their chance to meet and take a photo with their favorite Rockie.

Dexter Fowler was easily one of the friendliest and most charismatic players Saturday.  In fact, only Ryan Spilborghs really was at Fowler's level.  If Fowler can channel Spilborghs' charisma and power (which I think he can) with Willy Taveras' speed and bunting ability (which he showed convincingly Saturday)......well, watch out.

Conversely, the most bashful Rockie was our lovable lemur, Taylor Buchholz.  He quite humbly accepted photo requests, often with a slight look of confusion and reservation, as if he didn't deserve the honor.

One of multiple Latin American entourages that stuck together through the photo line.  Pictured are Carlos Gonzalez, Franklin Morales, Jhoulys Chacin, Edwin Bellorin, and Omar Quintanilla.  Also sticking together were Ubaldo Jimenez and Juan Morillo.

Troy Tulowitzki with my friend's girlfriend Stephanie.  Don't judge Troy's face too harshly.  He had a line of women to take pictures with him, and this was almost an hour into it.

I originally planned to post this picture to illustrate Jason Hirsh's height.  But it came to my attention it might be a classic candidate for a write-your-own-caption exercise.  But she's just holding the rope.  I swear.

Jason Marquis delivers a pitch in the first inning Saturday.

Dexter Fowler follows through on his first inning single.

Todd Helton prepares to swing at an oncoming pitch.

Brad Hawpe strikes out against Ryan Rowland-Smith in the second inning.  He was obviously pretty late on the offering.

All photos taken by Poseidon's Fist excepting game action photos, taken by mkorpal.