Friday Rockpile: The fifth starter will receive a few weeks vacation

by Russ Oates on Mar 20, 2009 8:02 AM MDT in Rockpile

After yesterday's game, Clint Hurdle confirmed to Troy Renck that the club may not start the season with a fifth starter. Hurdle explains why he may do this and what he'd do with the extra spot:

"We have never had to break with five starters. Are we better served adding another arm to the bullpen?" Hurdle said. "I think we need to be more pitching-focused than having an extra pinch-hitter. You would need to have multiple guys that could pitch multiple innings."

Because the starters aren't going to pitch long into games early on, or because the pitchers are going to be chased out of games early on? So both the winner and the loser remaining in this derby (Morales and Greg Smith, the last link states) will spend time in the minors this season.

Though, if Greg Smith wins the final spot in the rotation he may not spend the early part of the season with the Sky Sox. In a question about trades, Tracy Ringolsby speculates that Smith could spend a few weeks with Tulsa to be in a better weather situation. Ringolsby would seem to favor an extra hitter for a few weeks instead of another pitcher, as Hurdle prefers right now.

Jason Marquis, already in the rotation, hopes that changes to his delivery will make him a better pitcher.

Casey Weathers writes that he is a month behind schedule in his recovery and that he had an MRI a few days ago. His next update should have the results of the exam.

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Comments

I agree with Ringolsby on preferring an extra hitter rather than an extra pitcher.

It’s nice to have so many guys with options competing for that spot to make this opportunity available. Kudos to O’Dowd for that bit of roster construction.

As for Marquis, I really hope it works out for him, but stories like this make me cringe because often the “tweaks” end up throwing other stuff off, and by the time the pitcher gets back to what brought them to the show in the first place, too much damage to them or the team’s record has already been done. I hope that’s not the case, but now I feel like I have to worry about what’s going to show up with 60% of the rotation rather than just the 40% it was yesterday.

by Rox Girl on Mar 20, 2009 8:15 AM MDT reply actions

I'd go with a extra pitcher

Starters won’t be stretched out…cold days, rainy days will limit pitchers effectiveness. We don’t want to over-work those arms in the pen in April…giving another arm to spread out the work makes sense to me.

Most of our hitters don’t need to ride the pine, they need regular ABs in minors. But a lot of that depends on Helton’s health. If those cool April evenings means he needs more time off, then we may need a 1st baseman (Baker or JoKo), cause I think we won’t have Stewart at 3rd to start the season (see post below)

Rockies Mgr. Clint Hurdle on what needs improvement in 09: "Our Record"

by Redhawk on Mar 20, 2009 9:14 AM MDT up reply actions

sigh

Stewart to AAA, JoeKo backing up Helton.

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 9:25 AM MDT up reply actions

I wanted to look at a Q from Rox Girl's Thurs. Wrap

The smaller question: Why did Ian Stewart suddenly stop hitting after that Angels game where he came up so big?

This really is an issue. Spring training doesn’t count…but…Stewart has really struggled. This on top of really struggling last year in the bigs. He dominated at AAA but never adjusted to the bigs. It happens, it’s a big step. I think we all (and the Rockies as well) assumed Stewart would be a year older, and better.

Now, if Stewart doesn’t come around, he’s going to have to open the year in AAA Springs to get regular at-bats and get his hitting stroke back, which he can’t do riding the pine in the Show. Or worse…getting regular AB’s on the big league club, but continuing to struggle and hurting the team.

Which for me is a huge disappointment. I wanted Stewart to be the Rockies 2ndbaseman, doing a good Jeff Kent imitation.

Rockies Mgr. Clint Hurdle on what needs improvement in 09: "Our Record"

by Redhawk on Mar 20, 2009 9:09 AM MDT reply actions

I don't know if it's an issue or not,

It could just be a small sample size skewing our perception. He’s only had 26 AB’s, just one 3 for 4 day would bring him up to a .267/.333/.433 line, or higher in the SLG if any of those three hits are more than singles. He only has 5 K’s in 29 PA’s, so he’s getting the bat on the ball better than he has in the past when he struggles. It’s not really a concern unless there’s something he’s doing differently or wrong. I brought up the question just because it is something to look at.

by Rox Girl on Mar 20, 2009 9:43 AM MDT up reply actions

I'm not in panic or give up mode

BUT…so far his numbers haven’t been good. You are right, to point out the sample size is small, but Stewart is worth watching for the next couple of weeks. The lower K rate is a great point.

Part of this maybe pre-conceived ideas/expectations on my part. For the Rockies to be a good team going forward, Stewart has to be no less then a star, and he was putting up such astronomical numbers last year in AAA I wanted those numbers on the Rockies.

Rockies Mgr. Clint Hurdle on what needs improvement in 09: "Our Record"

by Redhawk on Mar 20, 2009 9:52 AM MDT up reply actions

Spring Training is the part of baseball that statistics do not cover

Yay guy hitting 4 HR

Boo stud grounding out 4 times.

It’s meaningless when you look at the numbers.

ST is the time where the coaches say “something’s wrong with his swing/delivery” and then move from there. If you’re doing things right and still getting pelted, the coaches will see you doing the things right. That’s more valuable than the numbers during ST.

On the flip side though, when you have 2 guys competing for the 25th spot or something, yeah, those 3 HR and the great diving catch may make all the difference.

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 10:42 AM MDT up reply actions

Ageed.

If you went solely by ST, Sal would be a better hitter than Ian. I don’t think anyone believes that, do they.

by mkorpal on Mar 20, 2009 10:53 AM MDT up reply actions

And a 3 for 4 day is exactly what Stewart came up with...

.267/.333/.533, still a little light in the OBP, but another good day puts him in the superstar range. No K’s today, either and he’s down to a 13.3% K rate on the Spring. He keeps this up and it would seem he’s ready.

by Rox Girl on Mar 20, 2009 4:53 PM MDT up reply actions

rox girl is a sage!

by blooming rock on Mar 20, 2009 5:12 PM MDT up reply actions

it's about thyme!

by patnkeren on Mar 20, 2009 6:15 PM MDT up reply actions

I think her real name is Rosemary!

didn’t think we could do that, huh?

Rockies Mgr. Clint Hurdle on what needs improvement in 09: "Our Record"

by Redhawk on Mar 20, 2009 7:43 PM MDT up reply actions

What is your prediction for tomorrow, Oracle?

I say while you are on a roll, make the official bed with the ’Pit

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Mar 20, 2009 6:15 PM MDT up reply actions

OH! OH! OH!

now give me that magic touch…the olde fickle finger of fate (I’m the only one on here old enough to remember that one!).

Tell me I’m going to date a rich super model…or a rich ugly hag…I think you see where the priority is at the moment.

Rockies Mgr. Clint Hurdle on what needs improvement in 09: "Our Record"

by Redhawk on Mar 20, 2009 7:46 PM MDT up reply actions

Just a hunch

But not having a clear, defined path to the bigs is hurting him. I’m sure he’s pressing to make the club. We sort of have a chicken or the egg senario. Do we wait to trade Atkins after Stewie proves himself or do we trade Atkins so Stewie can prove himself??

TGFPR!!

by jlot10 on Mar 20, 2009 10:21 AM MDT up reply actions

this is all waiting on Atkins

When Atkins rebounds, he’ll be traded, more than likely. He’s more expensive, worse with the glove, and defensively unoptimal. Even if Stewart doesn’t start batting .280 right away, they’d probably stick with him because that decent eye and the sheer power are very appealing, and Atkins is on the decline.

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 10:44 AM MDT up reply actions

At this point

I’m more concerned about getting Atkins healthy.

And if I were running this team, I would stop starting Colonel every day and start Stewie at 3rd and LF on alternating days.

by mkorpal on Mar 20, 2009 10:52 AM MDT up reply actions

Well you know what I mean

I’m assuming a full rehab and such

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 10:54 AM MDT up reply actions

Sure.

By the way, anyone have an update on him. I’m getting worried.

by mkorpal on Mar 20, 2009 10:56 AM MDT up reply actions

hitting off of a tee

per DP

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 10:59 AM MDT up reply actions

and what of Helton?

I think everyone is encouraged by his spring so far. But worst case scenario he takes some steps back, but we’ve already moved Atkins, who’s on first? If and when Helton is out this year, I like Atkins and Stewart at the corners more than any other combination. But that just isn’t worth having Stewart sit for 120 games.

Having more respect for DbacksSkins since the Raising Arizona pic

by frightened inmate #2 on Mar 20, 2009 11:31 AM MDT up reply actions

Hawpe

plays 1B if Helton can’t go, or needs a day off.

by rockieprogress on Mar 20, 2009 11:33 AM MDT up reply actions

If Atkins is moved

I would expect Baker to get more time at first. This is because he can be an impact bat. He has come off the bench for so long it is hard to see this. Another option is Hawpe to first and the 4/5 OF plays.

"A great catch is like watching girls go by; the last one you see is always the prettiest." ~Bob Gibson
JFK

by jrockies on Mar 20, 2009 12:30 PM MDT up reply actions

Hawpe

Koshansky

Colonel

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions

Are you sure I'm not before you?

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Mar 20, 2009 6:15 PM MDT up reply actions

How long did you play baseball?

15 years, because that would be me and I’m not even 21 yet so I may still have time.

"A great catch is like watching girls go by; the last one you see is always the prettiest." ~Bob Gibson
JFK

by jrockies on Mar 20, 2009 9:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Um, only about 7-8 years unfortunately

An oblique injury set me out in high school, and I had trouble getting back

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Mar 20, 2009 11:38 PM MDT up reply actions

Good point on Ian, but

I was more concerned about them changing Marquis delivery.
He’s 30 and has a history of being durable. If they change his delivery, and I’m assuming this is instigated by Apodaca when I say “they”, how is that going to affect his arm and shoulder.

As far as keeping another pitcher, it appears as though they want to have an “experienced” pitcher make the roster. I guess Fogg makes the trip north by default since he can go long relief…

by rockieprogress on Mar 20, 2009 10:43 AM MDT reply actions

I think

that I would prefer to keep a guy like Fowler or Cargo on the team over Fogg. Maybe I would keep an extra reliever if I really liked one of the ones who won’t make the team, but I just don’t see it.

by mkorpal on Mar 20, 2009 10:50 AM MDT up reply actions

I'm gonna disagree there

If we’re not going to be starting Fowler or Cargo, keep them in AAA. Well, at least Fowler, but I’d like CarGo to meet some of his potential so that the Holliday trade isn’t quite as bitter anymore.

Point is keep like Colonel on the bench. It’ll be hilarious having 2 Jeff Baker’s around, but meh.

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 10:59 AM MDT up reply actions

Good connection.

I really hadn’t thought of Colonel being another Baker, but that is what he is (at least this spring).

"A great catch is like watching girls go by; the last one you see is always the prettiest." ~Bob Gibson
JFK

by jrockies on Mar 20, 2009 12:32 PM MDT up reply actions

Except

Jeff Baker is twice the player that Colonel is. Colonel makes Braun look like a gold glover.

by mkorpal on Mar 20, 2009 11:07 AM MDT reply actions

point was simply he's a non-starter with some pop who just can't find a regular starting spot

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 1:07 PM MDT up reply actions

wasn't intended to be a BAKAR SUX slapfight

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 1:18 PM MDT up reply actions

whoa

Smith could spend a few weeks with Tulsa

I can only imagine what the Paige’s an d Kiszla’s and co. would say to that. Not that I care whatsoever.

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Mar 20, 2009 11:17 AM MDT reply actions

it doesn't matter what they say

It all comes down to how well Gonzalez develops and how well Street rebounds. Projections look good on Street btw

9.29 K/9, .228 AVGa, 2.91 BB/9, 0.92 HR/9

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 1:18 PM MDT up reply actions

I know it doesn't matter

I’ll just get tired to explaining it to ignorant fans fed by those columns

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Mar 20, 2009 6:17 PM MDT up reply actions

So don't

As the Bible says, in the Gospel of Matthew, in the 7th Chapter, 6th verse:

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.”

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 21, 2009 12:20 PM MDT up reply actions

Dbacks might be doing the same thing.

Mad Max may start out on the DL to leave a roster spot open.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 20, 2009 11:20 AM MDT reply actions

well i guess it takes Mel Gibson's bad out of the lineup anyhow

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 1:07 PM MDT up reply actions

::trumpet:: Waaw waaw waaw

waaaaaaaw…..

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 20, 2009 5:16 PM MDT up reply actions

we should kick the tires on Shawn Hill

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 1:19 PM MDT reply actions

Ringoslby

Baker is the most likely to be dealt

and this might be old news.

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by Andrew Martin on Mar 20, 2009 1:47 PM MDT reply actions

Huzzah!

I caught someone not following the the community guidelines.

"If we never try, we shall never succeed." - Abraham Lincoln

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ Oates on Mar 20, 2009 8:20 PM MDT reply actions

OH

it had a very Denver Post forum-like quality about it

Rockies Mgr. Clint Hurdle on what needs improvement in 09: "Our Record"

by Redhawk on Mar 20, 2009 8:51 PM MDT up reply actions

??

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Mar 20, 2009 11:38 PM MDT up reply actions

Seth Smith

It seems like Seth has not played much lately, does anyone think their might be a change of heart about the starting OF? I know there are quite a few OFers still in camp and all need AB’s, but it seems like he should be getting most of those if he is going to be a starter.

Also anyone watch 21 days on FSN tonight, that still give me major chills. I hope for some more of those this year.

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

by smokinRox on Mar 20, 2009 9:22 PM MDT reply actions