Cubs 9, Rockies 8: Lackluster pitching dooms Rox

by Bryan Kilpatrick on Mar 24, 2009 8:37 PM MDT in Rockies Game Wraps

Ryan Spilborghs (who is still on an incredible tear) and Christian Colonel (who is beginning to have a nice little spring himself) each had two hits and two RBIs, but it wasn't enough to keep the Rockies from falling 9-8 to the Chicago Cubs.

Unimpressive pitching ran rampant for the Rox today, as Greg Smith, Alan Embree, and Ryan Speier combined to give up 9 runs and 11 hits. Even when the pitchers were able to keep the Cubs from crossing the plate, they still couldn't avoid clogging up the bases - as was the case with Manny Corpas, who walked the bases loaded in the fourth but was able to get away unscathed.

On a positive note, 22 year old righty Edgmer Escalona struck out two batters in an inning of work. Escalona is an interesting prospect; he was pretty solid last season in Asheville, where he posted a 3.22 ERA in 78 innings of work while striking out 79 against just 18 walks - in only his second year of professional baseball. Despite those good numbers, he doesn't show up on any "top prospect" lists for the organization. At any rate, I'll be keeping track of him in the minors this season, for sure.

Other positives for the Rockies today included Chris Iannetta, who had two hits, scored two runs, and collected an RBI in his first game back from the WBC. Apparently, his experience with team USA helped his approach at the plate, as he had this to say to Patrick Saunders:

“I think when I left I was a little jumpy at the plate,” he said. “And then when I faced those guys in the WBC, they throw a lot more off-speed and I slowed myself down and I feel a lot better now. It was a good thing.”

Continuing with the positive trend, Dan Ortmeier hit his third homer of the spring and Glendon Rusch pitched a scoreless ninth. On the bad side (in addition to the poor pitching mentioned above), Omar Quintanilla was 0-4 with five LOB and Matt Murton went 0-4 with a K in his first game against his former club.

Tomorrow, the Rockies travel to Tempe to face the Los Angeles Angels. Jason Marquis is scheduled to start, while Matt Belisle, Randy Flores, Jason Grilli, and Juan Morillo are expected to get some work in as well.

Thanks to everyone who joined in on the Game Thread. Keep it going!

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Escalona

is interesting. Does anyone have thoughts on up-and-coming prospects for our BP?

Also, any thoughts on the starting rotation in Colo Spgs and who might be in it? I am thinking Hirsh, Reynolds, Hynick, the loser between Morales and Smith and I’m hoping Chacin, but guessing he ends up in Tulsa. Are there any guys that were in Tulsa that might get moved that I’m missing or holdovers from the Sox from last year?

Also, am I the only one that thinks we may have a future #1 or #2 w/ Graham. I am really excited to see what he does this year. Is there any chance he stays in the rotation down the line or does he look like bullpen material?

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

by smokinRox on Mar 24, 2009 9:27 PM MDT reply actions

You forgot to mention in the wrap..

That we learned Dbackskins is afraid of being poked by ~~small things~~ sharp objects.

"Never fall in or out of love too early in the Spring." ~ Tony La Russa

by Charlie77 on Mar 24, 2009 10:15 PM MDT reply actions

It'd be much easier

to link to a specific comment next time, rather than the thread as a whole. You can get the link to specific comments by right-clicking on the timestamp.

I’m actually no longer afraid of needles — but my point remains, that relative to me, those “small things” are less small than they are for everyone else.

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

by DbacksSkins on Mar 24, 2009 10:27 PM MDT up reply actions

Aha, thanks for the pointer...

I didn’t know it was the timestamp, I thought it was the title. It must be a thing you learn once you surpass the 30,000 post barrier. BTW congratulations on hitting 33,000.

"Never fall in or out of love too early in the Spring." ~ Tony La Russa

by Charlie77 on Mar 24, 2009 10:46 PM MDT up reply actions