Sunday Rockpile: Franklin Morales making the case, Helton debuts today

by Rox Girl on Mar 8, 2009 9:49 AM MDT in Rockpile Comment 5 comments

Franklin Morales threw four shutout innings yesterday and now appears to have a slight advantage when it comes to the fifth starter battle. Tracy Ringolsby lists him atop the other rotation candidates in his Battle Lines post. The Two Gregs, Smith and Reynolds, will try and not let him get too far out ahead when they come to the mound today.

Buried in an article on how NL West teams are grateful to not have to face Matt Holliday anymore, Clint Hurdle admits to Troy Renck that some of his rules regarding patience at the plate will remain in effect once the season starts. That's alright by me, if the Rockies are to compete this season, it will require a group effort at wearing down the opposing pitchers and having a lot of baserunners.

Todd Helton

#17 / First Base / Colorado Rockies

Height: 6-2

Weight: 210

Bats: L

Throws: L

Born: Aug 20, 1973

Todd Helton makes his spring debut today, he will bat third, and Ian Stewart may play as well. Thomas Harding has more on Helton's return at the Rockies official site. As good as "Duct Tape" (Hurdle's nickname for Christian Colonel) and company have been doing the last two games, it will be nice to see some of the guys we're really going to be counting on this season get some hacks today.

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"Rules regarding patience"

I wonder what these are. The only one I know of specifically was taking the first strike, which is a terrible long-term strategy unless you’re facing Juan Morillo. The Rockies would definitely benefit on increased patience, but I want to know what these rules are specifically before I decide I like them

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Mar 8, 2009 12:24 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

djmbluemoon

Thomas Harding says Greg Smith has been pulled for this one due to flu-like symptoms, Reynolds gets the start. He also says Helton is back at no.3 (as expected) and Atkins is back, which is good news.

by djmbluemoon on Mar 8, 2009 12:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Is that really

Todd’s 2009 mugshot?

by oo_nrb on Mar 8, 2009 4:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Maybe it's just me

But I’m worn out on the “Holliday’s gone and what does that mean?” stories. Of course our division rivals are happy not to have to face him any longer. As much as I like his writing, Renck was obviously lacking for material with that column. Matty’s gone. Let’s all move on, please.

Maybe I’m just an old crank, though.

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:

by rockhead on Mar 8, 2009 10:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs