Wednesday Rockpile: Dexter Fowler, Franklin Morales on Rockies Opening Day Roster
by Jeff Aberle on Apr 1, 2009 8:10 AM MDT
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PrintHappy April Fools' Day Purple Row! At this traditional time of trickery, news is typically taken with a grain of salt. What I report to you this morning, however, is no joke or prank. It is however, a bit of a monster Rockpile. The big news of the day is the Colorado Rockies' moving toward finalizing the 25 man active roster that they will be utilizing on Opening Day this year. Tracy Ringolsby has his own positional roster breakdown.
The most surprising announcements were that Dexter Fowler had played his way onto the roster and that Franklin Morales would begin the season with the Rockies--slotted to start Colorado's third game, against the Diamondbacks next Wednesday the 8th. Fowler was certainly excited:
"When they called me into the office, I didn't know what was going on," Fowler said. "And when they told me, I almost started crying."
Morales and Fowler Analysis
To a degree, both Morales and Fowler being included on the roster is quite a surprise and a risk for the Rockies. From Renck:
Hurdle said after one time through the rotation he will decide whether Morales will return to Triple-A Colorado Springs to remain on his regular rest, or stay with the Rockies.
My personal opinion on the matter is that Morales will probably be well served by keeping his regular rest, while one of Colorado's many AAA pitchers will be glad of the two week stint in the majors. Morales has shown a great deal of promise this spring and in the past, but it remains to be seen if he can sustain his excellence over a long period of time. If he can secure the fifth starter spot for the entire year, the Rockies will be in a pretty good position.
As for Fowler skipping AAA entirely to join the big club, that decision is much more complex and inherently risky to me--not to mention that it runs counter to the Rockies' recent modus operandi, Troy Tulowitzki notwithstanding. While Fowler is at 23 years old the Rockies best prospect and is definitely one of the Rockies' best 25 players, he will likely sit on the bench for the early part of the season. That will mean missing potential developmental time in AAA and not a lot of game action early on. Or, if he does crack the starting lineup sooner rather than later, Fowler will likely send promising LF Seth Smith to the bench. And that's just the risk from a baseball standpoint.
I can get behind getting the Rockies' best 25 on the roster (though Matt Murton should be on it in place of Omar Quintanilla were that to be true), but it's the financial risk of this decision that bothers me in particular. As I've stated in my salary arbitration column, as soon as players become arbitration eligible, they get prohibitively expensive for teams (averaging a 120% raise)--more so if, as I hope from Fowler, the young players are developing into stars. With last September's call-up and this year's Opening Day roster nod, Fowler will be in line for Super Two arbitration status a full year earlier than he would have otherwise been (after the 2011 season rather than after 2012)--becoming eligible for a big raise very early. So it makes little sense for the Rockies to waste Dexter's valuable pre-arbitration service time with him on the bench--unless they're looking to go the Tulowitzki route and sign Fowler to a long-term deal early on. Other teams in the Rockies' position have chosen to send down prospects like Matt Wieters and David Price to avoid such an occurrence in the near future.
In any case, despite my reservations about the move's baseball and financial implications, I can't help but be excited at Fowler's long-term potential and ability to help the Rockies win now. It's an aggressive move that shows the Rockies are looking to win now while developing Fowler on the fly. If he's anywhere near as good as Tulo was his rookie year, Hurdle and O'Dowd will be vindicated in their decision. I can only hope that this is the case.
Here is Troy Renck's take on the Fowler decision, agreeing with it but wondering as I have as to what will happen with Seth Smith.
Roster layout and more analysis after the jump...
Roster Decisions
As a result of these roster decisions, Scott Podsednik (and his wife), Dan Ortmeier, Sal Fasano, and Jonathan Herrera were reassigned--though Podsednik and Fasano have the ability to opt out of his contract on Friday. Ortmeier signed a minor-league deal without an opt-out clause and thus will begin the year in AAA. Christian Colonel will also likely be optioned to AAA in the coming days.
That leaves the Rockies with 26 players in major league camp and 25 slots to fill on the roster, with the only big decisions remaining being closer (Clint Hurdle is reportedly leaning toward Huston Street over Manuel Corpas) and the last man in the bullpen (out-of-options Juan Morillo or minor-league-deal Matt Belisle). Morillo should be the one to survive the last cut and get a two month audition for a bullpen job until Taylor Buchholz returns from injury.
Here is what the Rockies' 25 man roster will most likely look like next Monday, Opening Day against the Diamondbacks:
Pitchers
Starting Rotation:
RH Aaron Cook
RH Ubaldo Jimenez
LH Franklin Morales
RH Jason Marquis
LH Jorge De La Rosa
Bullpen:
RH Huston Street
RH Manny Corpas
RH Ryan Speier
RH Jason Grilli
LH Alan Embree
LH Glendon Rusch
RH Juan Morillo
Fielders (B/T), * = projected bench player
Catchers:
Chris Iannetta (R/R)
Yorvit Torrealba (R/R)*
Infielders:
1B Todd Helton (L/L)
2B Clint Barmes (R/R)
3B Garrett Atkins (R/R)
SS Troy Tulowitzki (R/R)
1B-2B-3B-LF-RF Jeff Baker (R/R)*
2B-3B-LF-RF Ian Stewart (L/R)*
2B-SS-3B Omar Quintanilla (L/R)*
Outfielders:
LF Seth Smith (L/L)
CF Ryan Spilborghs (R/R)
RF Brad Hawpe (L/L)
OF Dexter Fowler (S/R)*
It looks like a pretty good roster to me, with excellent balance--though team speed is probably a little lacking. The Rockies' pitching, as is usually the case, will determine just how good the club can be this year--especially Jorge de la Rosa and Franklin Morales. If they shine, the Rockies will be contenders.
Other Rockies Links:
Jack Etkin makes a list of underappreciated great individual seasons by some lesser-known Rockies.
Cross the Houston Astros off the list of potential Jeff Baker suitors and potentially add the Cincinnati Reds, who traded utilityman Jeff Keppinger to Houston for a PTBNL. With the roster announcements today, I don't believe that Baker will be traded. His versatility and right-handed bat fit in perfectly with our roster as it stands, and I for one am glad he appears to be staying.
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Soon, soon
we’ll have pictures of Dex and Frankie.
"If we never try, we shall never succeed." - Abraham Lincoln
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
I wanted to have an AP photo of one of them, but alas
they do not yet exist in our database.
Eschew Obfuscation!
Apparently
no one has taken a picture of either in the past 30 days.
"If we never try, we shall never succeed." - Abraham Lincoln
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
From what I gathered, the SB Nation database started only a few days ago
but will eventually include the past 30 days’ worth of photos.
Eschew Obfuscation!
True.
Good to know things are being read.
"If we never try, we shall never succeed." - Abraham Lincoln
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
Can we just make
this DP picture his official picture for the Purple Row?
Listen, this signature line is a big part of who I am.
by frightened inmate #2 on Apr 1, 2009 10:44 AM MDT up reply actions
Fowler staying
Could this be the result of the Don Baylor effect? If Baylor has really helped Dex’s swing that much, maybe starting on the opening day roster is exactly what is needed to turn him into the superstar we are all praying he turns into. If that happens, I guarantee the Front Office signs him to a long-term deal. There is no way we let him get away so quickly.
In regards to Street, I think we can all see this as a tossup as he and Corpas have both pitched extremely well this Spring. Putting Street in the Closer role boosts his value in a potential trade down the line as opposed to him performing in the setup role.
Just my two cents.
I agree about boosting Street's trade value...
but I’d rather have Manny in there closing for us, as his stuff just appears to be more electric/intimidating/closer-esque
Eschew Obfuscation!
Based on the ST reports?
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 8:58 AM MDT up reply actions
Personally, I love the 8th and 9th innings with these two
and once Bucky gets back, we only need starters to go 6 innings. Talk about shortening the game, I am in love with our bullpen this year!
I agree but that wasn't what I was going after
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:11 AM MDT up reply actions
And what I mean by that is
his stuff just appears to be more electric/intimidating/closer-esque
based on what?
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:12 AM MDT up reply actions
Spring training action...
and action from previous seasons (and yes, I have seen Street pitch several times).
Eschew Obfuscation!
Street's history of being more of a strikeout pitcher is more promising for the "stuff" aspect
And Corpas is more of a contact pitcher.
that said I don’t disagree with either of them being the closer, I just think Street has the better “stuff”
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:28 AM MDT up reply actions
With respect, what I'm gunning for isn't you embracing a K9 or telling me I'm right
But more for your definition of “stuff”
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions
The movement and velocity of his pitches, to be precise...
and how he commands them. Yes, it is an “eye test” as opposed to a statistical outlook, but that’s more my type of evaluation.
Eschew Obfuscation!
Have you seen PitchFX?
I’ll link it after these replies later, but you can actually see the break that guys get on their pitches.
I figure it’d be something you’d get down on.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:31 AM MDT up reply actions
Agree with Jabber
Street has stuff you see from a lot of good MLB pitchers. Nice. Not electric. Watch Manny v. Philly in 2007, man you just don’t see that kind of stuff often. There’s a reason everyone thoguht he was cheating, his stuff was too good to be real.
Now, to be fair, it didn’t look that good last year.
Why does everything have to be quantified for you RMN?
Not everything is a statistic.
"Never fall in or out of love too early in the Spring." ~ Tony La Russa
Because if you can't quantify it, you can't back it up.
Todd Jones is the best closer to ever grace a Major League Baseball field.
I don’t care about any of his quantifiable accomplishments and performances, I just know that his winnitudiness and his grit and his sticktoitiveness made him the greatest 9th inning man in the world.
All those “Blown Saves?” That was his team letting him down. They could’ve stopped those balls in play. The catcher could’ve called a better game.
Todd Jones. Hall of Fame bound. Because my gut says so.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 2, 2009 9:57 AM MDT up reply actions
Dexter's devolpment
I think the one thing that factored into keeping Dexter at the major league level, is that Don Baylor has worked wonders with him this spring training, and that the FO thinks the best place for his development is in the majors.
by Chacinisthefuture on Apr 1, 2009 8:24 AM MDT reply actions
Yeah, I would agree
If Baylor has had such a profound effect, and the numbers support it, I can understand keeping the two together.
Listen, this signature line is a big part of who I am.
by frightened inmate #2 on Apr 1, 2009 8:27 AM MDT up reply actions
Baker
I’m not so sure Baker will be on the team for long. This move only tells other teams that Baker won’t be waived, and no you can’t get him for free, like a dawg sitting at the dinner table waiting for a scrap to fall from the kid’s fork.
This and Matt Murton waiting in AAA with Hurdles “he’ll be back” tag line makes me think Baker will be traded.
Roster is really looking good. The issue is “how to get At-Bats” for all this talent…..doesn’t seem too long ago when the Rockies were just trying to find 8 guys to play cough J.D. Closser cough, Danny Ardoin cough
President of the "Sign Pedro Martinez Angry Mob" (fan club didn't make sense)
I agree, that Murton message was very cryptic
It seems teams were trying to lowball the Rockies for Baker, and thought they’d be able to get him anyway in a week or two without giving up talent, now that they know that’s not the case, I suspect somebody will raise their offer for him. I mean, I wouldn’t even count Houston out, as Keppinger’s fully capable of flopping there.
I see your point with Baker...
but either way, it’s a good move to keep him on the roster. If we do trade him, I’d just like to receive equivalent talent in return.
Eschew Obfuscation!
Does anyone her think that keeping Dex
and having the supposed “best 25” is a function of Hurdle and O’Dowd in the last years of their contract. This is the one downside I see to having a GM and Manager in the last year of a contract, they can no longer play the future game, they have to play for now. I want to win now just like anybody, but I am still hesitant to say we have a legitimate shot to win the NL West this year, and I don’t want to throw away our future to finish in 3rd place instead of 4th. I hope this is the year and I’m dead wrong, and I do see talent on this team, but I am wondering if these moves are more desparation and not the correct long-term baseball moves.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
I agree it's a win now move, but disagree that we don't have a legitimate shot...
Especially now that we’ve committed to Fowler from day one. Los Angeles’ only significant advantages on the Rockies lineup wise are at second and in left field, and both are really a lot closer than they appear when expected defensive contributions are taken into account. Our bench is now leaps and bounds ahead of everybody in the division, and our bullpen should quietly be at least as strong, if not the strongest as well. The rotation lags Arizona and San Fran significantly, but our offensive advantages over those teams make up for it, and it’s very close to LA’s talent.
The only way we aren’t competitive is if AZ and LA stay 100% healthy all season in their starting lineup and rotation, and we know that’s not likely to happen.
Committed to Fowler from day one
…..as what? Tulo came up and just wrenched the job from Barmes, and deservedly so.
We’re all kind of on board with the idea that if Dex isn’t the starter, he’s going to not have regular ABs and will have more trouble finding a groove.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 8:59 AM MDT up reply actions
We’re all kind of on board with the idea that if Dex isn’t the starter
We are?
Why doesn’t Fowler start in CF? Having Fowler start in CF gives us a lead off guy with traditional speed, plus defense and range in Coors Field’s HUGE center. I already think Fowler brings more and is better than Seth Smith. (who I really like too). Spilly moves to LF, so his AB’s are not affected, Hawpe is entrenched in RF so it’s Smith that takes the Play Time hit. Fowler is > S. Smith Or Hawpe, Fowler, Spilly > Hawpe, Spilly, S. Smith/J. Baker
Which i would assume to be the case, and why Murton was moved to AAA. as he would get any less AB’s since he’s not part of a platoon in LF with Spilly moving to LF.
President of the "Sign Pedro Martinez Angry Mob" (fan club didn't make sense)
I didn't say don't start fowler
read it again
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:13 AM MDT up reply actions
I just don't see Hurdle starting Fowler
and neither does Jabberwocky.
I also think Smith is getting housed. Spilborghs may be the guy, but he’s almost 30, and I think Smith easily has the same upside as Spilborghs. Minus Wackiness.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:14 AM MDT up reply actions
I’m pretty inclined to agree with you – I don’t see how keeping Dex up now gives us that much more over Spillborghs and Smith, at least enough to warrant the service time that it’s costing the team over bringing him up in June (that Jabberwocky mentions).
"Better move your rental cars, I am about to take BP."
-Glendon Rusch
If we're going to have him up or down
It needs to be a baseball decision. Not based on Service Time, because I think the Orioles and Rays need to be penalized somehow unless they give Price and Wieters big/longterm contracts sooner than later, ie Longoria and sort of Braun.
Honestly, it’s criminal and overexploiting a hole in the CBA.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:22 AM MDT up reply actions
And besides
Isn’t it refreshing to see our organization make a move without considering possible financial constraints down the road? Ha ha.
Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.
MHCSports - Denver sports analysis from Denver sports fans
YES!
Isn’t it refreshing to see our organization make a move without considering possible financial constraints down the road?
Yes, Oh hell Yes! On top of everything this is what makes me the most happy about this move.
I think the Rockies are a .500 team…I think the winner of the NL West will have 87 wins…that’s only 6 games the Rockies need to win more then I think they will. I think Fowler’s Defense, and speed gets us a couple of wins more.
President of the "Sign Pedro Martinez Angry Mob" (fan club didn't make sense)
I'm not too worried
about teams getting away w/ something. The baseball players union is the strongest in sports and I think gets away w/ more than there fair share. They have way too much power IMO.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
7 years is too long and really unfair
Even if they get Super2
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:25 AM MDT up reply actions
+1
Make a baseball decision. All this stuff about service time and Super Two stuff should be secondary. If he’s good enough to be in the Majors and help us win ballgames, have him here.
And here's where you are off
I just don’t see Hurdle starting Fowler
I think Fowler starts most games in CF. Spilly in LF, esp against lefties.
And yes Smith gets hosed. Do you think Smith is/or will be > Spilly?. Do you think Smith > Fowler right now? Maybe…with the bat, but both are young, and Fowler is improving as he shown this spring.
Overall I still say Fowler > S. Smith and so he should start over S. Smith. That’s math, even I can understand
President of the "Sign Pedro Martinez Angry Mob" (fan club didn't make sense)
I don't disagree with the platoon thing
But at this point, yes. Smith > Fowler. Fowler is very unpolished, and while Smith hasn’t exactly lit up the scoreboards, he’s poised to have a good season himself. His peripheral numbers are all in place for it. We have no idea what to expect from Dex.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:27 AM MDT up reply actions
Just about to say the same thing
I think that S Smith is > Fowler right now. Defensive range and speed are on the side of Fowler, but other offensive stats favor Smith.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
Not according to their Spring Training Stats
In fact they are very similar, minus the Stolen Bases for Smith
President of the "Sign Pedro Martinez Angry Mob" (fan club didn't make sense)
Would you rather
compare career minor league stats? which one would assume to be not be a good projection due to the fact the players are developing and changing?
Or their career Major League numbers, which both stink?
President of the "Sign Pedro Martinez Angry Mob" (fan club didn't make sense)
Seth Smith's AAA numbers are just as good as Dex's AA numbers
Smith had a 2008 similar to Iannetta’s 2007. He’s walking well, and when he makes good contact, it goes for good power. Smith is ready to go.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:58 AM MDT up reply actions
Hmmm
Smith’s batting average is higher than Fowler’s. His OBP is higher than Fowler’s. His Slugging is better than Fowler’s – much much better than Fowler’s. Thereby Smith is out-OPSing Fowler by .170.
OPS, wOBA, DPA, Base Runners, and TA all say that Smith had the better spring.
I don’t see how you’re making this case.
But yeah sample size.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:03 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, but Fowler+Spilly may be better than Spilly+Smith
Just because of the defensive hit you’re taking with a corner outfielder pretending to play center in Coors. The real kicker is that what we should be arguing over is whether to give Smith or Hawpe the playing time in right, because a Fowler + Spilly+ Smith alignment might be our best right now. It’s all a matter of where exactly Fowler is in his development. Apparently the club which sees him everyday is saying that he’s ready. I’ll take their word for it right now.
Just for the record
in 2007, Spilborghs was a positive defender in CF. 2008, not so much.
Provided he remains in a position, he adapts well to it.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:05 AM MDT up reply actions
At best, however, he's going to be a neutral defender there.
Spilly will be a plus in either corner, almost a full win. Hawpe’s going to be -2 wins in right, Smith might be a little bit of a positive in left or right. Fowler should be a +1 in center, perhaps up to a +2 if he’s playing up to capabilities with a positional adjustment.
If Fowler hits at all, it still makes perfect sense to have him in given our current personnel.
don't you make me bust out PECOTA, because by God I will
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:32 AM MDT up reply actions
PECOTA's defensive projections are still pretty terrible,
Especially when it comes to players without a lot of service time, so I assume you’re talking about Dex’s offensive projection. I don’t buy that either, I think the California League screws some people up when a blanket adjustment is applied and not an individual one. See Goldstein’s comments RE: McKenry.
I was gonna use your defensive predictions and just use VORP for the other end
I’m not a giant fan of FRAA
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions
So let's do that...
Fowler at his 50 percentile is .268/.338/.406 and a 2.4 WARP player but they don’t see him as a positive defender. Let’s say at the low end he’s +1, giving him 3.4 BP WARP (note to readers, this will be a higher WAR than he’d be projected to be other places).
Smith is .253/.327/.419 at his 50th percentile, and a 1.6 WAR player. His defensive projection seems about right. How does this make him the better option? Especially considering that the fact Fowler’s getting promoted at all likely means he’s outperforming that 50 percentile baseline.
I'll get back to you on this one
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 11:04 AM MDT up reply actions
I should add that I think PECOTA grossly underestimates Smith
As do a lot of projections simply because he was extremely unlucky last season when it came to hitting at Coors Field. Had he hit closer to his natural talent, we’d be seeing much better projections for him this year.
Unlucky by home BABIP?
Or just that statistical randomness yielded a lull at home in his small sample size?
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 11:50 AM MDT up reply actions
A lot of both, mostly the first one though...
Smith only had a .148 BABIP at Coors despite a 22% line drive rate. The projections would take into account his entire2008 BABIP and adjust downward for park factors to normalize it, figuring Smith, like all players should, benefited from playing in Denver. Add in the healthy dose of skepticism they’ll show toward his Colorado Springs performance, and it adds up to quite a few reasons they would overlook what he was capable of.
Ouch
That’s as unlucky as I could imagine. Wow. Does fangraphs have home/road splits for the advanced stats, or where are you getting that?
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 1:08 PM MDT up reply actions
First Inning gives the LD% splits
You could also figure it out B-Ref, but you’ll have to do the math yourself.
I would also argue that
IF the Rockies have Fowler on their roster, they should be starting him at CF and having him lead off. I just don’t think they will. I’d like to see Smith get regular PT, but he’s our 4th best OF in the long run (and perhaps behind Fowler in the short run too).
Eschew Obfuscation!
I don't know if we need to have him batting leadoff yet,
That seems to add a degree of pressure to hitters that it might be better to ease him into.
On that I agree
and would throw out I don’t want Fowler to have the pitcher’s automatic out after him either. That will waste a lot of Fowler’s speed and his game.
In fact, I would love to see Fowler bat 9th, and the pitcher 8th. I think it’s the best solution all around.
President of the "Sign Pedro Martinez Angry Mob" (fan club didn't make sense)
I can get behind that
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:05 AM MDT up reply actions
I could too
but we could also debate ubaldo in a closer’s role. No way Hurdle ever does that. But I do like it :)
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 11:54 AM MDT up reply actions
As opposed to Scott Podsednik not being able to get regular AB's?
And finding his groove? And being used by Hurdle as the sub for Spilly in center?
Fowler’s groove will be easier to find. He’s selective, he’s quicker out of the box, he’s a much better all around hitter. He’ll have plenty of PA’s by the time the season’s over, when he will be the starter in CF, in the meantime, I think the “harm to his development” that people are worried about is overstated.
I didn't say podsednik
But then again I’m crying over spilled Murton.
I think we’re borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, and we’re basically stiffing Seth Smith by having Fowler up – it’s almost lose lose. If Fowler starts, and needs some time to get rolling, well that’s that many more games where we have a dead spot in the lineup. But that can be said about anyone on the team. Smith at least has MLB experience.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:25 AM MDT up reply actions
If Fowler starts and needs time to get rolling,
He’s not going to be starting anymore and gets sent back to AAA and you get your Murton wish early. It’s that simple.
Of course your scenario is the worst possible, but the best possible is that he starts, hits .300/.375/.400 or what have you while playing SBN award caliber defense to make up for Hawpe’s play in right and the team gets a ten plus win outfield again.
Well that's all good and fine
But many people have mentioned before on this website, promoting is much better than demoting.
I’d hate to have confidence issues come into play.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:06 AM MDT up reply actions
This would be mollycoddling.
I think Fowler’s a big boy, either way the Rockies need him to know sooner rather than later that this is a business based on performance. If he’s going to get too hurt by being deservedly demoted, than maybe it’s for the best that he learns that lesson and gets a fire lit underneath him, that’s what happened with Dreamy, and look what we have in him now. And I’ve said this before in regards to Chacin, but if Fowler’s the type of player that will be so hurt by a demotion that it affects his performance, it’s best that the Rockies know that because it will alter how they have to consider him over his option seasons.
Additionally, you’re eager to point out the negative confidence effects of a potential future demotion without acknowledging that perhaps there will be positive confidence effects to the current actual promotion. It’s a two way street, it could be that this inspires him.
which is a fair point.
I just haven’t seen much evidence that he’s really the stud we want to see. I mean, AA is great, and ST was promising, but this ISN’T a rebuilding year. We can quibble about defense weighed against offense, etc, (and I will when I get my laptop back out), but can we afford to nurture a guy?
Granted, if he comes out swinging, I will eat all the crow you serve to me. I just plan for contingency. If he’s mashing a month into AAA, Call that nonsense up.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions
I was hoping I would get a reply from you RG
because I greatly respect your opinion and I love the positivity. Usually thats my job amongst my fellow Rockies fans. I am the resident “glass half full” guy, but I just can’t seem to get behind this particular move. I think its because I would like to see Spilly and Smith get the opportuities because I think they can have big years. I love Fowler to death, but I can see him struggling in the big leagues this year. I would like for him to get a little more development time and when he comes up, he would be ready to tear the cover off the ball. I am as excited about Fowler as anybody, and I hope he exceeds all expectations, but I’m not sure he’s ready offensively, especially in limited opportunities.
On a side note I saw Cabrera made the Pads, expectedly so in the last couple weeks, but thats very interesting. Its also a little sad, I was hoping to get him back. I think it shows a little about the state of the Pads though, keeping a guy thats never been above A Ball and didn’t have a crazy, good Spring.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
It's not over yet with Cabrera,
It’s a long season, and if the Padres have injury trouble and are required to make moves, they may be forced to drop him, no matter how much they want to hang on.
Cabrera
Joe Sheehan at Baseball Prospectus had a good line about Cabrera: “He’s a pinch runner, not a baseball player.” I’d still bet money that we get him back, but that shortstop position in San Diego is such a sinkhole as it is that they might just tolerate him batting .190 as long as he plays decent enough defense and runs fast.
Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.
MHCSports - Denver sports analysis from Denver sports fans
Besides
We have EYJ. Why are we so hung up over Cabrera? I mean, yay more tools and more players, but really.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:19 AM MDT up reply actions
I like EYJ
but who doesn’t want more talent in the system, injuries and trades, why not? Speaking of EYJ, do he and Nelson end up in AAA to start the year?
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
oh well of course
But there are only 25 roster spots, and you can’t take it with you ;)
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:27 AM MDT up reply actions
I just think it hurts to lose a guy
w/ his potential upside for nothing in return.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
yeah like Koshansky
grumblegrumblegrumblegrumblegrumble
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:07 AM MDT up reply actions
I can't believe
I’m the positive one today, you’re the negative ninny.
I think I just saw a pig fly by my window
"Suck it monkeys, the Rockies will win this year", Rox Girl 1-11-2009
Another though on the financial side
By the time that DEx is getting to his second and third year of eligibility, the Rockies will be out from under the monster contract of Todd Helton, thus freeing up some money to lock down some more of these players.
by Chacinisthefuture on Apr 1, 2009 8:55 AM MDT reply actions
Dexter
I think, logically, Dexter’s going to play every day against lefties (because you can’t have both Smith and Hawpe in the lineup against southpaws – Spilly will shift over and cover for either of those two and Dexter will get to hit from his natural side) and he’ll get his fair share of looks against righties. Unless he goes 0-for-April, or Seth Smith comes out and does a Larry Walker impersonation in the first month, I think Dexter’s starting 4-5 times a week by May.
And really, the organization’s in a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ scenario. If they send Fowler down and keep, say, Podsednik, people bitch about ‘Why is Podsednik on the team, he’s terrible, why not keep your best players?’ Now that they’ve kept Fowler, its ‘Well now he’s going to cost more money sooner, what’s the point in having him up if he’s not going to play every day…’ and so on.
Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.
MHCSports - Denver sports analysis from Denver sports fans
Well when you demote Matt Murton
You’re going to end up with “WHY DID YOU PROMOTE PODSEDNIK” etc.
I’m very curious as to their rationale behind the choices in personnel this spring.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:16 AM MDT up reply actions
I think every difficult move
is going to have people on either side of the fence, and I just happen to be on the side of the fence that thinks he should be in AAA to start the year. I don’t think 30 good PA’s at the end of ST prove he’s ready to be a ML starter. I said it earlier and I’ll say it again, I hope I eat my words big time and he comes out and carries this team w/ his athleticism, but I don’t think that’ll happen. I also don’t think he’ll get the AB’s to make the strides he still needs to make, but we will all see soon enough.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
Why Ilike the Purple Row
we are having good baseball talk on the Rockies, with Opening day less than a week away.
While Denver Post, sports radio, etc….are nothing but Cutler and the Broncos…..
And the Nuggets are the current 2nd seed in the West for the playoffs at the moment.
Some times I hate the Denver Media and all the Broncos, all the time
President of the "Sign Pedro Martinez Angry Mob" (fan club didn't make sense)
This is a happy place...
I’m trying not to think about the Jay Cutler fiasco for a while. I’d get waaaaaay too frustrated.
Eschew Obfuscation!
That's exactly where I am on the Broncos
I’m going to just ignore the whole thing and focus on the Rockies. And probably a little Nuggets, too.
And hey, AT&T had red, white, & blue bunting up this morning! Proof that Opening Day is right around the corner!
+ a ton
I’m not against the Broncos or anything, but I can’t stand all the rediculous press and drama surrounding them. I know this Cutler thing just elevated and it looks like he’s gone now, but it’s been front page news for like two months now. All sides handled that whole situation horribly, IMO.
In the mean time, I’m getting jacked for the start of the season and quietly optimistic that the Nuggets might finally make it into the second round of the playoffs (sixth time’s a charm, right?).
by blooming rock on Apr 1, 2009 9:46 AM MDT up reply actions
I'll have you know I bit my e-tongue and didn't correct it
Because I see “rediculous” everywhere and it makes me want to start throwing dictionaries at people.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:41 AM MDT up reply actions
oops, my bad
I start talking about the whole Cutler situation and get all out of sorts.
by blooming rock on Apr 1, 2009 11:48 AM MDT up reply actions
Somehow, I'm not surprised
Off-topic a bit, but several people around Nashville told me that Cutler was kind of a d-bag when he was here.
Sports radio talks NFL all year. Maybe they don’t talk about it from after the draft until early June, but that’s it. Meanwhile sports coverage in general is pushing aside baseball in favor of things that aren’t really sports, like NASCAR, mixed martial arts or whatever that crap is, and poker.
There are other teams in Denver?
I really, really ignore the other teams in Denver
Except for the Avs. And how dare you not mention them.
Oh right there’s nothing worth mentioning.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:08 AM MDT up reply actions
There is potential to be excited about at top 3 draft pick! I’d get excited if I knew anything about hockey prospects.
"Better move your rental cars, I am about to take BP."
-Glendon Rusch
I'm guessing it'll be someone canadian or eastern european
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:40 AM MDT up reply actions
Not true.
You mentioned the Broncos two nights ago. Briefly.
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
shhhhh
what we talk about in instant messages does not apply here unless otherwise noted.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 2:37 PM MDT up reply actions
Well
then don’t make blanket statements like, “I really ignore the other Denver sports teams”.
LIAR!!
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
we don't have a choice BUT to hear about the Cutler fiasco
It’s crammed down our throats on a daily sports basis
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 4:55 PM MDT up reply actions
I hear they could draft a Chris Pronger type....but with offensive skill
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions
Believe me, I'm crossing my fingers for Morales
And Dex. And Morales. And JLDR. And Marquis. And Smith. And Helton. And Atkins. And Tulo. And and and and and….
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:09 AM MDT up reply actions
but just imagine what this team will look like if it works out
Morales back to his old Rocktober self
maquis eating up innings
and JDLR pitching like he did at the end of last season
drool………..
would be a work of art
Jiri Hudler...our underrated MVP
by TuLoRocks2008 on Apr 1, 2009 10:34 AM MDT up reply actions
The last few starts
from Marquis and De La Rosa, plus Morales’ relief stint, have me feeling much better. I thought that that quality of pitching was possible, but it’s refreshing to see it actually show up. If these guys can meet their potential, and we don’t have any major injuries (I know, big ifs), I think this team is the best in the division. That rotation easily beats the D-Backs, and even the Giants for depth. And the lineup, with Helton at full strength … I know we all loved Holliday, but we might forget all about him in a few months.
Yeah
The begining of St was really rough and I was starting ot have my doubts but the way things have been going the last week or so has me really excited for next week.
That rotation easily beats the D-Backs, and even the Giants for depth.
Yeah, if Jason Marquis, Jorge de la Rosa, and Frankie Morales can continue to pitch like Cy Young.
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
I'm pretty sure they'll be at least as good as Cy Young.
Cy’s got to be about 140 years old by now.
by pedalpusher on Apr 1, 2009 12:02 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Zito and Sanchez are really good 4 and 5 pitchers
DLR and Morales are not at their level right now. Nor are they at the level of Garland and Scherzer.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 11:56 AM MDT up reply actions
Scherzer
kinda throws off the comparison, though, since he’s not your average scrub 5th starter — in ability, he’s 3rd, but he’ll pitch 5th to keep his innings down.
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
Sure
But whatever the reason, he’ll have 5th starter innings. I’m sure most would agree he is FAR more talented than Davis, but you never know how much potential he will realize before his arm falls off ;-)
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 12:59 PM MDT up reply actions
O rly?
before his arm falls off ;-)
Even with Max being Max Scherzer, this seems fairly unlikely. Melvin’s got a history of taking it easy on his arms. Looking at 2008 Pitcher Abuse Points, the only Diamondback in the top 30 is Doug Davis, who comes in at #30. Haren comes in at #35, and Webby’s at 50th, despite throwing the 4th most innings in the NL, just 1 2/3 fewer than Lincecum. (Speaks to pitch efficiency, as Rox Girl brought up in the other thread)
OTOH, some managers just aren’t quite as easy on their starters — Lincecum was first in PAPs, (by a staggering 56%(!!) over #2, CC Sabathia) Matt Cain was fifth, and even the mediocre Zito was 21st.
In short, look for Randy Johnson to be injured by about his 3rd start.
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
HAHA
My comment was completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated, spoken for the purpose of your response only. But thanks for the Abuse Points link…I had misplaced its location, even though I’ve referenced it many times. Even as to why I think Arizona’s rotation would end up #1 in the division with Frisco’s arms as prime candidates to fall off. I specifically avoided drafting Lincecum and Cain (though I do have Halladay…what are you going to do)
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 2:24 PM MDT up reply actions
It's okay.
A lot of times, I take comments like that as an opportunity to open a discussion; in this case, about PAPs.
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
A worthy topic
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 4:25 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't know if it's that cut and dry,
Sanchez, JDLR and Scherzer fall into the Wandy Rodriguez category of pitcher that I’m talking about in the other thread, where they will force their teams to use the weaker portions of their bullpens, this is a big advantage to the Rockies and Giants and will bring what the D-backs should expect from Scherzer starts down a notch.
Morales should be a bit more of an innings eater, but probably not at Garland’s level yet, but he does figure to be far more talented at basic run prevention than both him and Zito, certainly by the end of the season if not at the beginning. I don’t know if you’re doing him enough justice.
I'm waiting to see Morales show control consistently at the MLB level
before I call him an innings eater. He wasn’t in 2007 (by design) and was too wild to be one in 2008. He has the talent sure, but until the results are there it’s still unrealized potential.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 1:43 PM MDT up reply actions
fair enough...
I’m suspecting that after this year it will be a little more comfortable for you to consider him one. I don’t know if looking at his control #s will be the best indication, however. He’s not going to be a low walk innings eater, but the kind of guy that allows a few too many baserunners on for us to be completely comfortable. I think he’ll still walk quite a few, but be pretty efficient otherwise. Think of Oliver Perez with a much better GB rate more suited for Coors. Unlike Perez, that GB rate and his pick-off move should allow him to regularly get over 200 IP at his peak.
I certainly hope you are right
I’ve been skeptical of Morales in Rocktober due to his flaky composure and wildness. But as a 23yo, that’s not unusual.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 2:22 PM MDT up reply actions
that GB rate and his pick-off move
As long as he’s over those pesky balk issues.
"Better move your rental cars, I am about to take BP."
-Glendon Rusch
You mean
as long as the umpires are done picking on him. I didn’t think he had as many balks last year as were called on him. Of course it didn’t help his morale (no pun intended) any when they did call him for the balk. If he keeps his composure I can see him hitting close to 200 IP this year.
"A great catch is like watching girls go by; the last one you see is always the prettiest." ~Bob Gibson
JFK
and roy halladay acquired in June...
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 10:40 AM MDT up reply actions
Hawpe
I love Brad Hawpe’s bat, but keeping Fowler is a sure sign Hawpe sits versus lefties. Even though Murton is right handed, he was going to be mostly a bench player, and you keep Fowler and use every excuse to get him pt.
Saying that, I would almost rather move Hawpe than Baker just because Baker can play 5 places on the field. Texas has serious holes in their outfield, Hawpe is a local guy who would love their porch. Texas has a very strong minor league thing going on and it could fill a few potential holes for the Rockies in the near future.
The downside is the loss of more power on the team, but as streaky as he is, I hate the thought of forcing him to sit against lefties.
Please let's keep Hawpe
His splits were close to identical last year.
.283 against Righties
.282 against Lefties
He has shown considerable progress against lefties the last couple of years. If he can provide above-Adam Dunn level defense, he is a huge boon to the team.
Texas
Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Marlon Byrd and David Murphy do not equal “serious holes”.
"Better move your rental cars, I am about to take BP."
-Glendon Rusch
Texas
As someone who lives w/i 10 minutes of the ballpark in arlington, one of the only bright spots for that team is the outfield
The poster formerly known as Blake20th.
by NewMexicanSteven on Apr 1, 2009 1:37 PM MDT up reply actions
I seriously doubt
That Hawpe will sit against lefties other then just for his normal rest days, or if it is a particular lefty that he has problems against. More likely Seth Smith, another lefty will sit against lefties while Spillbourghs rotates to Left and Dexter starts in Center, those start together with the starts when Spillbourghs takes an occasional rest against a right-hander so we can have an all-lefty outfield, thanks to Dexter switch-hitting ability, and the occasional Hawpe rest mentioned above will comprise of Dexter’s starts. A decent projection for them will probably be
Hawpe 140 starts
Spillbourghs 120 starts
Smith 110 starts
Dexter 100 starts
that leaves 16 random starts
just a rough guess on my part. I figure those starts plus pinch-running/pinch-hitting/defensive replacement will be enough to keep Dex active
by Chacinisthefuture on Apr 1, 2009 11:23 AM MDT up reply actions
SPILBORGHS
I usually don’t care about spelling mistakes but misspelling names bothers me a little bit.
"A great catch is like watching girls go by; the last one you see is always the prettiest." ~Bob Gibson
JFK
blah blah quit acting like RMN blah blah
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 2:39 PM MDT up reply actions
Hurdle
It just seems to me that Hurdle seems intent on the lefty righty thing a lot at the expense of Hawpe. Last year, when given a chance, Hawpe held his own, but when a lefty is on the mound, look for that strong right-handed line-up to come out. That part is just a gut feeling I have.
As far as the Rangers outfield, I would hardly call Byrd, Cruz, and Murphy solid trple A players who enjoyed their best major league time last year a solid outfield. Byrd is 32, Cruz is 28, Murphy is 27. Combined they have 72 major league homeruns and in three years, none of them have earned a regular spot until this year. Their only real prospect is a speedster/lead-off hitter, and their back up plan is Andruw Jones.
Add to that Blalock is very questionable at DH, and I think you have a possible suitor there. Atkins will be traded, and Hawpe will be as well; its just a matter of when.
Increase Stewarts push to 2B
I think this has got to push Stewart to 2B even more now. It would stink to have both Smith and Stewart on the bench at the same time. Although that is one heck of a bench.
much less of an opportunity to play in LF
since Smith would already be ahead of him in the depth chart
Totally Agree
I think Stewart stills more and more ABs from Barmes as the season goes along.
Now..what if Stewart and Barmes both hit…but Tulo shows up with an inconsistent bat like he’s had this spring? (well actually Tulo has been consistently BAD this spring, but I’m trying to be nice)
"Suck it monkeys, the Rockies will win this year", Rox Girl 1-11-2009
Does it increase Stewy's push to 2nd
Or decrease the time before Atkins is moved? (something I’m not entirely for)
As for if Stewy and Barmy are both hitting and Tulo is scuffling, well I think Tulo gets a lot of leeway because of his glove. If the team is winning, I think Tulo stays at short pretty much no matter what.
Listen, this signature line is a big part of who I am.
by frightened inmate #2 on Apr 1, 2009 11:29 AM MDT up reply actions
In a dream world
We could move Atkins for Halladay
by Chacinisthefuture on Apr 1, 2009 11:33 AM MDT up reply actions
Morales, Morillo, and ...uh... Colonel Make that trade happen.
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by Andrew Martin on Apr 1, 2009 9:29 PM MDT up reply actions
I LOVE THIS THREAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seems we’re all stoked to get the season going. Whoooooppppppeeeeeeeeee!
ditto
definitely would love to have the season starting, but alas 5 MORE DAYS… I don’t know if I can handle it
by Chacinisthefuture on Apr 1, 2009 11:45 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah
350+ comments and rising for two days of Rockpiles is fun.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 11:59 AM MDT up reply actions
I need the Rockies
I am so sick of Josh McStupids and his antics. He has me really ticked. The youngsters and their sense of entitlement. Earn something jacka$$. Real easy to be a HS player and ride others coattails to the top.
by PinchHitLancePainter on Apr 1, 2009 12:04 PM MDT reply actions
Not at all. Local radio ran down their "hot topics" of the week
Broncos were 1-8. Avs were 9th given their miserable season is almost over and they didn’t want to “leave them out.” Nuggets were passably mentioned as they clinched the playoffs. Rockies weren’t noted at all as Opening Day is around the corner. Thank goodness PR is here to escape to
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 12:26 PM MDT up reply actions
agreed
PR is my definte favorite website now adays. I have always been a Rockies nutt but I think because of PR it is turning into an addiction
Because the draft is right around the corner, too
I don’t get it, really. And usually whatever time they don’t devote to football is devoted to things that aren’t really sports.
"The youngsters and their sense of entitlement. Earn something jacka$$"
You’re talking about Jay Cutler, right? Because that pretty much describes that little punk perfectly.
Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.
MHCSports - Denver sports analysis from Denver sports fans
This was
my comment over at Hogs Haven:
Jay Cutler is a little whiny bitch, who had his feelings hurt when it was leaked that he might get traded, and then cried his way (apparently) out of Denver.
"WAAAAAH!! I WANNA BE TRADED."
"WAAAAH!! I WANNA PLAY FOR A WINNING TEAM."
"WAAAAAAH!! JOSH McDANIELS DOESN’t LIKE ME."
"WAAAAAH!! I NEED TO TAKE INSULIN OR I’LL DIE."
Suck it up Jay, you big pansy.
::wondering if he finally gave Russ the excuse to ban him::
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
There's one key difference
Head Coach = boss
Player = subordinate to boss
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
There's another difference
Look at Josh McDaniels’ hands, I’m pretty sure you’ll see a Super Bowl ring or two on there.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
but he also wasn't a main coach
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 1:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Irrelevant
He’s experienced winning in the NFL, and in fact, contributed to it.
Unlike Jay Cutler.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
I was responding to Tom
Saying Aaron Miles lucked into a World Series ring pretty much and McDanielshad more to do with it
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Gotcha
I thought you were saying that any lucksack can wake up one day on a Super Bowl winning team. ;-)
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
And yet Aaron Miles isn't begging to be traded because he feels he's been put upon
Just sayin’.
There is no way around this other than to accept the fact that Jay Cutler is an immature punk, who got way too used to be spoiled and getting everything pretty much his own way and handed to him on a plate his entire life.
And now when he has to deal with the fact that someone doesn’t perceive him as the prettiest belle at the ball, he wants to take his ball and go home. Well, I’m no Donkeys fan, but I can assure you there are plenty more franchises worse than the Broncos in the NFL, all of which LESS likely to give him a contending team than the club he’s currently on….and yet he will surely end up on one of those lesser teams.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
Broncos
For me, they all screwed up. I’m mad at every single one of them, player, coach, owner. Which is why I prefer not to think about it at all. Too freaking depressing.
+1
Hey! opening Day is in five days!
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Well yeah...
I actually don’t blame Cutler at all for having gotten pissed off at the original situation. That’s not the immaturity. It’s basically every single little thing he’s done since then.
And whether someone thinks McDaniels is ready to be a head coach or not is irrelevant….what should be relevant to the players is that he is the head coach.
And, frankly, he’s experienced more success in the NFL than damn near the entire Broncos roster….
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
McDaniels is a man! He's 32!
I laugh when I hear people blame McDaniels in all of this. Football is a business, and he was trying to do business and bring people in for his new system. It didn’t work out. McDaniels was the one willing to move on. Cutler was the one who acted like a six year-old.
Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.
MHCSports - Denver sports analysis from Denver sports fans
as a fan of a rival AFC team
thanks to both Cutler and McD for taking Denver out of serious contention for the next few years. Have fun rebuilding.
Real easy to throw for 4000 yards when your team loses 7 RBs to injury and throws 40 times a game.
Really, what’s Jay (the Narcissist) Cutler ever done? He likes to compare himself to the Mannings, and yet he’s never led his team to a single playoff win, amirite? Even with a lousy defense in the early 00’s, Peyton could at least take his team to the playoffs.
Real easy to be a whiny sack of prom dresses when you’re about to get traded to an 0-16 team.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
I'm
sure Mile High Report would love to have you all over there if you aren’t already.
"If we never try, we shall never succeed." - Abraham Lincoln
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
I prefer to leave that all alone
and focus on the Rockies, but I’ll go there if I feel the need
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 1:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Like I said, talking about it makes my blood boil.
ROCKIES ROCKIES ROCKIES
Happy!
Eschew Obfuscation!
I kind of enjoy the perspective here
Because it’s perspective from all angles, rather than a gaggle of Donkey honks saying “We want a first round, second round, fourth round and seventh round pick for Cutler. And a first round pick next year. And a starting linebacker. And the moon. Because Cutler is Elway with an emo haircut.”
Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.
MHCSports - Denver sports analysis from Denver sports fans
I'm not saying don't do this here.
I’m just trying to drive more traffic over there.
"If we never try, we shall never succeed." - Abraham Lincoln
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
Well, as I said...
I pretty much hate the Donkeys anyway, and find the schadenfreude simply delicious. After all, this is the team that was willing to play into Elway’s hijacking of the entire NFL draft system, which is when and why I came to hate the team.
So yeah, the team deserves this mess as well, and if they go 3-13, maybe people will actually start paying attention to the Rockies, the only Denver team I’ve ever cared about.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
if they go 3-13, maybe people will actually start paying attention to the Rockies, the only Denver team I’ve ever cared about.
It might take a decade of that. One year and people will still be debating 4th LB position or latest 6th round draft choice more than Helton’s re-emergence
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 1:40 PM MDT up reply actions
Well, there's one thing I don't mind about that
Easier to get great seats at Coors, to see the emerging greatness of Fowler and Stewart.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
No argument there
I just wish they would stay uncaring should we make the playoffs again. I know too many people who went to that World Series by lottery who don’t even know who Dexter Fowler IS. And I missed out on the October drubbing.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 1:45 PM MDT up reply actions
Alas, so did I
The ’net ticket fiasco….argh…and the failure to win one game, since I did have tix to the non-existent Game 5.
I don’t care…I got to see something those fake ass non-fans never could…the wild card game, from section 218.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
Helton HR off Saito
Third base side, first deck, caught a Koshansky foul ball.
Best. Experience. Ever.
Eschew Obfuscation!
I was at that game too! LF pavilion
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 1:53 PM MDT up reply actions
Ahh, I wasn't at that game
Went to the final game of that sweep though, if memory serves.
I only get to go to about 15 games a season, but in ‘07 that included the WC game, game 3 of the Division Series, and Game 4 of the LCS. I can still picture Byrnes’ punkass attempt at a slide into first in my sleep.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
This makes Dexter's jump look pretty tame:
20 year old Rick Porcello makes Tigers rotation
Eschew Obfuscation!
Another source
Detroit sure is in a different position than they were going into 2008
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 1, 2009 1:56 PM MDT up reply actions
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