Friday Rockpile: Chris Iannetta's defense; new closer tonight?

by Russ Oates on Apr 17, 2009 6:42 AM MDT in Rockpile

Both Troy Renck and Thomas Harding write about Chris Iannetta's improved defense this season.

Also from the Denver Post, Todd Helton isn't blaming his bad back for the start of his season. It's about getting into a groove:

"It's just timing, that's all. I am getting started late and the ball is on me," Helton said. "I need to get the swing started earlier and stay through the ball."

But is Helton's slow start the biggest surprise for the Rockies so far?

In that same article, it mentions that Clint Hurdle may go with Manny Corpas as closer tonight, ending Street's turn at the job. Will this turn into a revolving door for the two of them?

Juan Morillo was placed on waivers yesterday, and we'll find out his fate with the Rockies by Monday.

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Street

I am probably wrong here but it seems that Street, like Tim Lincecum, is a power pitcher and use their whole body when pitching (Street is a pretty small guy). I recently read an article by Buster Olney that Lincecum has decreased velocity and his fastball is flat (similar to Street’s problems) and that it takes time for pitchers like him to build up arm strength and get everything in working order. I know, Street pitched well in Spring training but he did take a while to settle in. Why then is he struggling again, shouldn’t he have settled in already? I don’t know but maybe the pitching environment is different mentally or some other way and he has to readjust again? Just my thoughts, does it make any sense?

by Klingb00 on Apr 17, 2009 7:08 AM MDT reply actions

Lincecum's

delivery has been slightly different than last year’s. As for Street, it could be mental, could be something else – he’s been pretty terrible so far but then I look and I see he’s pitched 2 and 2/3 innings so I dunno… I’ll probably favor his 270~ career innings more, although looking at his numbers a bit more, despite his solid era and such, he’s been no stranger to the blown save.

by Resolution on Apr 17, 2009 8:11 AM MDT up reply actions

Street in 09

hitters are 8 for 15 with 3 home runs. I think pray it’s something more than just a slow start.

"Suck it monkeys, the Rockies will win this year", Rox Girl 1-11-2009

by Redhawk on Apr 17, 2009 8:18 AM MDT up reply actions

the home runs are horrifying

but you can probably write off the other 5 hits as just being hit where they ain’t, you know?

I want the entire bullpen to be a revolving door. The rest of the team is (for the most part), esp CF, 2B, LF. Why not just have this team really have a team mentality?

Follow me on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/rockiesmagicnum - But be warned I only actually "tweet" every....well, not often.

by Andrew Martin on Apr 17, 2009 1:11 PM MDT up reply actions

That Helton quote is kind of scary

seems to imply that he is losing bat speed.

by moomacher on Apr 17, 2009 7:37 AM MDT reply actions

I don't think so

If your pre-swing timing mechanism is off – and for Helton it’s the weight shift and the hand load back – then it doesn’t matter how quick your bat is.

Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.
The Shawn Chacon Experience - Life as a Rockies fan, one day at a time: Because we're all still recovering from those nine blown saves.

by Franchise26 on Apr 17, 2009 8:00 AM MDT up reply actions

He turned on a 94 mph fastball for his double on Wednesday

So it can’t be that slow.

by Rox Girl on Apr 17, 2009 8:05 AM MDT up reply actions

Yeah

I think it’s exactly what he said that it’s just a matter of getting the timing right. His bat speed looks fine once it gets going he’s just getting a late start.

by Chacinisthefuture on Apr 17, 2009 8:32 AM MDT up reply actions

I like the approach

that the rockies are taking so far. It takes more than just good offense (which we have) to win games. Iannetta’s defense has done a complete 180 since last year. Everybody is more patient at the plate (see Atkins’ 14 pitch AB and Tulo in general) and I think that the team is playing good enough all-around baseball that they will start winning a lot of games soon. Please?

by PurpleGlove on Apr 17, 2009 2:45 PM MDT reply actions