Saturday Rockpile: ESPN's power rankings and pre-season predictions, Fogg to the Orioles?, more
by Bryan Kilpatrick on Apr 4, 2009 9:32 AM MDT
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PrintESPN.com has posted their first power rankings of the 2009 season. Colorado comes in at #24. The East Coast Sports Network likes the Rockies' depth at closer, but doesn't think the team will get too many leads for Corpas and Street to be able to hold.
The self-proclaimed worldwide leader in sports also posted their annual MLB preview for each of the 30 teams. The Rockies are expected to finish fourth by everybody except for Rob Neyer, who thinks they'll repeat as third-place finishers. Also, if you have Insider access, you can see that the guys in Bristol don't think much of the Rockies' defense.
Continuing with the ESPN theme, noted baseball scout Keith Law (who I personally really like and think is a credible baseball mind) had a chat recently and answered quite a few Rockies-related questions for a change. Some humorous insight included:
In regards to whether or not he saw the performances of Dexter Fowler and Franklin Morales this Spring:
I didn't see the Rockies - every time they came to Phoenix it seemed like they were using Hirsh and Greg Smith and really I'd rather light myself on fire than watch those guys.
And, when asked for his thoughts on Huston Street being named the Rockies' closer:
"Your 2009 Rockies: Our Ninth Innings are Now 40% More Exciting Than Ever!"
Let's hope Mr. Law is wrong about that last one - although I tend to agree with him on the first.
According to Troy E. Renck, Josh Fogg has garnered mild interest from the Baltimore Orioles, but if nothing materializes, we can expect to see him start the season in the Springs.
Renck also echoed what seems like is a baseball-wide sentiment (check out the video in the aforementioned ESPN season preview) - that Troy Tulowitzki is ready to bounce back. He also spoke with Ian Stewart, who says that he's still trying to adjust to playing on the right side of the field, but that he'll adapt quickly because he wants to be out there. We want you to be out there too, Ian.
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Since we have two better than average closers
any chance that they are/would be dangled in a trade for a starter?
Law is clearly forgetting that we had Brian Fuentes last season
So Street’s save chances will only be 10% more exciting.
I have a feeling save chances will be 10% less exciting...
With the loss of Fuentes and the stability of Street in the bullpen.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat." ~ Roger Kahn, The Boys of Summer
Tracy Ringolsby points out
that Vegas has the Rockies and Blue Jays tied for the 22nd highest odds to win the World Series. Given that the Jays have a popsicle’s chance in Tucson to even make the playoffs in their division while the NL West is eminently winnable, the odd assignment there seems askew.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Apr 4, 2009 10:14 AM MDT reply actions
Trade comming?
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/04/04/rockies-rays-could-make-deal-soon/
Interesting. I would prefer Niemann, but I’m not sure how we would fit him in.
this is "interesting"
It said the Rockies were in need of pitching. On that I kinda agree…what we need is quality AAA depth. Reynolds and Hirsh aren’t it at the moment. Besides Chacin, if we had an injury to a starter, we are pretty thin on talent.
But neither Niemann, or Hammels fits that as neither have options left….where would they pitch? Who would they replace? Are they better than Belisle? Are they better then Josh Fogg? Juan Morrillo?
"Suck it monkeys, the Rockies will win this year", Rox Girl 1-11-2009
They are better than at least two of the three you mention
Probably all three, which means Morales faces the chop. The question will be whether they are better than Morales/JDLR/Marquis, and that’s a little more difficult to say.
correction: Morillo faces the chop, oops
Morales faces the possibility of a longer stay in the Springs.
I would take either of them over Belisle.
But that is about where it ends. I definitely would take everyone in the rotation above Hammels and I would probably still take them above Niemann.
I'm on the fence about Marquis
I think I’d almost prefer either Hammel or Niemann to him, but for some reason Jason’s WINNER-ability keeps him alluring in my head.
I think I need to remind you
that Jason Marquis is our highest paid starting pitcher.
And thus our “ACE”. He’s in the rotation unless he stinks it up so bad, he has one of those mysterious “injuries”
"Suck it monkeys, the Rockies will win this year", Rox Girl 1-11-2009
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