Sunday Rockpile: Links from the road.

by Rox Girl on May 24, 2009 7:57 AM MDT in Rockpile

Firing Hurdle may not matter because: the players lack resources, mental toughness, discipline, etc.., While Hurdle has no control over the first item on Troy E. Renck's list, and admittedly it's a doozy, shouldn't the rest, including the killer instinct he lauds as making a winner of Juan Pierre, be instilled by a manager?

Paul Phillips is Chris Iannetta's likely roster replacement, if only he had the magical facial hair that would convince Rockies fans his lack of ability doesn't matter. Of course, the bulk of the playing time will go to Yorvit Torrealba in Chris's absence, I think the loss on offense might not be as noticeable as the loss of a viable arm to throw out would be baserunners.

Patrick Saunders writes about the error issue. Mental lapses resulting in an "E" are just a part of this team's struggles on defense. Speaking of which, I haven't had an opportunity to check out the comments from yesterdays game thread yet, but from my vantage point last night it looked like CDI's error should have gone to Stewart instead, it looked like a solid, catchable throw, did I misread that?

The update on Jeff Francis' recovery is found here. I'm not sure what to expect when he returns, so I'm trying to keep my hopes low-key.

Jack Etkin wonders why the Rockies have Interleague games, but I'm sort of grateful for it given that the AL portion of the schedule makes up a good chunk of when I've been able to see the team in person over the last three years.

I'm glad I was around to witness Huston Street's 100th career save, and hope in the bloodletting to come that the Rockies figure out a way to retain his services for a while longer. I mean, unless some GM just goes silly with what they're willing to offer. The guy is pretty sharp this year.

Tweet Comment 31 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

At this point ....

it may not matter firing Hurdle. If the team were to at least play average and they got the same result, then I can understand. If the team played up to their potential, then he wouldn’t have to “tinker” so much.
I also don’t think that all is lost just yet. 2007 proved that.

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."
Jackie Robinson

http://www.geocities.com/by31lengths/Randompage2.html

by walkoff59 on May 24, 2009 8:09 AM MDT reply actions

But 2007 is unique.

If anything, 2007 was going to be an 81-83 win season.

"If we never try, we shall never succeed." - Abraham Lincoln

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ Oates on May 24, 2009 8:14 AM MDT up reply actions

I understand that...

In fact, I tell people that we may never see that again in our lifetime. The streak at the END of the season is the unique part. I think it is more possible to duplicate something like that sooner in the season. Having said that, the Rox 2007 late season run gives ANYONE hope.

Probable? No. Possible? Yep.

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."
Jackie Robinson

http://www.geocities.com/by31lengths/Randompage2.html

by walkoff59 on May 24, 2009 8:46 AM MDT up reply actions

Yes, Stewart should have been charged with the E

He got to the bag late, and tried to tag him before he caught the ball. It looked to me like CDI’s throw was right where it should have been.

by Prospector on May 24, 2009 8:37 AM MDT reply actions

I didn't see it...

but when I talked to my dad about the game he said that “Stewart’s glove grew a baseball sized hole that the ball went through.” So yeah, I just automatically assumed that the error went to Stewart. That it didn’t makes me a little sad.

by Justus on May 24, 2009 9:18 AM MDT up reply actions

Definitely should have been Stewart's E, even though it was not a great throw

The throw tailed low and on the foul side of third base. If it had been a perfect throw, Stewart would have caught it, but he definitely should have still

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on May 24, 2009 9:20 AM MDT up reply actions

Really?

It was catchable, but Stewart definitely had to reach over and down for it. Aren’t those usually ruled errors on the thrower?

by FooMan on May 24, 2009 9:46 AM MDT up reply actions

I can see why the official scorer called it on Iannetta

as the throw was offline, but it hit Stewart’s glove, and he may have had time to even step off the base, catch it, and still get back in time to tag Magglio. I think Stewart made the bigger mistake

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on May 24, 2009 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions

Bad throw

bad catch. I mean, both deserve an E so who really cares? Simple play botched by both ends. Didn’t bite us yesterday, but this is the kind of nonsense that explains why we’re so bad this year.

by Teekalong on May 24, 2009 10:37 AM MDT up reply actions

On the subject of firing

How about Hiring long time manager Joe Mikulik. He brings passion and love for the game. He’s managed most of the players on the team and everyone will play their hearts out for him.

by Sopranosfan on May 24, 2009 9:21 AM MDT reply actions

I like this idea.

But I doubt it’ll happen. Definitely gives Stewart an incentive to catch that ball, that’s for sure.

I love Greg Reynolds and I may be slightly ashamed to admit it.

by Silverblood on May 24, 2009 9:39 AM MDT up reply actions

Yeah, having to work every day directly with your father-in-law would not be ideal.

by Prospector on May 24, 2009 9:40 AM MDT up reply actions

I think they get along pretty well, though.

I definitely like the thought, however. He’s familiar with the system, knows the guys, and won’t hesitate to throw coolers if called for.

I love Greg Reynolds and I may be slightly ashamed to admit it.

by Silverblood on May 24, 2009 9:47 AM MDT up reply actions

I gotta be honest here

someone that is not afraid to throw a cooler is exactly what this team needs. A Lou Pinella style meltdown might actually do them some good.

"Better move your rental cars, I am about to take BP."
-Glendon Rusch

by Hizilla on May 24, 2009 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions

I agree

managerial changes usually go oposite of who is currently in charge of a team. If the guy is nice, laid back and affable, the next guy is usually a hard assed disciplinarian type

Hurdle seems real easy going. The next guy needs to be more demanding.

by Redhawk on May 24, 2009 10:37 AM MDT up reply actions

Helton, Stewart, Fowler, Iannetta, Adkins, Hawpe, Spilborghs, Francis, Corpas, Daley, Jimenez, etc all (I think) played for him and he is loved by everybody. What do they have to lose? They have the talent to win. Losen them up with a guy who motivates and relates with this team.

by Sopranosfan on May 24, 2009 9:45 AM MDT reply actions

But Hurdle motivates and relates

or else, how did Todd and the Toddlers grow into a team that people expect to contend?

Renck thinks they need a guy who can instill cold-bloodedness in them. I think that kind of stuff is a bunch of hooey. Fans/writers see a team that loses the close ones, can’t find an easy explanation, and start throwing out the bromides. “He’s lost the team.” “He can’t instill in them the cold bloodedness needed to win the tough ones.”

I think it’s pretty crappy of Renck to imply that Hurdle’s only here because he helped sell a cynical plan by ownership. Who was running the team when all the players were coming up from the minors and learning the bigs? He deserves credit for that.

That this site and game chatters are becoming more and more vent-fests, that I can understand. What a frustrating start. But that so much of it is directed towards Hurdle? Again, frustration I can understand. But all the cocksure statements that essentially say “we KNOW Hurdle is the problem,” that still seems more like voodoo thinking to me. We don’t know why we’re sick, it must be a curse…

I think teams often fire managers because they feel they have to do something to combat losing, and drastically rearranging talent or casting real spells usually aren’t options. Perhaps that’s what needs to be done here. But I’d be much more apt to believe that the reason is because “That’s just the protocol when a team loses, no matter if your manager is Dick Williams, Joe Torre, or Clint Hurdle” rather than divining some sudden loss of “it” for which Hurdle is responsible.

by FooMan on May 24, 2009 10:06 AM MDT up reply actions

Firing Hurdle

won’t make this team a play off team. The team is currently on pace to lose 100 games. But the team has underperformed it’s talent. And I realize that fans over-rate/over-value the talent on their team and in their system, but the Rockies should not be a 100 loss team.

So who is to blame? The players for not performing? sure. But a manager does have an affect on the mental aspect of a player’s game. If a managerial change can motivate or turn just a couple players around for next year, then it’s good. If it gives the fans hope that 100 loss season is not acceptable to the powers that be, then it’s great.

A managerial change is largely symbolic, but it’s not totally a waste. Unless you think it will lead the Rockies to the playoffs or even respectability in 09..then its pointless.

by Redhawk on May 24, 2009 10:34 AM MDT up reply actions

Good point

And I don’t want my comments to be read as if I’m saying firing Hurdle is a bad idea. I mean, it would be a fairly standard move judging from how MLB teams have acted for a decades. Teams don’t really have the luxury of doing nothing, and firing a manager is a low-risk move compared to trades that effect a major re-alignment of talent.

It’s just the assigning of cause-effect that I disagree with. I think the team would rebound in any event. There have been plenty of 90 loss teams before, but very, very few with an even run-differential. The only one I’ve found so far is the 2004 Tigers (72-90, 827 runs, 844 RA). In comparison, entering today, the Rockies were on pace for 66-96, 806 runs, 814 RA).

by FooMan on May 24, 2009 11:52 AM MDT up reply actions

Marc Hulet at Fangraphs discusses ROY candidates

and doesn’t list Dex. Names mentioned: Colby Rasmus, Chris Coghlan, Adam Rosales and Bobby Scales…

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on May 24, 2009 9:57 AM MDT reply actions

Phillips...and Fogg?

In addition to Phillips, Tracy Ringolsby reports that Josh Fogg will join the team for Monday’s game.

That would mean two 40-man roster moves. Who’s being removed/bumped to the 60-day DL?

by FooMan on May 24, 2009 10:10 AM MDT reply actions

What the Fogg?

who is Josh Fogg better then in this bullpen? Belisle? maybe..but even that’s debatebale. Foggs fastball has been down in the mid-80’s in the Springs this year. He doesn’t need a ticket to Denver, He needs a ticket back home.

AND to add him to the team means taking another player off the 40 man, which as history has shown, means the Rockies will give another prospect (all be it a border line one) away for nothing as another team will claim them.

by Redhawk on May 24, 2009 10:28 AM MDT up reply actions

Baker to 60-day

I noticed that the 40-man on the Rockies’ mlb.com has changed. Baker is on the 60-day DL now.

I agree, Fogg seems an underwhelming move. Unless a starter is hurt, I don’t see what he can add. Even then, Belisle started w/Cincinnati, and while he’s hardly been a success here, you’d think he’s fairly comparable to Fogg for a spot start or two.

by FooMan on May 24, 2009 11:44 AM MDT up reply actions

The organization seems to be very sentimental towards 2007

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on May 24, 2009 11:50 AM MDT up reply actions

If that's the reason for Fogg

boy, that would be bad.

by FooMan on May 24, 2009 11:53 AM MDT up reply actions

I say that in jest

but it might bring back some fans. Some of those DP posters earlier this year wanted Fogg in th rotation over DLR, Smith, Hirsh, etc

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on May 24, 2009 12:00 PM MDT up reply actions

And that would be cool...

having more fans that is. But this is also the reason most of us are posting and commenting on the Row, we look at the picture and how things will work out, not based on old playoff crushes.

"We made too many wrong mistakes." ~Yogi Berra
"The ballplayer who loses his head, who can't keep his cool, is worse than no ballplayer at all." ~Lou Gehrig
JFK

by jrockies on May 24, 2009 2:20 PM MDT up reply actions

Official

Iannetta to DL

"Better move your rental cars, I am about to take BP."
-Glendon Rusch

by Hizilla on May 24, 2009 10:40 AM MDT reply actions

this hurts

Yorvit is suitable, but I don’t think Phillips was the guy to call up.

"We made too many wrong mistakes." ~Yogi Berra
"The ballplayer who loses his head, who can't keep his cool, is worse than no ballplayer at all." ~Lou Gehrig
JFK

by jrockies on May 24, 2009 10:49 AM MDT up reply actions

:C

"Better move your rental cars, I am about to take BP."
-Glendon Rusch

by Hizilla on May 24, 2009 1:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Besides the Great Run....

What has Hurdle done? Before the great run, his job was in jeopardy. Since then, the team has returned to mediocrity. A move within the organization, for the remainder of the season, is the answer. Mikulik, is just crazy enough to get this team playing ball for the right reasons. All the underacheiving going on with this talent would be secondary with Mikulik loosening up the clubhouse. He would be able to take distraction off the guys and they can go out and enjoy being a big leaguer again.

by Sopranosfan on May 25, 2009 7:08 AM MDT reply actions