Thursday Rockpile: Jeff Baker traded, does Atkins move next? July 2 could be more busy for Rockies than usual
by Rox Girl on Jul 2, 2009 9:04 AM MDT
in Rockpile
Email
PrintThe Rockies have dealt one third baseman already this morning, could another be not too far behind? Rumors around Garrett Atkins have been heating up of late, Seattle Mariners reporter Geoff Baker (no relation to our Jeff) looks at him as a possible fit there. I don't think Atkins gets moved right away, especially with Ian Stewart slumping somewhat, but I'm not that sure Garrett stays past the July deadline, either. It will be interesting to see how this month plays out.
International signing starts today
July 2 marks the start of the international free agency signing period, and while the Rockies aren't usually active until later (they make a killing this way, picking up players like Ubaldo Jimenez, Jhoulys Chacin, Wilin Rosario and others) they may actually break from tradition and make a move or two today.
Of the top 25 projected bonuses to be handed out this year, two are connected with the Rockies, Rosel Herrera and Johendi Jiminian and both could be July 2 signees. Baseball America subscribers can read scouting reports of the pair here. The Rockies were in earlier on LHP Victor Payano, but he's believed to have a deal in place with the Red Sox. Baseball Prospectus' Kiley McDaniel, ESPN's Jorge Arangure, and Baseball America's Ben Badler are all covering the day in tweets and at their various sites. Keep an eye open for news on these players, I think all three sites require some sort of paid subscription for the best news, but the tweets are free.
ESPN (Insider subscription required)
Baseball America also has a blog post (meaning no subscription needed) about Brandon Hynick's perfect game Tuesday night.
Other notes and links
Drew Litton's latest Rockies cartoon shows that there's something big blocking the plate. The Rockies are angry with their series loss to the Dodgers, and feel that there's still something to play for in the NL West this year. That's good, because they could well be right. It's going to take the Dodgers stumbling, but it's important that Colorado keeps the pressure on. Of course, there's one more team to pass in the standings between them in the meantime, so that should become the next focus.
In that vein, Tracy Ringolsby notes that the Rockies road heavy schedule early is about to start paying some late dividends. So long as the team can bring the magic back to Coors, the Rockies are in a prime position to make another strong move this month. Also at Inside the Rockies, news of Joe Mikulik's enshrinement to the SAL Hall of Fame and the three Sky Sox headed to the PCL All Star game.
Patrick Saunders at the Denver Post has more on Taylor Buchholz's TJ surgery and recovery and a bit of history into the procedure.
And Yorvit Torrealba's return makes Paul Phillips' status with the team uncertain.
81 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The cubs....?
This is gonna be hard for me, I really do like Jeff Baker and I wish him well but I can’t possibly root for a Cub. Oh well.
Can’t find any thing on the internet about who we are getting in return but it better be some bullpen help. Please.
"Last chance to send Holliday to St Louis"
Ha, I went to the A’s MLB.com site and saw that headline, and thought it was about a trade.
Free Seth Smith!
Paul Phillips
will he clear wavers? and if he does will he accept an assignment back to Col. Springs or go to another minor league system?
And no one wanted Torrealba’s contact and no arm? SHOCKING
And I’ve thought Atkins would be good fit for Seattle for awhile. Seattle needs hitters. Atkins has one year of Arbitration left over, and next year Seattle loses Beltre and I’d assume Griffey (if he retires). But Seattle has a big OF and line drive hitters work best there…like Atkins.
Maybe we get Washburn after all? Throw in some prospects (Rox are getting backed up in some positions…so it’s ok) and get Bedard?
Clearing waivers depends on if any team is desperate enough to take a chance on Phillips right away.
He’s put up good numbers this season. That’s the only thing he has going for him. I still am leaning towards him clearing, but RoxGirl pointed out a couple days ago that there are some teams out there in dire need of some (any) catching. If Phillips’ June is enough to woo them, there’s also a legitimate chance he is claimed, despite never having been claimed before.
Phillips always accepted outright to his teams before. No reason to think he wouldn’t if he clears, but again, you never know.
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 9:53 AM MDT up reply actions
I liked Phillips
enough to think he would be ok for next year as a Rockie back up, assuming McKenry isn’t ready (and he’s making such good progress in AA a jump to the Rockies bench to learn the game at the big league level isn’t out of the question..and yea it’s different for catchers)
I don't see any of our catching prospects ready by 2010.
I also potentially see at least one involved in a trade. Phillips is a possibility for 2010.
Of course, then we’ll all be shocked when the team accepts Torrealba’s option after all. lol
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 9:57 AM MDT up reply actions
That's a big jump...
I tend to be more conservative when it comes to promoting prospects. I acknowledge that it is just an opinion, but I am not ready to say McKenry is ready to play on an MLB roster out of Spring Training 2010.
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 10:07 AM MDT up reply actions
even as a 40 game backup?
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 10:16 AM MDT up reply actions
Possibly.
McKenry could presumably be a 1/2 time a week traditional backup catcher by then. But I also wouldn’t expect a lot out of him, and would possibly argue that somebody who is familiar with that role such as a Paul Phillips would be better suited for that task, while McKenry could benefit by climbing the ladder a bit higher first.
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 10:19 AM MDT up reply actions
Possibly.
McKenry could presumably be a 1/2 time a week traditional backup catcher by then. But I also wouldn’t expect a lot out of him, and would possibly argue that somebody who is familiar with that role such as a Paul Phillips would be better suited for that task, while McKenry could benefit by climbing the ladder a bit higher first.
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 10:19 AM MDT up reply actions
I'm seeing it as Bellorin at the beginning of 2010
And McKenry can come up sometime in the middle. Bellorin’s not too far off of Torrealba’s talent level anyway, just lacking some of the experience.
well, is that OK though?
Bellorin has looked like garbage in every callup, at least at the plate. I don’t think I’ve really seen him start, so I can’t speak to his defensive skills.
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 10:40 AM MDT up reply actions
And you're confident making that assessment?
You do know the number of PA’s Bellorin’s had in the majors is 14, right? 14. One HR in his next PA changes his stat line from .236/.281/.236 to .286/.333/.500. He’s only had one K in those 14 PA’s… I don’t know how you can say that.
I guess i was under the impression he had more PAs
So no, I’m not confident in the assessment.
I’m basing it off of the fact that he’s a slightly-above-average batting catcher by AAA standards (based on wOBA+ and bRAA) and I just don’t see that as being a positive impact on the MLB game.
Not that I think Yorvit is anything special, but like I said, is it OK to replace overpaid Yorvit with appropriately paid Yorvit?
I guess I’d just rather not dillydally around and we should use McKenry or Phillips (assuming we retain his services)
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 11:23 AM MDT up reply actions
I really don't know if it's dillydallying, though
If Phillips can stick around, great, I’d prefer him, too, but I suspect he might find better opportunity elsewhere. If McKenry’s really ready to go from the start of 2010, again, problem solved. But there’s the very real and somewhat probable scenario that Phillips is gone and McKenry’s not quite ready. Bellorin’s a pretty decent bridge at that point.
How much value does McKenry have
as a prospect compared to Rosario? If we are going to trade one, it seems like we should do it before the world realizes they can’t hit at higher levels (see Texas and their supposed catching surplus).
Rosario's more valuable as a prospect
Because of a higher upside. McKenry’s pretty much what you see in his minor league lines. Solid defender with some pop who won’t hit for average but might draw enough walks to keep him around the majors. He’s a fringy NL starter, AL bench guy that you could have as a regular if you didn’t have other holes, whereas Rosario seems to be easier to see in a full time role anywhere down the road. The trade value of either might not be worth the expense of moving them. Texas’ catchers have been overrated for some time, it’s one of those systems that the prospects really get hyped a lot more than you would think they would.
Bellorin I think it a possibility.
If Phillips clears waivers and rejoins us, do you think he is a possibility in that role in 2010?
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 10:41 AM MDT up reply actions
I would agree.
But a lot has to happen first.
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 10:45 AM MDT up reply actions
YES
most diffidently….and reading between the lines in the comments made by Tracy, I think this is what they are hoping for, even, if he gets claims, maybe he’ll re-sign with Colorado next year
(sorry, I know this was directed at Rox Girl)
Everyone's opinion is obviously appreciated.
Directed at everybody :)
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions
I think I'd prefer Phillips to Bellorin, don't get me wrong...
I just don’t know how competitive we can be for his services.
I'm on board with this
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 9:58 AM MDT up reply actions
Can Ey2 play 3B?
Or is he limited to 2B like his father?
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 9:56 AM MDT up reply actions
Q and Barmes both can play 3B.
It is conceivable that an Atkins trade would lead to EY2 displacing Barmes if he slumps his way backwards, turning him into the utility player we would have had in Baker.
The bigger issue, IMO, is 1B. With Atkins and Baker gone, we have nobody who can spell Helton at 1B unless you count Torrealba. The player would likely have to be able to back up 1B, which puts good marks in Colonel’s column.
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions
1b
I think you have to start looking at Hawpe. He played first in college and early minors, before being moved to the OF…also, that would allow for more OF playing time for Smith/CarGo/Spilly et al
Maybe next year
I have a hard time seeing him to dust off those skills in the middle of a season.
Might be more likely that they ask Barmes to slide over there.
Free Seth Smith!
I think it is a comfort thing
Not an ability thing. But maybe Hawpe will volunteer.
Free Seth Smith!
I doubt he'd be worse there than in RF
kind of a lesser of two evils thing, you know?
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions
Again, it is a comfort thing, not an ability thing
you don’t often see teams asking players like Hawpe to do make such changes in the middle of the season. It happens, of course. But if people thought players were bothered by changing spots in the lineup, what do they think of asking players to make radical position changes. Hawpe would probably do it without complaint, because he doesn’t seem to complain much. But there’s a real risk there of a very public face plant, and teams don’t generally like to put star players in that position.
Free Seth Smith!
I think he could do it fairly well
As someone who played first for a long time (lefty, what can i do?) I know the position isn’t rocket surgery. He probably won’t be as good a picking throws in the dirt or with the footwork as Helton, but few are.
Funny Dog to Make Life Worthwhile
by frightened inmate #2 on Jul 2, 2009 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions
"rocket surgery"
I know what you meant, but it’s pretty funny
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Jul 2, 2009 11:23 AM MDT up reply actions
(I think it might've been on purpose)
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 11:24 AM MDT up reply actions
+25
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 9:59 AM MDT up reply actions
Yes, he did.
A lot of people early in the year saw Hawpe returning to 1B eventually. The only issue is it seems like he would need SOME level of training before returning to the infield at all.
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 AM MDT up reply actions
Tracy Ringolsby projected him there in 2011
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 10:16 AM MDT up reply actions
+26
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 9:59 AM MDT up reply actions
FREEEE MIKE MCCOY
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 9:59 AM MDT up reply actions
can it be "EYJ for 2B....eventually?"
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 10:17 AM MDT up reply actions
Eric Young Jr. ?
I’m missing what you’re not getting…
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 10:27 AM MDT up reply actions
ah ok
I’m going on his .374 wOBA in AAA – which is very good – and his .291/.386 batting line to complement his 45:8 SB:CS.
I’m not saying usurp Barmes, because even when he’s a cold bat, he’s at least an excellent glove. I’m just pointing out another toolset which could make an impact, like a lot of people are.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sold yet. Nor will I be till I see him up here.
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions
You know I'm one of the "this team needs more speed" guys
and on that alone, I want to see EY2 at least on the team. Full time starter? Not right away, but a couple games a week…..and let Barmes start a game at SS to spell Tulo everyonce in awhile, I think would improve the team
just having EY2 as a Pinch Runner threat in late innings and close games off the bench would help the team.
Offensively
he’s racking up huge numbers in AAA (so did Carlos Gonzales) and has a ton of stolen bases. Could he hit in majors? Well, I’d like to think so, but there seems to be a bigger drop off in talent especially pitching at the AAA level than in years past so it’s not such a given. But I’d point out that Barmes really only hits in Coors Field…his road numbers are not good at all.
Defensively……..well, that’s Barmes hands down. But could EY2 give enough offense, and enough stolen bases to off set his down grade defensively? Again, who knows…but many his offensive stats are impressive.
If Stewart or Baker
can learn 2nd base, couldn’t someone pick up 3rd base fairly easily? Correct me if I’m wrong, but from my perspective 2B is a harder position than 3rd base, and if you have the range and defense ability to play second, it wouldn’t be too hard to pick up third. And I doubt that anybody who can field their position at second well would be worse than Atkins is at third… with the possible exception of EY2…
Arm strength's the big issue here.
EY2 doesn’t get a whole lot on his throws, it’s why he’s seen as just about a second baseman only, with a chance of being an okay centerfielder.
I should add, however, that this was a knock I heard about Chone Figgins...
So sometimes you can’t really trust scouts completely on this.
Chone was better with the glove though right?
EY2 has had some nasty error streaks. I don’t know his fielding/throw splits, but if you don’t have a strong arm, you can’t afford to just knock down a grounder, recover and throw.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Jul 2, 2009 1:59 PM MDT up reply actions
This is true, it's why Figgins was a shortstop in the minors.
But everybody thought his arm would push him to the right side.
If Stewart and Baker
can learn 2nd base, couldn’t someone pick up 3rd base fairly easily? Correct me if I’m wrong, but from my perspective 2B is a harder position than 3rd base, and if you have the range and defense ability to play second, it wouldn’t be too hard to pick up third. And I doubt that anybody who can field their position at second well would be worse than Atkins is at third…
Sorry about that...
massive double posting comment fail.
I've been doing that today too.
There is a poltergeist about….
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 2:07 PM MDT up reply actions
a postergeist
Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: Badass
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY
by Andrew Martin on Jul 2, 2009 2:57 PM MDT up reply actions
Rockies dream
I haven’t read the Rockpile yet, but I just had to post this before I forget. I totally had a Rockies dream last night, but it was weird. I was at some place, and the Rockies were playing (I think) the A’s, but it was sort of like a scrimmage, rather than an actual game. I don’t know. At one point I was out in a parking lot and there was a huge berm in between the parking lot and the field, and I was trying to sneak up it to see in. Then later, there were a few Rockies players walking through the parking lot as they left. I specifically remember seeing Todd Helton, and plotting how to approach him. I think I may have even ended up going to dinner with one of them, like a date. Strange.
Those are always the best dreams...
Well, until you realize that the Rockies player is actually your skeevy Uncle Barry just as things are starting to warm up.
Strange indeed.
I once dreamt that Clint Barmes got arrested for murdering some guy with a knife.
by Greg Stanwood on Jul 2, 2009 11:43 AM MDT up reply actions
Rockies dreams are the best!
and, generally, the strangest… do you have any idea which one you went to dinner with? Or, which one would you have wanted it to be?
I have no idea who it was.
I’m not even sure it was a real player (as opposed to a fictional dream player). As to who I would have wanted it to be, I don’t know. I’ve had crushes on players in the past, but don’t really have any on anyone right now (and I generally tend to decrush anyone who’s married).
really? His face seems kind of weird
Then again, I seem to have no ability to judge this sort of thing.
Free Seth Smith!
You are correct, sir.
If we’re basing it on looks, Huston, Tulo, Chris, and Dex are also in the Top 5.
Just my $0.02
Giants lose again
And while it means that the Cards pass us by half a gam we are 1 out of second and the WC lead.
We need to pass both during this homestand...
But it’s not as easy a task as it might look. Arizona’s more dangerous than their record, and a rival, the Rockies can’t let their guard down and think this will be a cakewalk. At any rate, a lead over San Fran and St. Louis will establish what’s been pretty clear on paper since interleague play started, that the Rockies are the second best team in the NL right now.
It is amazing how perceptions andexpectations change
When Tracy took over I was hoping for .500 for the season. Then I wanted it by the all-star break. I could have never dreamed with a decent homestand(7-3) we could be 8 games over and leading the WC.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
