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Around SBN: Are The Orioles Bad Or Unlucky With Their Young Pitching?

Ringolsby: Tyler Matzek signs for $3.9 million


Tracy Ringolsby at Inside the Rockies reports Tyler Matzek has agreed to terms with the Colorado Rockies, signing the largest bonus in franchise history at $3.9 million dollars. The first round pick turned down a full ride scholarship to Oregon to join the Rockies. More as the story develops.

According to the official press release:

"We are excited about the signing of Tyler Matzek and look forward to having him as a part of the Colorado Rockies organization," said Bill Schmidt, Rockies Vice President of Scouting.

I think we can all agree with that part.

The release says that the Rockies signed 40 out of 52 total picks, which would indicate that Tym Pearson and the remaining high school selections taken after the 35th round were not signed by the club.

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Awesome move Rox!!!!

And since it will be asked…………according to the Purps list on the main page………Tyler would be #8 as of right now if not higher….but I think that list needs a little work perosanlly…………reguardless without ever throwing a pitch he is in our top 10 prospects

by cowboycr278 on Aug 17, 2009 10:05 PM MDT reply actions  

Astral!

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

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ Oates on Aug 17, 2009 10:06 PM MDT via mobile reply actions  

nicee

we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE

"TuLoRocks2008 had the most comments I've seen in any game thread this year (322)...Can such a feat be eclipsed?" ..... Bring it on!!

by TuLoRocks2008 on Aug 17, 2009 10:07 PM MDT reply actions  

nice, very nice!!

keep that young talent flowing…

by RockyMtnCat on Aug 17, 2009 10:07 PM MDT reply actions  

Huge signing and much less than the reported $7M he wanted to sign

I do have a question though, what is the difference in signing a major league deal?

Also given the amount of time I am assuming he will not play any ball this year?

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

by smokinRox on Aug 17, 2009 10:07 PM MDT reply actions  

Has to be on the 40.

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

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ Oates on Aug 17, 2009 10:09 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

Wow, I'm glad we got out of that part of the deal then

Any news on Pearson?

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

by smokinRox on Aug 17, 2009 10:11 PM MDT up reply actions  

nope, nothing yet.

I hope it’s also done, but I’m not sure right now.

by Rox Girl on Aug 17, 2009 10:21 PM MDT up reply actions  

Apparently no Pearson,

the press release seems to indicate the remaining twelve picks did not sign.

by Rox Girl on Aug 17, 2009 10:58 PM MDT up reply actions  

I'm disappointed as well

Was hoping to see my buddy Micah Green sign with the Rockies, that would’ve been sweet. College is probably the better way to go for him though.

by Cargo's Ball Sack5 on Aug 17, 2009 11:07 PM MDT up reply actions  

Yeah!

This is indeed good news.

by BaronBill on Aug 17, 2009 10:08 PM MDT reply actions  

Despite being 18, how far away is he?

Don’t get me wrong I don’t think he is going to be with us next year but maybe a 2011 September add? His command seems to be one of his biggest issues……..but how many guys coming out of college have the pitches he has??? His fastball has gone up to 98 MPH from what I have read and he has 2 other plus pitches.

by cowboycr278 on Aug 17, 2009 10:10 PM MDT reply actions  

I would think late 2011 at the earliest given he won't pitch this year

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

by smokinRox on Aug 17, 2009 10:12 PM MDT up reply actions  

He won't?

I figured he may get a start or two, or at least some pen work at the rookie or low A level.

by mkorpal on Aug 17, 2009 10:20 PM MDT up reply actions  

I figured rookie ball

Just to give him a feel for what he is in for. From everything I have read the kid HATES to loose and shows it………extremely competative. If that is true it would only make sense to let him get a taste of talent at the next level.

Of course that said he needs to be in the dugout of 1 or 2 games in Coors……to give him even more of a thirst to be here.

by cowboycr278 on Aug 17, 2009 10:24 PM MDT up reply actions  

he kid HATES to loose and shows it………extremely competative

good.

"Good is not good when better is expected." -Vin Scully
Purple objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

by The Lodo Magic Man on Aug 17, 2009 10:27 PM MDT up reply actions  

Matzek

Time to start earning that money…expecting big things.

by gcman on Aug 17, 2009 10:11 PM MDT reply actions  

someone get this guy a wikipedia page

if you're reading this, it means my undying support for your team will result in its failure.

by fantasyfencing on Aug 17, 2009 10:19 PM MDT up reply actions  

Dan O'Dowd just earned himself a nice extension.

And might deserve consideration for executive of the year.

by alacy9513 on Aug 17, 2009 10:12 PM MDT reply actions   1 recs

You know, that's a legitimate claim there

Great draft, and the Marquis/Hammel/Holliday deals have all helped the Rockies significantly into their playoff position.

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 10:26 PM MDT up reply actions  

Not to mention

He solidified the bullpen without trading a top prospect.

President of the Don Draper fan club.

by jcd823 on Aug 17, 2009 11:11 PM MDT up reply actions  

and he fired Hurdle

Could be his biggest move of all.

by cocainelips99 on Aug 18, 2009 8:07 AM MDT up reply actions  

Another win for the mojo changing overflow thread.

"Don't tell me about the world. Not today. It's springtime and they're knocking baseballs around fields where the grass is damp and green in the morning and the kids are trying to hit the curve ball." -Pete Hamill

by Bryce on Aug 17, 2009 10:13 PM MDT reply actions  

2-0

if you're reading this, it means my undying support for your team will result in its failure.

by fantasyfencing on Aug 17, 2009 10:19 PM MDT up reply actions  

Consider me

a very very very happy person right now.

Matzek, Wheeler and Brothers…. that is one hell of a draft.

FHWEE Woodie!!!

Hey I'm on Youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gAlLTZsGUg

by wolf213 on Aug 17, 2009 10:13 PM MDT reply actions  

hellyeah

future continues to look bright

we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE

"TuLoRocks2008 had the most comments I've seen in any game thread this year (322)...Can such a feat be eclipsed?" ..... Bring it on!!

by TuLoRocks2008 on Aug 17, 2009 10:14 PM MDT up reply actions  

given the talent level of guys signed this has to be one of the better Rox drafts

now lets just hope they meet these lofty expectations.

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

by smokinRox on Aug 17, 2009 10:15 PM MDT up reply actions  

We are now in need of an update...

Top 30 Rockies Prospects will have Wheeler, Brothers and Matzek. :)

Happy feet, happy thoughts. happy night, and good night!

by lizardlad01 on Aug 17, 2009 10:23 PM MDT up reply actions  

Looks like Parker Frazier only went 3 innings today, despite allowing just 2 runs and cruising through the third inning.

Could be an inury and it could be a promotion to Modesto, as ITR.com had suggested a few weeks back (which would mean Friedrich got promoted to Tulsa).

by LawrenceDavis on Aug 17, 2009 10:27 PM MDT up reply actions  

Adding to that…

The Nuts had an off day today and Friedrich pitched yesterday (and I think he had an extra day of rest to do so), so they could slide Frazier into the rotation without having to screw it up at all..

by LawrenceDavis on Aug 17, 2009 10:28 PM MDT up reply actions  

Arenado looks to be an impressive pick in this draft as well.

Which is especially important given that many of us agree that our hitting prospects seem to have taken a back seat to our pitchers.

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

by smokinRox on Aug 17, 2009 11:06 PM MDT up reply actions  

not to mention Pearson and other guys

Mike McCoy Status: BETTER BE A SEPT CALLUP
Seth Smith Status: Part of a Good Problem
Chris Iannetta Status: OH MY GOD GET SOME HITS YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN ASS

Check out the most recent MLB Transactions on MLB Daily Dish

by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 10:32 PM MDT up reply actions  

oh, no, I haven't seen anything more

but assuming he did, since the signs were all positive

Mike McCoy Status: BETTER BE A SEPT CALLUP
Seth Smith Status: Part of a Good Problem
Chris Iannetta Status: OH MY GOD GET SOME HITS YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN ASS

Check out the most recent MLB Transactions on MLB Daily Dish

by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 10:34 PM MDT up reply actions  

Pearson probably is similar to Tyler Massey

in terms of grade and possibly ceiling, though my knowledge of him is quite limited. I don’t think he reaches the Purps or BA 30 like Massey did, but that’s because of the talent that has been added to the system.

Keep in mind that the Rockies also netted Rossel Herrera from the D.R., consider one of the top 20 international prospects and a guy that probably makes my top 20.

by David OhNo on Aug 17, 2009 10:35 PM MDT up reply actions  

Any thoughts on Musick? Starting out pretty well in Tri-City

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

by smokinRox on Aug 17, 2009 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions  

Watched his start against Shooter Hunt

two years ago on CSTV, and the first thing that stood out was his competitiveness. He had a really aggressive mound demeanor that came across as confident and borderline cocky. Had a 88-90 mph heater with average action, but really stood out with a solid curveball. Might have a better demeanor and delivery for the bullpen, and arm troubles may keep him there, but he could be a starter in the Keith Weiser mold… if that’s okay with RMN…

by David OhNo on Aug 17, 2009 10:46 PM MDT up reply actions  

Thats ok w/ me, but not as ok as Matzek

but in all seriousness, nothing wrong w/ those guys but sometimes they do hit a wall about AA. Although I thought Hynick might be one of those and he proved me wrong, so who knows.

BTW, thought RG might have noticed Cabrera put together some pretty good innings for Casper and he started tonight. Is he being moved back to a starting role or is this because of all the rain.

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

by smokinRox on Aug 17, 2009 10:56 PM MDT up reply actions  

He’s been starting for a couple weeks. Good K rate during those starts, too.

by LawrenceDavis on Aug 17, 2009 11:05 PM MDT up reply actions  

I wonder what took him so long to adjust... maybe just the culture shock...

His DSL numbers were just out of sight and you would not figure the Pioneer League that huge a step up for him. I

by Rox Girl on Aug 17, 2009 11:09 PM MDT up reply actions  

Culture shock is probably right on, I remember reading something about that

in the Rox magazine and it shed a lot of light on that, can’t imagine what a major change in life that would be.

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

by smokinRox on Aug 17, 2009 11:12 PM MDT up reply actions  

can't have too much of a good thing

Mike McCoy Status: BETTER BE A SEPT CALLUP
Seth Smith Status: Part of a Good Problem
Chris Iannetta Status: OH MY GOD GET SOME HITS YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN ASS

Check out the most recent MLB Transactions on MLB Daily Dish

by Andrew Martin on Aug 18, 2009 7:09 AM MDT up reply actions  

yep 4 yrs

we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE

"TuLoRocks2008 had the most comments I've seen in any game thread this year (322)...Can such a feat be eclipsed?" ..... Bring it on!!

by TuLoRocks2008 on Aug 17, 2009 10:17 PM MDT up reply actions  

The real test comes next year to see if he can stay at 98 rather than 90-94. I would assume that, if he did it at the end of a HS season, he’ll be able to reach that eventually, particularly if he has some decent tutelage.

by LawrenceDavis on Aug 17, 2009 10:20 PM MDT reply actions  

If he continues to develop his off speed stuff

staying at that high of a velocity won’t be necessary. I would prefer to see him sit at 94 and gun it when needed than see him rely on 98.

by mkorpal on Aug 17, 2009 10:25 PM MDT up reply actions  

this.

doesn’t he already have 3+ pitches?

"Good is not good when better is expected." -Vin Scully
Purple objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

by The Lodo Magic Man on Aug 17, 2009 10:26 PM MDT up reply actions  

Four legit, maybe five

when you count the two fastballs. He’s similar to Jimenez in the amount of tricks he can pull out of his hat, minus the elite velo and the split finger for a change.

by David OhNo on Aug 17, 2009 10:30 PM MDT up reply actions  

(Mr Burns)

excellent.

"Good is not good when better is expected." -Vin Scully
Purple objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

by The Lodo Magic Man on Aug 17, 2009 10:31 PM MDT up reply actions  

Yes

His fastball, curveball & slider are all considered plus pitches. HIs fastball has touched 97-98 MPH. HIs change-up is his other pitch, but it is only considered average at this point.

That said…….How many guys do we have in the minors right now with 3+ pitches and a average pitch at the age of 22 let alone 18.

Also……his speed doesn’t need to come up for his fastball it is just fine where it’s at….he needs coaching and command. Smoltz never pitched much more than 95 MPH and I think he had a decent career based on command.

by cowboycr278 on Aug 17, 2009 10:32 PM MDT up reply actions  

from the dp

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_13146882

"I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline... I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - this greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious." - Vince Lombardi

by nodakroxfan on Aug 17, 2009 10:27 PM MDT reply actions  

Thank you, Rockies

Thank you DOD, Monforts and Row Bots.

Those last two hours were intense, but totally worth it !

by RockiesFanInBrazil on Aug 17, 2009 10:30 PM MDT reply actions  

good night for the rockies

capped off with a Dodgers lose…woooo

we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE

"TuLoRocks2008 had the most comments I've seen in any game thread this year (322)...Can such a feat be eclipsed?" ..... Bring it on!!

by TuLoRocks2008 on Aug 17, 2009 10:31 PM MDT reply actions  

4.5 GB!!!

With a series against Washington now, while LA plays the NL Central leaders….ooOOoo

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 10:32 PM MDT up reply actions  

This has been a fun night

Mike McCoy Status: BETTER BE A SEPT CALLUP
Seth Smith Status: Part of a Good Problem
Chris Iannetta Status: OH MY GOD GET SOME HITS YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN ASS

Check out the most recent MLB Transactions on MLB Daily Dish

by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 10:33 PM MDT reply actions  

Ok, mkorpal, time to start planning the road trip

Mike McCoy Status: BETTER BE A SEPT CALLUP
Seth Smith Status: Part of a Good Problem
Chris Iannetta Status: OH MY GOD GET SOME HITS YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN ASS

Check out the most recent MLB Transactions on MLB Daily Dish

by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 10:35 PM MDT reply actions  

yeah i'm not driving to asheville

Mike McCoy Status: BETTER BE A SEPT CALLUP
Seth Smith Status: Part of a Good Problem
Chris Iannetta Status: OH MY GOD GET SOME HITS YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN ASS

Check out the most recent MLB Transactions on MLB Daily Dish

by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 10:37 PM MDT up reply actions  

No

Definitely not. I couldn’t even find the place.

by mkorpal on Aug 17, 2009 10:38 PM MDT up reply actions  

funny story, the guy i talk to on the bus

jsut got back from a NC/WV vacation, and was gonna see the Tourists, but they were on the road

Mike McCoy Status: BETTER BE A SEPT CALLUP
Seth Smith Status: Part of a Good Problem
Chris Iannetta Status: OH MY GOD GET SOME HITS YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN ASS

Check out the most recent MLB Transactions on MLB Daily Dish

by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 10:39 PM MDT up reply actions  

I wonder how far a drive that is from me....

Probably like 7…

The Rockies need some oldschool purple/white striped high socks. The team’s problem is it’s lack of swagger. I feel strongly that these socks will provide the swagger necessary to tap the potential that are the Rockies.

by Resolution on Aug 17, 2009 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions  

Just go check them out when they visit Charleston. Decent ballpark and an amazingly gorgeous town.

by LawrenceDavis on Aug 17, 2009 10:41 PM MDT up reply actions  

Charleston is gorgeous

But give Ashville it’s due. Beautiful area in the Smokies, Biltmore Estate, etc.. Quite a friendly little city. Don’t know about the ballpark, however. Just don’t go over the hill to Gatlinburg. Even looking at it will turn you into a pillar of s——.

I'll have another beer, please.

by rockhead on Aug 17, 2009 10:51 PM MDT up reply actions  

Asheville

I seem to recall Asheville being the Boulder of the East, if I remember right. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. They do have a decent beer bar (hence the fuzzy memory) and mountains to go with the hippies.

The mountains are pretty there, too.

Didn’t make it to a game there. Would like to in the future, if I get stuck back East for whatever reason.

by Yokel on Aug 18, 2009 5:16 AM MDT up reply actions  

BA was calling the Rockies draft....

a very good draft with just Brothers and Wheeler… and it just got a lot better with the addition of Matzek. Maybe the best draft overall…

A Purps top 3 of Chacin/Matzek/Friedrich. That’s awesome….Nobody can hate on the Monforts right now. From Matzek to Betancourt to Beimel they have opened up their pocket this year in a down economy.

by dclvegas on Aug 17, 2009 10:36 PM MDT reply actions   1 recs

Very much

But, please, do not discredit the fans and their willingness to go see this team when money is tight.

by mkorpal on Aug 17, 2009 10:38 PM MDT up reply actions  

cant agree with you more

its not like my wallet is flowing!…. I’m just giving it up to the Monforts, who have been called cheap for years. It has always confused me as to why, considering they opened their wallets to get Hampton, Neagle, Helton, and others signed to deals. Not to mention, they approved extensions for a lot of players (Tulo for one), with very little service time. They could’ve waited it out through arbitration…

by dclvegas on Aug 17, 2009 10:58 PM MDT up reply actions  

With Tulo's 2nd half numbers

and what’s gonna look like a career of slow starts and monstrous 2nd halves, Tulo’s establishing himself as a middle-of-the-lineup guy. At least at home. Basically, we’re getting him for probably less than Arbitration would net him.

Mike McCoy Status: BETTER BE A SEPT CALLUP
Seth Smith Status: Part of a Good Problem
Chris Iannetta Status: OH MY GOD GET SOME HITS YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN ASS

Check out the most recent MLB Transactions on MLB Daily Dish

by Andrew Martin on Aug 18, 2009 7:11 AM MDT up reply actions  

This is his 3rd year

So he wouldn’t have been arb eligible yet. So far, he’s made about $800-900,000 more than he would have. If he stays healthy, I think the savings show up in a couple years. Plus he’s signed for 2013 (which would have been his first FA year) with an option on the 2nd.

I don’t know what to make of a reasonable projection moving forward…probably not a .600 slugging pct, but he doesn’t need to be there to be the cornerstone they must have envisioned when signing him to that deal. Hopefully he grows out of the 1st half -2nd half thing a little as well.

Leave Dexter alone! You're lucky he even performs for you!

by FooMan on Aug 18, 2009 8:33 AM MDT up reply actions  

1st half 2nd half thing

is due to mechanics. He’s come back each year completely messed up. This is avoidable, and correctable.

by Redhawk on Aug 18, 2009 9:14 AM MDT up reply actions  

I was going to mention that.

Don’t overlook his bat. He will probably be a very good hitting pitcher.

by mkorpal on Aug 17, 2009 10:42 PM MDT up reply actions  

WOW I had no idea

Matzek was ranked the best left-handed pitcher in the 2009 Draft. In 2009, he won 13 games, pitched five shutouts and tallied 106 stikeouts in 86 2/3 innings pitched, leading Capistrano Valley High School to the California state championship. Matzek played first base when not pitching and had a batting average of .404, with eight home runs and 32 runs batted in for the 2009 season.OCVarsity.com:

http://www.mahalo.com/tyler-matzek

by cowboycr278 on Aug 17, 2009 10:42 PM MDT up reply actions  

Rockies call Matzek's bluff?

Jonathan Mayo just stated on MLB Network that Matzek called the Rockies late and told them he’d take 3.9 million.

by David OhNo on Aug 17, 2009 10:47 PM MDT reply actions  

hahhaha awesome

Mike McCoy Status: BETTER BE A SEPT CALLUP
Seth Smith Status: Part of a Good Problem
Chris Iannetta Status: OH MY GOD GET SOME HITS YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN ASS

Check out the most recent MLB Transactions on MLB Daily Dish

by Andrew Martin on Aug 17, 2009 10:48 PM MDT up reply actions  

Dan O'Dowd = Exec of the year

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 10:53 PM MDT up reply actions  

thats great

if Mayo is right….from the sounds of it, the Rockies stood firm and Matzek went well below his “precedent” setting money he was looking for. Not in a bad way, but his father losing his job probably had some to do with him taking as much as he could get…

Either way, both the Rockies and Matzek did an amazing job keeping everything during negotiations under wraps. No leaks…

by dclvegas on Aug 17, 2009 11:00 PM MDT up reply actions  

The whole process was very professional.

Let’s hope Matzek gets to the Bigs quick so he can start making the real cash.

by Rox Girl on Aug 17, 2009 11:02 PM MDT up reply actions  

Destination Casper?

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 11:05 PM MDT up reply actions  

I'd be surprised

few deadline guys make professional debuts in the same year,and given that he pitched deep into his high school playoffs right up to the draft, it’s probably ok if he just waits for instructional league.

by David OhNo on Aug 17, 2009 11:08 PM MDT up reply actions  

Yeah that's what I figured

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 11:17 PM MDT up reply actions  

I can't imagine he'll throw in a real game this year given the time off

or are you talking next year?

It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

by smokinRox on Aug 17, 2009 11:08 PM MDT up reply actions  

You oughtta contact Joe Diaz with the Rockies to see if Matzek or Gustafson would be amicable to doing a Q&A. Give insight to the negotiations to the folks who have been following it for a while and it’d be a good bridge to the organization.

by LawrenceDavis on Aug 17, 2009 11:08 PM MDT up reply actions  

This. Yes this.

We need more direct input from the organization a la the Pit or Athletics Nation

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 17, 2009 11:12 PM MDT up reply actions  

OK, you got your money

now go make us Rowbots proud Matzek.

by bballrox4717 on Aug 17, 2009 10:48 PM MDT reply actions  

agreed!

Here’s to a good rockies career

"There are only two important things in life: baseball and breathing. But at least you can survive without breathing for 3 minutes."
www.soundclick.com/hollidayrain

by Hollidayrain on Aug 17, 2009 10:54 PM MDT up reply actions  

HAHAHAH

Cubs.

"Good is not good when better is expected." -Vin Scully
Purple objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

by The Lodo Magic Man on Aug 17, 2009 10:54 PM MDT up reply actions  

wooooooooooo blanks

"There are only two important things in life: baseball and breathing. But at least you can survive without breathing for 3 minutes."
www.soundclick.com/hollidayrain

by Hollidayrain on Aug 17, 2009 10:54 PM MDT up reply actions  

everything

is just going perfect tonight, eh?

Your best? Losers alway complain about their best. Winners go out and f*** the prom queen.
-John Mason (Sean Connery)

by squalene203 on Aug 17, 2009 11:07 PM MDT reply actions  

The team's press release

mentions other high school pitchers they’ve taken with their first pick; it’s not an impressive list.

However, as I was looking them up, I read that Doug Million died at age 22 from an asthma attack. Holy cow!

Leave Dexter alone! You're lucky he even performs for you!

by FooMan on Aug 17, 2009 11:08 PM MDT reply actions  

Make that a few weeks shy of his 22nd b-day

Sad.

Leave Dexter alone! You're lucky he even performs for you!

by FooMan on Aug 17, 2009 11:08 PM MDT up reply actions  

Yes, it was a huge tragedy, and a big hit to the system

The Rockies named their minor league pitcher of the year award after him.

by Rox Girl on Aug 17, 2009 11:10 PM MDT up reply actions  

ouch

I retract my above statement

Your best? Losers alway complain about their best. Winners go out and f*** the prom queen.
-John Mason (Sean Connery)

by squalene203 on Aug 17, 2009 11:10 PM MDT reply actions  

He’s been dead for a decade. He can’t still be ruining good days.

by LawrenceDavis on Aug 17, 2009 11:15 PM MDT up reply actions  

What happened to Jason Young?

He’s mentioned in the press release as the guy who got the previous highest bonus, but I’ve never heard of him.

by holly96 on Aug 17, 2009 11:33 PM MDT reply actions  

Really?

He was our second-rounder the year we took Harrington.

Went to Stanford and — shocking! — lost velocity when he hit pro ball. Battled injuries and, I believe, is out of baseball altogether. Certainly never amounted to much at the Major League level.

by LawrenceDavis on Aug 17, 2009 11:35 PM MDT up reply actions  

There was a stretch when I was mainly following the Rockies by checking scores each day.

And I certainly wouldn’t have known anything about draft picks that didn’t pan out.

Anyway, thanks for the info. I figured he flamed out, since he didn’t appear to be in our system nor did I recognize the name from any other teams.

by holly96 on Aug 17, 2009 11:37 PM MDT up reply actions  

That means to probably missed Cory Vance too....ooof

The Rockies have definitely had their share of busts.

"There are only two important things in life: baseball and breathing. But at least you can survive without breathing for 3 minutes."
www.soundclick.com/hollidayrain

by Hollidayrain on Aug 17, 2009 11:40 PM MDT up reply actions  

*means you

"There are only two important things in life: baseball and breathing. But at least you can survive without breathing for 3 minutes."
www.soundclick.com/hollidayrain

by Hollidayrain on Aug 17, 2009 11:40 PM MDT up reply actions  

Change How We Understand the Rockies?

I have always believed the Rockies and the Monforts got a bum rap. They spent big on FA at the beginning of the decade. It failed big time. They knew that adding a few vets to simply fill up salary would do not good and cost money for teh future. Every biz works wtih a budget and small market teams do to. Big Rich owners do not buy clubs to lose money. When the crowds fell off because the team was not yet up to snuff it could have gone into a death spiral but the Monforts believed in the plan, O’Dowd has executed it very well and we got lucky with Holliday, Hawpe and others making it fairly big. 2007 was great and the ownership took that and invested in extensions for Hawpe, Tulo, Cook and Francis. Then they got racked over the coals for not breaking the bank for Holliday. Last year was a bust for a lot of reasons, but even that has now turned to our favour – we get the #11 pick adn nail a guy who could have been #2 this year. We signed him. We have a good farm system, an entertaining and competitive team, and a plan. After 30 years of being a Broncos fan, I can no longer say that about that team. Three cheers for the future!

Now lets hope this communicates something to the players out there right now that this team is built to win and to last. Lets sweep those Nats!

by Doctor Christopher on Aug 17, 2009 11:58 PM MDT reply actions   1 recs

+1000

I was beginning to feel like a lone wolf out here!… I have always felt the Monforts got a bad rap, undeserved. As you mentioned, earlier this decade they were handing big money out to Helton, Hampton, and Neagle like it was nothing, offered Harrington $4 million, signed others to big money pointless deals (Jason Young, etc). We have gotten lucky that since O’Dowd took over, he has had a good track record on draft picks when in comparison to other GM’s. Who would have thought, at the time they were drafted, that it would be Hawpe, Holliday, Atkins, Barmes, etc that would be the ones to lead this team to the WS in 07? During the years of being a medicore team, it only made BUSINESS sense to not go out and sign a FA hitter or pitcher to a big moneyy contract. We weren’t competitive. Why waste the payroll? But yet the Monforts took the “they are cheap” hit.

Throughout the years there were calls for DOD and the Monfort’s to be canned. They have been resiliant, stuck to a plan, and it is paying off. Spending money wisely on the Latin American front, unlike other teams paying 16 yr old international players big bonuses. Consistently drafting top-end talent in the first round (Stewart, Francis, Tulo), and other guys that fell (Fowler, Massey, etc). I’m not sure what happened in 06. Maybe the front office was sick the day of the draft :) …. And not all have panned out as planned (see: Nelson, who still has potential), but this is common for any organization… They even went outside the box and created what is known as the Humidor, a first for any organization. At the time, it raised a lot of eyebrows around the league.

I believe the 07 run through the playoffs really opened managements eyes. That it REALLY is possible to win in Colorado, in this ballpark everybody has called a bandbox. To think, we have drafted Friedrich and Matzek with our top pick each of the past two years. Both guys that fell, and the Rockies pounced, and paid up… I am so glad it was us and not AZ, or LAD, who took the “chance” on Matzek. The Rockies could have, as everybody expected, passed on him for the more “signable” kid.

I honestly don’t know if there has ever been a day I am more proud of this organization, except for our entrance into the playoffs and WS, than I am tonight. They stunned the baseball world signing this kid. All every expert said after he was drafted was he would be the tough sign, and Colorado was likely to lose out…

Damn I am giddy!!! :)

by dclvegas on Aug 18, 2009 12:24 AM MDT up reply actions  

There is a misconception out there

That needs to be cleared up. Neagle and Hampton were signed in December of 2000. Jerry McMorris was still the CEO of the team. They were his decision, he gave the okay! By extension, the Harrington debacle was on McMorris too. Charlie Monfort did not pull off his coup and oust McMorris until March of 2003. Everyone conveniently forgets that and blames the Monforts for the great mistake, when they had very little to do with it. All of this is on the team history page of the main site.

by Prospector on Aug 18, 2009 7:41 AM MDT up reply actions  

With that timeline, were the signings necessarily an ownership mistake?

We don’t really know the finances of the team, but there are teams with higher payrolls (but not much higher—not $100 million) with similar revenue via Forbes (who don’t really know the finances of teams, either).

Maybe McMorris felt more comfortable with higher payrolls than the Monforts, and didn’t see the two pitcher contracts as necessarily crippling (obviously they ended up being horrible in that the Rockies received so little on field benefit, but you’d think that was the fault of the baseball people behind the decision).

Leave Dexter alone! You're lucky he even performs for you!

by FooMan on Aug 18, 2009 8:40 AM MDT up reply actions  

Who knows how McMorris felt...

My point was that people often mistake Neagle and Hampton as Monfort signings. They weren’t.

by Prospector on Aug 18, 2009 10:10 AM MDT up reply actions  

sorry, by phrasing it "great mistake"

I thought you were agreeing that it was one, esp. on the part of ownership.

Good info about the Monforts. I tend to hear complaints about them being cheap, but if they’re being widely blamed for signing Neagle and Hampton, that’s not right.

Leave Dexter alone! You're lucky he even performs for you!

by FooMan on Aug 18, 2009 10:19 AM MDT up reply actions  

I am aware

of McMorris being the CEO of the team at that time… and the team going having cash calls, etc. The Monforts were still part of the “they” group that handed out contracts though. I refuse to put all the blame on McMorris. I know one person high in the organization, and he would strongly agree with me that blame, if put back, would have to be on McMorris and Monforts. Of course, if you asked them, they might put the blame back on each other…

by dclvegas on Aug 18, 2009 12:21 PM MDT up reply actions  

How long is his contract?

Because if it’s for only a few years we are screwed. The only way we are going to get use out of this kid is if we have him for a while.

by GoldenNugget on Aug 18, 2009 1:51 AM MDT reply actions  

well

its not a major league contract… so he has awhile until he has to be on the roster. and once he is on the major league active roster, the Rockies control him for 6 years affter that… it will be awhile till Matzek sees FA…

by dclvegas on Aug 18, 2009 2:32 AM MDT up reply actions  

It's not like basketball or football

It’s a minor league contract with a large front end bonus. Which means he’s a slave for awhile, at least until his arbitration years are over which is 5 years after he makes the big league club. (assuming he makes the big league club..he can be a minor league free agent if not on the 40 man after several years, not sure the exact number)

by Redhawk on Aug 18, 2009 8:19 AM MDT up reply actions  

Right, and even if he had a MLB contract, regular service time rules still apply

You generally get 3 “slave years” when you can renew the players contract and the player is cheap (~$400,000). Free agent eligibility comes with 6 yrs service time. Though as with Holliday, if you know a player wants to test the FA market, that often cuts his time with the team to 5 yrs as teams look to deal a player rather than settle for FA compensation. (Maybe that’s where Redhawk’s 5 years came from.)

And who knows if that will still exist if/when Matzek reaches that point in his career.

Leave Dexter alone! You're lucky he even performs for you!

by FooMan on Aug 18, 2009 8:45 AM MDT up reply actions  

This night has turned me into a big bag of wadering thoughts.

I tried to sleep after the signing but all I could think about is my Top 30 and how much freaking talent is in the system. After 3 hoursof tossing and turning I got up and made the the list. What a night!

by TGumb on Aug 18, 2009 2:53 AM MDT reply actions  

wow

I went right to sleep

Mike McCoy Status: BETTER BE A SEPT CALLUP
Seth Smith Status: Part of a Good Problem
Chris Iannetta Status: OH MY GOD GET SOME HITS YOU'RE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE AN ASS

Check out the most recent MLB Transactions on MLB Daily Dish

by Andrew Martin on Aug 18, 2009 7:16 AM MDT up reply actions  

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