Monday Rockpile: Rockies head into the final stretch with series against the Brewers and Dodgers
by Russ Oates on Sep 28, 2009 6:51 AM MDT
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Rockies maintain wild-card lead behind Barmes' spectacular double play - The Denver Post
Carlos Gonzalez says it all:
"Greatest. Catch. Ever," said outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, only slightly exaggerating. "All I could do was scream."
Krieger: Rockies' double play might be season's signature - The Denver Post
This year's Helton-off-Saito moment?
Patrick Saunders: De La Rosa's guts good for 16 victories - The Denver Post
The Incredible Jorge De La Rosa: a member of your 2009 Rockies' NLDS rotation?
Rockies come up empty too often with runners in scoring position - The Denver Post
Figure it out before you're in the playoffs, guys.
Marquis hopes to solve recent woes | ColoradoRockies.com: News
Marquis believes he's solved his issues. I'll believe it when I see it on Tuesday.
Dusty Saunders: Kingery calling it a KOA career - The Denver Post
Jeff Kingery will exit the booth once the Rockies' season ends.
Catcher Sal Fasano plays for son who has heart condition - Jeff Pearlman - SI.com
As biondino's FanShot about this mentions, Sal Fasano kept on playing this year in order to receive a call-up to the majors, giving him access to the major league health plan for his son's heart condition. He didn't make it, and that's a shame.
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No reason not to beat the Brewers
I knows it’s one of the billions of baseball cliches, but if you had asked any Rockie or any Rockies fan, whether they would take a 2.5 game lead into the last week of the season, they would take it in a minute. Yes, the Braves have momentum, but they still have to keep winning with little room for error. The Rox have it all in front of them, including this home series with the thoroughly mediocre Brewers. No reason not to beat the suds (sorry) out of the Brewers, especially at home. Be careful with Big Boy Fielder and Mr. Braun and it’s all out in front of the Rox. The Rox pretty much handled Pujols and Ludwick over the weekend. Fielder and Braun are beatable for sure. Gallardo is out. Mediocrity is in. Just win, baby. I even believe that the Dodgers are beatable next weekend, regardless of the season record. Would any Rockies fan or player want to be in the Braves position? I think not.
by Curt in Florida on Sep 28, 2009 7:28 AM MDT reply actions
The Rockies must win this series.
Even better, sweep. We always have trouble with the Dodgers and we absolutely can’t afford to lose two series in a row right now, especially with the easy schedule the Braves have.
Kind of sucks to have an off day right now, huh?
Carlos Gonzalez is a sexy man
I will let you know how I feel about the off day after the Braves/Marlins game tonight
Being up 3 with 6 to play is a lot better than up 2.
Off daze
I guess you would have to ask the players themselves whether they think an off day after a big win is a plus or a minus. It’s a long season and many might say they could use the breather. I’d like to know what their feelings are about this. Hey, and don’t forget the Braves are playing tonight against the Fish, who have not been eliminated sohave something to play for.
by Curt in Florida on Sep 28, 2009 8:20 AM MDT reply actions
im not sure theres a valid argument to keep dlr out of the rotation
At this point, I want him out there more the marquis, hammel and cook
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Sep 28, 2009 8:23 AM MDT via mobile reply actions
Playoff Rotattion
A team will need 4 unless they want to push their starters on short rest and go with 3. But that almost never works on the whole, and most starters really need 5 days and need that routine.
But leave JDLR out of the Rotation? HUH? Who are four better on the Rockies? If anything JDLR would be the #2 guy to break up the left handed starters. It’s Marquis that right now I do not trust at all. He hit a wall about a month ago, and has been on fumes since. And while Cooks first outing was nothing short of spectacular, he’s been hurt for awhile. Hammel has been good, but has been a little inconsistant this past month, he’s way ahead of Marquis right now. Which is what a playoff rotation is about. Not what a guy did in June and July, but what they are doing in September, and in Sept. Marquis has been stinking it up.
The real bright spot was Contrerras working 2 solid games back to back out of the pen, hitting 98 on the gun with nasty movement. If he can do that in the playoffs, the rockies have good insurance for a long man, and maybe even a solid RH shortman.
Given our road start (if we make it)
I’d actually go U-Ball/Hammel/JLDR/Cook
Contreras, and even Belisle, have looked good enough lately to be a long arm bridge to Daley/Betancourt/Street, and yes at this point, Marquis’ not even on my postseason roster. I would thank him immensely for all he’s done to help get us here, but it’s clear the tank is empty.
Obviously, Cook probably won’t be going too deep into games, but by a Game 4 in an NLDS, maybe he can get to 95 pitches by then. With Cook, that could even be a complete game, but I digress….
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Sep 28, 2009 10:32 AM MDT up reply actions
I think
Marquis pitches for his spot next turn. I’ve been watching baseball for too long to think that an old-school manager will leave his all-star starter out of a playoff rotation unless he literally has no choice. If Marquis turns in a gem to help the playoff push, I think he’s going to be there whether or not he deserves it. No question DLR should be there, talent is showcased in the playoffs and he’s got it…but not sure I want him pitching an intense road game, might leave him for game 3.
I don't mind this for the NLDS
but I’m not crazy about the idea of Hammel pitching a game 6 in the NLCS or WS if we make it. For games 6&7 i want Ubaldo…for both of them.
(maybe not realistic….but I have time to work out the details)
I like this
I might be tempted to swap Cook and Hammel depending on how Cook does in his next start
Patrick Saunders: I think Kruk is lazy.
I went this way mostly to pitch Hammel on the road
But he’s actually been in Coors lately, so I don’t feel like we have to actively avoid him pitching at Coors. I also like that it breaks up U-Ball and JLDR.
Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave
by Mondogarage on Sep 28, 2009 12:12 PM MDT up reply actions
I also like breaking up Ubaldo and JDLR
My only thought was Cook might be less prone to nerves(?)
Patrick Saunders: I think Kruk is lazy.
good point: U + DLR do seem to be suffering from nerves early in the game
May the Rockies bring me to paydirt!
It's a little ironic
that two years ago when the Rockies were two behind the Padres with two games to play, it was the Brewers who saved the Rockies season, defeating the Padres twice to allow the Rockies to get to the play in game. Now They could become the heroes for the Braves in a similar fashion, or solidify their Rockies helper role if we sweep, At least Tony Gwyn Jr. is long gone.
then Hoffman will blow two saves
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Sep 28, 2009 8:29 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Oh, I forget about the Hoffman trade
That makes it even more interesting. Isn’t he get guy who wants to burn Coors field down? There’s no reason to give him any reason to start liking it here.
personally I'm hoping he has nothing to do with any of the games
I want some blow out wins!
(but Hoffman would add to the playoff story)
I'd try burning PetCo, where he had so much success, down
but the pea-soup-thick air would probably extinguish all my matches.
EXECUTE
by Andrew Martin on Sep 28, 2009 11:36 AM MDT up reply actions
It is very ironic indeed
with the unbalanced schedules, to have a non division team be so prominently featured, two different years is kinda interesting.
2 years ago, they wanted to be spoiler. This year, I hope they want to go golfing in the off season and will roll over for us.
I love Jeff.
Bummer.
"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
Yep, definitely a bummer.
But I’ve grown to like Jack quite a bit, so as long as he stays and can develop a good rapport with whomever the new guy is, I think (hope) I’ll survive it.
Do you think they'll get someone new
Or maybe have Mark Johnson do more games? (seeing as he’s been the fill-in for the last few years)
Anyways, hopefully they get someone good!
Gladly sharing a name with Dexter Fowler!
by ShadowPenguin on Sep 28, 2009 3:11 PM MDT up reply actions
Hopefully.
It will be interesting to follow. I wonder how much of the search we’ll know about, or if they’ll just one day announce the new guy?
the Saunders article on Kingery
should not be missed for local fans. Jeff Kingery of “Blow up on the Bus” fame, is calling it quits. Both sides say the bus incident had nothing to do with anything.
Will Jack Corrigon return? He’s not mentioned.
And later in that article, it lists a new line up for 104.3 The Fan “All Broncos, All The Time!” station. Apparently they are getting their tale kicked by Mile High Sports 1510. Saunders weeps and nashes teeth over Sandy Clough. Which I don’t get, as he still says the Rockies wont make the playoffs cause the Monforts are cheap, and until the Rockies spend money like the Yankees they will always be 2nd rate team. (which makes me scream at the radio every time he says anything)
I don't see how 104.3 could possibly be losing to 1510
Considering you can’t hear 1510 in most of Denver and the southern suburbs, especially at night.
And Sandy Clough has always sucked.
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.
Well, I would agree
but the line up shift right before Hockey and BB season starts, seems odd to me for some reason, though it’s not uncommon to have radio line up shifts. I listen to 1510 in the afternoons almost exclusively now. I live in Parker and get 1510 just fine during the days…but come 6pm…it’s gone.
I don't live in/around Denver anymore
so I don’t care much for when Clough is on, but I do know he was the first radio personality that I ever hated because he was such a whiny crybaby, so he’ll always have a place in my heart.
What was the "Blow up on the Bus"?
I missed that.
I would think they would be silly not to retain Jack, presuming he wants to stay.
It’s one thing to get used to one new guy, but two at once would be brutal.
$12K a month
is what Fasano made in the Springs. I’m sure he’s a wonderful guy, but he and his wife made the decision not to buy health insurance. They are adults and made that call presumably to maintain their accustomed lifestyle in lieu of their family insurance payments. Besides, they do have a minor league insurance plan in effect, even if it’s not the gold-plated MLB policy it’s more than many thousands and millions of others have. Republicans out there and others who think they want ‘freedom of choice’ in health care and don’t want institutional reform should think about the Fasanos dilemma before they start parading against reform.
by Curt in Florida on Sep 28, 2009 10:48 AM MDT reply actions
*Hoping Javier Vazquez lives up to his "Guillen-instituted" reputation as a "choke artist"*
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.
if Harden is out
I can tolerate Vazquez sucking.
EXECUTE
by Andrew Martin on Sep 28, 2009 11:40 AM MDT up reply actions
Hey
if Harden being out somehow contributed to the downfall of the Braves, I’d be all about it.
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.
I just figure if your crush is done for the season, mine can go ahead and tank as well
EXECUTE
by Andrew Martin on Sep 28, 2009 11:58 AM MDT up reply actions
agreed
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.
Besides Marlins, I'll also be rooting for Astros tonight
I know it’s a long long shot, but it’s still out there.
How bizarre would things be if Braves went 6-1, Phillies went 1-6 and Rockies went 3-3 the rest of the way. I’d assume Braves-Phillies would play a one game playoff game for the division on Monday and the loser would play the Rockies for the WC on Tuesday. That would be insane, but highly highly unlikely to happen.
Marlin’s news: Cody Ross, .270, 24, 90 may be done for the season after being hit on the wrist on Saturday. Hopefully, Nick Johnson will be back after being out for two days with the flu. Anyone with any word as to whether Josh Johnson will pitch in this series. I’d love to see him go tomorrow vs Hudson.
May the Rockies bring me to paydirt!
I think it's only the case if both teams are assured of a playoff spot
i.e. the team with the best head-to-head would win the division with the other team getting the wild card.
May the Rockies bring me to paydirt!
I'd rather the Rockies go 5-1 and just lock up the WC.
EXECUTE
by Andrew Martin on Sep 28, 2009 11:41 AM MDT up reply actions
I'm all for a 5-1 finish. It would be the best way to enter the playoffs,
but I’m also all for having other options to get in the playoffs if we don’t go 5-1.
May the Rockies bring me to paydirt!
How weird would it be
if the Phillies completely collapse, allowing the Rockies to pass them, and then if the Braves stay hot, they would catch the Phillies before the Rockies, making them the NL East champs, and knocking the Phillies out.
This is the scenario where that could happen
Braves 7-0 finish, Phillies 1-6 finish, Rockies 4-2 finish. Rockies would tie with Braves but would win the WC without a play-in game as Braves would get the division title. Highly unlikely given that the Phils final 7 are all at home (4 vs Hous, 3 vs Fla).
May the Rockies bring me to paydirt!
pirates up big early on dodgers - 5-0
so there is still hope there – slim.
i heard the mets – nats game was cancelled, due to lack of interest
by the teams….
watch this space for a soon to be created clever remark....
I'd actually like to see the Dodgers wrap things up for the division.
They’re not going to lose out, and we don’t need them playing meaningful baseball the last three games of the season.
most likely a good point
unless the fish get it into gear fast!!!
watch this space for a soon to be created clever remark....
by RockyMtnCat on Sep 28, 2009 11:35 AM MDT up reply actions
I'm also in agreement
May the Rockies bring me to paydirt!
I'm kind of split.
It would be nice if the Dodgers really went into a slide, and the Rockies entered the weekend series with a legit chance at the division. On the other hand, it would be nice to face a Dodgers team that is trying to relax before the playoffs, especially if the Braves win out, which they could easily do.
That's funny
"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
A repeat of Sanchez's last performance would be nice
8IP,0R, 2H, 2BB, 7K in a 3-0 win over the Phils.
May the Rockies bring me to paydirt!
Some good Rockies related stuff at Fangraphs today
A Minor Review of the Rockies
A paragraph each about Seth Smith, Juan Nicasio, Tyler Massey and Radames Nazario.
Also How Are the Stars Being Acquired? Starting Pitching
A look at the top 30 starters in MLB by xFIP – includes 3 Rockies pitchers.
Really disappointed with LaRussa's antics
What a jerk. Even his postgame pressers were annoying. I like his team, but him…not so much
Patrick Saunders: I think Kruk is lazy.
Regarding Sal Fasano...
I had the chance to see down at Triple-A with the Sky Sox. He caught his share of games with the team. His batting average probably wasn’t what he would want it at, but he was a positive influence with the younger players on the team. Granted, Fasano was not going to set any land speed records on the basepaths, but he was solid behind the plate. After reading the SI.com story, you can see the determination he was going through this season, in trying to get one last opportunity to get back up to the majors. Best of success to Sal, his family, and his son’s upcoming surgery.
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