Wednesday Rockpile: What the Tulowitzki Extension Means
by Jeff Aberle on Dec 1, 2010 5:30 AM MST
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PrintWell, it's been a full day since the dual shocks of the Troy Tulowitzki extension and the well-crafted Jorge De La Rosa contract hit Rockies fans everywhere, but I'm sure that the joy?/consternation? created by these moves will take far longer than that to subside. The numbers for Tulowitzki's extension ($157.75 million guaranteed) are so huge that they demand attention from the baseball world. As such, there has been quite a bit of discussion about the Tulo contract in particular on the web.
Reactions have ranged from the strangely vitriolic (Yahoo's Jeff Passan) to dispassionate and analytical (Tangotiger, Fangraphs' Dave Cameron, and Sabernomics' JC Bradbury). There were those who were skeptical (ESPN Insider's Keith Law, ESPN's Rob Neyer) and some that were more understanding (Yahoo's 'Duk). Our own Andrew T. Fisher covered these various viewpoints very well in yesterday's Rockpile, including how these deals affect the Rockies' offseason plans. I'll be going a bit more into that topic after the jump, but first I'd like to offer my opinion of the Tulowitzki extension and explain how it represents a major paradigm shift for the entire organization.
Most everyone that I read agreed that Tulowitzki was a star top 10-20 player and probably one of the 2-3 guys in all of MLB that you would build your team around. Furthermore, they seemed to agree that he would probably be worth most if not all of his new contract as the best SS in MLB. With those opinions out of the way, there are two basic reasons I saw for not approving of the extension:
1. The risk of committing such a large % of your payroll to one player--with this deal and the JDLR contract the Rockies' future salary obligations went up from $47.9 million to $190.65 million (assuming all options are declined, option obligations are in italics). Observe:
| Player Name | Service Time | 2011 Salary | Additional Min. Obligation | Years After 2011 |
| Todd Helton | 13.059 | $10,600,000 | $9,900,000 | 2 |
| Jorge De La Rosa | 6.015 | $10,500,000 | $11,000,000 | 1 |
| Aaron Cook | 8.02 | $9,250,000 | $500,000 | 0 |
| Huston Street | 6 | $7,300,000 | $8,000,000 | 1 |
| Troy Tulowitzki | 4.033 | $5,500,000 | $152,250,000 | 9 |
| Rafael Betancourt | 7.079 | $3,775,000 | $0 | 0 |
| Ubaldo Jimenez | 3.087 | $2,800,000 | $5,200,000 | 1 |
| Chris Iannetta | 4 | $2,550,000 | $3,800,000 | 1 |
| Ryan Spilborghs | 4.082 | $1,925,000 | $0 | 0 |
| Manuel Corpas | 4.076 | $3,500,000 | $250,000 | 0 |
| Brad Hawpe | 6.054 | $500,000 | $0 | 0 |
| Octavio Dotel | 11.113 | $125,000 | $0 | 0 |
| $58,325,000 | $190,650,000 |
That nine year extra commitment is what leads pundits to criticize the Rockies here because they argue the team is
2. Taking on lots of unnecessary risk by extending him with four years of team control left on his current contract as opposed to waiting a couple of years and negotiating the extension at that point.
Well, the counterargument to the first one (espoused in particular by Passan) is pretty obvious. With inflation probable over the next decade, the $20 million annually the Rockies are paying Tulo might be a bargain compared to the FA market in eight years. In addition, with this inflation will come the necessary rise in payrolls across MLB, wherein Colorado may very well have an Opening Day Payroll of over $100 million by 2015. I absolutely believe that Tulo's market value as the best SS in the game at age 29 as a free agent would well exceed what Colorado would be paying him.
Which brings me to the counterargument of number two. As RG and others have pointed out, this is a situation in which the risk the Rockies are taking on is less odious than pundits would have you believe. Basically, the extra risk accrued by Colorado here is that Tulo suffers a major injury and/or declines, but that risk isn't over the life of the ten year contract but rather over the shorter four year window in which Tulowitzki was already under team control. Why this particular window? Well, without the extension Tulo would be eligible for free agency at this point, and assuming no injury to him, he would likely command at the least a deal around 6/$120 after 2014. Any injury or ineffectiveness that would take place after 2014 would be some other team's problem, so that period shouldn't weigh as heavily on the risk calculation.
Every deal is a risk-reward calculation. In this case, you have to weigh the risk of a 26-29 year old athlete at the height of his ability being severely injured and/or declining against the risk that a) his value will rise even higher if he does produce at the level he's expected to (or even better) and b) that Tulo's contract status would be a distraction on par or greater than Matt Holliday was in 2008 for Colorado.
In addition, the extension gives the Rockies the potential reward of having a Hall of Fame caliber player, which is entirely within the realm of possibility with Tulo, spend his entire career with the team. With that potential reward comes the many potential young fans around the world who will aspire to be Rockies thanks to their idol. If nothing else, this extension is a powerful marketing tool showing that the Monforts are committed to the values Tulowitzki brings as a player and as a person.
Of course $150+ million is a lot of cash to bet on the health of anyone no matter how you slice it, so I can certainly see why analysts would be leery about it.
More on Tulowitzki as well as some about De La Rosa after the jump...
Helton and Tulowitzki
Finally, RG brought up another great point when she mentioned Todd Helton. While many pundits (primarily Passan) have pointed to this extension and comparing it to the 9 year, $143.5 million contract Helton signed with two years left on his deal in 2001 as a mistake that shouldn't have been repeated, RG makes the point that the Rockies have experience with these deals and they appeared to like the first one because they're doing it again. Indeed, the two situations aren't really that dissimilar. Helton was a year older and had put up better offensive stats to that point but Tulo plays a premium defensive position very well and had shown flashes of brilliance with the bat.
I ran the numbers on Helton after he signed the extension in 2001 using Fangraphs WAR valuation as a sort of hard and fast tool to show what the Rockies got out of Helton. For those of you who don't place a lot of trust in the metric, I've also included Helton's wOBA for the year to showcase his hitting value.
| Year | wOBA | fWAR | $ Win Value | Salary | Surplus |
| 2001 | 0.456 | 7.6 | 20.1 | 4.95 | 15.15 |
| 2002 | 0.422 | 6.2 | 17.1 | 5 | 12.10 |
| 2003 | 0.450 | 6.9 | 19.3 | 10.6 | 8.70 |
| 2004 | 0.455 | 7.1 | 22.2 | 16.6 | 5.60 |
| 2005 | 0.417 | 5.2 | 17.6 | 16.6 | 1.00 |
| 2006 | 0.375 | 2.3 | 8.6 | 16.6 | (8.00) |
| 2007 | 0.399 | 5.1 | 20.9 | 16.6 | 4.30 |
| 2008 | 0.347 | 1.1 | 5.1 | 16.6 | (11.50) |
| 2009 | 0.392 | 3.7 | 16.7 | 16.6 | 0.10 |
| 2010 | 0.328 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 17.775 | (16.28) |
| 0.410 | 45.6 | 149.10 | 137.93 | 11.18 |
As you can see, even with Helton's severe decline over the past few years, the Rockies have come out ahead in the deal. If you don't include the years prior to the extension kicking in, Colorado has lost a little over the contract's life, but the point of Helton signing the extension when he did is that Colorado was keeping the market price down on Helton for his prime years. I'd say that Helton's five years of .400+ wOBA were worth a considerable amount to the team not only on the field but in marketing the club to new generations of fans.
Verdict
Those people who have read my columns before will know that I'm a very pragmatic person who often prefers the cheaper alternative if the money is spent efficiently. To a large extent this is true, but one of my core principles in life is that you save your money for the special purpose. In other words, I've always been an advocate of paying what it takes to bring in special talent. Tulowitzki certainly qualifies in this case. That's why I see this extension as not only a perfectly acceptable economic decision but also as a move that will change the course of the franchise for the rest of the decade.
Short-Term
As for how the extension affects the Rockies during this half of the decade, I can't emphasize this enough: Tulo's contract extension has absolutely no bearing on the payroll until 2015. That isn't to say that it won't affect Colorado's bottom line in some way. The primary boon to the extension during the near term will be both the intangible effect that Tulo's long-term presence has on the Rockies' brand image and the tangible effect of more fans coming to see him play at Coors due to the commitment shown by ownership in keeping star players around.
On that note, Colorado's interest in signing Ubaldo Jimenez and Carlos Gonzalez to similar extensions is indicative of the organization's commitment to building a very specific, powerful brand around these players valuing character, team, and integrity over the next decade. This brand's desirability to fans that will translate into benefits to the bottom line spread over multiple decades not only in gate receipts but also in merchandising and in negotiating a more lucrative TV deal.
In any case, as Dave Krieger points out, Monday was like Christmas to Rockies fans. Dan O'Dowd put it really well:
Tulo seems to have a pretty good grasp of what the move means in the short-term too:
As long as the Rockies are committed to winning, I'll be a happy camper.
What De La Rosa's Signing Means for the Roster
For those of you who missed it, I previewed the Rockies' 2011 Opening Day Roster a month back from a salary standpoint. In that article, I concluded that Colorado had about $20 million to spend on 4-6 roster slots. Since that time, Colorado has added Felipe Paulino via trade and JDLR via free agency, taking two slots away from that roster (replacing Esmil Rogers and Matt Daley, who would be optioned). Now, there's rumblings that Manny Delcarmen will be non-tendered, opening up another slot -- which is really a shame given that Colorado gave up PR favorite Chris Balcom-Miller to get him. Now that the Rockies have solidified their rotation and bullpen to an extent, they can focus on some other holes. Here's how I see the roster shaking out (without Delcarmen):
Bullpen
Street
Betancourt
Belisle
Paulino
Reynolds
Morales
Free Agent RP acquisition (though Rogers, Daley, Samuel Deduno, or Edgmer Escalona could be here too)
Rotation
Jimenez
De La Rosa
Chacin
Hammel
Cook
Position Players
C: Iannetta, FA (McKenry perhaps)
1B: Helton, FA
2B: one of Young/Nelson
SS: Tulowitzki
3B: Stewart
INF: Herrera
LF: Gonzalez
CF: Fowler
RF: Smith/FA platoon
OF: Spilborghs (maybe Garner here, Spilly as Smith's platoon partner)
Basically, what this means is that Colorado has about $8-10 million in the budget to get likely a bullpen arm, a right-handed bat that can play the corners (OF or INF)--maybe more than one, and a backup catcher. So, 3-4 slots remain to be filled at this point, though internal replacements like Cole Garner and Mike McKenry.
Links
It would amuse me greatly if the Rockies picked Aneury Rodriguez in the Rule 5 Draft from Tampa Bay, as then they would have Jason Hammel and the man they traded for him at minimal cost. Probably not going to happen, but the possibility is there.
Finally, Troy Renck writes about the importance of trust in the Tulowitzki deal as well as potential contracts for Jimenez and CarGo.
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Comments
Even if Herrera were not in the picture at all; I don't think EY2 is going to make it.
His only tool is speed. He doesn’t read pitchers well enough to be a good base stealer. He doesn’t have a position he can play well. He seems to be a guesser at the plate. He does not get on base enough and is situationally either unaware or incompetent.
Seriously if I were coaching him I’d work on his weaknesses in this order. 1. Pitch recognition so as to draw more walks, strikeout less and possibly hit the ball more often. 2.Work his ass off at one position only defensively. If that means going back to Umansky drills so be it . 3. Have him doing bunt and hit behind the runner drills till he can’t lift the bat. 4. Have him on base while Frankie tries to work the balk out of his moves. 5. Have his eyes checked to be sure there is no inpediment to his hand eye coordination and correct if required. 6. Scince Jonny is here; have him shadow his drills and work ethic. I am not implying Ey2 is lazy here. I’m saying he’d benefit from a different work out perspective. 7. I don’t want to see him in the weight room; i want to see him sweating on the field.
"Why are they outlawin' the spit pitch? The curveball is a cheap 'n easy pitch; the spitter aint" Ty Cobb
"When I was pitching 90's in the seventies; I never thought I'd be pitching 70's in the nineties!" Frank Tanana
Olfoagie,
I wish Fowler would take the leadoff spot by the throat and run with it this year. If that happens, the team won’t feel so compelled to keep EY in the lineup and they can evaluate 2B more objectively. I’m not dogging Fowler – he’s still a pup and I expect to see bigger and better things from him. But he seems to have an aversion to batting leadoff that is rather puzzling.
I’m not against giving EY a chance, but I think he’s being graded on a curve because the team has been scrambling for a leadoff man ever since Carlos slugged his way out of any further consideration for the #1 spot in the order.
by Rockpile Interloper on Dec 1, 2010 8:11 AM MST up reply actions
i am unfamiliar with Fowler's so-called aversion to batting leadoff
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 9:00 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Some people interpret his stated comfort in batting second
as an aversion to batting leadoff.
Bleed purple
That's what I'm referring to
He has said several times he’s more comfortable in the #2 spot than leading off. Didn’t mean to overstate it – it’s not like Fowler is a complainer no matter where he bats. But it sure would be nice to see him emerge as the clear leadoff hitter in this lineup. It would help some other pieces fall into place.
by Rockpile Interloper on Dec 1, 2010 9:28 AM MST up reply actions
The reason That I Emphasized the smallball skills for EY2 is no matter where he hits he seems to have an aversion to leverage situations.
Dex also needs some work in this context; not nearly to the extent Eric does. I also think Dex could use some video time on pitch recognition.. I think Dex should scrap the switch hitting and concentrate on hitting from one side or the other. It seems to me he’s seeing the ball differently each side. That’s not uncommon; but in his case I think it’s contributing to his pitch recognition problems. Again I wish we could rent Tony Gwynn for a couple of weeks to help with that.
There are some old school remedies that are very labor intensive that I think could help several players and I think Lansford is old enough to be a little familiar with . They don’t always work because some people just never find the vision or just can’t process the information quick enough. Me being dyslexic I had problems with stuff up and in. I had problems processing the ball coming closer to my face.
"Why are they outlawin' the spit pitch? The curveball is a cheap 'n easy pitch; the spitter aint" Ty Cobb
"When I was pitching 90's in the seventies; I never thought I'd be pitching 70's in the nineties!" Frank Tanana
I confess fear can enter into it...
When you lose the spin and the break you aren’t sure if you need to bale out or not. The indecision will mean the difference if you can pull the trigger. I used to Tomahawk that stuff straight into the ground in self defense. i hit a lot of foul balls of the plate when I did that. You wind up getting jammed on the hands alot and you wind up gettig hit. The guy with the curveball with a ten to five tilt can make you look like a fool.
Unless you’ve been there it’s hard to discribe. It’s kind of like being shot at.
"Why are they outlawin' the spit pitch? The curveball is a cheap 'n easy pitch; the spitter aint" Ty Cobb
"When I was pitching 90's in the seventies; I never thought I'd be pitching 70's in the nineties!" Frank Tanana
I was once hit in the face while pitching. My whole lip exploded!
We didn’t have enough players though, so I was moved to 1st base and the next batter smacked a line drive down the first base line and hit the runner in the temple knocking him out. It was the same runner who had hit me. Sometimes things just work out.
@charliedrysdale
Gotta agree with you Foagie. I've never been a fan of EY2's game. I think his two main reasons for being in the mix are:
(1) as you mentioned, speed and (2) he’s a legacy.
Speed is great to have but as you pointed out, he can’t hit, he can’t get on base and he can’t field.
With those handicaps, I’m not sure how he will ever become a serviceable MLB player. His heritage ain’t enough.
I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it. ~Rogers Hornsby
Yes, this Rockpile is over 2000 words long. Sorry about that...so much to cover!
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
Eschew Obfuscation!
I enjoyed reading it
for such a big deal it was incredibly informative
Pretty excellent work
take as long as you need for content like that.
It's fine by me
good analysis.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
Very well written, I enjoyed all of it
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
very straightforward
the point you made about comparing Todd and his value vs. salary isn’t something I’ve seen elsewhere. That builds my confidence in the Tulo deal.
"They can outplay us all four games and if we end up winning the series, I'll be fine with that." ~Troy Tulowitzki
by HeltonsHeroes on Dec 1, 2010 9:33 AM MST up reply actions
It was a brilliant write up Jeff
Nothing to apologize for
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 9:35 AM MST up reply actions
Here's a graph using your comparison of Win Expectancy vs Salary
_
There is only 3 years where Helton didn’t finish above his salary, 5 years when he exceeded it, and 2 years where he finished at it. So 7 out of 10 isn’t bad.
@charliedrysdale
well done sir
The Big Purple Machine will make a believer outta you!
by El Paso Jeff on Dec 1, 2010 12:38 PM MST up reply actions
Another link before I head off to the no-PR zone at work:
Chris Cwik of Fangraphs reviews the JDLR deal.
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
Eschew Obfuscation!
Great post, Jeff.
There are a couple more points I was thinking about last night that I’d like to add. There’s an implication in a couple of these critiques (particularly Dave Cameron’s at FanGraphs) of the deal that it’s imperative for a franchise to “win” every move they make, to only make moves at a buy low point, and the fact that the Rockies gave fair market value to Tulowitzki strikes some as an unwise move by O’Dowd. This is false. Unwise is giving an above market deal, as in the Hampton contract, as in Zito’s contract.
Giving fair market value to a franchise player isn’t a mistake, it’s not particularly shrewd or crafty either, but it does have benefits down the road. If you’re a draft pick, for instance, would you rather get drafted by a team that treats its players like the Rockies, or one that tries to take advantage of them like the Rays? If you’re a free agent, which team are you more likely to try and cut a deal with? The Tigers, obviously, because they like to overspend, but let’s pretend they’re not available to you.
Anyway, O’Dowd’s game here seems partly about building a long term brand among MLB players that the Rockies aren’t going to intentionally screw them over. The Brad Hawpe case is another example, where even a player on the outs is extended professional courtesy at the expense of the franchise. It’s a long term strategy that should eventually have some rewards, and it should help the Rockies negotiate with a certain type of player that’s not particularly greedy.
Second, there’s a tendency to lump franchises into one of two groups, large market and small market, but the fact is that there’s probably at least a third tier in between, which includes the Rockies. People who think that Colorado is perpetually going to have to operate under the same budget constraints as Tampa, KC, Arizona, etc.., probably need to take a closer look at the baseball/sporting economies of those cities.
The Rockies rank in the top third in the MLB in attendance again, and have been relatively resilient (thanks in large part to winning, obviously) through the recession to date. That really shouldn’t change, because while Cameron’s title (Colorado: The New Bull Market) was tongue in cheek, the Colorado economy has fared a lot better than Arizona, California, Florida, and other harder hit parts of the country.
So we’re getting this “you can’t do that in a small market” line that doesn’t clearly delineate the threshold at which a team could sign a player to a contract like this. And then there’s the “a smart GM doesn’t sign a player to take 20% of the team’s payroll” line. I don’t think these people have actually gone through and seen that this is what pretty much all teams, particularly the legitimate small market teams, routinely do. For brevity, just take a look at the percentage of payroll for the highest paid player the first five alphabetically from Cot’s contracts:
Angels: Torii Hunter 15%
Astros: Carlos Lee 20%
A’s: Eric Chavez 20%
Blue Jays: Vernon Wells 20%
Braves: Derek Lowe 18%
Now hopefully Tulowitzki turns out better than this group, I think there’s a good chance he will given his position and performance to date, but I’m just pointing out how specious this argument is.
by Rox Girl on Dec 1, 2010 7:18 AM MST reply actions 7 recs
I mentioned this yesterday somewhere but it builds on your point
If the Rockies can establish themselves as an awesome team to work for – both due to winning as well as atmosphere/treatment of players, aside from obvious pay cuts that FA’s might take, more and more top players may start trickling towards CO high schools and colleges where they may have a better shot at being scouted by the Rockies. This is an extremely long-term benefit, but I think it remains possible. And if this were to result in even 1 more major league talent acquired per draft, well that is a tremendous advantage (and also might explain why the Twins have done well – they draft like nobody’s business).
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
I like your sentiment, except
Baseball in Colorado will never live up to warm weather states simply because we have to deal with snow and cold during offseason training periods. The top players will still go where they can play year round to hone their skills. There’s only so much you can do in a gym and batting cage in January. Also I’d be surprised if players move to a certain state in order to get scouted by a specific team and specifically sign with that team. I’d argue most players just want to get drafted, period.
Caution: Colorado teams are better than they appear.
by ShadowPenguin on Dec 1, 2010 9:18 AM MST up reply actions
I almost hope
that a lot of HS players stay away from CO colleges for baseball. I love the sport but playing here in February is brutal and often the season is not as productive and useful as it could be had the person been playing in a slightly better climate during that time. This being said the Phillies did draft Colorado School of Mines pitcher Marshall Schuler and the Orioles signed Cory Ast, another Mines graduate, this last summer, so anything is possible.
I think the Rockies will find the best talent regardless of location, like most franchises.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
I was thinking more of just how
the Atlanta Braves have Georgia covered real well (Heyward and McCann come to mind) so perhaps there’s some extra scouting by clubs locally. But maybe that’s due to climate as you and Shadowpenguin mentioned.
Maybe they could then establish a presence somewhere else in the US that’s more hospitable and attract talent there.
In the very least, this may work better for player recruitment at the Rockies Latin America operations.
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
Except that neither CU nor CSU even play NCAA baseball, correct?
When your state’s largest academic institutions don’t even participate, that will have a far greater effect on players trickling towards CO colleges, than anything done on the pro level.
This is not to dismiss that there is baseball at Mines, Mesa, etc., but that would be like thinking families would move their kids to Michigan to play HS football even if Michigan and Michigan State didn’t have football teams.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Is pasty meant to be derogatory?
I’m just asking as a Ram alum. As stated on the website, CSU’s club team has one the national club title six of the last seven years. It sure ain’t Omaha, but it is quite the accomplishment. Plus the manager works at my company.
UNC and Air Force
also have baseball but they are smaller and less well known for the sport. That and drafting people out of Air Force is almost impossible.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
Northern Colorado
although it is possible with CU changing conferences to a conference with a heavy baseball participation that it might make it out here, but I doubt it.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
considering Cal just cut their baseball program, it's highly unlikely
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
store on Larimer?
two Icehouse 24 oz beers = $3.20 two "fancy" Bud Light 24 oz beers = $5.00
NOW who comes out on top?
by frightened inmate #2 on Dec 1, 2010 9:58 AM MST up reply actions
didn't know that one
even less likely now
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
I doubt it as well, given the severe mismanagement of CU athletics generally
And the fact that baseball is a non-revenue generating sport, and given the state budget issues generally.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Which is kinda my point (well, not the AF part, per se)
Of course there’s college baseball here, but nobody’s going to move their families here while their kids are growing up just because a few schools playing D-2 or non-BCS conference schools have programs.
And I’m sure there is some scouting of the club baseball programs, there’s probably not even as much as their is of American Legion ball.
That said, I really don’t think there’s any inherent natural tendency of teams to have significant extra scouting of the local geographic area. In the case of Heyward/McCann, it’s not as if those kids weren’t on most people’s radars when they were drafted. Otherwise, the Braves would surely have gotten Fowler too, no?
But Georgia is a baseball talent hotbed, so there’s lots of scouting going on there in any event.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
well Fowler was risky
because people thought he was going to go to college.
Heyward I don’t think was in a top division HS so people wrote off his good numbers to some extent but the Braves knew better. McCann went in the second round in 2002 so idk. Those are just some examples but the Braves tend to draft a lot of people from GA, but again that may have to do more with GA being a hotbed.
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
Well 30 teams passed on Dexter Fowler 13 times
and a few more passed on him 14, so Atlanta did have the chance.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
different story
Fowler was seen as a very tough sign due to his scholarship to Harvard.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
My dad played baseball for Western State in Gunnison..
he said they play their first month of games in Arizona. They also don’t really practice until they went to Arizona. Which I don’t understand, I’ve heard a ball takes a truer hop on ice than on dirt.
@charliedrysdale
Pretty sure that CU is going to start up an NCAA FBS level team soon after moving to the Pac XII
I think it was part of the deal.
by blooming rock on Dec 1, 2010 3:11 PM MST up reply actions
I doubt it, especially now that Cal has dropped baseball
Meaning they don’t have to play baseball to be part of Pac 12
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Well said.
I absolutely love your economic analysis.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
This post, like the Rockpile itself, was a must-rec
Amazing work today, Jeff.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
I won't lie
having Fish and Jeff writing back to back on the days following Tulo’s extension was fantastic.
by Andrew Martin on Dec 1, 2010 10:28 AM MST up reply actions
Sometimes things just work out
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 10:29 AM MST up reply actions
Are you well rested Andrew
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
not having to write a 2000 word rockpile about Tulo the past couple of days
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
I listened to your podcast from Monday..
I think Ben left his mic on after you guys signed off. There’s at least 10 minutes of him and a female voice chatting. I would’ve turned it off, but I was driving in a rainstorm.
@charliedrysdale
I think a Jeff/RG tag team would have been doubley effective
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 10:41 AM MST up reply actions
hey guess who writes tomorrow
it’s like a triple win
by Andrew Martin on Dec 1, 2010 10:47 AM MST up reply actions
I agree with this
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 11:53 AM MST up reply actions
Don't sell yourself short
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:01 PM MST up reply actions
I don't believe I am
On this area, I agree
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 12:04 PM MST up reply actions
I've said it a dozen times. You are my favorite writer on PR.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
I prefer ATF articles on days where I can read just him..
they have a lot of substance.
@charliedrysdale
Other points on the Tulo signing
1) For the critics that quetions the timing of this transacftion, it is the timing in part that made it possible. Both parties were thinking long-term, which reduces posturing, etc. The closer you get to the end of a contract for a star player, the more likely you feel the need to trade them.
2) The Tulo dollars were going to be spent on some player or combination of players. Why not use them on the best SS in baseball, where there is currently a dearth of talent (e.g., only Tulo and Hanley have an OPS over .750 the last two years), and create an advantage over your competitors? Tulo provides a high marginal return (higher than Helton for example).
3) The Broncos decline creates an opportunity for the Rockies to win hearts and minds in the Rocky Mountain region. This signing enhances Tulo’s superstar value, and if not already, he will be the region’s most popular and recognizable star. This is a great “branding” move and could provide substantial long-term benefits to the organization (including enhancing the ability to recruit and retain other talent).
I think it was a prudent and sound business decision. And as a fan, I felt like yesterday was Christmas. Well done DOD.
Bleed purple
To me, #3 is the most vital, at least in terms of the future of the ballclub
The Broncos have fallen into an abyss, with few signs of the club doing anything to regain fan support for at least the next couple of years.
Yes, Denver will probably always be a football town first, but the Rockies have a clear chance to become a #1a, and not a #2, if they play their cards right. They really don’t even have to win a WS, but they need to make all the right moves to do so, and continue to reach out to their fanbase by keeping tickets affordable, keeping their core talent, and keeping their talent’s public profile high.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Absolutely
Just like I grew up watching John Elway play for the Broncos, my kids will grow up watching Tulo play for the Rockies. I see this deal (and the associated realistic commitment to winning) creating an entire generation of life-long Rockies fans.
The Tulo contract is making me lean towards taking my kid to spring training over spring break.
I was considering it anyway – my folks are spending the winter in their camper in Arizona, and my dad likes going to spring training. But now it sounds like an even cooler opportunity for a 7-year-old, because he’ll be watching at least one of the players for the rest of his childhood.
(We’re far enough from Denver that regular-season games would be a big family trip, just like spring training would be.)
"Are they called the Rockies because they rock?" - 7 y.o.
Do it
It is an absolute blast, and the new complex this year will be a new adventure entirely.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
Re-reading Dave Cameron's article, and...
his point wasn’t that a team must win every FA signing. They talk quite a lot about the marginal value of wins, and when it is acceptable to pay market rate or overpay in a trade or signing. Without reading through the comments to see if he expounded on this, assuming that the Rockies will contend through the life of Tulo’s contract I think he’d see it as an acceptable overpay.
However, it’s only an overpay if there is zero inflation over the next ten years, which was the point of his article. Wrongly, he looked at the deal from how it would have been negotiated in 2013 or 2014 if there was no inflation. Of course, there will be inflation even if the economy stagnates, particularly in Tulo’s case because of the scarcity of elite SS’s. Unless SS becomes the new 1B, Cameron’s analysis is too abstract to be a proper criticism of the Tulo deal.
His biggest problem seemed to be that the Rockies didn’t get a discount for signing a player so far in advance. I imagine that is the intractable problem for him. I don’t know what to say to that, except that if you’re going to try to sign Cargo and/or Ubaldo in the next couple of years, it’s a lot more difficult to have no certainty in your cost projections from 2015-2020 and to try to do two or three things at once.
Yea
a lot of the criticism around the deal seems as if its more of a knee-jerk reaction to signing an “injury prone” player to such a long deal. But people just look at games missed and not the nature of the injury, and people assume that what’s going on now in terms of the economy or the Rockies will be going on 6 years from now.
There’s no denying the risk involved, but a lot of the analysis has been too simplistic…
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
Cameron has a legitimate point about
if there is zero inflation, the Rockies could have done this same deal in 2013 with more certainty about injury and performance. I agree, though, that the injury concerns are stupid (only the quad was a performance-related injury).
But, I’m sure there will be at least 5% salary inflation between now and 2013, and if there isn’t, elite free agents (especially at premium positions) can create salary inflation by themselves. Would there have been a 2.7% growth in salaries from 2008 to 2009 if Teixeira, CC, and Holliday are not in such demand that they get monster contracts? Probably not.
It's all about the $$
RG, a concern about the Rox making money, is that they rarely get high value TV coverage. That’s where a lot of franchise money comes from. The big market teams draw huge TV audiences, so draw more income from telvised games. They also get televised on a national scale more often. The Rox get their share, but can never really compete (at least under today’s markets) with the big boys in TV market share and revenue. This cetrtanly does not doom the team. But makes competing financially a challenge. I am just grateful we have a fine MLB team in Denver.
by Real Perspective on Dec 1, 2010 11:10 AM MST up reply actions
The local Rockie TV ratings have been trending upward the last couple of years though
The ratings went up 31.3% from 08 to 09 and went up another 55.9% from 09 to last year. Check out some of the numbers on the bottom of this article (although it’s from July). Slowly but surely, Denver is falling in love with this team.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 11:27 AM MST up reply actions
When is the deal with Fox Sports up?
I seem to think it is a long deal but am not sure. Do the Rockies get any income boost from the ratings boost before the deal is up or do they have to wait until its time to renegotiate?
The TV deal is a long one
It runs through 2020. However part of the contract says that FSN Rocky Mountian now has a 14% ownership stake of the team. So higher ratings and more money from advertisers should allow the team to spend more money.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 11:44 AM MST up reply actions
I helped out with that
We had a Nielsen book this summer, and I think there was a Rockies game in there every day.
What day of the week typically did the best?
Or was it always close?
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:29 PM MST up reply actions
I dunno the results
We were just survey-takers. It was kinda cool. Although it got old toward the end of the week. I definitely made sure the Rockies games were on there, though.
RG
Bringin’ it….Yo
I swear you could sell snow to an Eskimo. great post. I wish I could say I kinda had the same thought pattern and just couldn’t phrase it as eloquently….But that would be an exaggeration of my intellect
We’re not worthy., we’re not worthy!!!
The Big Purple Machine will make a believer outta you!
by El Paso Jeff on Dec 1, 2010 12:46 PM MST up reply actions
you freaking own RG.
I'm GoRockies!! everybody :P
by CentralCaliRox on Dec 1, 2010 12:51 PM MST up reply actions
These are excellent points.
If the Rockies are building the brand that I think they are with the Tulo extension, they will have a lot more money to show the right free agents. The attendance in 2010 is indicative of the fact that the Monforts will have a bunch of cash coming in over the next 2-3 years, which will be invested not only in player development and acquisition but will also be used to continue to grow the brand throughout the time zone.
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
Eschew Obfuscation!
Agreed.
People comparing the Rockies now to that of ten years ago are mixxing out on the fact that they now have many things going for them:
1) Loaded farm system
2) They’ve been comepetitive the past 4 yrs (making the playoffs in 2)
3) They’ve extablished a lot of good will with the fan base with many things they’ve done and the fans are repaying them by going to games again (I think attendance will continue to increase in the next few years).
4) They’ve got a much more talented young core of players around Tulo than Todd ever had.
I think they’re going to slowly increase the payroll to accomodate keeping a few key “stars” and build a contending team around them. I’d bet the team payroll ~$100 million by the time Tulo’s contract takes effect in 2015.
by blooming rock on Dec 1, 2010 5:57 PM MST up reply actions
One concern, given his position as a leader and as someone who says they're 100% committed to the game and to competing, is that
I hope this deal doesn’t encourage Tulowitzki to ‘play his heart out’ due to him knowing he is set for life as well as forming such a strong bond with the team. Specifically, I don’t want him to play harder which just may equal playing aggressively. I hope he realizes that this contract doesn’t signify a need to play as hard as possible at all times, but rather a need to take care of himself more than any other player in the game.
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
say what you will about Tulo, but he has never played like it's a 162 game season
I don’t see him changing now
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
well hopefully
either he, or someone on the team can say listen it’s your obligation to stay healthy as much as it is to play your heart out, dont be stupid.
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
He was already set for life
unless he was living like a sultan or something.
Former NBA player Antoine Walker filed for bankruptcy and is playing for $22k a year in the D-League this season
he made over $110million during his NBA career
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
Yes
and he was also a crazy gambler and undoubtedly had tons of other expensive vices. No amount of money would have saved him. If Tulo has these problems, he’ll blow 160M as easily as he would have blown the 30M.
Yet, you just never know about people
Plus, it’s not $30m. I don’t know what the top income tax bracket is in CO, but I bet you can shave off 50% in state and federal taxes. So, down to $15m. Take another 8% agent’s fee (off the top?) and that’s down to $12.6m net for the initial contract.
That’s still a lot of money, but when you consider living expenses, buying a house, a couple of vintage Camaros, and a lot of jean jackets, it adds up pretty fast.
VINTAGE
jean jackets yo.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
story on Yahoo yesterday
about a guy blowing through $14 million. he bought a place in England while doing renovations to his lakeside cottage in vermont. I just read it thinking "Ok, dude, $14 million is a lot, but it’s not that much.
I just wonder how many players are really successful at setting themselves up for life and how many blow it.
two Icehouse 24 oz beers = $3.20 two "fancy" Bud Light 24 oz beers = $5.00
NOW who comes out on top?
by frightened inmate #2 on Dec 1, 2010 9:31 AM MST up reply actions
A tremendous amount
of ex athletes blow it. A lot on entourages and stupid stuff like that.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
I just don't see Tulo as one of those guys...
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
I don't either...
I was just saying, you’d be surprised how many end up broke.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
indeed
see Dykstra, Len….
quite sad really
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
Honestly...
in terms of professional sports…I’d think baseball players run into that problem the least…just saying in terms that they just don’t seem to be as “flashy” as say NBA or even NFL players.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
I'd guess NHL players do pretty well in this regard...
but their salaries aren’t really in the same neighborhood.
Ignorance of the American League is a sign of good moral character.
I used to be normal until I met these losers I now call my friends.
"Cheap tacos are rightous!"-My Daughter
Maybe because they play twice or ten times the number of games
there’s far less free time in their weeks.
Insinuating
that they don’t have time to spend/get in trouble?
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
Yo, steroids are expensive!
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Yeah, but he's pretty elite
when the window for most players is quite a bit shorter, i’m just curious how many are really “good” with their money.
two Icehouse 24 oz beers = $3.20 two "fancy" Bud Light 24 oz beers = $5.00
NOW who comes out on top?
by frightened inmate #2 on Dec 1, 2010 9:38 AM MST up reply actions
It's just really hard to SAVE that kind of money.
No financial adviser in the world would tell you to dump it in a low-interest savings account and forget about it. First of all, it’s only insured up to a quarter million dollars, and secondly, much better investments can be made in higher risk opportunities.
All it takes is “Tulowitski Ford” biting the dust, or “Tulo’s Bar and Grill” to do a face plant, and you can see tens of millions of dollars disappear instantly.
For every John Elway, you have a Dan Issel.
Franklin Templeton has many investment funds at or above 7%..
that if you had invested $1million in 2000 would be worth nearly $2million today. However if you had invested $1million in Ford in 2000 it would be worth only $650k today. This calculator is fun to play the whatif investment game.
@charliedrysdale
No doubt
tons and tons of these guys blow more money than is imaginable. I’ve got some buddies who have spent time in sports agencies and the stories are hilarious/sad.
That’s not my point, though. My point is that if 30M wasn’t enough for him to feel “set for life” such that he’d stop working hard, I doubt any amount of money would be.
I think our definition of
set for life differs substantially from the definition used by pro athletes unfortunately…
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
This deal makes me wonder what happened with Holiday
It felt to me after that trade the Rockies had really made a decision to not offer max contracts like Tulo’s or at least minimize them. I once felt that we had a three to four year window to really produce a championship team, but now I’m looking forward to competing for the division for the next decade. I’m going to buy a Tulo jersey
I know that there is a serious Scott Boras stigma...
but why is it so unfathomable for a player to tell this guy to go pound sand? Cargo is on the record numerous times stating how much he loves it here. Why can’t he tell him “yo agent, you work for me…I want to stay in Colorado, get me the best deal you can with that team.”
Just wondering.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
Whats odd
is that it feels like the Rockies are almost optimistic about signing Cargo where as I felt that with Holiday it just always seemed impossible
I would agree with this...
Because I don’t think Holliday was ever as committed to coming back to Denver. Sure he “liked” it here, but I don’t think he ever had the same “want to stay here” that the team feels with both Cargo and UBall.
Which made him an ideal Boras client.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
It's also a different environment now than it was in 2008.
The Rockies had one winning season in 13 years. Now they have had two playoff seasons, and one in which they contended into September.
That appeal didn’t exist in 2008, and people weren’t certain how management would handle the newfound success and talent. If Holliday stays, the culture of winning that now seems to exist may never have materialized.
The team may have continued to succeed, but it’s hard to imagine 2009 unfolding as it did if Holliday stays – no Cargo, no Street, and Atkins still implodes.
Indeed...
On so many levels, one couldn’t have existed without first having the other experience.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
And indeed....
Cargo is a better player at the same age. I’d rather have Cargo than Holliday. anyway.
I would have been perfectly happy had Holliday taken the four year extension, but he made his bed of greenbacks.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I agree that Boras clients are somewhat self-selected
When you choose Boras as your agent, that in itself says something about how you will approach the business side of your career. Will Carlos “see the light”? Let’s say I’m skeptical. For him to sign a long term deal in Colorado at market value, it will be against the advice of his agent.
Boras is kind of the corollary to RG’s point about teams that feel the need to win every negotiation. Boras is not interested in fair deals – he wants his client to squeeze every last nickel out of the market. For him, a win-win is a loss.
Bleed purple
Yes and No
On the self selection of clientele, simply because with “imports” the agents can be like vultures. They see the talent and they go in to sign all the great potentials. The promise of all the money, fortune, and fame that Boras can/has delivered. To a poor kid from Hugo Chavez’s Venezuela that probably sounded pretty enticing.
Now after being kicked around a few times, Cargo has found a home and an atmosphere in Denver that he likes.
I’m just saying he may not be the stereotypical Boras client.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
It doesn't matter whether he's stereotypical or not
Boras clients simply do not sign away FA years. And Cargo’s had years of advice from Boras’ people in his ear, not to mention probably advice from other Boras clients, if he’s spent any time at Boras’ fitness training institute.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
You also have to consider that a lot of players switch to Boras
as they approach FA. So, they go to him explicitly with the intent of going through their arbitration years and getting to first time FA without signing a deal.
Spilborghs is a Boras client
what does that say about him? Or, what about Zach MIner, Xavier Nady and Micah Owings?
I think people want effective representation, which Boras gives, but sometimes for different reasons. He might be the most likely to get someone a major league contract instead of an NRI.
Yes.
Effective representation…but that can turn into the perfect storm with an elite player who wants as much money as possible and doesn’t care where he plays.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
Is that the perfect storm, or just perfect?
I blame the teams for being willing to give the contracts, or the MLBPA for disliking collusion.
Without teams taking a stand and/or colluding, there’s no way to keep agents and players from doing that unless salaries are capped.
Either/Or
I guess it just depends on which side of that fence you’re on.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
You just don't do it.
Don’t. Do it.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
As long it's not a chain link with razor wire on the top
you’re probably okay
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
I remember a radio interview with Spilly on Vic and Gary
they asked him why he was with Boras. Spilly said that when they were interviewing agents, Boras was the only one who didn’t kiss his ass and claim they could take him to super stardom. Boras told him he probably won’t be in the league for a long time and needs to maximize his earnings potential while he can. Boras has helped him get endorsement deals such as Honda of Greeley.
thanks for this
I remember RG suggesting that’s why Spilly was with Boras, good to hear something more
by Andrew Martin on Dec 1, 2010 2:45 PM MST up reply actions
You don't hire Boras
if you feel this way. You hire Boras to maximize your $$$. Nothing wrong with that, of course.
I disagree...
see above.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
I see your point
and if CarGo really feels that way, its most likely he’ll switch representation. Obviously I don’t know all the ins and outs of this stuff, but its pretty well documented that Boras doesn’t “do” for his clients what you suggest.
Fair Enough...
And I guess we’ll just have to wait and cross that bridge when it’s time. I’m hopeful, but I do realize it doesn’t happen with Boras clients.
BUT
just because it’s never been done, doesn’t mean it can’t be done!
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
Remember
Spilly is a Boras client as well. Not all Boras clients are chasing the money, sometimes they pick him to help with endorsements and whatnot.
Caution: Colorado teams are better than they appear.
by ShadowPenguin on Dec 1, 2010 9:28 AM MST up reply actions
Once again, an agent's point of view
To be a good agent you have to take ALL of the elements of your clients’ welfare into consideration, and Boras will be well aware of this. However, it may be that Boras can be considered slightly different because:
1) he is renowned for getting top dollar for his top clients (and will therefore attract playes to whom money is the #1 factor)
2) the players will more or less take his advice as gospel, and will have to be hard-nosed to push in a different direction.
3) by refusing to make deals for free agent years, Boras can argue that the player still has the option of remaining with his current team, but also has the benefit of being able to field up to 29 other offers. This is undeniably true, but combined with #1 and #2 it’s a hollow reassurance.
Let’s say Cargo has the balls and the belief to say “Scott, I love Denver, and I’ll take a lower deal to stay here for the next three years”. Boras may advise against this, but there’s a point at which he must bow to the client’s wish and make the deal he wants. He will, of course, do all he can to express publicly why it was the best deal for his client, because any sign of “weakness” spoils the Boras brand, but it’s still not worth losing a top client and a seven figure bonus over.
If Cargo had recieved Tulo's offer?
I don’t think there is anyway Boras would have advised turning it down. In the same sentence it would have been incredibly stupid for the Rockies to offer this. I also don’t think Boras would have advised Tulo not to take the contract. The Rockies made an incredible offer to Tulo and if they are willing to do the same for Cargo how does any reasonable agent say this is a bad idea to take 150 million for the next ten years.
Boras would absolutely have advised Tulo not to take the contract
Not when by playing it out, he could get $20m/year from the Yankees through 2022.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Good question
My first reaction was that he would advise against it, but he has had have several clients with very long-term deals (Kevin Brown, A-Rod, Bernie Williams).
Bleed purple
Those deals you refer to were signed as FAs, not extensions, and not buying out FA years
Boras loves very long term deals, that’s not the issue. The issue is giving up a crack at free agency….that is something Boras simply does not allow his premium clients to do.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
And here is why Boras actually loves these deals
In all those cases, the players were at their very peak (or at least at or above 30 years old), and he knew that 4 years down the road, in their decline, they would not get deals for the same money for those later years, as he could force out of teams at that time.
Anyway, I’ll never rag on Cargo or any player for choosing Boras as their agent, that’s absolutely their right. But when they do, we as fans just have to accept then and there that their tenure with their club will absolutely most likely end with FA, or a year before that. It’s just a fact of life.
My only hope/expectation is that in 2014, DOD is able to spin Cargo off as well as he spun off Holliday.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
If that's true
and the Rockies handle Carlos the same way they handled Holliday, doesn’t the real Tulo/Carlos/Ubaldo window close at the end of 2013, not 2014?
Bleed purple
Yes.
It’s interesting, because it’ll be hard to trade him in the midst of consecutive winning years, or during a winning season.
Yet, it might be the best thing for the team if he’s spun off for multiple parts.
This is what San Diego is facing with Gonzalez
Everyone thought he would be traded at the deadline last year then SD started winning. Now they can’t trade him unless they are out of it and become sellers this deadline.
I'd say it depends on the 2013 season
If 2013 is similar to 2008 (i.e. not very good), I’d bet that Cargo would be traded that offseason. If the Rockies are coming off a World Series win, Cargo will probably stick around for the 2014 season, or at least until the trade deadline to give that team another chance at a ring.
No, because CarGo isn't a FA until after 2015 season
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
According to Cots, Cargo will be a FA after 2014
He has 2 years of service after this last season. So 4 years until FA. 11,12,13,14
See
I think this is an assumption. True Boras has always tested the market with his premium clients, but had anyone of those clients been offered a deal like Tulo’s? I just don’t understand how anyone could turn down such an offer when so much risk is involved in chasing an extra 20-60 million to an already amazing contract
"Boras has always tested the market with his premium clients"
Because of this.
res ipsa loquitor
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I don't see DoD offering this kind of money to Cargo..
or any other Rockies player for a long time, maybe Ubaldo if he stays healthy. But Tulo is a once in a lifetime player at a premium position. The Rockies can’t sign leftfielders to long term billion dollar contracts.
@charliedrysdale
DOD has already mentioned the possibility to Cargo though
I’m not a fan, but it’s been discussed internally, apparently
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
The Rockies face a challenge
with trying to retain three of the most talented players in the game without the Yankees’ revenue stream. And God help us if we dig up any more talent. I’m being facetious, but at some point you have to face the reality that keeping them all is not realistic. DOD may figure I’m going to offer what I can, and if either Ubaldo or Carlos take the bait, the other offer comes off the table. My guess is Ubaldo is the greater priority.
Bleed purple
Does Tulo's signing change the dynamic of young players?
It makes you wonder if more players will look to do this kind of long-term deal to provide themselves with a long-term financial safety net. Holliday and Atkins were willing to go year to year until they could cash in. However that only worked for one player and he had to live in three different zip codes first.
@charliedrysdale
Maybe
but my point is what do you do if they all say yes? I don’t believe there are enough dollars to spread around for 3+ super talents if the payroll stays in the $80-90M range (amirite?). I think the only way this works is if there are significant increases in gate and TV revenues. Otherwise, we will have to let at least one of them slip away.
Bleed purple
think about that we would have
no money for anything else
I think if the Rockies are willing to sign all three then they are willing and will have to increase payroll
You cant stick with a 85 mil payroll with 60 mil devoted to 3 players.
I particularly agree with the idea that Boras has a brand to maintain
While he has some flexibility, he is not likely to go “touchy-feely” with any consistency, as it reflects on him and his approach to negotiating. I am sure there are agents that brand themselves as the anti-Boras, selling the idea that money is only one factor among many.
Bleed purple
There's a difference between Boras' elite talent clients and his other clients
Boras doesn’t handle them the same way. He’s smart enough to know who has a real chance of cashing it in huge in FA (e.g., Cargo), and who is simply a serviceable, but fungible 4th OFer (e.g., Spillborghs), the latter of whom is not even likely to get a contract offer buying out FA years.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
True.
Last off-season, he definitely, definitely sat on players until he got Holliday taken care of. Felipe Lopez came off an awesome season, couldn’t get diddly squat, and left Boras.
And in 2015, Cargo will be the player Boras gets taken care of first
And not the player being sat on…and thus, will have no incentive to fire Boras on that basis.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Players have free will to override their agent
Manny and ARod have done it.
If Cargo likes what he sees, and if it’s true that DLR turned down four year guarantees to stay in CO (albeit for a favorably structured contract), then I don’t see why Cargo couldn’t do the same.
I do not accept comparing DLR and Carlos
I have heard more than one former GM say they would choose Carlos as the one player they would build their organization around.
Bleed purple
I think you should accept comparing the sentiment of two human beings
because the culture of a team can change contract negotiations dynamically. That’s why it’s neat and all when the Nationals offer Teixeira a big contract, but everyone knows it’s just a PR move.
If the Rockies did that three years ago, it would have been regarded the same way. If they did it today, it would be a legitimate offer.
Why do you insist the Nats' offer to Teixeira was nothing but a PR stunt?
He’s essentially a hometown kid (the Baltimore burbs). The Nats are under actual local pressure to produce, given the worst taxpayer stadium giveaway in history.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I disagree with your characterization of my statement as "insisting"
and I make the statement because of the other teams’ involved in the bidding for him being much more serious contenders than the Nationals. As long as there are teams that are drastically better right now, the Nationals will always have trouble enticing FAs.
Also, Teixeira grew up in Severna Park and was an Orioles fan. I don’t remember if the Orioles made an offer, but that would be the team that would get the hometown sympathy, not the Nationals. I’d still say it’s just a PR move, because returning “home” to some place you haven’t lived in a decade is probably far less important than either a) re-signing with a team you have played on and feel comfortable with, or b) joining a winning team.
Being in serious WS contention or not, is not the definition of making a serious FA offer or not
The two are not different.
The idea being that, in the Nats eyes, signing Teix would have given their franchise credibility, and gotten them on the path towards contention.
Yes, I agree that Teix’ true hometown team is the O’s (in fact, I’ve previously said so), but that doesn’t mean the Nats weren’t trying to sell themselves to him as a hometown team.
Okay, you’re not “insisting”, but you’re “contending” that it was nothing but a PR move, with no basis for doing so, other than your assumption that it is. I think you far underestimate the relative anger in DC (at least pre Strasburg’s ascendancy) towards the Nats not making a huge FA splash, given the boondoggle that was their stadium financing. And actually signing Teix would have immediately made the team better in their eyes.
And yes, the O’s did make an offer, too, but their franchise is in laughable condition.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I lived in DC while all of this was happening
and people didn’t give a crap whether that they didn’t sign Teixeira. No one took the offer seriously, even though the offer was serious money. The move itself was a strictly a gesture to the fans that they were willing to spend money, which some fans probably thought was comforting.
There’s a difference between being willing to spend money, and seriously expecting the person you’re willing to spend money on to accept the offer. That difference is what made the Nats offer a PR move.
I can generally accept that, but....
making the offer means accepting the consequences of that offer being accepted. The offer was for serious money, and was thus a serious offer. There was nothing laughable about the offer, and had Teix signed on the dotted line, it would have gone well beyond a PR move.
The Nats would not have made the offer at all if they did not want him, to at least a certain degree, to accept it.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Never said it was laughable; it would have been a great deal for the Nats. It just wasn’t realistic.
The deal wasn’t a premium for coming to play for a poorly performing team with a weak farm system; it wasn’t even more than the Yankees’ offer, IIRC.
You're right, it wasn't more than the Yankees offer
I guess what I’m trying to say is that it doesn’t have to be “realistic” that he agrees to it, to not be strictly a PR move.
Sometimes, you have to make what you think is your best offer and just hope that it sticks, or that the Yankees don’t offer more. Every team already knows that the Yankees can always offer more. So why don’t all premium FAs end up with the Yankees? Because they don’t.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
True.
I guess it’s also a matter of outside perception vs. inside perception. Those inside the team may have known it was their best offer and crossed their fingers.
Probably not everyone, but many outside of the team in the DC area saw it as nothing more than a gesture.
Just as many in Denver thought our 4 year extension to Holliday was nothing more than a gesture
when it was, in fact, a very solid offer…but one in which the club didn’t want to have Holliday become another Helton situation in his late 30s.
I think that Nats really did want Teix, for the baseball credibility it would have conferred….another break from the shameful Bowden era.
The thing is, both can be true. Of course there’s probably always some PR element, but it’s only a stunt if you actually do not want the player to accept the offer, because the ramifications on your club if he does accept it are huge.
For what it’s worth, I moved here five years ago having spent the previous ten in DC, and grew up an O’s fan prior to the Rox getting their franchise…which doesn’t mean much, I know.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Well, it definitely gives you some pretty good insight into the frustrations of both fanbases – the Nats over the stadium deal; the O’s over Angelos’ ineptitude.
Teix could be a case where both are true. I still think there had to be a sense in the Nats’ FO that they knew the deal wouldn’t get it done, but that it was a fair deal and the best they could do, but that’s entirely speculative.
I wouldn't laugh at the O's..
They won 60% of their games under Buck Showalter. That’s a better turnaround than the Padres had in the 2nd half of 09. I expect a 2010 Padres-like season from the Flying Showalters next year.
@charliedrysdale
Don't forget they still play in the AL East
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 10:45 AM MST up reply actions
Doesn't matter
They’ve been in the AL East since the advent of divisional play, and they did just fine until about 1999.
And yes, that includes 23 years of free agency.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Of course, they have been terrible since the advent of YES, so the increasing revenue disparity may be a problem until they can develop talent at a Rockies-like rate.
They became terrible prior to YES network broadcasting
But the Yankees have always been able to spend more than the O’s.
The O’s real problem is that the Angelos clan thought they actually knew how to run the baseball side of a franchise, not just the business side.
You’re absolutely right, they’re going to suck until they can develop talent, and that’s their problem…they’ll never develop an actual real core of talent until Peter Angelos sells the club to someone willing to invest in what it takes to actually find and develop talent.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
To the first part: I’m not sure it’s always true that the Yankees could spend more than the O’s. Besides leading the league in payroll in 1998, Angelos had a ton of money and a pretty solid fanbase with a large market (DC-MD-VA). He had competent baseball people (Pat Gillick, Davey Johnson) until he decided to take an extremely active role, which doomed them.
The big difference is that Steinbrenner had assets and interests in other ventures that were going to grow; Angelos, as far as I know, did not.
To the second part: Hiring Andy MacPhail was a big step toward turning the baseball operations over to people who actually understand baseball. I don’t know what level of involvement Angelos’ currently has with the club, but it’s probably greatly reduced from the era of mismanagement. Orioles fans are one of the few who’ve actually staged mass demonstrations against their owner, and Angelos seemed to have gotten the message in the last few years.
Exactly, Angelos doomed them
And you’ve nailed the beginning of the O’s downfall, which was not money-related.
But the Yankees still always had the capability to always outspend…I’m referring to the entire history of free agency. That doesn’t mean they always did so…I’m just saying that the Yankees always had the capability to. In 1998, they didn’t have to. Players like Jeter/Rivera/etc were still in their cheap FA seasons.
Angelos didn’t really need other interests, he was ungodly rich from his 1/3 cut of billions of asbestos settlements. That’s how he made his fortune, as a plaintiff’s side asbestos lawyer.
As to your last paragraph…I am hopeful that turns out to be the case, I really am. Maybe it becomes the ’10s equivalent to George Steinbrenner actually turning over real control to Brian Cashman.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
That’s how he made his fortune, as a plaintiff’s side asbestos lawyer.
That, along with driving the team into the ground, is also why he can have his pick of suites in hell.
I guess I shouldn’t have implied their troubles didn’t get started because of money. At least part of their problem was that Albert Belle contract. Even if he hadn’t had a degenerative hip, that might’ve been a problem as they tried to escalate the payroll.
Now, talk about PR-based signings!
Joey Belle takes the cake right there.
Joey Belle was Joey Belle long before Manny was Manny.
Yeah, the problem was the O’s wasn’t the amount of money they spent, it was how it was spent.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
That was too bad for a lot of reasons. They never should have signed him, but he was a pretty awesome player (despite being known as a crappy person). Outside of their character, Belle is a bit like Helton in that it would have been awesome to see what they could have done if chronic injuries hadn’t sapped their abilities.
One other thing to consider is whether the Orioles will ever be able to generate enough revenue now that most of their market is shared with the Nats.
I think they’ll be able to get and keep the payroll in Rockies’ range, but unless the internal development happens (and that may require Angelos selling the team), they’d need a lot of luck to compete in the AL East.
This is true
However, if the Nats crater again over time, they’ll probably move in 10-15 years, like they always do…..
But yes, the O’s never need to be a small market club, they should be able to comfortably compete at the Rox/Twins type of level at a minimum…and some years, that should actually be enough, if done right.
They’ll need some measure of luck, but no more than Tampa Bay.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
They should merge the Nats and Rays, and move them back to Canada (or to the Boston suburbs like what should have been done with the Expos to begin with). Zim at 3rd; Longo at 2b; Willingham, Upton and Jennings in the OF; Hellickson, Niemann, Strasburg, J. Zimmerman, and Wade Davis in the rotation.
Formidable.
I like that lineup!
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I find this irrelevant.
The entire dynamic has changed since the 90s, and the odds of the Orioles overtaking even two of the Rays, Yankees and Red Sox is more remote than the Nationals winning the World Series
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 10:49 AM MST up reply actions
Because the Rays had built up a phenomenal farm system over years of high drafts
It all came together at once, and they have undeniable talent. Meanwhile, the Orioles’ farm is barren. I believe I saw that Kevin Goldstein claimed his #2 Orioles prospect wouldn’t even be in the top 12 of the Royals system. There is nothing there to vault them that quickly.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 11:55 AM MST up reply actions
their version of Gen R hasn't really blossomed the way they had hoped
they do have some young talent in the big leagues though.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
So it's not that the O's can't..
It’s just that they don’t have enough minor league depth to maintain their momentum they’ve built up over the last 3 months of the season. And they’re probably not situated for any long term success at this point. If I am understanding you correctly.
@charliedrysdale
The team may be better, but the *franchise* is now a laughing stock
Premier FAs want nothing to do with the place, the fan base is in tatters (and this was a club whose fans would actually stick with them through down periods prior to the last decade)
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Boras is not DLR's agent
And with regards to ARod’s, it’s been said that Boras represented ARod opting out of his contract explicitly against ARod’s wishes….and that’s an entirely different scenario than having Boras negotiate your FA contract.
ARod didn’t override Boras in signing his 2001 deal, and he fired Boras after the opt-out, that’s not the same as overriding Boras during the FA negotiations with the Yankees.
As for Manny, when exactly did Manny override Boras?
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Who said Boras was DLR's agent?
Re A-Rod, I’m pretty sure that Boras wanted him to actually take bids from other teams in the 2007 off-season, and A-Rod made it known he only was going to negotiate with the Yankees.
Re Manny, I thought there was some difference of opinion between him and Boras on whether Manny was going to opt out of the option year, but that could be wrong.
No one said Boras was DLR's agent, but you were comparing Cargo to JDLR
If Cargo likes what he sees, and if it’s true that DLR turned down four year guarantees to stay in CO (albeit for a favorably structured contract), then I don’t see why Cargo couldn’t do the same.
JDLR would not have done this if Boras were his agent, and because Boras is Cargo’s agent, he will not do what JDLR did (unless his changes agents first). It’s that simple.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I wasn’t comparing the two at all. In the context of people being willing to buck Boras’s advice (ARod), I referenced the possibility that DLR passed up four year guarantees to stay with the Rockies to highlight that the ways that a team’s culture can persuade players to stay or come to the team.
So, there are times when players have bucked Boras (no, I can’t find any incidences when Boras players have signed extensions prior to their first time as a free agent), and there are players who seem to be willing to forgo opportunities to make more money and stay in CO.
I completely understand your point; I’m just offering an alternative outcome. You may think it’s poop, but oh well.
It’s probably not the end of the world if Cargo isn’t signed to an extension; there’s the possibility that the team may need to trade him to replenish the system with young, cheap players. Especially since he’s under control until 2015, and will be 30 when he signs his first FA deal.
We don't disagree with your conclusions
If we trade Cargo after 2014, I completely trust DOD to get a killer return (assuming Cargo’s continued performance/health in the interim, of course).
I’m still holding out hope that Cargo replaces Boras at some point, because I do think that’s the only way he’s a Rockie after 2014, but by then, who knows…maybe it’s better for us from a baseball standpoint to spin him off by then anyway. We can’t know that, in 2010.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I don't know how much I really want him
when the return could be so high. There are things about his hitting profile that give me concerns about how he’ll age (particularly the low BB%, high HR/FB ratio, and how outside the zone swing rate).
He’s still young, so all of that could change but there’s a fair case either way.
Yep, I think 2011-2012 will go a LONG way
Right now, I think he’s still really susceptible to certain types of breaking pitches, which could hamper some measure of success. But he’s young young young….
He can possibly turn into one of the top 3-5 players in baseball year after year for a decade. Or, he could be roughly as good as he’s ever going to be. Or, last year could end up being somewhat fluky.
And that’s why he’s a terrible candidate for a 6, 7, 8 year deal right now…but after 2012, look out.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Re Manny
I don’t think there was a difference of opinion per se, but that Manny must have known he was about to get busted, such that he knew the option was his best chance at keeping the most money going forward.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I have heard Boras state himself that while he always tries to maximize his players value
Ultimately if the player wants something different he does his best with that. While nothing is gauranteed, if Cargo telss Scott that I want to stay in Colorado Scott will maximize his value here.
Although I totally agree with your point about self-selection
it makes sense if CarGo came from Venezuela out of a poor background (though I really have no clue about this), he would come here wanting as much money as possible for him and his extended family. He could have since changed his mind somewhat and realized he has enough regardless or something…
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
I imagine teams don't like negotiating with Boras
because there’ll always be the looming “well some other team can pay more”
by Andrew Martin on Dec 1, 2010 10:31 AM MST up reply actions
There are a couple teams who indicate they generally won't deal with Boras clients anymore
Because they perceive they’ve been burned by Boras in the past being used strictly as pawns to get the Yankees to make bigger offers.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I think Boston or Anaheim went that way for a year or so, too, but I may be wrong
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Crazy.
The Giants offered to match the Uribe contract offer, but he went to the Dodgers anyway.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
Wow.....
Giants fan base thinks he’s a traitor as it is…man..
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
LOL and eff the Gints
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
+1
"They can outplay us all four games and if we end up winning the series, I'll be fine with that." ~Troy Tulowitzki
by HeltonsHeroes on Dec 1, 2010 9:54 AM MST up reply actions
The article points out
there is some disagreement on whether the Gints final offer was $20M or $21M. Doesn’t seem to impact the Rockies much, since the NL West seems to be playing musical chairs with middle infielders.
Bleed purple
since the NL West seems to be playing musical chairs with crappy middle infielders.
Fixed.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
by Muzia on Dec 1, 2010 9:36 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
If they acquire Bartlett and already have Freddy Sanchez...
I’d be a little miffed about that unfolding if I’m Uribe. Plus, he replaces what, Jamey Carroll and the ghost of Mark Grudzielankess?
Fun Fact
Freddy Sanchez was born with a club foot.
Or so I heard on a telecast once upon a time. I think.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
She had/has a club foot?
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
that makes her escapes from Michael Myers all the more impressive
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
Srsly!
(that music still spooks me)
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
Best horror movie of all time, and there shouldn't even be a debate.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
As long we are talking about the original...
I’m gonna agree.
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
It's so good, that even I like it...
and I’m not a fan of horror movies.
Ignorance of the American League is a sign of good moral character.
I used to be normal until I met these losers I now call my friends.
"Cheap tacos are rightous!"-My Daughter
not to go to OT but
they never showed one person actually being murdered in that entire movie. That, my friends, is horror at it’s finest.
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
that ten year run of Carpenter films is pretty much flawless
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
Really? Huh...interesting
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
I don't know how to say this without sounding completely arrogant and biased
but I truly believe that the Rockies management is running the team much better than either one of these two franchises and I hope that it’s only a matter of time before it starts showing up in the standings.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 9:54 AM MST up reply actions
the funny thing, you'd be hard pressed to find fans of either team that disagrees with you
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
And yet we always finish behind at least one of them (sans 2007)
I’m thinking we have a lot of money to withdraw from the luck bank.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 10:02 AM MST up reply actions
(2007)
we’ve withdrawn for a lifetime. It’s not coincidence that Denver sports as a whole have struggled since then. The Rockies withdrew from the entire state’s fund.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
But we didn't win the World Series
That had to keep a little in the bank right?
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 10:22 AM MST up reply actions
have you looked at our 2007 roster lately?
it was pretty terrible
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
That offense was pretty damn good
Plus there was no elite team in the NL in 2007
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 10:25 AM MST up reply actions
Can the Rockies get some sort of injury insurance on Tulo's contract?
I know that they do it in basketball, but I haven’t been a big baseball fan for long enough to see something like that.
and does anyone know how much something like that would cost?
A contract like this will most likely have a policy taken out on it
Don’t ask me exactly how it works, but they will most likely be insured.
The rockies don't have insurance on this contract according to the Renck story
There’s no insurance policy to protect the Rockies if he’s injured.
Read more: Tulowitzki’s big deal all about trust with Rockies – The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_16747004#ixzz16tDk4Iim
Read The Denver Post’s Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
Paradigm Shift?
Wouldn’t the paradigm shift come if they sign Ubaldo and/or Cargo? Then, there is a clear signal that this isn’t just a “let’s appease the fanbase” move (not that I think that), and proof that the team is committed to keeping payroll high and not spinning talented arbitration-age players off for young prospects to keep the team growing cheaply.
I’m positive it won’t happen, but until a nucleus is locked up into their 30s the Tulo deal is still open to the same kind of harping about “the team will just sell off bc they’re too cheap blah blah” that has gone on forever.
Seth Smith
Hawpe
none
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
This is the correct answer..
- Giambi faced an avg fastball of 92.2, Herrera was second with 91.6 followed by Seth Smith and Tulo at 91.5
- CDI’s BABIP was the lowest at .212, followed by Seth Smith .256 and Clint Barmes .263
- Tulo lead the National League with 46 double plays turned, followed by Brendan Ryan 43, Stephen Drew 42 and Starlin Castro 42.
@charliedrysdale
I'm surprised that Tulo still led the NL in double plays despite missing a quater of the season
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:42 PM MST up reply actions
Our pitching staff
getting ground balls helped out a lot
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
you've been around a lot this offseason
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
I don't think so
I’ve had a little bit more time lately but I try to keep busy otherwise.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
Todd Helton for all of the above
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
these questions were rigged!
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
You can't use Helton as your answer for everything..
someday you’ll get married and the preacher will ask you an important question. What will your answer be then?
@charliedrysdale
loaded question!
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
tulo?
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
Cargo had the HIGHEST BABIP almost assuredly.
by Andrew Martin on Dec 1, 2010 10:45 AM MST up reply actions
Cargo did have the highest, but we're looking for the lowest..
and Tulo was 6th in speed out of the entire NL out of candidates who qualified for the batting title. Interestingly enough there were 4 Diamondbacks who led the NL in fastball velocity faced. Do you think Ubaldo pitched against them a lot?
@charliedrysdale
Gonzalez, Iannetta, 1: Cardinals, Brendan Ryan
by Andrew Martin on Dec 1, 2010 10:54 AM MST up reply actions
I would guess furcal ot the ss for the padres.
I’m incredibly confident that whoever it is played against the Giants a lot
there will be no CHONE projections for 2011
As Sean Smith has been hired by an MLB team. CHONE was pretty comfortably the most cited projection system in the past few years, so this is a shame. Instead, ill look to ZiPS.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 10:07 AM MST via mobile reply actions
and only Angelos thinks that will make the players on his actual roster perform better
There’s a special ring of hell just for Peter Angelos and his sons, for destroying one of baseball’s greatest franchises.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
by Mondogarage on Dec 1, 2010 10:15 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow
Congrats to Mr. Smith.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere here and it was kind of expected
but Dotel has officially declined arbitration.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 10:23 AM MST reply actions
Also
There are reports out of Boston that the Dodgers are interested in both Johnny Damon and Jason Varitek.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 10:28 AM MST up reply actions
The Mariners non-tendered Jose Lopez
what does it mean when a team with the worst offense in the league non-tenders a guy who is known more for his offense than his defense?
I hope we don’t sign him.
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
Spare me!
He may be a bargain, but if he is not productive, you don’t need him. Whatever you pay for him becomes too much.
by Real Perspective on Dec 1, 2010 11:18 AM MST up reply actions
crap youre right!
"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker
how can we NOT purchase?
it’s like walking through Wal Mart – Look! I don’t need that, but damn if it isn’t a good deal!
by Andrew Martin on Dec 1, 2010 2:50 PM MST up reply actions
Or wimmin and sales
“We don’t need that”
“But it’s half off!”
“So you’ll buy twice as much?”
“Yeah!”
Pirates were in on De La Rosa before he signed with the Rockies
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:21 PM MST reply actions
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 12:24 PM MST up reply actions
Thank the Lord that didn't happen
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:27 PM MST up reply actions
That would have been fascinating.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
Fascinating in a horrifying sort of way
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:30 PM MST up reply actions
Interesting JDLR's camp made the contact
and he was willing to take a similiar discount to play for the Padres. Guess he doesn’t love the Rockies above all else.
"Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams."
he would have put up some serious numbers in Petco
I’d imagine the “similar discount” meant the 3-year deal, not the player option after two years and certainly not a team option on the fourth.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
Just quoting the article, no idea about the meaning behind "similar discount".
Just seems interesting that the Rockies weren’t the only one he is willing to give a discount too. Wondering if he deserves all the “yea he signed with the Rockies for a lessor deal” praise he has been getting. Especially, if his camp, when to a rival to try and get a deal done.
"Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams."
he probably
had a couple places he would take a discount for. SD because it’s closer to home, Denver because of familiarity and maybe 1 other place, but other than DLR and his agent who knows. I wouldn’t go to Pittsburgh unless it was the only place that I could find a job, and DLR had choices.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
he signed with us, he deserves all the love we can muster
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
by Muzia on Dec 1, 2010 1:48 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Yet to be seen whether or not he deserves the contract the Rockies gave him
Can’t love all those who sign with the Rockies now can we… ;)
"Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams."
Does this also apply to Tulo? :-)
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 2:06 PM MST up reply actions
nope wasnt a free agent
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
Yeah but he chose us forever
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 2:23 PM MST up reply actions
1/4 of their payroll at $11MM/year
and it would force them to trade A. Gonzalez? It wouldn’t have been bad to see but man it must suck to be a Padres fan right now.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
It's baffling that Jorge would turn down the Pirates
And return to a club with such cheap owners, with no commitment to winning!
by Rockpile Interloper on Dec 1, 2010 12:27 PM MST up reply actions
Please tell me this is sarcasm
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:32 PM MST up reply actions
Yes, totally
I’ve always felt some of our fans should be sentenced to a couple of summers in Pittsburgh.
by Rockpile Interloper on Dec 1, 2010 12:34 PM MST up reply actions
I'm not sure I'd wish that type of torture on anyone
(Except maybe Yankee fans)
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:44 PM MST up reply actions
Some Phillies fans could use that trip as well
Especially since the two teams are in the same state.
We are Fangirl. We are Legion.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."~ Winston Churchill
Would a little positive thinking hurt anyone? YHEG Member #Δ
Haters gonna hate. (with optional vuvuzela)
agreed. I've never had a bad time in Pittsburgh
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
I should have clarified
I didn’t mean the city. I mean watching the Pirates for 162 games every year.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 2:25 PM MST up reply actions
I'd be pretty depressed if I had to watch the Red Sox for 162 games every year
and watch that brother of a child molester play second base with his stupid Casey Affleck face.
Yeah that's what I meant too
Nothing against the city, but Pirates ownership makes the Monforts look like George Steinbrenner on Spring Break.
by Rockpile Interloper on Dec 1, 2010 2:30 PM MST up reply actions
Yankees are about to give Mariano Rivera
a one year $17 million contract.
I know I’m not a fan but I’d say giving a 41 year old $17 million to close games is a little insane.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:26 PM MST reply actions
he's Mariano. He can get whatever he wants, and he's still mindblowingly good.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
He really can't
If the Yankees had offered him $10 million nobody would have topped that.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:33 PM MST up reply actions
then he wouldn't have signed. He would have retired.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
I would have called that bluff
Although I guess when you have as much money as the Yankees it really doesn’t matter how much more dough you pile on a contract.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:38 PM MST up reply actions
If you're the Yankees you can't call that bluff this year
You don’t have a closer good enough to replace him with, and it’s not a great closer FA market this year.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I've heard rumors that the Red Sox can't wait to dump Papelbon
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:48 PM MST up reply actions
But he's not an FA right now, and certainly won't be non-tendered
He’d be a Yanks candidate in 2012, but not 2011.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Papelbon is seeking 11.5 million in arb and many people in the Red Sox
organization feel that Bard is their closer. I wouldn’t rule anything out here.
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 1:00 PM MST up reply actions
The deadline
to tender contracts is tomorrow right?
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
Yes.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 1:08 PM MST up reply actions
Well
he did blow two saves in a row against one team for the first time in his career this year IN DENVER, so he does have that going for him.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
I'm not sure nobody would offer him 1yr/$11-12m but the Yanks
keep in mind that Jamie Moyer, at the age of 111, got $6.5/yr for two years.
All closers are short lived
except Mo. He gets to write his own ticket.
"They can outplay us all four games and if we end up winning the series, I'll be fine with that." ~Troy Tulowitzki
Pundits are mad
because this means Tulo is not going to be playing on the Yankees anytime soon
by RockiesModernLife on Dec 1, 2010 12:32 PM MST reply actions
now THIS is an awesome username!
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
THANKS!
was my favorite show growing up. So much so i named my dog Rocko. he died in april at age 14. my new puppys name is Heffer!
by RockiesModernLife on Dec 1, 2010 2:39 PM MST up reply actions
So many jokes in that sohw
that as kids we probably didn’t get at the time.
"No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great—Duty First" - 1st Infantry Division Motto
SB Nation Denver - The regional hub for Denver sports!
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
Diplomatic and Military History Book Review - My other blog where I go all historical on you.
Pundits are mad
because this means Tulo is not going to be playing on the Yankees anytime soon EVER!!!!!!!
/Celebrates
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 12:35 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Pundits are lazy
They don’t want to have to turn their channel off ESPN in order to watch the best players. That’s why they’re so mad Tulo signed, because that means having to actually complain about the lack of Rockies’ national telecasts.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
See, this is what toolbags like Passan do once Tulo lets them down
[Selig] could meet with executives at Fox and ESPN and say that for the game’s long-term health, the networks need to focus less on the Yankees and Red Sox and more on growing the fan base among small and medium markets so a World Series like this year’s doesn’t find itself eminently skippable.
At least he’s against adding additional wild card teams.
Passan would not be writing this paragraph if Tulo were a Yankee.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-expandedplayoffs113010
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
it's about gd time.
Less on the METS! They were on EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY
I'm GoRockies!! everybody :P
by CentralCaliRox on Dec 1, 2010 1:40 PM MST up reply actions
Welcome to Purple Row
This is a great time to be a Rockies fan and we’re (or at least I am) glad to have a new face (?) around here. Welcome.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
Been creepin since early last year..
final signed up. i have been a die hard fan since the beginning!
by RockiesModernLife on Dec 1, 2010 2:42 PM MST up reply actions
Dan Shulman, Orel Hershiser and Bobby Valentine will be teh new announcers for Sunday night baseball
121 more days until the Rockies Home Opener!!!!!!!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Dec 1, 2010 1:27 PM MST reply actions
Will Valentine
get thrown out of the booth, disguise his voice and attempt to re-enter?
"No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great—Duty First" - 1st Infantry Division Motto
SB Nation Denver - The regional hub for Denver sports!
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
Diplomatic and Military History Book Review - My other blog where I go all historical on you.
If the first happens, I'll be happy enough
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
I like Shulman, and I believe I have liked Hershiser
I know I have heard him as a color guy, and nothing stands out negatively. Nothing too positively either. I’m not sure what I think about Valentine.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 1:34 PM MST up reply actions
I'm just glad it's not Miller and Morgan.
Got so sick of them.
by blooming rock on Dec 1, 2010 3:50 PM MST up reply actions
"And here we are in the mile high city
About to watch the visiting Padres take on the Colorado Rockies. Now, we heard yesterday that Jeter was very unhappy about what happened in the latest Red Sox matchup.
Right you are Jon, lets take the next 4 innings to discuss this matter closer."
This is so unrealistic
There would never be a Sunday night ESPN game between the Padres and Rockies
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 3:59 PM MST up reply actions
Damn
Your right. Even if there was, I’m sure Miller and Morgan would just hang out around Yankees Stadium.
True.
They’d do a remote broadcast to avoid entering the state!
by blooming rock on Dec 1, 2010 5:59 PM MST up reply actions
Hershiser was awesome when he worked for ESPN before.
He was great to listen to during games: relevant stories, didn’t gloat about his own career, insightful comments about pitching mechanics and the way batters see the ball coming at them.
Interesting
The player whose value this season was most artificially inflated by RBI…..? A-Rod
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 1:38 PM MST reply actions
Well, it sorta fits
Given plenty of his years, his value was most artificially inflated by steroids.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Jim Edmonds?
He’s a lefty, but he’s hit lefties decently for his career (.766), and hit them ok in a small sample in 2010 (.735). He fits the need for someone who can play the OF corners and 1B.
The Willingham caveat applies, of course, but another backup option that could provide Giambi-level offensive output while being defensively versatile.
I'd rather have Glaus
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
he's 7000 years old
and just recently emerged from a sarcophagus.
by Andrew Martin on Dec 1, 2010 2:54 PM MST up reply actions
Sarcophagus is one of my five favorite words.
On topic, no place for Edmonds here IMO. We can safely find someone in the WIDE middle ground between Edmonds and Willingham.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 2:58 PM MST up reply actions
And by "sarcophagus", you are of course referring to
Jose Contreras’ elementary school
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Well, technically Edmonds wouldn't even appear on that range, despite his left handedness not really being an issue there.
I think the field might be wider than that, though. I’d feel a lot more comfortable with a lot of players less accomplished than Edmonds, but more… alive.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 3:04 PM MST up reply actions
Where are we defining the system to start?
E and W could be a wide gap if we are talking E of Europe and W of Africa.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
If anyone's curious on the progress of the new Spring Training complex
here’s a picture taken earlier today
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
It's hideous
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 2:27 PM MST up reply actions
Don't show me this
It only makes me want baseball season hear more.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
That will make it easier to get a good return for him during his final pre FA year
You know, cost certainty.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Which essentially means nothing
Except if he continues at this rate, we won’t have to risk a $15mil arb award
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 2:30 PM MST up reply actions
I read "long-term"
Is that really just buying out arb years?
I'm GoRockies!! everybody :P
by CentralCaliRox on Dec 1, 2010 2:31 PM MST up reply actions
Oh yes yes yes yes.
I'm GoRockies!! everybody :P
by CentralCaliRox on Dec 1, 2010 2:30 PM MST up reply actions
he's first year arb-eligible after next season, correct?
this isn’t a bad idea at all. I’d still like to have money to, you know, sign an impact bat THIS offseason though
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
This really needs to be priority numero uno right now.
I'm GoRockies!! everybody :P
by CentralCaliRox on Dec 1, 2010 2:34 PM MST up reply actions
nice!
I believe in the future, the reality of the present, the sweet memories of the past, living is more than breathing, spring will came if we wait, patiently, believing, hoping. But the winter is long and we must endure its cold. I believe in the future, the reality of what is to come, the sweet memories that are yet to occur, probably, eventually, someday.
And I believe in hope and anticipation: the idea that we’ll meet again, and counting down the days until we do.
by prettyinpurple on Dec 1, 2010 2:47 PM MST up reply actions
Hey look
Lois of the Ride Home on KOA answered my email yesterday! (But I dunno if she read it on air)
Hey Lois,
Tulo has been my favorite player since his rookie year in 07, and I couldn’t be more excited that he’ll be a Rockies for life.
My favorite moment (and its hard to choose one- from his walkoff against the dodgers in 09, and his walkoff double and amazing month last Sptemeber) came at game in sept 09. In the bottom of the 10th, with the game tied, Tulo flied out. It became obvious he wanted to hit a walkoff homer, and started walking back towards the dugout.
"Hey, Tulo, its okay, next time!" I yelled from my seat.
Tulo glanced briefly towards me, then quickly and deliberately removed his batting helmet at the steps of the dugout, and screamed "AUUGHHHHH!!!!!"
"Wow, did we just see that?" I asked my brother. It was so close, and so surreal that he had just shown his emotions so strongly.
So then I began to think.
Tulo is definitely a competitive person and player.
Tulo loves the game of baseball with a passion, without a doubt.
Suddenly his desire to win and his deep passion and competitiveness became the qualities a admire most about him.
About the music: Tulo should ask Spilly to choose it for him, since Spilly always does a good job, and Tulo does not. : )
What a great story!
He’s awesome, and this is such wonderful news.
Go Rockies!!!!
Lois
I believe in the future, the reality of the present, the sweet memories of the past, living is more than breathing, spring will came if we wait, patiently, believing, hoping. But the winter is long and we must endure its cold. I believe in the future, the reality of what is to come, the sweet memories that are yet to occur, probably, eventually, someday.
And I believe in hope and anticipation: the idea that we’ll meet again, and counting down the days until we do.
Did anyone hear Tulo's interview on the radio with Vic and Gary this morning?
He said that he only wants players here who are comitted to win and will work hard. If anyone stops trying and working hard he wants them off the team.
I have been thinking about who he could have meant. Probably Atkins, maybe Hawpe?
He also talked about Holliday and how he didn’t want to repeat that situation and feels that Holliday made a big mistake leaving. Pretty good interview, I don’t know if 87.7 has podcasts of their stuff online.
Hawpe has the reputation of an incredibly hard worker.
In fact, much like Tulo, he’d often say the same thing, and kick especially the younger outfielders into gear when they needed it.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 2:59 PM MST up reply actions
Thats what I have heard too on Hawpes worth ethic too
I was just trying to think of who has left the team recently.
BTW: 87.7 does do podcasts. I just looked it up. here is the interview if anyone wants to hear it.
So I was trying to listen to 87.7 but my radio only went to 87.9, wouldn't let me go any lower
WTF
/signed confused and pissed.
"Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams."
Inside the Rockies just posted a preliminary ST schedule
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
30 of 34 planned games scheduled.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 3:07 PM MST up reply actions
Once again, we end the year against our designated Cactus League rival, the Seattle Mariners.
No fancy location this time, though.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 3:08 PM MST up reply actions
I believe we play the Tulsa Drillers in their new stadium on March 30?
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
Yep
That will be awesome for Tulsa residents to see their former Driller and Rockie4Life
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 3:12 PM MST up reply actions
if it wasn't on a Wednesday night, I would consider making the trip
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
I would only have to take off a Thursday....hmmm
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
We could just make that part of the Arizona trip, no?
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 3:35 PM MST up reply actions
Oklahoma?
/shudder
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
Ooooooooooooohhhk-la-homa
Where the wind goes sweeping……
Oklahoma is OK!
(never been but I here it’s nice)
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
you heard wrong. It's hell.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
I just wanted a reason to sing "OOOOOHHHHK-LA-HOMA"!
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
nice during March maybe
Tulsa during the summer is miserable from what I’ve heard.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
Looks like they didn't inclue exhibition games on the list.
I also noticed we have more evening games than usual.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 3:13 PM MST up reply actions
We have at least one every season, the game before the final game.
Having more than one is what’s new.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 3:28 PM MST up reply actions
And naturally, this year, that game is one of the ones that is NOT an evening game.
Probably because we’re staying in the Phoenix area.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 3:31 PM MST up reply actions
The Seattle games have been moved to Albuquerque.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 4:53 PM MST up reply actions
Consistently going to New Mexico every year is a good way to build a new fan base.
Despite the connection of the Isotopes to the Dodgers. (My Albuquerque friends cheer for LA.)
"Are they called the Rockies because they rock?" - 7 y.o.
As are my in-laws
My brother-in-law even had a summer job with the Dukes when he was a kid. Other parts of New Mexico are probably fertile ground for Rockies fans, but Albuquerque’s going to be tricky. Unfortunately, it’s not like can play anywhere else in the state on the exhibition schedule.
Also, they need to get a foot in the door on TV deals – FSAZ is the default here.
It might actually help a little to try to push for a re-alignment and get the Sky Sox and Isotopes in the same division to develop a rivalry. Three games a year ain’t going to keep the brand of the Rockies franchise in the forefront of NM baseball fans’ attention. Not that such a move would be likely or feasible.
Regarding playoff expansion
an extra wild card slot would only help the Yankees and Red Sox gain one extra playoff berth apiece since 1995.
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
I'll have to read it later, but here's my quick thought...
While the extra slot may have helped those teams only twice total, that does not = the intent of those behind the idea.
So let's just win 12 more games next year, mmmkay?
Will the Gints complain about the non-humidor balls in Citizens Bank Ballpark when they lose there, too?
Noone at Yahoo likes the Rockies
• The 1998 tiebreaker between the Chicago Cubs and Giants would have been unnecessary because both teams would’ve received berths. Same goes for the 2007 tiebreaker between the San Diego Padres and the Giants. No need to slide face-first, Matt Holliday(notes)!
Slap in the face.
he was soooo good for San Fran that season
I hear he led them to the World Series
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
WOW. Tony Gwynn Jr is a non-tender for the Padres along with Scott Hairston....
The Padres have agreed to terms with Chris Denorfia on a one-year deal worth $800K, but two of San Diego’s other outfielders may find themselves on the open market before long. MLB.com’s Corey Brock hears that the Padres will non-tender Tony Gwynn Jr. and Scott Hairston (Twitter links).
Both Gwynn and Hairston showed up on Tim Dierkes’ revised list of non-tender candidates after they were identified as such earlier in the year. Check out our new non-tender tracker here.
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
No surprises there.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 4:58 PM MST up reply actions
I'm surprised at Baby Gwynn....I mean its Baby Gwynn!
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
Of course they do have Cameron Maybin now....sooo
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
His performance last year really doesn't indicate he's worth an arbitrated salary...
It’s looked pretty likely he’d be non-tendered for a few months now.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 5:01 PM MST up reply actions
SIGN SCOTT HAIRSTON
that way he can’t destroy us
Who knew that Muzia’s love is like a rock tied to your feet, dragging you to the bottom of the ocean?
Still hates Tulo, but is quickly losing momentum.
Loves (and misses) Galiardi.
SB Nation Denver
Scott
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 1, 2010 5:03 PM MST up reply actions
Scott
and we hated Brian Giles more than Marcus….(as did Brian’s wife)
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
Jerry IS kind of a douche.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
Yeah, but he didn't destroy us on the field like Scott did
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
I can hate someone for being a douche.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
You can
it would be hypocritical of you, but you can…
We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!
Bazinga!!
SD Cat 09 is still awesome
No actually.
I would rather have a monopoly on the douchebaggary.
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
I understand exactly what you mean :)
(where do you stand on the Tulo matter?)
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
Tulo's my homeboy
BRAH!
/pops collar on jean jacket
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
^4....so you must have been pretty ecstatic upon hearing the news....
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
Means I'm not losing my wingman anytime soon
Cooler than a polar bear's toenails...
Metrosexual: It's like being gay, but not being into guys.
As I wasn't around much yesterday
I like the new purple row patch
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
Thank you Troy
This move has made the Rockies the talk of the town in Denver. We are now a team with the fan base and ownership that will support spending big money for the players who deserve it. With the Broncos sucking and the possibility of a lock out next year in the NFL dare I say we are in Rockies Country now. Here’s to the chances of the great American past time becoming the #1 sport again.
*fact
Rockies overall attendance for 2010 was rated 9th in MLB.
Watch that number look even better in the years to come when ownership makes signings such as this that show how much they want to win.
The best month of the year, ROCKTOBER!
by Shangri-La Dragon on Dec 1, 2010 5:40 PM MST reply actions
Renck via Twitter
Hearing that Rockies are getting close on lance berkman. Berkman told me that he would like to play for rockies during alcs
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
I'd forgotten about him somehow
Thanks for the update.
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
2 aged first baseman with back problems
Please just don’t flare up at the same time mmkay?
And no, Lance, you can’t have #17.
Is it 2011 yet?
by The Lodo Magic Man on Dec 1, 2010 5:48 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
The concern about a Berkman signing for me is the fact that he isn't going to want to platoon.
Meaning when he’s not at 1B, he’ll be in the outfield.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 5:50 PM MST up reply actions
Renck Update:
Ok update on berkman. Rox making aggressive push but berkman has a lot of options working in rox favor is fact berkman likes team a lot
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 6:00 PM MST up reply actions
I put a FanShot up about this
since I don’t know if anyone was going to do a front page story on it.
"No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great—Duty First" - 1st Infantry Division Motto
SB Nation Denver - The regional hub for Denver sports!
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
Diplomatic and Military History Book Review - My other blog where I go all historical on you.
Looks loike Andrew just got one up.
PROJECT LIBRA: Depth / Transactions
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 1, 2010 6:11 PM MST up reply actions
I found this to be quite humorous...
from Lookout Landing
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
Eschew Obfuscation!
Nice find
thanks
With those who don't give a damn about baseball, I can only sympathize. I do not resent them. I am even willing to concede that many of them are physically clean, good to their mothers and in favor of world peace. But while the game is on, I can't think of anything to say to them. ~Art Hill
JFK
The first pic is making me giggle, especially after reading this comment:
There is no doubt in my mind that Tulo screams like that every time he rides an escalator.
Tulo should have had a jetpack written into his contract.
"Are they called the Rockies because they rock?" - 7 y.o.
Oh man...that is quite possibly one of the funniest things I've seen all year..
My side hurts from laughing…seriously..
Thank you, Jeff…
Optimism Warrior
2011 Colorado Zombies--Will rise from beneath homeplate with the shards of a broken season in Tulo's hand!
Brad Hawpe - Thanks Brad, you were a class act.
QPU #4, YHEG #4, Proud Member PR Gynocracy
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