Thursday Rockpile: Changes at the firm, Carlos Gonzalez hurt

I think he continues to get underrated by some communities for coming in initially out of Latin America at a bargain, for being a Rockies player (as we don’t have the minor league hype machines other orgs do) and who knows for what else, but nothing in his statistical history or his stuff suggests that he’s not a top of the rotation pitcher in his prime. Maybe not an ace, but even that possibility hasn’t been completely eliminated.

At any rate, he’s definitely a solid #2 at maturity, and he’s been maturing fast.

Nelson’s ceiling is still as Brandon Phillips, you know the kind of middle infielder that’s been the lone bright spot for years for a non-contender that now finds itself in first place. Whereas his likely destiny’s probably lower, I think if the Rockies or another team give him a extended shot he’s still a first division second baseman.

I now think you’re not underestimating him by a small amount, but a huge one.

at least by people I trust who know what they’re looking for. I’m still wanting more word in that direction on Weathers, but I’m in agreement with moomacher that Brothers will be competing for a spot in the pen in 2011, probably as soon as next Spring.

will improve next season, or at the very worst remain flat to 2011, simply because it’s already at a replacement break point where the Rockies would either get more production from Helton or find somebody who would take a lot of AB’s at that spot and do it cheaply.

The Olivo/Iannetta tandem should decline, but having two catchers has been a great hedge for the Rockies since 2006. I don’t see it being that big a regression. The decision to be made at second base does worry me.

And really, his contract is so much less next year, that it won’t be an impediment to JDLR. JDLR’s contract demands will likely be the sole impediment to JDLR.

However, simply using your model to discuss hypotheticals, I’d think this is close to what I would build using solely organizational tools with the exception of one of Miller or Garner, who both may be gone this season. The departure of Hawpe opens up an extra roster spot; a lot of people have been forgetting that we had one left over from Wes Hodges being reclaimed, that’s the one Matt Reynolds fills, and if Matt Daley isn’t going to return this season, it could be used to capture one of Miller or Garner before they go the MiLB FA route, but I’m not necessarily counting on it.

On Rowbot Radio this week, Andrew made an interesting point about Nelson/Young/Herrera. I had been expressing my thought that (assuming Barmes is non-tendered) I would like to see Nelson at 2B, Herrera at UT (he has the leg up as he is now out of options), and I had said that that likely means EY2 is headed back to AAA next season.

Andrew thinks that we can have Nelson, Herrera, AND EY2 on the roster, with EY2 serving as a diverse bench guy who can serve as 2B insurance, pinch runner and (even though we don’t like EY2 in LF) as pseudo 5th OF with Spilly taking the 4th spot, meaning our 2011 & possibly 2012 roster could be a bench of McKenry (or other C)/Herrera/Young/Spilborghs/Corner IF. Since I thought of EY2 as a 2B, I felt that he should be optioned next year if he doesn’t win the starting job over Nelson (again, all this under the assumption that Barmes is non-tendered, if he isn’t it’s all moot), but Andrew’s point was that that doesn’t make it necessary.

I think that clog of young players makes it even more difficult to get Gomez in there. That’s not to say that in 2012, they realize Gomez is a bigger priority than the others and, say, ditch Herrera in his favor. But if EY2 or Nelson has established themselves at 2B, then Gomez would likely have to platoon or do utility.

Your angle about 3B, however, interests me. I hadn’t thought about that at all. I’m hoping Stewart’s slow but steady improvement implies he’s sticking around that long, but of course I can’t say for certain. I’ll think on it.

Are we exclusive now? Are you only using C77 avatars from now on?

False

It is entirely possible that Hawpe was trying to gut it out (possibly over fear of losing his job, who knows).

This is normally something you expect to see from LOLMETS.

Except Atkins showed up in lousy shape in 2009.

Atkins sold us a bill of goods after Holliday left. Hawpe’s never been anything but a hardworking professional. That’s why the situations could have been similar, but weren’t.

and to enter a season where you fully expect to win with all youngsters in the outfield and no alternative plan is downright irresponsible