Wednesday Rockpile: Why Starting Ian Stewart at 3B in 2012 is a Good Idea
by Jeff Aberle on Oct 19, 2011 6:30 AM MDT
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PrintStop me if you've heard this story before: Ian Stewart has million dollar talent but a ten cent head. At the very least, Stewart's attitude and motivation have been assailed from all sides. His plate approach is elementary, he isn't interested in improving his swing, he hasn't slopped enough hogs, whatever. We've heard all of these things and more about Ian Stewart. He had one of the worst years we've ever seen (.156/.243/.221) from a supposed Major League regular. And yet...he's still the best option for Colorado in 2012 at 3rd base.
There are a number of reasons why this is so. Let's walk through them briefly:
1. The free agent market is Aramis Ramirez and...Greg Dobbs? Wilson Betemit? Nick Punto? Really?
As this Fangraphs article elaborates, Ramirez is the only impact 3B on the market, and he'll be too expensive and too old for Colorado's tastes. Dipping into the bargain bin at 3B these days is the kind of thing that leads to you waking up and reading in the newspaper that you just signed Ty Wigginton for two years and $8 million.
And a related reason...
2. Do we really want to pay 2-3 top prospects for the privilege of paying David Wright $15 million next year?
While Wright is a great player who will almost certainly provide above average value at the position next year, do you really believe that having him on the team will be the difference between the playoffs and another cold bleak winter? It's my firm belief that the core of the starting offense is sufficient to contend for the postseason as is, so adding Wright would add to a strength...but the prospects used to acquire Wright would probably need to include at least one of our top pitching prospects -- and major league starting pitching is the Rockies' big weakness, make no doubt about that. That's filling a small hole with the dirt that should be filling the much larger hole.
Basically...
3. Shouldn't we be spending our cash on pitching anyways?
My position is that Colorado is better off spending what payroll flexibility it has this off-season shoring up what is looking like a disastrous pitching staff for 2012. I know that Alex White was still somewhat injured during his late season call-up with Colorado, but do we really want that guy as our 3 or 4 starter next spring? Drew Pomeranz looked better than White, but he is hardly someone I feel comfortable labeling as anything but a back of the rotation starter in 2012. Will they be something more than that down the road? I really hope so...but to expect MLB-caliber performances from both of them in 2012 is unrealistic. Time to see if Tampa Bay will have an extra pitcher to trade.
Besides...
4. Stewart can't be as bad as he was in 2011, can he?
For as talented as he is, paying Stewart $2.5 million or so in 2012 is actually a pretty good bet that he will at the least be a 1 WAR player next season. He'll be (knock on wood) healthy, he's flashed MLB-caliber power and, call me crazy, but I feel like 2011 will act as a wake-up call to Ian. I'm not saying that Stewart will suddenly be a star or even an average player (though I think that both are still distinct possibilities)-- my argument is primarily that he's the incumbent, he's relatively cheap, and that he's not going to be a black hole in 2012. With the rest of the lineup Colorado will be putting out, this will be acceptable. If they want to platoon him with Jordan Pacheco, Chris Nelson, or (ugh) Wigginton, I certainly won't object.
This could be Stewart's final chance as a full-time guy, because...
5. The future is coming, and his name is Nolan Arenado. But he shouldn't be here this year.
Look, I'm a huge Nolan Arenado fan. He's the top hitting prospect in the system by far, he tore up High A ball at age 20, and he's turned into a wrecking ball at the Arizona Fall League. In the AFL, he's hitting .422 with 19 RBIs in only 10 games played. He's also inherited Charlie Blackmon's old spot near the top of Carson Cistulli's AFL SCOUT leaderboard -- and that was before his 4-5 game yesterday.
But let's be honest, Arenado probably shouldn't be in the big leagues next year. As I've mentioned above, I don't believe that Colorado will need to rush Arenado to prop up their offense -- let the kid experience the Texas League, and if he continues to rip the cover off the ball, give him some September exposure and the inside track to the 2013 job. Only a very select group of players are ready or talented enough for MLB by their 21st birthday -- and while I believe that he's a great talent with excellent make-up, Arenado needs another year of full-time minor league seasoning. In any case, it should be a summer decision rather than a spring battle.
Please allow me to summarize
Ian Stewart is cheap, he has the potential to break out, the 3B sinkhole isn't as big of a hole as you might think due to the strength of the rest of the lineup, pitching is a bigger need, and Nolan Arenado is coming soon, so if he fails there isn't too much damage done.
Baseball-Reference Nugget of the Week (brought to you by the NBA Lockout)
Innings Pitched per Appearance (Colorado bullpen, min 20 innings thrown, no starts):
7. Matt Reynolds -- 0.69 IP/appearance
6. Rex Brothers -- 0.85 IP/appearance
5. Matt Lindstrom -- 0.86 IP/appearance
4. Rafael Betancourt -- 0.92 IP/appearance
3. Huston Street -- 0.94 IP/appearance
2. Matt Belisle -- 0.97 IP/appearance
1. Edgmer Escalona -- 1.84 IP/appearance
Lesson learned: Every left-handed person secretly thinks that they could be a LOOGY
Other
Apparently there's this thing called a "World Series" starting tonight. You might want to check it out. Here's Grant Brisbee's humorous World Series Power Rankings.
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Part of the reason I have a lot of respect for AP
"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
Jeff I disagree to this extent.
I think the Rockies offense is insufficient to reach the postseason as is. I believe keeping Stewart is a crutch by management not to improve the team. This improvement does not have to all come from third base. This is why I ‘ve been advocateing quality bats that can play multiple positions. Fill in at third untill Nolan arrives and move to 1b as Todd fades away or LF as Seth gets traded or 2b.
Headley could do the first three postions and is valuble enough to be flipped later. Murphy could do all four but his defense is not as desireable and he is not as flippable. Prado is more flippable than Murphy and probaly hardest to get. Cuddyer will be expensive money wise and cost draft picks that to me is just as bad as trading prospects. Ditto to a lesser extent Willingham.
The argument against trading pitching prospects holds little water to me. Pitching prospects are the currancy of baseball. Of course you don’t denude the franchise of all of your best prospects. You have to balance things. Something I don’t think DOD is that good at. We are not going to get a very good pitcher via FA. Even if we did it would still loseing draft picks which are the backend of the prospect chain. We lose them before we have them or we lose them after we’ve played with them. It’s all the same to me. We will get a Millwood or a Marquis or a Capuano or a Maholm to eat innings. Why; because we are not going to rush a Bettis anymore than an Areando. To compensate for that you need more offense.
"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 completely agree with the first half.
I completely disagree with the second half. O’Dowd has made it obvious that his main focus is stockpiling young arms. We aren’t going to trade a Pomeranz, White, Bettis anytime soon because there is too much of a need here. It’s looking like Coors eats up young arms, and therefore we need to collect as many as possible.
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
So I'd rather package pitching and position prospects for a quality player now than give up multiple draft picks.
I wouldn’t trade all three of them but I mght give up one for a bigger upgrade elsewhere. I’d hoard the draft picks to reload.
"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
Forgive me if I'm missing the point, but a Pomeranz/Arenado type where they are now is worth more than almost any draft pick
Excepting, perhaps, the #1 pick in a deep year. But otherwise the risk of flameout is way too great – it’s there with Pom and Nolan too, of course, but they’re much closer to their goal and therefore much more likely to reach it.
This is not always so.
That’s why our draft failures are more glareing. Somes guys step up to the bigs fast. Others need more developement. Our developement failures worry me which is why you balance your approach to drafting.
"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
Thankfully, we’re almost out of the dark times of those bad drafts. Reinforcements are on the way starting this next summer.
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
We agree on that, but that's not what you were proposing
Your suggestion was that a future draft pick has the same value as a top-end Purp, and it simply doesn’t.
You also know all the flaws of a Purp better too; which makes some purps moot.
"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
Look at the players Colorado has on offense and look at who is available to upgrade those positions.
3B is a wasteland beyond Ramirez, 2B’s best option is Mark Ellis, OF has a couple of promising platoon guys, but how much more value are they going to provide than Seth Smith? Getting bats that can play multiple positions off the bench is what I’ve been arguing the offense needs, but in terms of starters we don’t actually have too many holes. I’m arguing that Stewart can be the “starter” in a platoon situation, with someone like Pacheco playing the light side of the platoon.
The only pitcher I want to trade this offseason is Street, unless we’re getting something of substance beyond 2012 back.
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
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So we need a Murphy or a Zobriest that you will only acquire by trade. That's going to cost at least one pitching prospect.
"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
Zobrist is a All-Star caliber player. Obviously Colorado isn't going to get him.
I’m not convinced that Murphy is actually that much better than what we have as a reserve.
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
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He's the superist of all supersubs. (Zoebrist)
Having watched Murphy , Stewart and Wiggy for a number of years; I can tell you i’d rather watch Murphy than the other two anytime. I am not discounting Pacheco’s bat. He still needs to prove he can play a position. Any position. I could see Murphy and Pacheco platooning at 3b but honestly dread the Murphy outfield Tracy experiment as much as I dread the Wiggy one.
Doesn’t Zobrist eventually get too expensive for Tampa like everyone else?
"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 think they can handle it
4 years/$18M (2010-13), plus 2014-15 club options
signed extension with Tampa Bay 4/22/10, replacing 1 year/$438,100 deal signed 3/3/10
$561,900 signing bonus
10:$0.4381M, 11:$4.5M, 12:$4.5M, 13:$5.5M, 14:$7M club option ($2.5M buyout), 15:$7.5M club option ($0.5M buyout)
2015 option may increase based on finish in 2010-14 MVP vote
assignment bonus: $0.75M before end of 2011 season, $0.5M after 2011 season but before end of 2013 season, $0.25M after 2013 season
Zobrist to donate up to $0.45M to club charity
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
I respectfully disagree with this article.
1) Stewart has had his chances…Im ready to move on
2) I would love to see DOD not overvalue prospects and actually make a move for a proven MLB third baseman (David Wright).
If your telling me that we have to trade Wheeler, Matzek and Freidrich or Bettis for a career .300 hitter with gold glove ability and pop…DO IT!!!!
Looking at the teams that made the playoffs, one thing is evident, the Rockies need better hitters in the infield and better pitching. Making a trade for David Wright will help address one of those issues.
There are no guarantees prospects will ever pan out (see Ian Stewart). Lets trade them for a sure thing (see David Wright).
Forgive me for not believing that David Wright is a sure thing.
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
I am a Met fan , but agree Wright is no sure thing either.
"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
You gotta look at Wright's last 3 seasons
and not that awesome peak he had 4-6 seasons ago. The Wright we all imagine isn’t the Wright we’d be trading for. If they Mets want to make a dumb move, then fine, but I doubt they will…
"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
The "sure thing" you're talking about is only under contract for one year (his team option goes away with a trade)
Is it really worth 18 combined cost controlled years of those 3 prospects? No.
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
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we could offset some of the loss of picks by letting Ellis go
I believe he’s a type B, and as annoying as it may be, keeping Street this year will net us a first round pick next year since he’s a type A
"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
We’d still have to offer arbitration, though. That’s one expensive sandwich pick.
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
And if we offer he could still accept and we get no draft pick
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 9:24 AM MDT up reply actions
you don't think there'd be an alternate market for Ellis?
and we’d get stuck paying 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
he’d be an expensive option if he offers arbitration (he will), which is why I think we’ll try and re-sign him as a FA.
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
I was going to write this, but I was waiting for someone else to, because I didn't want to
Thanks Jeff
"Some guy on the net thinks I suck, and he should know - he's got his own blog." - Nick Hornby
"Lex clavatoris designati rescindenda est"
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 19, 2011 8:25 AM MDT via mobile reply actions
I guess it's just my role to take on the controversial topics
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
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Gunshy after last offseason’s grades?
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
not exactly
But you help illustrate my point. I was never truly bullish about Stewart breaking out. I just noted where he needed to improve and doing so would mean a leap. But that is different than believing it will happen. Writing a pile proclaiming Stewart is the best 3B we have wouldn’t be a lie from me, but it would go a long way in making me look like a Stewart fanboy, which I’m not. It’s spam in the trash. I plan on writing a Stewart review again
"Some guy on the net thinks I suck, and he should know - he's got his own blog." - Nick Hornby
"Lex clavatoris designati rescindenda est"
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 19, 2011 9:24 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Jeff,
What evidence do you have to defend the last part of this statement?
my argument is primarily that he’s the incumbent, he’s relatively cheap, and that he’s not going to be a black hole in 2012.
I actually buy the idea that Stewart is the best option at 3B next season but it has more to do with him being the lesser of the evils than actually having any confidence that he’ll be even close to competant at the plate.
Reasons why I believe Stewart should be the starter at 3B next season…..
1) He’s cheap (only costing us about $2 million)
2) He’s still a reliable glove.
3) He’s not Ty Wigginton
4) He doesn’t damage our chances for 2013 and beyond where as trading propects in exchange for a David Wright/Kevin Youkilis type or signing a free agent to play the positoin would.
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:25 AM MDT reply actions
It would basically be impossible for Stewart to repeat his 2011.
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
With Ian Stewart
Anything is possible, and that’s usually not a good thing.
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:31 AM MDT up reply actions
If you read my post again, maybe you'll see that I'm seeing the situation pretty close to the way you are.
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
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Oh I agree with 90% of what you say
I just don’t expect Stewart to be anything less than a disaster at the plate next season, maybe not quite as bad as 2011, but a black hole nonetheless.
I refuse to believe in Ian Stewart at the plate anymore. I’ve been burned too many times.
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:37 AM MDT up reply actions
And this is not to say that I think there is not chance of Stewart "getting it" and transforing into a good hitter next season
I’m just saying that the no expectations = no disappointments theory works best here.
If I’m the Rockies, I have a little sit down with Ian after the one year contract is worked out and tell him…
“Look, we don’t have any other good options here, and that is the ONLY reason we are giving you one LAST chance to earn your keep at this position. In reality, you’ve already burned your last mulligan. It’s important that you get it through your think head that things are different this time. We have Nolan Arenado rapidly advancing through our minor league system and if you don’t get it together at the plate this season, we will DFA your ass so fast you won’t know what hit you.”
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:56 AM MDT up reply actions
Joe Mikulik is his freaking father-in-law, I think he already knows where he stands within the organization.
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
I still think Vinny is going to have the biggest input as to wheather Stew Stays or goes.
His Hemasillo grading of Stew’s effort and taking instruction are key. Vinny is usally an optomist. After talking to some friends who follow Vinny in the Mexican press; even Vinny is a skeptic.
"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
There's a differnece between knowing and truly understanding
I don’t think it would hurt to hammer home that this is literally his last chance to save his career with this organization, and maybe period. Is there really anything wrong with confirming to him that the opportunity is still there, and that he just needs to take it before the window shuts on him?
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 9:21 AM MDT up reply actions
Are you saying he needs to work harder in the offseason?
Because Jeff says:
I feel like 2011 will act as a wake-up call to Ian.
Wanna guess where he is right now?
Colorado Rockies Players on Twitter
-- odowd apologist --
And he still can't swing a bat until November.
So why shouldn’t he enjoy some downtime?
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I'm not judging him..
but if people think he’s going to change his routine, I think they’re going to be disappointed!
Colorado Rockies Players on Twitter
-- odowd apologist --
But how his being in Maui, whilst his injury heals
be indicative of how hard he’ll work once he’s able to start doing baseball activities again?
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Well if he was working hard right now..
he would be running and doing other non-wrist workouts.
Colorado Rockies Players on Twitter
-- odowd apologist --
which he could very well be doing
just because he happened to be chilling at a pool for that picture, doesn’t mean he’s not working out
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
He could be running
or working out during some of the time he’s not sitting by the pool.
It’s an awfully big assumption that a vacation in Hawaii means Ian has a bad work ethic.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
They don't have tracks and tredmills in hawaii
its a mainland thing that hasn’t spread to the islands yet
looks like we're screwed until arenado, then
someone call sandy alderson
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
Well if you were talking about Kauai...I'd agree
but it’s friggin’ Maui!
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Probably because it's HAWAII.
Who would run inside?
Goodbye 2011, hello uncertainty about 2012...
by The Toddfather's Goatee on Oct 19, 2011 6:27 PM MDT up reply actions
It does rain in Hawaii..quite a lot
makes running outside dangerous!
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
This is true.
Goodbye 2011, hello uncertainty about 2012...
by The Toddfather's Goatee on Oct 19, 2011 6:29 PM MDT up reply actions
not to mention the volcanoes
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
Pesky lava floes are a problem
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Clearly he's not superstitious
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 5:54 PM MDT up reply actions
I agree that Stewart can be maddening to watch sometimes
But I think the mental and emotional shortcomings in his game are overstated at times. Stew can’t hit because his plate coverage absolutely sucks, and because he buries himself in bad counts by giving up on hittable pitches before they even leave the pitcher’s hand. He can run laps, pump his fist, slop hogs, and help little old ladies across the street until he’s blue in the face, and he still won’t succeed as a hitter until those issues are addressed.
by Northsider1964 on Oct 19, 2011 9:17 AM MDT up reply actions
I don’t know if he walks into the batter’s box with a battle plan in mind.
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
I don't know that he walks into the batter's box with a mind.
"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
Take it easy
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by Andrew Martin on Oct 19, 2011 9:52 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Sure he does
Battle plan: Look for a pitch in my happy zone, and pull it into the 3rd deck.
That’s one of the reasons his plate coverage sucks.
I’m not saying the mental aspect of his game doesn’t need improvement, because it certainly does. But I think it’s less about lack of effort or motivation, and more about a hitting approach that is just destined to fail.
by Northsider1964 on Oct 19, 2011 9:27 AM MDT up reply actions
I'mn not asking for discipline
I just want it crystal clear that it’s on him to address these issues at the plate NOW. If not, he’s gone.
That’s all.
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 9:22 AM MDT up reply actions
As I've said before, I can live with the idea of Stewart
being the main man at 3B in 2012, if and only if it’s part of an overall strategy to dramatically improve other areas of the roster. If O’Dowd decides to give Stewart another go because that allows him to significantly bolster the rotation and add some impact bats at positions where it’s easier to find offense, then I can get behind that idea. But if bringing Stewart back is just the first step in rationalizing an all-too-familiar roster that retains most of the useless dead wood that has populated it for the last couple of years, I’ll have a heart attack.
last year
stew was a break out star waiting to happen, will fix all the problems.
now, i guess we are stuck with a crap team, at least stew is cheap.
might as well just:
/2012
If Stewie is hitting .200/.250/.300 in ST I doubt he'll break with the team anyway
But if he regains his form he is SO much better than the other easy solutions.
Spot on
Jeff, I agree with your analysis 100%, at least with respect to Stewart. He should be at 3B again next year as, if nothing else, the least undesirable option. I agree with the theory that it can’t be worse than last year, and even if Wigginton comes back as the platoon/maybe-starter, I think he’s better than his numbers last year would suggest, and I can’t see Wigginton having the same crappy year back-to-back either – some of that RISP stuff was him, but some if it was just bad luck, too. And then there’s Pacheco, who, in my opinion, is a likely-to-be-average-with-potential-to-be-better option waiting in the wings.
I’d love to see the budget/trade assets be used on pitching, instead (as long as it’s not in the form of Carl Pavano). And if that free agent or trade target doesn’t materialize for whatever reason (not willing to pictch at Coors, propsect price too high in trade), then bring in a Cuddyer/Willingham on a slightly overpriced but shorter term deal (see: Wigginton, Ty) and trade Smith for back-end starter or a peice that will start paying dividends next year.
Just a small town kid who thinks Coors Field on a sunny summer Saturday night is the best place to be on this or any other plane of existence. When a late-inning Todd Helton go-ahead homerun is added to this scenario, my brain melts.
"Least undesirable option" is it
It’s starting to look like we have a group of guys who wont quite be ready next year but show real promise for 2013 and 2014. So the goal of 2012 from a baseball perspective is to a) make sure they really do get ready and b) don’t divert too many resources to trying to win in 2012 because it’s basically a development year. Of course, teams can have pleasant surprises (2011 D’backs) and 2012 could miraculously turn into a competitive year, but it would be a mistake to count on it and it would certainly be a mistake to trade the farm to try to win in 2012.
I think a contact/OBP corner outfielder is a more realistic target for this offseason than 3B given all the points Jeff brings up in the article.
"The game of baseball is made up of many little things. If we do all the little things right, then we'll never have a big thing to worry about" -- Cal Ripken, Sr.
Yankee Haters Encouragement Group Member #3
yup
the more arenado does his george brett impression, the less worried about 3B i get.
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
I predict Nolan Arenado will be starting 3B for the Rockies..
around the ASB. I wouldn’t be surprised if him and Bettis were up by then.
Colorado Rockies Players on Twitter
-- odowd apologist --
And the prize for worst article of the day so far goes to…..
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:39 AM MDT reply actions
yep, pretty much
Just a small town kid who thinks Coors Field on a sunny summer Saturday night is the best place to be on this or any other plane of existence. When a late-inning Todd Helton go-ahead homerun is added to this scenario, my brain melts.
No need to get personal...
I’m big enough to agree to disagree.
"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
No but Ithink Jeff is big enough to agree to disagree also
No bad names needed.
"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
The best part (or worst part)
Think about it. If the Rangers-St. Louis Cardinals World Series goes a full seven games, then, weather permitting, it won’t be finished until Oct. 27. That’s not the Fall Classic, it’s the Winter Classic.
Yes, because when I think winter, I think October.
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:59 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think its more ESPN propaganda
There are no New York, Boston, or California teams in the WS this year. Lets write an article that takes a big crap on MLB.
Get well soon Juan.
It also whiffs on the obvious, and that is
that every sport in this country that isn’t named football is now, to some degree, a niche sport. As a lifelong baseball fan, I just accept this fact and move on. I will not wring my hands over World Series TV ratings or market share, because I don’t care. My enjoyment of postseason baseball may fluctuate according to the teams involved, but it doesn’t depend one bit on how many other people are watching.
by Northsider1964 on Oct 19, 2011 9:24 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
I also think that the author makes a mistake comparing WS ratings from last year to 30 years ago. 30 years ago, the WS was the ONLY thing on TV, and weather was turning. So you are either at home watching TV, or you have to find something else to do.
Tonight if I decide not to watch game 1 (and there is a 50/50 shot that I won’t), I’m either watching something on one of the other 200 channels my satellite provides to me, simulating the WS I wanted on my PlayStation, or something else.
Get well soon Juan.
hmm....I must have skipped breakfast
Because I don’t think the article is the most awful ever. The long season and lack of interest are both very real, measurable issues. He goes overboard on the solutions, and some of his valid solutions aren’t good ones, but not totally awful.
"Some guy on the net thinks I suck, and he should know - he's got his own blog." - Nick Hornby
"Lex clavatoris designati rescindenda est"
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 19, 2011 9:41 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
The "lack of interest" bit is very relative
World Series ratings do their best when it goes to a 6th or 7th game. Unfortunately, we are just in a rut where the World Series has gone 4 or 5 games in 6 of the last 7 years. The one time it did get to a 6th game in 2009, the game’s ratings were huge. Anyone who compares TV ratings of today to 30 years ago is really missing the boat because as Thnikkaman said, there are so many more options for folks to choose from now.
And people can keep complaining about the season being too long but last I checked people are still showing up to the ballparks in droves right through game 162. This year saw over 73 million people walk through the gates of a ballpark, an increase from last year despite ticket prices being as high as ever, a poor economy, no new stadiums opening, and the three biggest NL markets (New York (Mets), LA (Dodgers), and Chicago (Cubs)), all having teams in complete messes. – Just imagine what will happen to those numbers once these teams recover.
MLB popularity now transcends the World Series itself too. People are focusing on other baseball issues.
Let me give Mr. Wojciechowski an example of how baseball is doing. On Sunday, the Patriots hosted the Cowboys in what turned out to be a thrilling game. That’s about as juicy as it gets right? Two of the NFL’s most decorated franchises clashing head to head in a game that ends with arguably the game’s biggest star, Tom Brady leading his team down the field in final two minutes for a game winning touchdown. Now you would think that this would be the #1 story the follow day right? I mean, the Patriots have won more NFL games, and more superbowls than any team in the league the last decade. Yet on EVERY local New England sports show (radio and televison), at least 90% of the focus was on the Red Sox and the John Henry interview from last week. It’s what opened the shows, it’s what closed the shows, and it’s what dominated the middle of the shows. Not too bad going up against the best game the NFL had to off on Sunday in the market that’s seen more NFL success than any other in the last ten years.
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 10:52 AM MDT up reply actions
I am wholly against less baseball.
Is it 2012 yet?
by DAWNMARIE01 on Oct 19, 2011 10:39 AM MDT up reply actions
Problems:
1. I don’t want a halftime show-like concert before the game. In my mind these things detract from the super bowl, not add to them.
2. Talk about speeding up the game by limiting pitchers but then slowing it down by expanding replay is counter-intuitive.
3. The slow deliberate pace is of playoff games is what makes the tension at times almost unbearable. I don’t like the idea of making changes for the general populace that make those of us who appreciate baseball for what it is lose out on something special.
Filling up your senses like a night in the forest since 1992.
by frightened inmate #2 on Oct 19, 2011 11:56 AM MDT up reply actions
Next thing you know, he'll be calling for cheerleaders too.
Is it 2012 yet?
by DAWNMARIE01 on Oct 19, 2011 12:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Miami Marlins already have them
"There have been only two geniuses in the world. Willie Mays and Willie Shakespeare." ~Tallulah Bankhead
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too." ~Greg, age 8
JFK
that guy's a pretty good comedy writer.
oh, you mean that’s not a joke piece?
/faints
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
Maybe I'm just being foolishly optimistic
but I’m putting a lot more stock than most into this:
but I feel like 2011 will act as a wake-up call to Ian
It’s not toooo uncommon for players with talent to have a horrible season and then start to tweak their approach. Alex Gordon is the most recent example, but Stewart had progressed enough in the past to not really warrant any panic. He was okay, then got a bit better in some facets and his overall stat line, while disappointing was encouraging enough, if he still has all of the tools, then now would be the best time for him (and for us) to reexamine everything.
"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
Here's my problem with Stewart being the "starting" 3rd baseman:
Jim Tracy is still here. So unless Stewart has a hot start in the spring and hits close to .350 in April, he’s going to be riding the bench a lot. By now we know that is how Tracy operates. Wigginton will have a 3 hit game somewhere and that’s going to buy him a month of starts. I would be more on board with Stewart as starter without Jim Tracy around but if Tracy is still going to spin his wheel-o-lineup every night and only start Stewart periodically, we know Ian does not respond well to that.
Filling up your senses like a night in the forest since 1992.
by frightened inmate #2 on Oct 19, 2011 11:18 AM MDT up reply actions 2 recs
I actually can see the plan going in to let Stewart hang or save himself over the course of the first month or two.
And there’s no guarantee Wiggy will actually still be around. If Stewart fails, I think it’s going to be on him, not because Tracy had a too quick of hook.
sigh
Jim Tracy :: The Rockies as John McClane :: Hans Gruber
"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
Yippee Ki Ay, Mr. Falcon.
Filling up your senses like a night in the forest since 1992.
by frightened inmate #2 on Oct 19, 2011 11:31 AM MDT up reply actions
Also, I don’t think you’re supposed to root for Hans Gruber.
Filling up your senses like a night in the forest since 1992.
by frightened inmate #2 on Oct 19, 2011 11:35 AM MDT up reply actions
you're just another American cowboy
"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
ah TV censorship
"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
Stewarts first 0-3 game he's going be riding the pine.
Our manager doesn’t get it.
"Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate"
/it is a new beginning, right?
by The Lodo Magic Man on Oct 19, 2011 12:02 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
People keep saying this, but in the case of Stewart it simply isn't true
I did a whole write-up on this in a Rockpile recently. Go look at the BR game logs. When Stewart was with the team he got at least 1 AB in nearly every game and started most. Simply put: when he was with the team he was playing.
There’s enough wrong with Stewart and Tracy that we don’t have to go making stuff up :-)
"The game of baseball is made up of many little things. If we do all the little things right, then we'll never have a big thing to worry about" -- Cal Ripken, Sr.
Yankee Haters Encouragement Group Member #3
84% of ESPN's experts think
Texas will win the World Series
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 11:45 AM MDT reply actions
100% of ESPN's experts thought the Red Sox would win the AL East
Jason Giambi for player-manager in 2012!
How the world will end in 2012: George of the Roses builds a Machine that Pommels everyone with La Violencia during Whiteouts.
by free7694 on Oct 19, 2011 12:15 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
One of the ESPN "experts" actually picked the Rockies in the WS.
Colorado Rockies Players on Twitter
-- odowd apologist --
/2011
Goodbye 2011, hello uncertainty about 2012...
by The Toddfather's Goatee on Oct 19, 2011 6:27 PM MDT up reply actions
i love the rationales of the cardinals voters:
The Cards have a lineup that is suited to crush all the Rangers’ left-handers, and they have a much better tactician in their dugout.
Chris Carpenter and Yadier Molina will be the two big keys in the series. Molina shuts down the running game.
The most surprising World Series team can’t stop one step short.
Home-field advantage, two or three Chris Carpenter starts, Tony La Russa and bullpen, Albert Pujols, and, well, destiny?
since when is having tony “blow up your video bullpen” la russa that much of an advantage?
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
Bahahha! Nice thanks for providing that!
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
A well reasoned article, but....
I have to take exception to this part
the 3B sinkhole isn’t as big of a hole as you might think due to the strength of the rest of the lineup
Really? Seems to me we have nothing much happening at 2B, real questions marks in RF, a 39 year old 1B with a history of back problems, and a catcher best suited to the 8 hole.
Seems to me we desperately need some big time production from 3B. If Stewart still has that in him, cool. If not, I can’t wait around for a prospect who may or may not pan out.
We had 6 league average or better starters last year (and Ellis was on pace to be 7) by fWAR...
which is as many as any NL playoff team. Colorado’s “A” offense is at the least league average — it’s their terrible bench (and questionable management) that drags down the production.
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
Eschew Obfuscation!
When you play half your games at Coors....
it would be shameful not to be at least “league average”. Let’s be honest with ourselves, we have two bankable offensive producers going into next year: Tulo and Cargo. We can be hopeful about Dex, Helton and Iannetta, but there are no guarantees there.. And After that, it’s a crapshoot.
Having watched this postseason, I’m reminded once again of how solid 1-8 championship caliber teams typically are. The Rox aren’t there yet.
fWAR includes park effects
So the fact the Rockies play at Coors is irrelevant. Discounting the offense for Coors yields a pretty average offense, when the SSS experiments and horrid cameos are removed
"Some guy on the net thinks I suck, and he should know - he's got his own blog." - Nick Hornby
"Lex clavatoris designati rescindenda est"
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 19, 2011 10:46 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Go Rangers!
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
go baseball!
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
that too!
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
hoping for a 7 game series just to get as much baseball as we can
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
Go Cardinals!
Dad and Grandpa’s team before the Rockies, makes them number 3 on my list — Rockies, then Phillies (my first team)
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
Eschew Obfuscation!
Whoaaa.. the Phillies?
/thud
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Hey, I'm from 30 minutes outside Philly. I've been pretty transparent about the fact that their my 2nd team.
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
Eschew Obfuscation!
I never knew.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
*they're. wow, I must be tired.
Got to write this PuRPs list update then go to bed…work at 6 AM tomorrow. Blargh.
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
Eschew Obfuscation!
aberle likes the phillies?
it all makes so much sense now!
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
Next year do me a favor and guarantee those teams win their divisions
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 6:28 PM MDT up reply actions
Oh snap
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I'm still bitter if you didn't notice
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 6:35 PM MDT up reply actions
nope couldn't tell at all
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I assume this has been discussed elsewhere, but in case....
Say hello to the Grand Junction Rockies.
Good for the folks out there — lots of Rox fans who don’t get to see live baseball all that often. Was hoping the franchise would end up in Northern Colorado, tho…..
There is a fanpost on the front page about it
"There have been only two geniuses in the world. Willie Mays and Willie Shakespeare." ~Tallulah Bankhead
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too." ~Greg, age 8
JFK
OT: "Tower Heist' looks like it might be funny
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
It also looks like it might be unbelievably awful.
Jason Giambi for player-manager in 2012!
How the world will end in 2012: George of the Roses builds a Machine that Pommels everyone with La Violencia during Whiteouts.
woo hoo tie game now!
zz
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I really liked that Chevy commercial
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 7:34 PM MDT reply actions
Pretty darn good game so far
Not as muc offense as I thought. Good pitching by Carpenter and Wilson + cold weather.
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 7:35 PM MDT reply actions
Very low-scoring, to my surprise.
OT: Wow. This has been one of the worst weeks ever. 4 midterms in the span of 24 hours, all of them for pretty hard subjects. Just one more midterm left (lab). I’ve pulled all nighters 2 of the last 3 nights!
@CentralCaliRox
Hang in there man!
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
It's though
You just gotta push through it man. At least it’s almost over.
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:12 PM MDT up reply actions
thanks guys!
I feel much better now of course. It was the 3 midterms in ~12 hours that really got me.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 19, 2011 8:15 PM MDT up reply actions
I remember those days. Quarter systems are brutal
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Holy cow, that's crazy.
Mine are all spread out.
Woo, Chem tomorrow and I…yeah…. >_<
I thought 2011 sucked pretty bad. I have nothing to add to that.
by prettyinpurple on Oct 19, 2011 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions
you'll get there
maybe not to that extent but it will be close
"There have been only two geniuses in the world. Willie Mays and Willie Shakespeare." ~Tallulah Bankhead
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too." ~Greg, age 8
JFK
Wonderful call by Joe Buck
That is into right, Cruz wiiiilllllll…..MAKE THE CATCH!!!!
/ball is lying on the ground and Cruz never had it
And now it’s dropped
Ugh
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:10 PM MDT reply actions
I swear I don't know why Joe Buck is allowed to call baseball
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
He has a dreamy voice
Or something like that
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:15 PM MDT up reply actions
If by dreamy you mean puts me to sleep, then I agree!
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I'm just passing along what I've heard from the Fox execs
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:18 PM MDT up reply actions
lol!
I thought he caught it for a second too.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 19, 2011 8:14 PM MDT up reply actions
It was very Sethian
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
It so was
That feet first slide that always manages to come up just short of the ball
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:19 PM MDT up reply actions
While Dex's kryptonite is diving for line drives hit in front of him
Seth Smith’s is just diving.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 19, 2011 8:21 PM MDT up reply actions
Seth mostly slides though
Dex and Cargo dive more.
I prefer the dive to the slide when if comes to having the best chance to make the catch
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:22 PM MDT up reply actions
Cruuuuzzzz!
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
OT: I'm debating with myself about if I want to fight in a Tae Kwon Do
Tournament on Saturday. Not sure what to do.
It's Jim Tracy's Fault.
Will you be destroyed?
If so, then I say………….
no don’t do it.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I don't think I will be destroyed
but its been a good 3 or 4 years since I fought in one.
It's Jim Tracy's Fault.
Hmmm...well if you are hesitating now, then I'd say bow out.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
OT: Yummm
Double Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
That looked high and outside to me
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Why no Yorvit?
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I think Washington is making a mistake
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Well, Napoli already went deep
Jason Giambi for player-manager in 2012!
How the world will end in 2012: George of the Roses builds a Machine that Pommels everyone with La Violencia during Whiteouts.
I don't understand.
I was referring to him using German instead of Yorvit
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I agree.
A guy that hasn’t hit in a month? Smart one there.
Nice singing.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 19, 2011 8:31 PM MDT up reply actions
It's almost Tracyworthy :P
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
definitely Tracy-esque
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 19, 2011 8:33 PM MDT up reply actions
Mike Gonzalez..
Former Braves closer right? Wasn’t he really good for a while in Atlanta
@CentralCaliRox
Yes
But he’s lost a little
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:37 PM MDT up reply actions
And really bad for a while in Baltimore
Jason Giambi for player-manager in 2012!
How the world will end in 2012: George of the Roses builds a Machine that Pommels everyone with La Violencia during Whiteouts.
pretty uch a loogy now
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
Renck wonders what Washington was doing in that AB too.
TroyRenck Troy Renck, Rockies
I would have much rather seen Torrealba hit in that spot. Why carry 3 catchers if don’t use one as pinch-hitter?
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
HURLEY!! Oh I'm gonna check out "Alcatraz"
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I like how the Card bullpen which was a mess for most of the season just became lights out the last few weeks
I was pretty disgusted after the Rockies season, but the rapid demise of the I-95 teams have helped with that.
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 19, 2011 8:53 PM MDT reply actions
Is it me or is this game as boring as watching paint dry?
Both these guys are burning up their pens in the 1st game. Is JT managing via some type of technology into both dugouts?
Thank you Cookie for many years of service. Hope all goes well with you in your continued career.
Self taught and falling in love with this game is very easy to do, you can never hate it, and that is something that not one person can take away from anybody. The love of baseball and OUR COLORADO ROCKIES.
Oh wow. That was a foul ball. Unbelievable.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I just came to tell you both good luck, we're all counting on you.
The writer formerly known as Jabberwocky
READ and LEARN about the business of baseball at Purple Row Academy
Eschew Obfuscation!
Come on Cruz!!!
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
bleh
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Did anyone read the story that Jason Motte can't see where he throws the ball?
Thank you Cookie for many years of service. Hope all goes well with you in your continued career.
Self taught and falling in love with this game is very easy to do, you can never hate it, and that is something that not one person can take away from anybody. The love of baseball and OUR COLORADO ROCKIES.
Can't believe the ump missed the foul ball off Beltre's foot.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
I can
Because of Chase Utley in the 2009 NLDS
Jason Giambi for player-manager in 2012!
How the world will end in 2012: George of the Roses builds a Machine that Pommels everyone with La Violencia during Whiteouts.
Yeah you'd think they would have learned to get a second opinion
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
There's no replay in baseball unless it deals with a homerun.
MLB needs to change this crap NOW
Thank you Cookie for many years of service. Hope all goes well with you in your continued career.
Self taught and falling in love with this game is very easy to do, you can never hate it, and that is something that not one person can take away from anybody. The love of baseball and OUR COLORADO ROCKIES.
I don't mean replay. I meant the umpire
asking another umpire like at 3rd base to verify or not.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Or 1st base. Or you know any of the other 3 on field
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Honestly, I don't think any of them would have overturned it
Clearly he was hit based on his reaction, but it was almost impossible to see, even with replay.
So instead of assuming that the player was actually hit,
they assume he was faking it thus the ball was fair?
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
After Jeter's acting job last year
I don’t see the umps relying on player reactions to influence their calls.
Well, then the only answer is replay.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
like my ipod's stuck on....
the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox
be happy, because 2012 is coming.
Here's a good rule of thumb
If you are managing in the World Series and you are in the bottom of the 6th with 2 on, 1 out, and down by 1, and your pinch hitters are Craig Gentry and Esteban German, you can be fairly certain that you have made some bad decisions.
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