Sunday Rockpile: The Matsuis playoff HR off Kyle Lohse club just added two new members
by Rox Girl on Oct 2, 2011 7:57 AM MDT
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PrintThe last time Kyle Lohse pitched on a playoff stage, he gave up a crucial grand slam to Kaz Matsui in a 10-5 loss to the Rockies on October 4, 2007. His appearance for the Cardinals yesterday in the same park against Philadelphia didn't go any better, as the Phillies hit two HR's off Lohse and clobbered St. Louis, 11-6. The other time Lohse gave up a dinger in the playoffs was with the Twins in 2003 to the Yankees Hideki Matsui. In other games yesterday, both of the 1998 expansion teams that happen to have prouder histories (division titles, as many pennants, plus a World Series win for the D-backs) than the Rockies lost, and the Yankees won as Robinson Cano hit a grand slam off of former Rockeis farmhand Al Alburquerque.
Edgmer Escalona will be pitching for Los Leones del Caracas in Venezuela this winter after the Rockies reached an agreement with the Venezuelan Winter League club on restrictions to Escalona's workload.
Jim Armstrong hammers home the point that the Rockies are prioritizing pitching upgrades over offense this offseason, which I've argued that the priorities should be the reversed, as the Rockies are coming off a franchise record low water-mark in runs scored (not including the shortened 1994 strike season) and there's no help for that situation on the horizon, unless somebody really believes that Jordan Pacheco can make an immediate impact at third base or that Ian Stewart's career to date has been a fluke.
That said, I do recognize that there's a pitching need as well. The list of pitching possibilities Armstrong brings up this time, outside of Carl Pavano ---who would not constitute the upgrade the team seeks and who we've already gone over ad nauseam--- does look better this time around. Trading for either Ricky Nolasco or for Wade Davis could prove to be fairly significant additions. I believe Wandy Rodriguez would be too, but his salary leaves a much smaller margin for error than the other two.
To "prove" Armstrong's point, the Post goes on to use a chart showing Rockies starting pitcher losses since 2007. Yeah, so if we were going to go that direction, than it's pretty easy to point out that getting Pavano, who had 13 losses himself in 2011, and who is currently 21st among active MLB pitchers in losses, will do nothing to change that category for the Rockies in 2012, especially if he's going to be pitching without run support (Nolasco had 12 L's, Rodriguez 11 and Davis 10.) Of course, we cant' actually go that direction on Purple Row since we know pitcher losses are a meaningless stat. I'm guessing the Post knows it too, they just couldn't find anything better to prove their point.
Instead, I'm just going to point out the amount of runs the Rockies scored since that time, note that the two years the team went to the playoffs, the combination starts with a different digit than the other three times.
- 2007: 860
- 2008: 747
- 2009: 804
- 2010: 770
- 2011: 735
The past season has been bolded, because, no big deal, but it was record breaking as the worst ever in that category for the franchise. Not that fixing that should be a priority or anything.
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Wow Rox Girl - I thought I was the only one!
While I also ackowledge the short term need for starting pitching, the huge long term NEED for the Rockies is the right handed corner power bat(s). Not exactly sure how many games the Rockies would have won with V Marinez, Willingham and M Young, however it would probably be more than they won with J Morales, J Lopez, and Wigginton.
With the positions that V-Mart and Willingham would have been taking over
Young would have made by far the best impact given he can play 3B or 2B, was really hoping that trade would have gone through.
We've been saying this for weeks now
How could you have really thought you were the only one?
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by Andrew Martin on Oct 2, 2011 1:03 PM MDT up reply actions
Probably be more?
haha. Most certainly would be more.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 2, 2011 1:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Runs
don’t tell the whole story. For one thing, pitching has improved league wide. Also, there were a few Rockies teams pre-humidor that might not have scored as many runs with it. So it’s better to compare us with other teams this season, rather than Rockies teams of the past.
This team finished 3rd in the NL in runs scored and gave up the 2nd most runs. I know part of that is Coors, but I think we are still above average offensively. While I would agree that there are some holes offensively, there is no getting around that the pitching is in bad shape. Unless White and Pomeranz become studs right away, there is no reason to think the rotation will improve. Another starter has to be the priority. Spend your time/resources on that first, then go out and fill your 3B,2B,Bench spots.
I just hope they don't believe Pavano will be that stater
I like Wade Davis, James Shields, Jeff Neimann, Anibal Sanchez, Wandy Rodriguez or Edwin Jackson better
Me neither
I hope this is just the Post speculating.
The DP has always been in love with Pavano for some reason.
Renck wanted Pavano last year. Mentioned him a lot…
I like any of those names except perhaps Wandy.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 2, 2011 12:01 PM MDT up reply actions
The Rockies also scored the fewest runs of any Rockies team post-humidor. Fewer than 2005's Todd and the Toddlers team
While changes to the league run scoring environment have had some impact, it hasn’t had that much. The Rockies are the only team in all of the MLB to set a franchise low for runs scored this season.
The issue I see with pitching is that sort of like that 2005 offense, it’s young and it will improve organically. The club can literally do nothing and likely see a better 2012 pitching performance than it did in 2011. That’s not the case with the offense (only a full season of Dexter Fowler seems likely to improve) and that’s why that needs to be the higher priority.
Good Point
Not to mention a big position player FA or trade would be less of a risk in improving the team. I would much rather have Ramirez, Wright or any other solid 3B/2B guy then almost all of the pitchers that might be available right now.
The club can literally do nothing and likely see a better 2012 pitching performance than it did in 2011.
I just don’t buy that. I agree that doing nothing offensively won’t improve the club, but there’s really no reason to guarantee that the pitching will natrually get better. Look at it this way. After Chacin and Pomz, the rest of the rotation are huge question marks. (So are those guys, really) That leaves 3 holes. The offense has 3-4 holes (2b,3b, bench). So we may be missing a third of the offense, but it’s 3/5 of a rotation.
I’m not saying improving the offense isn’t important, but it comes after adding another starting pitcher.
I feel this overstates the problems with the rotation relative to the offense.
The question marks you refer to, Hammel, White, Rogers, perhaps Millwood or some other like veteran as a collective group are likely to see improvement in 2012 over what they did in 2011. The individual risks get absorbed in the same way an insurance pool works. I’m definitely advocating adding more arms to that pool, however.
Not sure
Hammell did okay. White will improve but hardly killed the team this season. Millwood was better than expected; Esmil about the same. Bearing in mind we don’t have any replacements for them (and any we acquire will be marginally better), I’m not sure why this particular group give you hope?
I think it's just that
Hammel was the definition of consistency for two seasons before this past one with his k-rate dropping. It seems possible that he can spend this offseason working on things and get back to the 3 WAR pitcher he was.
White should be able to be better than he was for us and will be in line to give us about 180 innings (assuming he pitches well enough) and Millwood seems like a decent bet to if nothing more than be the 2WAR pitcher we thought Cook would be.
I feel like there are a lot of reasons to think our pitching next season will be better than this season, but just as many reasons to think even if it improves it may still not be very good…
"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 is the issue
I feel like there are a lot of reasons to think our pitching next season will be better than this season, but just as many reasons to think even if it improves it may still not be very good.
I think you coul expect small improvement from Hammel. You can possibly get it from Millwood, but I really think he returns to his homer-prone ways. White is the key in this scenario. Without him, and a new guy, the rotation becomes Pomz/Chacin/Hammel/Millwood/Cast of thousands until Nicasio/DLR are ready.
Not sure you can put Pomz in there and not White.
White’s more likely to start the year off with the team than Pomeranz.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 2, 2011 2:11 PM MDT up reply actions
We had this discussion a few weeks back
and the conclusion was there was no reason hat Pomz would go back down. I’m not 100% convinced either way. White seems more likely to go down because of his performance so far.
If one or both (gulp) of these guys go down, then there is an even greater need to add a starter.
White won't go down because of his performance.
He’s more ready than Pomeranz.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 2, 2011 5:19 PM MDT up reply actions
sadly
even that second scenario may lead to improved end-of-year numbers on the pitching front if JDLR and Nicasio are even respectable…
"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
Improvement in pitching depends on injuries, though.
Partly on DLR or Nicasio returning (eventually), and partly on others not getting hurt.
How do you think the minor league pitching depth is? It seemed like the Rockies brought up the AA guys who were ready. (Too bad Friedrich doesn’t seem nearly ready.)
"Are they called the Rockies because they rock?" - 7 y.o.
The change in run environment really does make it look worse than it is:
Park/era/league adjusted wRC+
2011: 92
2010: 94
2009: 95
2008: 89
2007: 97
2006: 86
2005: 84
2004: 92
2003: 90
2002: 82
2001: 95
2000: 82
1999: 83
1998: 86
1997: 95
1996: 94
1995: 91
1994: 87
1993: 84
Now, with that said, you’re not altogether wrong. It may not be the worst offense ever, but it is in need of significant improvement. There’s no reason a team playing at Coors Field should rank 21st in MLB in BA with RISP or 24th in late and close OPS.
You’re right, in that White/Pomeranz/Nicasio/DLR have a much better chance to improve the rotation organically than any unlikely improvements in the lineup. We shouldn’t expect anything better out of Smith, CarGo, Tulo, Helton, or Iannetta. Rosario and Wheeler aren’t the types to be confident about a large offensive contribution, especially because neither would get significant playing time. While the rotation was a bigger problem than the offense this season, one big bat would probably make a bigger difference than one arm.
Still, I wouldn’t be totally comfortable going that route, even if it provides the best chance for rapid improvement. The Rockies ranked 25th in IP by SP this season, and stress on the pen two consecutive years due to short starts and deficits could have cumulatively poor effects. I certainly can’t blame looking for innings.
"Some guy on the net thinks I suck, and he should know - he's got his own blog." - Nick Hornby
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 2, 2011 10:15 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Interesting that we've NEVER had a wRC+ over 100
I’m feeling like there’s an over-correction in that stat because of LOLCoorz.
I actually think this is probably the Coors hangover effect showing up statistically.
In effect, every Rockies offense will be handicapped until the club figures out a breakthrough in teaching adjustments to pitching on the road.
I don't blame the club searching for pitchers either, I've always said as much.
While I do think that the team could do nothing and still will see improvement in the starting rotation, I don’t feel that the team should do nothing in this department. As I’ve said before, history seems to suggest that the club’s a lot more likely to find bargain help on the mound than they are with position players. I think targeting a big known bat plus a few under the radar arms is the way the Rockies should approach this winter. It seems however, they’re trying to go the opposite direction once again.
Thanks for the wRC+ breakdown.
You're right
you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a SP, but you still need to address it. There’s definitely some guys out there who could be had for cheap. I’m thinking the Niemann/Sanchez/Davis/etc group would fill this.
a big known bat plus a few under the radar arms is the way the Rockies should approach this winter
There it is. They obviously cannot afford to go with known quantities in both the rotation and lineup. Gambling on a lesser known would figure to happen on one side, and while their is bigger risk in blowing up the season in a negative way by doing so on the pitching side, it certainly would provide a bigger chance to return to contention next season.
"Some guy on the net thinks I suck, and he should know - he's got his own blog." - Nick Hornby
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Oct 2, 2011 11:04 AM MDT up reply actions
Especially considering the team's lack of impact bats
at several positions, their recent history of not developing bats particularly well, and their also recent history of getting more out of pitching either developmentally or through trades + Apodaca.
Pitching has been an org. strength recently whereas hitting hasn’t, so an impact bat would definitely be more prudent, but ultimately the market will probably influence our decisions more than anything else…
"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
That's kind of an interesting point
Successful bargain pick-ups seem more common on the pitching side than the hitting side. Most common of course in the bullpen (where I still have NO idea why anyone pays more than bargain basement for new arms … the D’backs and Rays should have proven that by now, if nothing else). Wonder why that is?
I’m sure there are examples, but right now I can’t think of any real impact bats that have been acquired, recently, for a basement price either in dollars or talent. And no, Lance Berkman doesn’t count, cuz the Cards paid him pretty damn handsomely.
by BostonTransplant on Oct 2, 2011 12:13 PM MDT up reply actions
It does happen occasionally, but not as frequently as it will with pitchers.
Carlos Pena with the 2007 Rays comes to mind. In 2010, the Giants got a couple of one year wonders in Andres Torres and Aubrey Huff, and didn’t pay much to acquire either (signing Huff to a fairly small deal for an FA and picking up Torres as a minor league FA the year before.) Mike Morse was acquired by the Nationals in 2009 for Ryan Langerhans. He and Torres seem to be the more typical recent examples of position player bargain finds, where it takes a season or two of bench/minor league work before the real value emerges. The D-backs Ryan Roberts is another example like this.
Torres also
completely overhauled his hitting approach (similar in scope to Bautista – though they’re obviously very different players).
Maybe that’s something of a market inefficiency? Not only players reworking their style in the hopes it leads to improvements, but the players showing ability to admit a wrong approach and a complete willingness to re-learn 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
Ian? You listening?
I still think Stew will re-appear someday, on some team, with a completely different stroke and approach and be a valuable player. He just needs his talent bubble (“I’m so talented I don’t need to adjust to MLB”) to burst, hit a low point, and then re-construct himself. The basic athletic talent — the things that you don’t teach — are there.
by BostonTransplant on Oct 2, 2011 3:38 PM MDT up reply actions
Lets hope that's 2012
and he’s in a Rockies uniform…
"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
according to this
2011 offense>1995 blake st bombers offense.
Why not?
That ‘95 team was, despite all appearances to the contrary, carried by an awesome pitching staff. Now I don’t necessarily buy that it was a worse lineup than the 2011 team trotted out, but I certainly buy that it wasn’t as great as it seemed at the time.
Die-hard Rockies fan since 1993.
@Paul_Franz
My blerg
a difference of 1
is not really all that significant, especially not enough for you to really draw that conclusion
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'm not concluding that 2011 was actually better
Just that wRC+ says it was.
For what it's worth
1995 OPS+ = 93
2011 OPS+ – 90
Not saying one is better than another but it’s interesting.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 10:10 PM MDT up reply actions
You stole my next post
HAHA
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 11:19 AM MDT up reply actions
The Rockies are the only team in all of the MLB to set a franchise low for runs scored this season.
This is a really loaded stat. First of all, the Rockies have only existed since 1993, just before the steroid era ramped up. Throw in the no humidor games for a decade and and the “franchise low for runs scored” is really only picking out of a sample of a few possible seasons. Add in that two of the the other four 90’s expansion teams made the postseason this year and it really shouldn’t be a surprise that the Rockies are the only team in this boat. (The other 90’s expansion team (the Marlins) scored the fewest runs in franchise history since 1994).
I’m in your camp that the offense is a bigger problem than the pitching but this frachise record low in runs scored stat is not the reason why.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 11:19 AM MDT up reply actions
Why does there have to be just one reason?
Overall league scoring in part is down because the Rockies (the team that calls the league’s best offensive environment its home) are a poor offensive team right now. A better offensive Rockies team would drive league scoring back up. Additionally, it’s been historically shown that high offensive scoring levels drive ticket sales higher more than low pitching runs allowed will. The franchise low in runs scored is a reason both in the W/L column and the balance sheet.
My main reason still is that offense should be the bigger priority is because it’s at a point of stagnation, is not contention quality, and can only be fixed externally. It likely won’t improve on its own with the talent on hand, whereas I think the pitching will.
I don't really disagree with any of this
I just think that one stat is far less significant than it sounds even though what it points toward is mostly correct.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:39 PM MDT up reply actions
We don't even need to add that post-humidor caveat
The only exception to the “fewest runs ever” would be 1994, the strike-shortened year.
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by Andrew Martin on Oct 2, 2011 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions
Hope my fanmail gets to the Monforts via the Post
I would like to go into many more things but the simple question that I have is why not try something new within the coaching staff as Tracy’s managerial and motivational style leave many very baseball savvy fans shaking their heads. A level of loyalty to dedicated employees within the organization is admirable though so many people are so fed up with some of the things that Tracy does through the course of games and the season almost see next season as lose-lose and would almost rather see a losing season just to see Tracy gone. A statement has to be made after a season like this and with the value that Dan O’Dowd brings to the organization I think Tracy is the best person to cut loose, because when he was given the opportunity to reshape the coaching staff for success he didn’t change one person. Even with his background I don’t believe he has what it takes to make the right and tough decisions that need to be made for the success of the Rockies. Why retain someone like Tracy who seems to me to be one of the most glaring weaknesses on this team?
I don't disagree that Tracy should go
But criticizing Tracy for lacking the will to make tough decisions, while at the same time praising “the value O’Dowd brings to the organization” – makes my head explode. Tracy didn’t make the decision to bring back a roster that won 83 games despite historic seasons from its three top players, and declare that the NL West would be won based on bounceback seasons, the all-important clubhouse chemistry, and other miscellaneous happy talk.
I wouldn’t have shed any tears if Tracy would have gotten the axe after the season finale. But I would sure like to know the name of the manager that could have pushed this good ol’ boy roster higher than 3rd place.
by Northsider1964 on Oct 2, 2011 11:18 AM MDT up reply actions
I really think Tracy made alot of bad decisions
On who to play for certain games, late game hitting decisions and pitching decisions.
Yes if Tracy would just stop using
the 30 percent or so of the roster who can’t play dead, the Rockies would be in fine shape.
As for late-game hitting decisions, I agree that it doesn’t make sense to keep trotting someone up there who’s batting .133 in a pinch-hitting role. But that guy’s going to be back next year with bells on – the tough-minded GM has already said so.
It’s just amazing to me to see the repeated criticism of Tracy’s use of useless players, without any acknowledgement of how they got on the roster.
by Northsider1964 on Oct 2, 2011 12:25 PM MDT up reply actions
Well O'Dowd did not do a good job putting together complimentary players this year
He almost did with Young but it fell through late. Though almost everyone who analyzed our team thought they would do well enough to compete for the division even with the moves made… A lot of that is on the players though I would say a fair amount on the coaches as well.
I think the criticism now of DOD are much harsher
when considering 2 key things really tore us apart this past season – injuries to the pitching rotation (Which we were fairly happy with heading into 2011) and Stewart not only not building on his positives from last season to become the 4WARish player we hoped, but falling apart into the negatives.
Think about how much different the state of the team and the offense looks if we had Stewart being a respectable hitter playing solid defense at third, complimenting CarGo, Tulo, CDI, an improving Fowler, and Smith. That lineup would have more answers than questions.
We’ll have to see how DOD handles things now to understand if he can take this team to the next level or not…
"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
Don't count me among the "we"
the pitching rotation (Which we were fairly happy with heading into 2011)
When our 2010 bullpen was on “E” by early August despite the #1 horse pitching deep into nearly every game, that should have been a hint that the 2011 rotation wasn’t going to be in such fabulous shape. Of course the connection between bullpen fatigue and the starting rotation seemed a bit lost on the front office, considering its solution to this problem was Manny Delcarmen.
by Northsider1964 on Oct 2, 2011 6:25 PM MDT up reply actions
What did you have a problem with?
Ubaldo, JDLR, Chacin, Hammel, Cook.
That was the proposed rotation before Cook went down.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 2, 2011 6:34 PM MDT up reply actions
I had zero confidence in Cook
going into Spring Training, even less when he left it with the perennial list of injuries. I realize he had strung together a few nice innings against the Reds before breaking his leg, causing yet another outbreak of “Cookie is back!” among the faithful, but that didn’t do a lot for me. Hammel also ended the season in bizarre fashion, which didn’t give me a good feeling. And while Chacin’s talent is undeniable, this was still his first full season.
I saw a rotation that was going to need a whole lot of good luck and the repeat of Ubaldo’s absolutely historic season to hold up for 162 games without gassing the bullpen. That’s why I would have been hunting for a starter. And if that hurt one of the incumbents’ feelings, too bad.
by Northsider1964 on Oct 2, 2011 7:59 PM MDT up reply actions
I think the big difference between the two
the HUGE difference in my opinion, is that DOD seems much more likely to learn from mistakes and adjust for next season whereas I get the vibe that Tracy doesn’t really seem too interested in changing his approach.
Maybe both DOD and Tracy were equally bad for the team this past season (and we could argue who was more bad but I think it’s not entirely relevant), but going forward, I tentatively like DOD much more than Tracy.
"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 hope you're right
I’ll believe a roster overall is coming when I see it.
by Northsider1964 on Oct 2, 2011 4:07 PM MDT up reply actions
I look forward to the Rox 5 game improvement to 78-84 and 3rd place next year
in which they lose 90 percent of their games 1-0 while they win most of their games 8-1. Offense looks awesome when you look at it that way. :)
/insert cliche about insanity means doing the same thing yada yada yada
Showing extreme symptoms of Rocky Mountain Baseball Fever since 1993.
I'm not happy.
so could more things have gone wrong for james shields, short of him getting injured?
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.
Getting traded to the Rockies?
(That might be worse…)
Colorado College Hockey, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies fan to the death.
"If you can't accept losing, You can't win." -Vince Lombardi
Shields is their worst starter
Which is saying something, because he’s not bad. But he’s very inconsistent and is riding on a long-ago reputation for showing up big in important games. Hasn’t been true for a while. Smart as the Rays are, it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if he ends up being the guy who’s traded this year. And someone will send them a king’s ransom, for sure.
by BostonTransplant on Oct 2, 2011 3:40 PM MDT up reply actions
"worst" is a funny way to spell "best"
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.
A perfect example!
Of over-analyzing stats. If there’s a single baseball person out there who considers Shields better than at least three of their other starters (Price, Hellickson, and David) I’ll eat my Rockies hat. I may be able to give you Niemann.
by BostonTransplant on Oct 2, 2011 6:36 PM MDT up reply actions
Actually, I bet you'd find most baseball people like him better than Davis and it's possibly close with Hellickson
In terms of raw stuff, all three of those others are ahead, but baseball people really like everything else in terms of maturity, mound presence, pitchability, efficiency etc.., in Shields. I think you understand this too, by the acknowledgement that it could take a “king’s ransom” to get him.
lol are you kidding?
where on earth is your shields hate coming from? have you even watched him pitch? he has a devastating changeup and curveball, and has finally stopped throwing his fastball too much. he’s always had great command, with a career 2.07 BB/9. he may have swung pretty far on the regression pendulum this year, but i’d bet dollars to donuts that 2012 looks a lot more like 2011 than 2010 for him.
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.
A perfect example of overusing anecdotal evidence.
Disappointing, really. If you’re going to call out an entire method of evaluation that has presented evidence, you’d better have something stronger than “baseball people think he’s not that great” as your only points.
Purple Row - For all of your Colorado Rockies-related needs
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Learn about Pitching Metrics
by Andrew Martin on Oct 2, 2011 9:01 PM MDT up reply actions
That was an amazing comeback
Caught it at the gym. Very happy for the Lions, especially considering America’s Team got every imaginable call in that game and still crapped away a 27-3 lead.
by Northsider1964 on Oct 2, 2011 3:46 PM MDT up reply actions
Is there a better example of a "magical season" than the rookie doing that?
I swear, other than the one injury (to Drew), this team has come up all aces, all year long. I recognize the talent level there, but I still think they’re in for a BIG fall next year, with some sophomore slumps teaming up with veteran regressions to the mean, and all the injury karma they (generally) avoided this year.
by BostonTransplant on Oct 2, 2011 3:44 PM MDT up reply actions
Someone please explain to me
how Alphonso Marquez finds himself behind the plate in a postseason game.
What evaluation criteria does MLB use for umpires – attendance?
They evaluate based on
Top point scorers in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League
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.
JFK's Quote of the Day:
“They throw the ball, I hit it. They hit the ball, I catch it.” ~Willie Mayes
"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
Sup Bots.
I see the Brewers are handling the Dbacks. And yay Tigers!
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Ah, the joys of a short series against a top-heavy rotation ...
D’backs a game away from this whole, magical, wonderful season ending, and all they have to do to keep it going is have their rookie axe-thrower out-pitch Shawn friggin’ Marcum. Good luck. At least they’re home (for maybe their only post-season game).
by BostonTransplant on Oct 2, 2011 6:34 PM MDT reply actions
Brewers are really, really bad on the road
It could get interesting. Although I’d like a sweep just so I can say the D’Backs have lost 7 postseason games in a row. That would be a nice tag to slap on them.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:42 PM MDT up reply actions
Stranger things have happened
but yeah, not likely
"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: Saw the film "Drive" today. Very good
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 want to know more about Driver.
I want a prequel as to why is he the way he is. I have all kinds of fanfic in my head already :)
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'd be really cool.
Based on a book, correct? Depends on that then.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 2, 2011 8:36 PM MDT up reply actions
I know very little about it other
than yes, based on a book. I seriously went to it with a friend who wanted to see it. I just love Ryan Gosling so I thought well why not. Turned out much more interesting than I thought it would be.
I swear the guy didn’t blink once during the whole film
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 saw that a couple weeks ago.
Wasn’t what I expected going in, but an excellent film.
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.
Only LaRussa gets away with a having midgame interview
in which he questions the strike zone openly on national tv. Wow.
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 will. He always does.
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 sure hope so
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 they always bring out the good umpires for the postseason
why on earth would he question it?
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'm not saying he shouldn't question it.
I’m saying I can’t imagine any other manager doing so openly on national tv.
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 good
this strike zone has been bad, and la russa is right to question it, who cares if he gets a fine?
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.
Apparently I can't communicate clearly with anyone tonight. lol
(not just here)
forget it. It’s really not important.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
bad karma for signing with the phillies
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.
This is three disappointing postseason starts for him in row for him
(At least this time he has the excuse of facing a good lineup)
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:43 PM MDT up reply actions
well, the outcome of game 5 last year was certainly disappointing
but the start was certainly fine, 7IP, 6H, 3R, 0BB, 6K.
but yeah, game 1 against the gints was just awful
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.
3 ER against the Giants lineup for Cliff Lee is disappointing
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:48 PM MDT up reply actions
weird
that start added up to .000 WPA
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.
When Cliff Lee is my starter
I hope for more than that. It wasn’t awful, but it was not good for Cliff Lee.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:56 PM MDT up reply actions
Boy the offenses really came to play in the Game 2's didn't they
Even the lowest scoring game (Tigers/Yankees) wasn’t exactly a pitcher’s duel.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:37 PM MDT reply actions
weird that scherzer has had the best night
of carp/lee, hudson/greinke, scherzer/garcia, and shields/holland
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.
You just can't predict baseball
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:44 PM MDT up reply actions
The hell?
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Huh?
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:45 PM MDT up reply actions
I was joking.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Ah
I thought I did something wrong
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:47 PM MDT up reply actions
No I was going for the sarcastic
“The hell you say!?
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Again I'm having a failure to communicate
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 the internet
It happens
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:52 PM MDT up reply actions
DFA
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.
but but SSS
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
Ha Victorino Derp!!!
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 feels like Philly is gonna lose this game
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:47 PM MDT up reply actions
this would be a good thing
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.
Halladay and Lee had almost exactly opposite starts
One struggled early and then dominated, the other pitched well early and then coughed up the lead.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:51 PM MDT reply actions
lol here comes brad lidge
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.
Games like this can turn on a double play like that
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 8:55 PM MDT reply actions
OT: JunctionRox
Did you watch DW yet and if so did you hear it? And also W.T.F?
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 watched it
and I’m not sure what I was supposed to hear. But knowing you, I’m going to guess it had to do with “all of Jack’s stag parties”. Which, btw, is a season of this show I am definitely interested in watching. (Helping Rose Tyler with her homework, not so much…)
And yes, W.T.F. would be a good explanation. Between this and Miracle Day, I’m having to think that fixed points in time and space just aren’t what they used to be…
We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!
In line for seats at the Grand Junction Rockies 2012 home opener
Yes I was referring to the stag parties.
I wasn’t expecting a Jack mention at all! I lol’d at that line. It was perfect.
I’m just so confused now…lol
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 wasn't expecting
the reference to the Brigadier. That made me sad.
I kind of loved the first part, with Winston Churchill, Holy Roman Emperor. And I just keep loving Rory and Amy’s relationship more all the time. But the big resolution? Felt like a bit of a cheat…
We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!
In line for seats at the Grand Junction Rockies 2012 home opener
robbie cano is having a great postseason
what a player he’s become
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'd like to focus on his 9th inning at bat today
I enjoyed that one the most.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:09 PM MDT up reply actions
y u hate robbie??
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 plays for the Yankees
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:11 PM MDT up reply actions
that's not really fair
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 could probably update that sometime too
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:18 PM MDT up reply actions
yeesh
i must tip my cap i suppose, since i harbor similarly irrational hate of the red sox
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 don't like the Red Sox either
They have started to behave more and more like the Yankees and this year they were actually worse in come ways with their constant bitching about everything.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:23 PM MDT up reply actions
come some
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:23 PM MDT up reply actions
Friggin Dotel.
Terrible with us and then ends in the playoffs with the Cards.
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 did land us Trevor Story though so someday you may have a more positive outlook on him
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Cool Story, bro...
(seriously, I didn’t know that. Cool story…)
We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!
In line for seats at the Grand Junction Rockies 2012 home opener
I'll wait for the full Story before I draw a conclusion.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
oh good, it's pun time.
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.
It often comes right after Story time...
We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!
In line for seats at the Grand Junction Rockies 2012 home opener
Well we got a sandwich pick for him (he was type B)
That pick: Trevor Story
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:25 PM MDT up reply actions
What'd we give up for Dotel?
That’s cool.
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 2, 2011 9:28 PM MDT up reply actions
Pretty much nothing
The Dodgers wanted Dotel gone, and I think the Rockies got him for a marginal prospect to be named later. Who it was, I don’t recall.
by Northsider1964 on Oct 2, 2011 9:30 PM MDT up reply actions
I think it was Anthony Jackson
So yeah, we pretty much got him for free.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:32 PM MDT up reply actions
Although I think some minor cash was involved
Very good deal for us
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:32 PM MDT up reply actions
Yes it was
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:33 PM MDT up reply actions
He's the Dodgers problem now
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:41 PM MDT up reply actions
And we got Story, nice trad.e
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 2, 2011 9:34 PM MDT up reply actions
Even if they can't get a run here
It’s important for Chase to get on here to increase the chances that this part of the linup can come up again in the 9th.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:10 PM MDT reply actions
LOOK 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
near bean ball
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 utley
he likes it
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.
No it was headed for a Card
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 love watching Hunter Pence's funky batting stance
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:35 PM MDT reply actions
The Card have used more different pitchers than the Phillies have hits
/Tony LaRussa
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 9:50 PM MDT reply actions
Protecting that 1-run lead!
@CentralCaliRox
by CentralCaliRox on Oct 2, 2011 9:54 PM MDT up reply actions
Just think
The last games of the season may have played today in New York and Philly.
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 10:02 PM MDT reply actions
HAHA
That Philly fan look beside himself
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 10:04 PM MDT reply actions
That's the one
He’s like the face of Philly fans
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 10:16 PM MDT up reply actions
Semi OT:
We’re playing a prank on our Chem I prof tomorrow, who is a Red Sox fan….
Whoever guesses what it is gets a…french fry.
This year sucked.
Are you giving him a box of tissues?
I'm pretty disgusted right now!
by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Oct 2, 2011 10:21 PM MDT up reply actions
and a little more expensive...
This year sucked.
by prettyinpurple on Oct 2, 2011 10:32 PM MDT up reply actions
a Neil Diamond album.
Purple Row - For all of your Colorado Rockies-related needs
Learn about Batting Metrics
Learn about Pitching Metrics
by Andrew Martin on Oct 2, 2011 10:34 PM MDT up reply actions
You're all changing your names to Ray?
We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!
In line for seats at the Grand Junction Rockies 2012 home opener
by Junction Rox on Oct 2, 2011 11:04 PM MDT up reply actions
A little warmer....
but no. And we bought something.
This year sucked.
by prettyinpurple on Oct 2, 2011 11:15 PM MDT up reply actions
shirsey?
I never knew they were called that.
I learned it from ATF.
This year sucked.
by prettyinpurple on Oct 3, 2011 11:28 AM MDT up reply actions
RG: I know I'm very late to this party....
I agree with you about improveing the offense first. You know much about what I’d do to improve it.
I believe it would improve the whole pitching staff faster to trade both CDI and Rosie now and pick up two savvy defense first catchers that excel at the arts of catching. I believe that both CDI and Rosie are going to cost us more behind the plate not just in lost calls but in overall wear and tear on the staff. I believe the cummulative effect of both of them for a full season is close to 2/3 of a run in team ERA. I don’t think thier bats compensate for that; no matter how good they are ,or what skill set at the plate you advocate. I’d rather start Jose Molina everyday and improve the offense elsewhere.
I also believe that the Rox defense; overall has been declining scince Hurdle left, and that must change to improve the pitching. Between our poor catching skills and declining defense we are costing ourselves close to a run on the whole staff a year. Tell me how many wins that is worth? I don’t want a Milwaukee type team that’s a thirty year flash in the pan. I want balance. Milwaukee’s offense is fun to watch. They can’t pay for it and keep the superlative pitching they have now. They would not have that pitching line if they did not have Lucroy catching. He makes up with his glove and his framing skills what the rest of their defense costs them.
The Rox biggest offensive problem right now is the team wide poor appproach. That was a failure of the developemntal staff that got exacerbated under Baylor. Baylor admits that many Rox just wouldn’t listen to everything Baylor had to say. The orginization wide emphesis on slugging was badly misapplied. I don’t envy Lansford in trying to correct it. Slugging is important. I’m not advocating doing away with it entirely or even close to that. At Least Lansford has them thinking about contact again. Now he needs them to apply all of it so the slugging will naturally come back and a more balenced offense will emerge.
"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
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