Monday Rockpile: Amidst Many Moves, What Exactly Are the Rockies Doing?
by Andrew Martin on Dec 26, 2011 7:30 AM MST
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Merry Christmas, everybody.
As a gift from family members, I received a Rockies Toaster along with a Topps 2011 Rockies set of baseball cards. Now, I'm no jrockies when I get baseball cards, but Lord knows that nothing makes me happy quite as easily as a fresh pack of baseball cards to crack open and look at. Even if just for a few minutes.
What made this set of cards interesting is going through the players the Topps people thought were Rockies staples, and where they are now:
C Chris Iannetta: Shipped to the Angels in exchange for Tyler Chatwood. Ramon Hernandez was signed in conjunction to this deal.
P Ubaldo Jimenez: Shipped to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Drew Pomeranz, Alex White, Joe Gardner, and Matt McBride.
OF Seth Smith: Still a Rockie, but probably the team's best trade chip for filling other holes on the roster.
P Jhoulys Chacin: Still a Rockie.
CF Dexter Fowler: Still a Rockie.
OF Ryan Spilborghs: Non Tendered.
UTIL Eric Young Jr: Still a Rockie, but drawing some interest from the Mets.
3B Ian Stewart: Shipped to the Chicago Cubs with P Casey Weathers for OF Tyler Colvin and IF DJ LeMahieu.
1B Todd Helton: Still a Rockie.
UTIL Ty Wigginton: Shipped to the Phillies for a bag of potato chips to be named later. Rockies ate half of his salary just to move him.
OF Carlos Gonzalez: Still a Rockie.
P Jason Hammel: Still a Rockie.
P Aaron Cook: Option declined, Free Agent.
P Jorge De La Rosa: Still a Rockie, should be back by like June-ish from Tommy John Surgery.
SS Troy Tulowitzki: Still a Rockie.
P Huston Street: Shipped to the Padres for a firm handshake and a confusing wink.
Out of those 16 players, 7 are likely Rockies in 2012, 7 are no longer Rockies, and 2 are sort of debatable. The team is clearly undergoing a massive overhaul, given the fact that they're trading roughly everybody not nailed down (or already part of a position of weakness - Jason Hammel breathes a sigh of relief) in pursuit of a paradigm shift.
In addition to trading off/not retaining a whole pile of players, the Rockies have also brought in the aforementioned Ramon Hernandez as well as RF Michael Cuddyer and 3B Casey Blake. They've succeeded in basically swapping out one style of batter (Iannetta/Stewart's low-average-high-walk-high-strikeout) for another (Hernandez' higher-average-lower-power-lower-strikeout and the promise of Nolan Arenado) without having to wait for another catcher to come along through the system. They've brought in Professionals to take the places of players they are going to move or have moved already.
So now what?
Well, they still need a 2B, which may be harder than we initially thought. Martin Prado talks have gone cold, and it's debatable whether the team is going to make a move for a different 2B or just stick with internal options until Josh Rutledge is close to MLB ready.
They also need starting pitching, but they're kind of confusing as to how much they want starting pitching. They've brought in Chatwood and Kevin Slowey via trade, but those guys at this point are kind of depth, unless Chatwood impresses in Spring Training (and the team hasn't brought anyone else in). The Rockies seem to have cooled on Hiroki Kuroda, aren't really in on Joe Saunders (at least publicly), and given the Gio Gonzalez and Mat Latos trades, they probably aren't going to be involved in a major trade for pitching.
So now what? What exactly are the Rockies looking to get as far as pitching goes? Is Seth Smith being viewed as bait for pitching? We know the team isn't about to move the Camp Tulo attendees just yet, so are guys like Friedrich, Bettis, and Cabera all expendable prospect depth to be used for landing a free agent pitcher? Or is the team going to pick up another Kevin Millwood caliber pitcher just to try and round out the rotation and take a load off some of the young hopefuls?
Again, this brings me back to the question in the title: What are the Rockies doing?
If the team is trying to win Now, the prospect depth should be absolutely moved for whoever might be available and good. You know, selectively speaking - don't go trading Nolan Arenado for Daisuke Matsuzaka or anything.
But if they aren't, then a lot of these moves make a lot more sense. I mean, Casey Blake for 3B? Travis Wood? These guys are transitional players if anything, and it looks more and more like the team is throwing its chips into the Arenado/Rutledge pot.
This does lead to the question of "why would they sign Cuddyer if they didn't intend to win Now?"
Well, it could be traced to a cultural thing again. The team wants to shake up the entire clubhouse, and they don't want a bunch of lingering malcontents creating a stagnant and negative environment for the next group of youngsters to come up to. Maybe it's really worth $31.5M to create an environment where the players want to Win, and not just to not get fired.
Perhaps the team really is just sold on a Helton-Rutledge-Tulowitzki-Arenado infield, and they're hoping that a Chacin-Pomeranz-Hammel-White-Friedrich-Chatwood (etc) rotation can be the one that gets the job done.
Speculation aside, I'd sell my new toaster just for a bit of clarity on what the team's doing and where they think they're going.
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2013. Given the Kiddie-Corps of Starting Pitchers that will go through their ‘growing pains’ for most of this Season.
Well, you can take the "kiddie corps" thing a bit too far
We’ve got question marks, beginning with whether Chacin can break out and be an ace, but beyond that I see … A veteran we seem to be about to acquire with Smith and others, Chacin, Nicasio (who isn’t that young actually), Hammel and Slowey. As soon as one fails, I don’t think there’s much doubt at this point that Pomeranz will be a good ML SP. He’s not that much of a question mark. And then JDLR comes back mid-season.
That’s no younger than the D’backs last year. In fact probably less.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 8:52 AM MST up reply actions
Let's see...
How long has Chacin been in the Majors? Pomeranz? White? Yep, they’re kids. But, what do I expect from a freakin’ Chowd?!
technically, 2012 will be Chacin's fourth season
He has over 1.5yr of experience, which is green, but not generally the point where you worry he can’t produce. unless you’re Brian Sabean
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by Andrew T. Fisher on Dec 26, 2011 9:18 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
Pom and White aren't likely to make the OD rotation, unless they absolutely rock
We’re likely to start the season with three established vets (Hammel, Slowey, and TBD) with a fourth, JDLR, arriving mid-season. Chacin will be the second youngest, entering his third full season (which really is “young vet” territory). NIcasio will be the kid, but he’s 26 in real years.
Yeah, the depth guys are kids (although three of them — Chatwood, White, and Pom, have ML experience) but the rotation is normal by ML standards.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 9:30 AM MST up reply actions
I'd say it's pretty likely one will make it
Especially Pom. He already looked like a major leaguer last year. AS it stands right now, I expect it to look like this, Chacin, Hammel, Pom, Slowey, and Nicasio, although I remain hesitant to relay on the latter simply because of the unknown of his injury.
What if we acquire a vet?
I agree Pom is next in line if we don’t, but if someone like a Wade Davis is on the team, he has to be in the rotation. I guess we could cut Slowey if he’s awful in ST, but I’m sure that’s not the intention.
Substitute Pomeranz for NIcasio, if Juan’s not ready, and I still think we have a perfectly normal ML rotation, experience-wise.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 9:41 AM MST up reply actions
I think Slowey
is first cut in that situation. But, this is my simple observation based on Pomeranz being ready, and the fat that Slowey is on a non-guaranteed contract.
We are in contract talks with Ross
Hum, not quite sure where he fits on this team. I guess that could single that the team might move Smith along with Blackmon.
I just see him as redundant.
So unless it’s a great deal, then why? They can have Blackmon and Wheeler compete for the last outfield spot in spring training. I’d rather them spend the cash elsewhere, although it seems like they won’t be doing that either.
I think it is pretty clear we are going with 4 OF, 3 IF and a flyball staff at this point
(unless they really want Cuddyer at 3B, which would simultaneously bring clarity and madness to fans)
"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 Dec 26, 2011 8:38 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
Seems pretty clear we're about to clear out the OF
In a major trade. Absolutely no reason to sign Ross unless Smith and Blackmon are on their way out the door. We can’t carry 5 OF as long as Giambi’s on the team.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 8:48 AM MST up reply actions
Either that
or they have soured on Blackmon to the point where they don’t think he will make the team. But, I don’t get that vibe. Renck went as far to tweet that Blackmon was very good up until his injury, which is absolutely false. But, I think the vibe that Renck puts out on tweets is pretty close to the vibe in the front office. So, I don’t think they have soured on Blackmon at all.
Why would they sour on Blackmon after only 110 AB?
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
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-.7 WAR perhaps?
He was pretty much awful. But then again, I never said they did. I just put it as a reason they may be going after Ross, and stated that it was unlikely.
He was bad statistically
It was his MLB debut. He also showed good defense and contact skills, solid baserunning, and looked like a MLB player. What else can you honestly expect?
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Here's my thoughts on Cody Ross
He replaces Spilly — both in quality and as a reserve OF/RH bench bat.
He gives our bench more strength and balance.
He allows protection for Tim Wheeler, who has shown splits in the minors (and potentially Blackmon).
He can play every outfield position, giving us four OF that can do that.
LH OF bat: Fowler, Cargo, Blackmon
RH OF bat: Fowler, Ross, Cuddyer
Compare that to last year when our RH bats in the OF were… EY2? Fowler? Wiggy?
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of course, we'll probably just trade Smith and Blackmon to Atlanta anyway...
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
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if we were building a traditional bench
I would agree. but with our NL DH that we decided we needed to have, it’s hard to have two outfield only players on the bench. I think it has to be Blackman or Ross, not both.
unless Pacheco is the only backup catcher
AND utility infielder. that negates the inflexibility of Giambi, at least theoretically
"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 Dec 26, 2011 10:19 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
not to mention Cuddyer isn't OF only, either
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
Proud GM of the PRMLB Cincinnati Reds!
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I still think that given our situation at 2B, where we don’t currently have anyone you want as an everyday 2B, and 3B, where we have an older third baseman who is likely to be on a Helton-like schedule (i.e. he’ll need days off), I really think we need more than Pacheco as a backup.
That Frasier guy from Cincy whose name kept getting brought up seems to make a ton of sense for us as his ability to play SS as well as 2B and 3B would really with roster flexibility.
well, there is one known available trade that would fit with that pairing.
If this signals Prado, then I’d be okay with the Ross for Blackmon swap.
If it means, however, we’re going to try and use Fowler as a centerpiece for Garza or something, I might have more issues with it.
Well, Renck has always been absolutely crystal clear
That Fowler’s not going anywhere. So if he actually does, it better be for a guy like Garza (or maybe David Price, who is also theoretically available).
More likely, if a trade is coming, it will be Smith/Blackmon/someone else for a guy like Jeff Niemann. Ross is the 4th OF and Colvin and Wheeler are in the Springs.
But Ross hasn’t signed yet, so we’ll see.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 9:00 AM MST up reply actions
When you consider that he'd be added to top one of our top pitching talents
likely Chacin or Pomeranz, I think it would be too much. If it was as Boston Trasplant suggests for Price, I’d be more okay with it, but Garza’s more a long term #2 that had a great season than a long term ace.
Well
taking your key word “centerpiece.” As in Fowler would be the most valuable return for the cubs. I would consider both Pomeranz and Chacin to be much more certerpiecy that Fowler.
okay, that makes sense.
If Fowler were the centerpiece, the lesser pitching pieces would be something like White and Bettis, maybe? I still don’t know if I would do that. Maybe I’m thinking the Cubs are asking for more than they really are.
From everything I'm hearing
They are asking for the moon. But as far as pitchers who have been or will be moved this off-season, I think he may hold the highest value. Latos may have more upside, but it’s hard to tell how he will play out of Petco and he comes with some baggage. Gonzales also has good stuff, but has been erratic and also has been in a pitching paradise up to this point.
garza's also interesting
as his success this year seems to have resulted from a massive increase in the usage of his offspeed pitches, and in particularly his slider, more than anything else. (pitch f/x has his slider usage jumping from 13-14% in 2010 with the rays to almost 24% last year) the rays as an organization are known to frown upon the slider, and we know that slider-heavy pitchers are more injury prone. it’ll be interesting to see how he performs going forward, especially if he maintains his 2011 pitch selection. he also had nearly even H/R splits pitching in wrigley, after having significant splits while a ray. very odd.
arenado: it's Rockie for future
Latos has madd peripherals ...
…that will play just fine out of Petco – check his home away splits.
Gonzalez is definitely going to be interesting outside of the Coliseum … not nearly as high on his outlook.
i would fall over if we traded for david price
arenado: it's Rockie for future
It's not as unlikely as you might think
He’s one year away from his Tampa-style team friendly contract running out, which means he starts earning big bucks. And he didn’t have a great 2011. Rays are going to move one of their SP’s for some hitting, most likely, and I wouldn’t be at all shocked if it were Price.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 1:52 PM MST up reply actions
You're saying that the Price isn't right?
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My blerg
Yeah, but Davis was among the worst SP's in baseball last year ...
by peripherals. If I’m the Rays and going for it all now (which they have to, IMO) they need some impact bats. I’m not even sure David gets you more than just Seth. Niemann’s the guy to shoot for, given his GB numbers and generally better reliability.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 2:35 PM MST up reply actions
if davis didn't have that contract
and the rays didn’t non-tender their young SPs, they’d just non-tender him, because he’s completely awful
arenado: it's Rockie for future
He made a lot more sense prior to the Cuddyer signing
Signing Ross would have to be a signal for a Seth Smith trade, at the least.
Only issue is finances and how much he is looking for and how much of a budget the Rockies are going for. He’s going to probably cost a few dollars and it’ll be interesting how he effect the budget.
Great article Andrew
But I have one quibble.
1B Todd Helton: Still a THE Rockie.
:D
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, I should totally have said that
it seemed strange to say “Still a Rockie” unless there was any other realistic possibility.
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by Andrew Martin on Dec 26, 2011 8:40 AM MST up reply actions
Somewhat OT:
Watched Moneyball last night.
Holy cow it is now my favorite baseball movie. And one of my favorites from 2011.
Loved the film, it remains on my Top 10 of 2011 for now, but only because ity's been a really weak year.
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by Greg Stanwood on Dec 26, 2011 1:57 PM MST up reply actions
My mother-in-law got me a Dinger pillow pet
How am I supposed to feel about that?
PRMLB: Making the Royals relevant
by I_Am_Marshall on Dec 26, 2011 9:10 AM MST via mobile reply actions
It's the thought that counts?
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
My sister did the same thing
She also got me a Rockies Polo shirt to wear when I go to a Rockies game after work.
"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
by jrockies on Dec 26, 2011 12:41 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Dinger related merchandise...
…is the perfect gift for a toddler…a toddler from parents you don’t like very much.
Dinger is without question the single most embarrassing aspect of being a Rockies fan.
by WhiskeyDrinkingMan on Dec 26, 2011 3:12 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
My issue with last year was less about the pitching.
And more about the fact that 3 times a game we had 2 or 3 on with less than 2 outs and couldn’t even hit a sac fly. It doesn’t matter if you have the best staff ever if you can’t score you lose.
Yeah, but what kind of potato chips were they again?
I also love this:
a firm handshake and a confusing wink
I thought 2011 sucked pretty bad. I have nothing to add to that.
by prettyinpurple on Dec 26, 2011 11:35 AM MST reply actions
Yorvit was suspended 66 games by the Venezuelan league for slapping the umpire upside the head
"Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate"
Luftfeuchtigkeitsregler über alles.
by The Lodo Magic Man on Dec 26, 2011 11:41 AM MST via mobile reply actions
Wow.
Is it wrong that I rather enjoy the phrase"slapping the umpire upside the head"?
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
No
I giggled.
I thought 2011 sucked pretty bad. I have nothing to add to that.
by prettyinpurple on Dec 26, 2011 11:49 AM MST up reply actions
He didn't even punch him , it was a face shove more than anything.
Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger was /2011'd
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy
So, is it finally time for Festivus?
Because lord knows I got some grievances to air.
And I’m startin’ with you, Dinger.
Festivus was the 23rd.
But in my opinion, it’s never too late to air grievances.
I thought 2011 sucked pretty bad. I have nothing to add to that.
by prettyinpurple on Dec 26, 2011 12:14 PM MST up reply actions
I've been in bed with a migraine since then...
so I missed the original date. And, lemme tell ya, 3 days in bed with a migraine can take some minor grievances and turn them into full on provocations of war.
Oh, and here's my gift to the Rowbots
by evers44 on Dec 26, 2011 12:14 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
i'm going to do this to my friends some day
arenado: it's Rockie for future
JFK's Quote of the Day:
“Sliding headfirst is the safest way to get to the next base, I think, and the fastest. You don’t lose your momentum, and there’s one more important reason I slide headfirst, it gets my picture in the paper.” ~Pete Rose
"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
Hey now
I had those cards back in April. I only got the entire 2011 Topps set of 660 yesterday card wise. Oh…I think I see what you’re saying now.
/goes back to organizing baseball cards
"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
Okay then..,
Troy Renck on Ross:
Want RH bat w power, and Smith can get pitching RT @AvidRockiesFan Why are they looking at Ross instead of Staying with Seth Smith?
He also says that Wheeler’s destined for AAA, which would point to a Smith for Wade Davis swap or to Seattle for a SP given everything we know right now.
Does that kick Pacheco off the roster?
Only to make the roster as a backup catcher if Rosario isn’t ready?
Your 2012 Colorado Rockies:freshly exorcised from Ty Wigginton
Seattle gets Smith and we get King Felix!
Just saying
58 today, 57 tomorrow is how many days remain until Pitchers and Catchers report for Spring Training.
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 see how this would work roster-wise
We’d be left with one reserve IF, with a starting 3B that probably can’t play everyday. I suppose you could make it work in a pinch as long as your starting 2B can also play third and your one reserve can play everywhere (like Nelson perhaps) but that’s really dicey, and you couldn’t carry Pacheco as an extra bat/emergency C either. To me, that’s not worth having that 5th OF.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 2:33 PM MST up reply actions
Renck's suggesting Blackmon/Ross both on roster
In addition to the starting 3.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 2:41 PM MST up reply actions
Ah, just saw that tweet.
I don’t think we should carry 5 OF either…
@DylanZable
by CentralCaliRox on Dec 26, 2011 2:43 PM MST up reply actions
If Ross signs with us, a trade becomes a near certainty
No way IMO his value’s been reduced so far he has to take a non-guaranteed roster spot. That has to be the first question his agent asked, and the answer wasn’t “don’t worry about it, there will be a spot for you” I don’t see how he signs.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 2:46 PM MST up reply actions
or they trade both Smith/Blackmon.
@DylanZable
by CentralCaliRox on Dec 26, 2011 2:59 PM MST up reply actions
Sounds like a signal to me
That Tracy/DOD/Renck want the infield to stay consistent all year. Going in with an infield of Blake/Tulo/DJ or Nelson/Helton with the loser of the second base battle becoming a super sub makes sense to me, especially since Tulo would only need a sub a couple games a year anyways and Helton already has Giambi/Cuddyer. The FO wants the best bats on the bench rather than versatility, clearly.
Your 2012 Colorado Rockies:freshly exorcised from Ty Wigginton
I think your scenario with the dual 2B/3B is most likely.
And both Nelson and Brandon Wood may qualify as the “play everywhere” back-up. I’m not as sold on Pacheco as others, so to me this (Ross, Blackmon, Giambi, Wood or Nelson and a back-up C) actually seems like a better bench than the scenarios that have Pacheco and Herrera.
We shouldn't have Pacheco and Herrera on the roster unless we absolutely need to
They are negative bats, Pacheco’s a negative fielder and Herrera’s fielding abilities are made redundant by the amount of infielders on the roster who are better than him and the presence of Tulo.
Your 2012 Colorado Rockies:freshly exorcised from Ty Wigginton
Nelson and Wood both were brought up as SS
Your 2012 Colorado Rockies:freshly exorcised from Ty Wigginton
Would the organization suddenly feel comfortable with Nelson at SS, ‘cause it definitely seems like they haven’t been comfortable with him there yet.
Wood, I didn’t realize that, but I do have concerns that he’s even worth a roster spot. (though that opinion was developed not realizing he could play SS)
Eh, I think they'd be comfortable with him as a backup SS
They’ve been moving him off of SS to try to find a home for him on the field as a potential starter. That doesn’t change the fact that he still started the majority of his games in AAA at shortstop though. If they’re going to move him to the bench or start him at second next year, he still has the ability to start games at SS now. If Tulo is injured I fully expect the Rockies to trade for a SS if it’s more than a 15 day stint or call up Field to take his place.
Your 2012 Colorado Rockies:freshly exorcised from Ty Wigginton
yes they do, imo
the only reason he didn’t play ss in 2011 was because of a foot injury that hampered his range.
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by Andrew Martin on Dec 26, 2011 3:33 PM MST via Android app up reply actions
Pacheco's WAY more than a negative bat
Just sayin’. You’re looking at one year in AAA and figuring it trumps everything else he’s done. He and Herrera are exact opposites.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 3:55 PM MST up reply actions
Well, if that's true, it won't cost the Rockies much to have him show it in a full time role in the Springs.
Since he’d be only an MLB bench player anyway, it’s not likely to cost the team as much as it would holding back a projected starter like Arenado. And I am looking at everything he’s done, by the way, his Modesto campaign wasn’t overly impressive, and his New Mexico work was in what’s likely Div I college baseball’s most hitting friendly environment.
Holding Arrenado back?
You have him starting the season in Denver?
I’d much rather have Arrenado show what he has the Springs than Pacheco. That’s not even a reflection on Pacheco, I really see no need to rush Arrenado.
If he kills down there, then bring him up come June.
As for Pachecho, I see him as just another name in the mix for a battle for a roster spot.
The 3B pecking order right now is Blake, Pacheco, Arenado, Wood
Blake will start if he’s healthy, and Arenado will move to the top of this list by September the latest. Pacheco will start if Blake’s injured and Arenado isn’t ready yet.
The third base situation really correlates to the second base situation; if the Rockies can start Nelson or DJ in confidence and have the other or Wood back him and spell Blake enough to keep him healthy until Arenado is ready without starting Pacheco regularly, we’re in good shape. It’d be better if we could find a short term 2B who is clearly better than Nelson and DJ, in which Nelson is the infield backup and DJ starts in AAA, but Prado/Izturis/Scutaro look unrealistic now.
Your 2012 Colorado Rockies:freshly exorcised from Ty Wigginton
Hypothetically, if Arenado is ready for the MLB right now (as I've said all along, I see this as unlikely, btw)
Then it hurts the Rockies about two to three times as much to hold him back in the minors as it would to hold a similarly ready bottom of the bench bat like Pacheco, depending on how much value you place in Blake’s glove over Arenado’s at third. That’s all I was saying above. Since Pacheco’s a likely limited use bench player next season, it won’t hurt the team at all to have him show that he’s legit in Colorado Springs for a couple of months before calling him up again.
This
Your 2012 Colorado Rockies:freshly exorcised from Ty Wigginton
Uh huh
Even at a greater price (which he would no doubt command). Niemann’s a solid add, a good fit for us, and great on the all-airport team (he’s like 6’9"). I’d be wary of giving much more than just Smith for Davis, although Davis once was one of the best prospects in baseball.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 2:38 PM MST up reply actions
I would want that too...
It’s just that Niemann’s name hasn’t been brought up in connection to the Rockies since he was speculated as a potential trade target, while Davis’ name has.
I think that's because everyone's calling the Rays ...
And asking for anyone BUT Davis, and they’re trying to sell him to someone . That’s the brave new world of MLB player acquisition: It’s no longer true that only a few teams look at SABR stats. So either the Rays settle for a lesser hitter in return, or they give in and offer Niemann (or perhaps Price). It’s not like they don’t have more great arms lined up in the minors.
by BostonTransplant on Dec 26, 2011 4:00 PM MST up reply actions
given what latos and gonzalez commanded,
and given that price is better than both of them, i’d be terrified to see the asking price (hehe) for david price
arenado: it's Rockie for future
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I wouldn’t want to make this chick mad.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Best-fan-sign-of-the-year-Packers-fan-uses-game?urn=nfl-wp14705
54 today, 53 tomorrow is how many days remain until Pitchers and Catchers report for Spring Training.
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.
what about hisashi iwakuma as a possible target?
no darvish obviously….
arenado: it's Rockie for future
I've wondered about this myself, but I don't know if the Rockies are interested.
It seems to me that he could make sense as a cheaper alternative to Kuroda and Saunders (again, not that the two are comparable, just that the Rockies have interest in both.)
yeah, groundball pitcher, good command
definitely one of the best of the NPB free agents this offseason
arenado: it's Rockie for future
OT:
I’m posting from my Kindle Fire! Whee!
RockiesRoster.com - Your best source for organizational contract and transactions information.
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
~WolfMarauder
Nice.
I thought 2011 sucked pretty bad. I have nothing to add to that.
by prettyinpurple on Dec 26, 2011 5:46 PM MST up reply actions
this is kind of awesome, I must admit.
:D
RockiesRoster.com - Your best source for organizational contract and transactions information.
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
~WolfMarauder
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 26, 2011 5:50 PM MST up reply actions
So you don't have to use the mobile site?
That is pretty awesome.
I thought 2011 sucked pretty bad. I have nothing to add to that.
by prettyinpurple on Dec 26, 2011 5:51 PM MST up reply actions
No mobile.
I can do anything here except z through comments.
RockiesRoster.com - Your best source for organizational contract and transactions information.
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
~WolfMarauder
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 26, 2011 5:55 PM MST up reply actions
That means you get to read all the greatness that rolls off our fingers.
Except from me of course.
54 today, 53 tomorrow is how many days remain until Pitchers and Catchers report for Spring Training.
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 just got one myself
"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 Dec 26, 2011 6:09 PM MST via Android app up reply actions
Spiffy.
RockiesRoster.com - Your best source for organizational contract and transactions information.
"The highest form of human excellence is to question oneself and others." - Socrates
~WolfMarauder
by Greg Stanwood on Dec 26, 2011 9:25 PM MST up reply actions
Corpus is a Cub now.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111226&content_id=26236274&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
54 today, 53 tomorrow is how many days remain until Pitchers and Catchers report for Spring Training.
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.
Oakland Athletics:
Farm system for the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies: Farm System for the Chicago Cubs?
"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
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