Rockies Tracy praises Hammel, Stewart after win | All Things Rockies — Colorado Rockies news — Denver Post
Troy Renck has some notes from last night's victory over the Athletics, including Jim Tracy quipping that Ian Stewart ran the bases better than he ever has last night, despite getting caught in three run downs. To be fair, at least one of them wasn't any fault of his own, as Dexter Fowler apparently missed a squeeze sign. Tracy also had some nice things to say about Jason Hammel, who located well and had some nice movement on his fastball on his way to a terrific outing. The timing couldn't be better for guys like Hammel and Esmil Rogers to be getting it all together, as is seemingly the case.

Renck also mentions at the end of his piece that Matt Daley looks to be the front runner to take the final bullpen spot, while Jose Morales is likely to wind up the backup to Chris Iannetta. Neither of those developments are much of a surprise.

Renck: Herrera deserves first shot at second - The Denver Post
Renck's prediction will likely ring true, as Jonathan Herrera has certainly proved himself viable to start on opening day, with a combination of last year's success with this year's scorching spring. Renck says the two-headed monster of Herrera and Jose Lopez could wind up being the best second baseman the Rockies have ever had. To that, I say check out Rockies Retro later on today, and read about another second base duo from the past that would give them a run for their money.

Rockies evolving from launching homers to throwing heat - The Denver Post
One more from the Denver Post, as Jim Armstrong details the Rockies' focus on adding power arms to their staff over the past couple of seasons. Guys like Rafael Betancourt, Felipe Paulino, and Matt Lindstrom out of the pen can make a huge difference with their ability to blow people away, rather than trying to pitch to contact - which can not always be the greatest recipe for success when making a relief appearance, particularly with runner on base. Those relievers, combined with fireballing starters Ubaldo Jimenez and Esmil Rogers, make for a potent staff with huge strikeout ability. And, those are just guys who can routinely hit the high-90's on the gun; let's not forget about guys like Jason Hammel, Huston Street, Franklin Morales, and Rex Brothers - all of whom can dial it up into the mid-90's (albeit some with more control than others).

A couple more links after the jump...

Giants will need to defy odds for a Series repeat | Glenn Dickey | Giants | San Francisco Examiner
More humidor drivel.