Jose Morales to the 60-Day DL; Matt Pagnozzi Promoted

by Andrew Martin on Jun 17, 2011 4:03 PM MDT in Transactions & Rumors

DENVER, CO - JUNE 09: Catcher Jose Morales #26 of the Colorado Rockies looks on as pitcher Matt Reynolds #51 of the Colorado Rockies heads back to the mound after Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers scored when Morales made a throwing error on a single by Dee Gordon of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seveth inning at Coors Field on June 9, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

In an unfortunate development regarding the Rockies' catching corps, Jose Morales has been placed on the 60-day DL with a broken thumb.

Morales, 28, was acquired during the offseason in trade to join the 3-way competition for the role of backup catcher to Chris Iannetta. Competing with offseason signing Matt Pagnozzi and farmhand Mike McKenry, Morales impressed the Rockies' brass with his approach at the plate and handling of the pitching staff.

Morales has been noted as of late by manager Jim Tracy for working well with struggling Ace Ubaldo JImenez, catching 2 of his more recent excellent starts (including his 4-hit shutout of the Dodgers). On top of his rapport with Jimenez, Morales has also come on in the past week at the plate, batting .571/.625/.714 (1.339 OPS) over the past 7 days.

The timing of this injury definitely puts both Morales and the Rockies front office at a disadvantage. Word from the beat was that Morales was quietly being shopped to the Pittsburgh Pirates given their lack of Major League catching options. The talks fizzled after Pittsburgh acquired Mike McKenry from the Red Sox.

Pagnozzi, 28, has appeared in 30 games in AAA Colorado Springs, putting up a .275/.340/.418 batting line.

This move, while disappointing, won't affect the Rockies' catching situation much, as Iannetta has held the starting job relatively firmly this season. Morales has gotten a few more starts as of late, based on both battery matchups and his improvement at the plate, but with Pagnozzi still a relative newcomer to the organization, Iannetta will likely be back to a 70-30 split in playing time, given his experience working with the staff and Pagnozzi's lack thereof.

Tweet Comment 47 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Sorry for his injury. Wow, things can change so fast !

by butterfly on Jun 17, 2011 4:13 PM MDT reply actions

Wondering how this will affect Ubaldo

He seemed to be clicking with Morales. Fingers crossed he can click with Ianetta

Overheard during Nuggets radio broadcasts in the 80's: "....Hanzlik.....HEY HANZLIK...don't ever dribble the ball again or I'll bench your ass!" Doug Moe

DenverStiffs.com

Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jmorton78

by Jeffrey Morton on Jun 17, 2011 4:22 PM MDT reply actions

I personnally think that has been vastly overstated

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 17, 2011 4:24 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

I don't know. Tracy seemed to think it was legit

I’m not saying he CANT click with Iannetta…he just needs to find his comfort with him.

Overheard during Nuggets radio broadcasts in the 80's: "....Hanzlik.....HEY HANZLIK...don't ever dribble the ball again or I'll bench your ass!" Doug Moe

DenverStiffs.com

Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jmorton78

by Jeffrey Morton on Jun 17, 2011 4:26 PM MDT up reply actions

I know Tracy does

I still think its overstated. The two outings that he did well with Morales were also against two of the worst mlb lineups in pitchers parks. He melted down with Morales in his last start. If he has good stuff and trusts it, it doesn’t matter whose glove it goes into imo

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 17, 2011 4:29 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

Lets simplify

and just say typically his starts at home are disasters regardless of catcher (this season)

On the road is a different story. However Tracy seemed to think that Morales had some sort of click going with Ubaldo….which says something about Ubaldo’s psyche doesn’t it? In these cases, I think comfort rests on the pitcher…not the catcher. Nowhere did I say this was a CDI problem…but it seems to be a Ubaldo thing.

Wouldn’t that be the implication of Tracy’s comment?

Overheard during Nuggets radio broadcasts in the 80's: "....Hanzlik.....HEY HANZLIK...don't ever dribble the ball again or I'll bench your ass!" Doug Moe

DenverStiffs.com

Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jmorton78

by Jeffrey Morton on Jun 17, 2011 4:34 PM MDT up reply actions

I wonder if it's a communication issue?

I’ve noticed that Morales has tended to get starts when pitchers from Spanish-speaking countries pitch. Are they more comfortable with a catcher that speaks their native language (ie Morales, or Olivo from last year)?

I’m not sure how much Spanish CDI knows beyond saying he’s pregnant (commercial last year), but does this make a difference at all? It seems that it wouldn’t if it’s about choosing a pitch and location…

by ddavis539 on Jun 17, 2011 4:51 PM MDT up reply actions

Ubaldo speaks fluent English as does JDLR(yes I know he's on the DL)

and helps the other players with English as well. I’m thinking that CDI is just fine in communicating with all the pitchers. Sometimes there is a chemistry in a battery unrelated to language at all.

"I think I speak for everyone in here when I say: It''s playoffs or bust"- Jason Hammel : Feared Slugger
BigGiantHead of the Ubaldo Lover's Club;OG Thugget Loyalist #4, QPU Emeritus, Proud member PR Gynocracy

by SDcat09 on Jun 17, 2011 4:55 PM MDT up reply actions

top bad Pacheco hasn't hit

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 17, 2011 4:23 PM MDT via mobile reply actions

us

1. Carlos Gonzalez (L) CF
2. Chris Nelson® 2B
3. Todd Helton (L) 1B
4. Troy Tulowitzki® SS
5. Seth Smith (L) RF
6. Ty Wigginton® 3B
7. Charlie Blackmon (L) LF
8. Chris Iannetta® C
9. Jason Hammel® P

There is nothing like a game of pitch and catch. 40,000 fans in purple and black can't be wrong. What's it amount to? Our Colorado Rockies.
How do you get your kids to behave? Threaten not to take them to a Rockies game. They straighten up REAL QUICK.

by Roxman4ever on Jun 17, 2011 4:34 PM MDT reply actions

them

1. Austin Jackson® CF
2. Brennan Boesch (L) LF
3. Miguel Cabrera® 1B
4. Victor Martinez (S) C
5. Magglio Ordonez® RF
6. Alex Avila (L) 3B
7. Jhonny Peralta® SS
8. Ryan Raburn® 2B
9. Rick Porcello® P

by Roxman4ever on Jun 17, 2011 4:40 PM MDT up reply actions

Avila at 3B?

I did not see that coming.

Just an average guy with exceptional hair. Nothing more, nothing less.
Bear Naked - My thoughts on sports, music, and life.

by Bryan Kilpatrick on Jun 17, 2011 5:05 PM MDT up reply actions

BUt with Wiggy being in the AL the past couple? Few? years. Do you think that he might have an advantage on these pitchers that we don't. Maybe a big series from him this time?

by Roxman4ever on Jun 17, 2011 5:06 PM MDT up reply actions

They're throwing three pretty great pitchers at us. Not sure if experience will help hit Verlander

Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings

by Muzia on Jun 17, 2011 5:12 PM MDT up reply actions

I like this lineup a lot

I would be fine with it going forward for the near future.

by purplesocks on Jun 17, 2011 4:50 PM MDT up reply actions

I like this lineup.

"We have done everything possible to be set for this day, for this season. It's time to go. We are ready. I can promise you that." - CarGo

by Mondogarage on Jun 17, 2011 4:51 PM MDT up reply actions

Best lineup we can throw out there

@CentralCaliRox

by CentralCaliRox on Jun 17, 2011 5:01 PM MDT up reply actions

Looks like

I’m going to have to take back some of the things I said about him and his throwing last time out…

by Teekalong on Jun 17, 2011 4:35 PM MDT reply actions

Any idea when he broke it?

OK, so instead of sucking in April as usual, we sucked in May this season. I can live with that.
Fear the Smeth!

by azdenfan on Jun 17, 2011 4:42 PM MDT up reply actions

He took a fowl tip to his thumb during the game on Wednesday.

And continued to play the rest of the game.

by M4LCHIK on Jun 17, 2011 4:44 PM MDT up reply actions

I take it you didn't watch the game?

Backup catcher Jose Morales had a solid day at the plate, going 2 for 4. But he had a rough time in the field, especially in the sixth when he committed two errors.

Morales threw wild to first after fielding a bunt and had another error on a catcher’s interference call when Ryan Ludwick’s bat struck his glove. The Padres couldn’t capitalize on the miscues as Morales threw out Jason Bartlett trying to steal and Chacin got Cameron Maybin to ground out to thwart the threat.

The inning before, Morales was hit on the right thumb by a foul tip from Johnson. Morales clutched at his hand for several minutes as he crawled on the ground in pain. Following a visit from the trainer, Morales hopped up, took some quick tosses and stayed in the game.

Alanna Rizzo is my dream girl.

by Cargo's Ball Sack5 on Jun 17, 2011 4:45 PM MDT up reply actions

ty, I was absent that game.

OK, so instead of sucking in April as usual, we sucked in May this season. I can live with that.
Fear the Smeth!

by azdenfan on Jun 17, 2011 4:47 PM MDT up reply actions

love your sig....I don't see how people can find her ugly?

by Roxman4ever on Jun 17, 2011 4:48 PM MDT up reply actions

Why did they put him directly onto the 60 day?

Will it really take that long to heal a broken thumb? How bad was the break?

by purplesocks on Jun 17, 2011 4:51 PM MDT reply actions

It normally can take that long to heal a broken thumb

"We have done everything possible to be set for this day, for this season. It's time to go. We are ready. I can promise you that." - CarGo

by Mondogarage on Jun 17, 2011 4:52 PM MDT up reply actions

Surgery to put in pins to help it heal

by Roxman4ever on Jun 17, 2011 4:55 PM MDT up reply actions

Man that's too bad.

But another Matt!

I'm gonna change my sig because the last time I did, we had a little winning streak. Then I changed it back, and we started losing again. It's the least I can do.

by prettyinpurple on Jun 17, 2011 4:51 PM MDT via mobile reply actions

btw h/t Muzia for letting me know whilst at work

Purple Row - For all of your Colorado Rockies-related needs
Learn about Batting Metrics
Learn about Pitching Metrics

by Andrew Martin on Jun 17, 2011 5:00 PM MDT reply actions

h/t = tip of the hair?

"We have done everything possible to be set for this day, for this season. It's time to go. We are ready. I can promise you that." - CarGo

by Mondogarage on Jun 17, 2011 5:03 PM MDT up reply actions

I serve some purpose

Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings

by Muzia on Jun 17, 2011 5:12 PM MDT up reply actions

B...b...b...but....

Hockey season’s over!

It’s now burn, pillage, and riot season.

"We have done everything possible to be set for this day, for this season. It's time to go. We are ready. I can promise you that." - CarGo

by Mondogarage on Jun 17, 2011 5:17 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

I have at least three pieces to write before the draft in a week

and then free agency starts the week after.

Hockey season is never over, my friend. Thank the hockey gods.

Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings

by Muzia on Jun 17, 2011 5:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Hahah....

Oh, I meant to say NBA season. Because it’s gonna be a while…..

"We have done everything possible to be set for this day, for this season. It's time to go. We are ready. I can promise you that." - CarGo

by Mondogarage on Jun 17, 2011 5:29 PM MDT up reply actions

This is something for a different team. I know he is a Marlin. But, Chris Coghlin just got optioned to AAA. He is one of there more steady hitters. He's only averaging .230 but come on now.

I know Im going to hear it. He’s a Marlin. Who cares? I think he is a good player.

by Roxman4ever on Jun 17, 2011 5:15 PM MDT reply actions

I'm surprised they haven't cut Logan Morrison yet.

Because the owner doesn’t like him.

/he’s a Marlin

"We have done everything possible to be set for this day, for this season. It's time to go. We are ready. I can promise you that." - CarGo

by Mondogarage on Jun 17, 2011 5:18 PM MDT up reply actions

I jsut kind of find this idd. He is a steady leadoff hitter. Plus, I have him in my fantasy league and he is one of the highest point total guy for me.

Behind, in order top to bottom. Gaby Sanchez, Tulo, Cargo, then Coghlin

by Roxman4ever on Jun 17, 2011 5:19 PM MDT up reply actions

FAIL. ODD not IDD

by Roxman4ever on Jun 17, 2011 5:20 PM MDT up reply actions

I've watched Couglan. He seems like he's not too bad

Do we have something against the Marlins? I like the Marlins well enough. I root for them in the NL East

by SDcat09 on Jun 17, 2011 5:25 PM MDT up reply actions

I have nothing against the Marlins.

Their owner is a class A douchebag in about a million ways. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he owned the Gints.

"We have done everything possible to be set for this day, for this season. It's time to go. We are ready. I can promise you that." - CarGo

by Mondogarage on Jun 17, 2011 5:30 PM MDT up reply actions

Hopefully, the new stadium will bring in more fans and he’ll loosen his pursestrings a bit. We’ll see.

by SDcat09 on Jun 17, 2011 5:33 PM MDT up reply actions

It's not his pursestrings that's the main issue

There’s plenty of cheap owners.

He’s a deceitful liar who’s run two separate franchises completely into the ground, and one who fires good coaches and managers and dumps good players, because his ego can’t stand the fact that someone may disagree with him on his inability to walk on water.

Google “Jeffrey Loria”.

"We have done everything possible to be set for this day, for this season. It's time to go. We are ready. I can promise you that." - CarGo

by Mondogarage on Jun 17, 2011 5:41 PM MDT up reply actions

Yes I'm familiar with him. Aside from his cheapness

But thanks for the Google recommendation. Sounds like a nifty tool

by SDcat09 on Jun 17, 2011 6:12 PM MDT up reply actions

Google? how does that work?

by 3nS on Jun 17, 2011 6:21 PM MDT up reply actions

I am with you here

Absolute crime what this ahole and his crony Selig did to the city of Montreal. I’ve said it before and will say it again. Baseball gave up on Montreal way before Montreal gave up on baseball. If the Rays were in Montreal (a competitive franchise) they sure as hell would be averaging more than 15K per game. Then because he did what his pal Bud wanted which is set the Expos up on a platter for D.C. douchebag Selig gives him another franchise. Then the clowns in Miami vote to pay for a new stadium for him. What a joke.

by RoxandRoll on Jun 17, 2011 10:21 PM MDT up reply actions

This is right

…as regards Selig and Montreal.

by holidayelsie on Jun 17, 2011 11:36 PM MDT up reply actions

Actually, I think Selig and MLB

Screwed the Expos by making them linger in Montreal way too long. In their last seven years as the Expos, the team averaged 10,300 fans per game. This includes that ridiculous San Juan experiment, which actually helped their attendance figures in its initial year.

If more effort had gone into moving the Expos to Phoenix or another viable home, the franchise might have held onto to its considerable on-the-field talent (remember those years when you could practically form an All-Star Team from former Expos?). Instead, the talent went elsewhere and the franchise steadily declined.

In my mind this happened because Bud and the good ‘ol boy owners were infatuated with the expansion fees new teams brought to the table, which of courese they divied up and pocketed. So the Expos got stuck in Montreal while cities slugged it out for two new franchises that MLB really didn’t need.

Maybe baseball was more viable in Montreal that I realize, but whenever I’m there I never sense that MLB is really missed. I think the Expos’ time passed there, but MLB forced them to stay beyond their welcome because of Bid and the owners’ greedy agenda.

by Northsider1964 on Jun 18, 2011 8:39 AM MDT up reply actions