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Around SBN: Ryder Hesjedal Wins Giro d'Italia

Tuesday Rockpile: Juan Nicasio Walks, Jim Tracy to be Extended?

If I told you July 1 that one of these men would be here in 2013 and one would not....

The rotation of the past, present and future.

Colorado Rockies pitcher Juan Nicasio able to walk in Denver hospital - The Denver Post The absolute best news of the day. There is no getting around the truth - Nicasio broke his neck pitching a baseball. As far as such injuries go though, it appears his prognosis is as optimistic as possible for a C1 vertebrae break. We certainly won't know about pitching for several months.

Kevin Millwood latest hired help for Colorado Rockies' rotation - The Denver Post It appears Millwood will finally wear a Rockies uniform in starting tomorrow's game in Cincinnati. Like Ty Wigginton, it seems the Rockies have always had some interest in Millwood. The enviable depth the Rockies had in the rotation in April is officially gone.

Rockies Mailbag: Team in pursuit of mental toughness - The Denver Post We have heard that line a lot in the last two weeks. Jim Tracy is not exactly the type of manager that seems to demand toughness, and yet:

Owner Dick Monfort and O'Dowd said no firings are planned. Manager Jim Tracy will be back next year, and my guess is that he will receive a one-year extension prior to the 2012 season. The Rockies rarely let a manager go into the last year of his deal. - Troy Renck

Helton is comeback player of the year in Tracy's eyes - The Denver Post He is a good cheerleader though. I'm thinking Lance Berkman or Ryan Vogelsong have better claims.

Jonah Keri on Zack Greinke, Ryan Vogelsong, and pitching statistics - Grantland Jonah Keri has moved on from Fangraphs to a full-time position writing for Grantland. He has started his tenure by delicately introducing sabermetric staple pieces in digestible pieces for the uninitiated. Here, Keri shows how W/L and ERA not only are poor measures for a starting pitcher, but if saber principles were involved, two incredibly bad contracts in the NL West would have never been offered to two left-handed pitchers. I bet you can guess which two.

Baseball Prospectus | Future Shock: Monday-Morning Ten-Pack for 8/8/11 The Rockies organization has been ruthlessly raked over the coals for their handling of Tyler Matzek, mostly by Keith Law. Rumors swirled that the Rockies tried to "tinker" with his mechanics, thus opening the floodgates for the most spectacular of rapid prospect implosions. That explanation always seemed far too simplistic to me, putting the entire onus on the Rockies. Law has been conspicuously quiet since Matzek has returned from an unorthodox sabbatical with his amateur pitching coach and more or less returned to form. Kevin Goldstein, however, praised the Rockies yesterday:

While (Matzek) remains inconsistent, there is clear progress, and the Rockies organization deserves as much credit as Matzek himself. It takes the kind of open mindedness rarely found in player development to allow a player to go outside the organization for help, and with most teams, Matzek would still be in tall weeds.

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So good to hear Juan is up and moving

what a horrific thing to see that was. I can’t wait to see Juan back in full health next year.

~ Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too ~

by TomCat009 on Aug 9, 2011 7:34 AM MDT reply actions  

That is the best news of the night

hope to hear more improvements in the days ahead.

by osierra11 on Aug 9, 2011 7:51 AM MDT up reply actions  

I don't ever expect him to pitch again

But if he does, I’m his #1 fan.

Get well soon Juan.

by Thnikkaman on Aug 9, 2011 8:16 AM MDT up reply actions  

Pretty much this.

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 8:18 AM MDT up reply actions  

THAT'S the best news?

I think seeing that Tracy might get extended is by far the best news of the night.

Lol.

@CentralCaliRox

by CentralCaliRox on Aug 9, 2011 9:38 AM MDT up reply actions  

So Juan getting up and walking not as good of news as Tracy being extended?

Yeah. I’m gonna disagree with you.

"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 Aug 9, 2011 10:15 AM MDT up reply actions  

I sure hope so.

"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 Aug 9, 2011 10:19 AM MDT up reply actions  

I sure hope my sarcasm detector is broken.

"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 Aug 9, 2011 10:21 AM MDT up reply actions  

Cool, Could you provide the link?

"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 Aug 9, 2011 10:27 AM MDT up reply actions   1 recs

Can I add espresso without it breaking?

"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 Aug 9, 2011 10:41 AM MDT up reply actions  

Oh, a sarcasm detector, that’s reeeallly useful.

Worshiping the holy trinity of Cargo, Tulo, and Ubaldo

by squalene203 on Aug 9, 2011 11:36 AM MDT up reply actions  

Hey I can't read you sometimes...so I just thought I'd better check

"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 Aug 9, 2011 11:54 AM MDT up reply actions  

iswydt

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 1:26 PM MDT up reply actions  

This year has been so bad that it's in the running for best news of the year.

Todd’s success this year is decent competition.

"Are they called the Rockies because they rock?" - 7 y.o.

by glaucophane on Aug 9, 2011 10:50 AM MDT up reply actions  

Watching the reaction of the rest of the team

While he was being attended to was almost worse.

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 9:18 AM MDT up reply actions  

It really was, Todd Helton was the worst

because Todd rarely looks shook up and he looked pretty freaked out.

"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 Aug 9, 2011 9:20 AM MDT up reply actions  

Morning everyone

Most of London is shutting down early, and we’ve just had an email saying we can go home now if we want because trouble is predicted for central London later. Many of my friends have already gone home; everyone’s cancelled evening plans; 16000 extra police are being drafted in.

Fingers crossed it’s not as bad as last night, and on a personal note, I hope Shepherds Bush doesn’t suffer rioting or violence. If anything happens I’ll let you know!

by biondino on Aug 9, 2011 7:53 AM MDT reply actions  

Be well and stay safe!

"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 Aug 9, 2011 7:56 AM MDT up reply actions  

Stay safe

And, heck, you might as well enjoy the day off.

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 8:05 AM MDT up reply actions  

I went to the gym!

And now having a long hot bath. Ahhhhhh. No riot news to share right now, so we’ll see what happens when night falls.

by biondino on Aug 9, 2011 1:26 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

I'm listening the BBC World Svc on my satellite radio

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 1:28 PM MDT up reply actions  

Stay safe.

I remember the Rodney king riots and how we were afraid that Riots were going to break out in Las Vegas as a copy cat of the LA riots then. Be well, and I will pray that intelligence defeats mob mentality.

Get well soon Juan.

by Thnikkaman on Aug 9, 2011 8:17 AM MDT up reply actions  

Not surprised about Tracy coming back for next year.

The Ubaldo deal sealed that in my mind. I would be surprised if he received an extension though.

by DumbAndNerdy on Aug 9, 2011 7:54 AM MDT reply actions  

I agree. I understand why you want to keep a much-loved manager signed up for over a year

But does Tracy really come into that category? All it’ll do is make it more expensive to fire him.

by biondino on Aug 9, 2011 7:55 AM MDT up reply actions  

Right. This seems like an odd move to make

just because the Rockies don’t let managers get into the last year of their contract. That could also be a reason for firing him at the end of this year.

One of the interesting things about the conference call last week was the focus on accountability. It seems like giving Tracy an extension throws out any concept of accountability. They don’t need to fire, but they shouldn’t go offering him an extension after two consecutive disappointing seasons. If the Rockies are winning by the ASG next year, they can extend him midseason. If Tracy isn’t willing to accept those terms after the last two years, then he’s an ass.

by DumbAndNerdy on Aug 9, 2011 8:00 AM MDT up reply actions  

Quite honestly

I cannot think of a single person in this organization that deserves a contract extension, except perhaps Rolando Fernandez. I’m not screaming for heads to roll, but in general there are a lot of seats that should be getting warmer instead of more cushy.

by Northsider1964 on Aug 9, 2011 8:05 AM MDT up reply actions  

usually, my ears would perk up here to defend Apodaca

but aside from LINDSTROM, very little has gone as well as expected.

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 9, 2011 8:15 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

Nicasio

Maybe Brothers. Raffy.

Jury’s still out on Cook, but another good start or two, and he might be on that list, as well.

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 8:20 AM MDT up reply actions  

Obviously we will be declining Cooks option

But if he continues to pitch well, any chance we bring him back for cheap

Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? ~Jim Bouton, 1988

by WalkerFan33 on Aug 9, 2011 8:27 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

I would be ok with that

our staff looks to be really young next year, Cook might add some veteran leadership with Ubaldo gone.

by Rosenort on Aug 9, 2011 8:42 AM MDT up reply actions  

Hopefully, no.

Not having consistency with a sinker is death. We wouldn’t even be able to rely on him for long relief.

by DumbAndNerdy on Aug 9, 2011 10:18 AM MDT up reply actions  

I think pretty highly of Apodaca

But somewhere along the way, the Rockies’ starters have been hit with an epidemic of incessant nibbling. My guess is that he’s explained to them in no uncertain terms why they can’t keep hitting triple-digit pitch counts in the 5th inning and expect this team to succeed. But, the message isn’t sinking in.

I guess as far as all the coaches are concerned, I don’t really see anyone there that would deserve to walk the plank before Tracy does. But if a new manager wanted his own guys, that would be understandable.

by Northsider1964 on Aug 9, 2011 8:41 AM MDT up reply actions  

Dac is one of the last coaches I'd get rid of.

 if the FO decides to keep Tracy around (I hope he’s gone in the off season), he doesn’t yet deserve an extension. Let the rest of this season and how team responds next year determines if he stays

FFFFFFFFFFF.

/it is a new beginning, right?

by The Lodo Magic Man on Aug 9, 2011 8:57 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

yeah, if the team completely folds

Tracy should definitely be gone.

Filling up your senses like a night in the forest since 1992.

by frightened inmate #2 on Aug 9, 2011 9:05 AM MDT up reply actions  

Agree

Hurdle tried the big coaching shakeup after the 2008 flop, and it didn’t produce any results. Things didn’t turn around until the changes included the manager. Baylor’s “reassignment” at the end of last year didn’t really light a fire under the offense either.

So I can’t see any coaching changes happening unless it’s the result of a managerial change. A Davey Lopes/Dave Collins type would be nice, since this team seems to underachieve when it comes to running the bases. But I don’t see that happening either, unless it’s under a new manager.

by Northsider1964 on Aug 9, 2011 9:30 AM MDT up reply actions  

I don't like it

because it increases the likelihood of an in-season termination, which I don’t prefer. Barring an amazing run at the end of this year that makes a termination impossible, I’d prefer we thank Jim kindly for his time, pay him his 2012 salary, and send him on his way in sufficient time to do an exhaustive search for a new manager. I’m not out for Tracy’s head, and I certainly don’t think he’s the major issue holding back this franchise (or even in the top 5 really) but its hard to make a compelling case for the man given the returns of the last 2 seasons.

But I’m not surprised at all. DOD is not much for acknowledging mistakes or assigning responsibility these days, he is still probably trying desperately to keep his head down after the Ubaldo deal, and firing Jim would constitute his admission of another mistake, as well as having the scalps of 2 of the team’s 3 playoff managers on his mantle.

Whatever. I care far less about Jim Tracy’s status than I do who will be manning 3b, 2b, OF, and several of the SP slots…

by Teekalong on Aug 9, 2011 11:39 AM MDT up reply actions   1 recs

so say we get good players for those spots

Will Tracy be able to manage them correctly ? Will they even want to come to such a badly run organization?

by butterfly on Aug 9, 2011 11:46 AM MDT up reply actions  

I'm not too worried about Tracy's management of good players

to me, his major “tinkering” issues are a result of his attempts to overcompensate for his player’s legitimate weaknesses. As long as the guys we get are “actually good” and not “Jim Tracy thinks they are good” that is not an issue.

by Teekalong on Aug 9, 2011 11:53 AM MDT up reply actions  

Free Chris Nelson

Fire Ty Wigginton

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 11:58 AM MDT up reply actions  

Chris Nelson is the ultimate "backup QB"

the guy is an eternally charmed prospect not trusted by his manager/GM.

by Teekalong on Aug 9, 2011 12:07 PM MDT up reply actions  

this is so true

Check out my blog about undergraduate science research

by black_knight101 on Aug 9, 2011 12:12 PM MDT up reply actions  

Unfortunately, neither Wiggy nor Jose Lopez were John Elway

Yet Kubi-Nelson sat on the bench.

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 12:13 PM MDT up reply actions  

that WAS awesome

I’ll always dig him for that alone, even if I suspect he misread the signs and did it by accident.

by Teekalong on Aug 9, 2011 12:20 PM MDT up reply actions  

I'm pretty sure he just outright went.

I was there and it sure seemed like it. The pitcher was not paying attention to him at all. Nelson had a huge lead an just went for it. The pitcher was so shocked he turned back to 2B thinking that the guy on first was stealing. Just crazy.

by DumbAndNerdy on Aug 9, 2011 12:21 PM MDT up reply actions  

May be

I can’t recall clearly but I remember thinking for some reason he messed up on a sign (I think he just left too early on a squeeze) but it all worked out and was, as you noted, AWESOME.

by Teekalong on Aug 9, 2011 12:30 PM MDT up reply actions  

He did leave too early on a squeeze

And when the Reds’ infielders yelled at Masset that a runner was moving, he assumed they meant Mora (who was on 1st) and he turned completely away from Nelson.

I thought it would have cool to pinch-run Nelson with Masset on the mound last night, just to torment the poor guy.

by Northsider1964 on Aug 9, 2011 1:00 PM MDT up reply actions  

iannetta syndrome

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 1:29 PM MDT up reply actions  

eh he was injured a lot too

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 1:31 PM MDT up reply actions  

Beyond the debateable "catcher wars"

I’m not sure there are too many examples of the “better guy” sitting much. Atkins/Stewart maybe, but its not hard now to see why that decision was made. Seth Smith maybe I guess, but again hard to be sure. Give Tracy a surefire starter and he usually starts that guy.

by Teekalong on Aug 9, 2011 2:37 PM MDT up reply actions  

Aside from limiting us (theoretically) with finding his replacement

there could be some benefits to an in-season termination a la Hurdle in ’09.

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 12:51 PM MDT up reply actions  

I don't want to be in the gutter

just to make a move to bounce back. I see your point, but my view is that taking the time to conduct a full search is far more likely to lead to a good hire than promoting somebody random midseason to try to get a jolt.

by Teekalong on Aug 9, 2011 1:02 PM MDT up reply actions  

yea I'd agree with that

the scenario I posed is high-risk, high-reward and is really dependent on a random set of factors that are unlikely to repeat.

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 1:04 PM MDT up reply actions  

I actually enjoyed watching last night's game

The bats woke up on the road and the bullpen did a very good job. 2 appearances and Roenicke is looking good. He may have to be a piece of the pen next year if we’re able to move Street, Betancourt, etc.

by osierra11 on Aug 9, 2011 7:55 AM MDT reply actions  

I was actually wondering

If Lindstrom was going to close last night – only because Tracy went to Belisle in the 7th, despite the fact that his arm was brought to the mound separately in a wheel barrow. But I guess he might have been holding Lindstrom back for extra innings.

I agree Roenicke has looked good. Could just be Fool’s Gold, but a couple of his sliders last night were downright nasty.

by Northsider1964 on Aug 9, 2011 8:02 AM MDT up reply actions  

I've been waiting for the Lindstrom move

I would’ve thought the last three appearances by Street may have been enough but apparently not. Can we shut down Belisle early this year? Has that ever been done with a 30+ year old reliever? Hate for Belisle to go down the route of Scott Proctor.

by osierra11 on Aug 9, 2011 8:18 AM MDT up reply actions  

Roenicke has always had good stuff

The Blue Jays were hoping he would be their closer at one point.

by Rosenort on Aug 9, 2011 8:41 AM MDT up reply actions  

it’s up

Check out my blog about undergraduate science research

by black_knight101 on Aug 9, 2011 9:08 AM MDT up reply actions  

why is it the every position player in our system

seems to have huge home/road spilts. It doesn’t seem to be limited to the Springs either, am I imagining this or does every one of our farm teams play in ridiculous hitters parks.

by Rosenort on Aug 9, 2011 9:16 AM MDT up reply actions  

Modesto doesn't.

And I think Tulsa is usually pretty even.

by mkorpal on Aug 9, 2011 9:18 AM MDT up reply actions  

Modesto is a pitchers park in a hitters league

Asheville is a huge HR park and is the one you probably have to be most careful about analyzing stats from.

Check out my blog about undergraduate science research

by black_knight101 on Aug 9, 2011 9:22 AM MDT up reply actions  

Asheville

is the park you see the splits from, Parker, Oretga. The rest of the guys, not sure I see too many bad splits.

by mkorpal on Aug 9, 2011 9:24 AM MDT up reply actions  

I'll be at the game today!

Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? ~Jim Bouton, 1988

by WalkerFan33 on Aug 9, 2011 8:20 AM MDT via mobile reply actions  

I'll be at the game today!

Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? ~Jim Bouton, 1988

by WalkerFan33 on Aug 9, 2011 8:20 AM MDT via mobile reply actions  

It's so nice I posted it twice

Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? ~Jim Bouton, 1988

by WalkerFan33 on Aug 9, 2011 8:21 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

Cool.

Get another “Lets go Rockies” chant going. I think I heard one last night. :D

Get well soon Juan.

by Thnikkaman on Aug 9, 2011 8:24 AM MDT up reply actions  

Was Tago supposed to have crappy control?

or is he drinking out of the same cup as Matzek thus walking 50 in 70 innings….

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 9:56 AM MDT reply actions  

he was put in Asheville right out of high school, and is the youngest pitcher in the league

he’s facing a lot of players that are much older than him, and he’s been steadily improving his K/BB. it’s nothing to be worried about right now.

Check out my blog about undergraduate science research

by black_knight101 on Aug 9, 2011 10:02 AM MDT up reply actions  

these are all excellent points

thanks for the insight.

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 10:06 AM MDT up reply actions  

It's not nothing

As we have seen in the past. While I agree that it’s not something to be too alarmed about, it’s still a bit concerning. He will need to show continued improvement.

by mkorpal on Aug 9, 2011 10:12 AM MDT up reply actions  

He's been great the last few starts until he hits a wall around the 4th or 5th inning

Not concerned about him in the least.

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 Aug 9, 2011 10:20 AM MDT up reply actions  

I'm not overally concerned

But I’m not going to simply brush it away like we did with Matzek. I’m not making that mistake again.

by mkorpal on Aug 9, 2011 10:31 AM MDT up reply actions  

Well yeah, but Matzek is kind of a special case in every possible way

Unless Tago has also been secretly trained by a method not accepted in mainstream too. Mike Newman will be at their next series in Rome. Seems he’ll miss out on Tago unfortunately, but he’ll see Matzek

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

by Andrew T. Fisher on Aug 9, 2011 10:34 AM MDT up reply actions  

I'd be very curious to see what Newman has to say about Matzek...

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 Aug 9, 2011 10:35 AM MDT up reply actions  

We had expectations for Matzek.

Tago? We have no idea what he can become since he’s so raw. If he repeats Asheville next year, I still won’t be concerned due to his youth.

He’s shown flashes, and that’s all I’ve wanted to see.

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 Aug 9, 2011 10:34 AM MDT up reply actions  

On the topic of improvement..

Nick Schnaitmann has a 1.28 ERA in his last 4 starts. His AVG against has dropped from .346 in Modesto to .224 in Asheville.

by Charlie77 on Aug 9, 2011 10:41 AM MDT up reply actions  

I've been paying attention in complete disbelief.

He’s been following Matzek’s career in many ways, even to matching bad and good starts.

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 Aug 9, 2011 10:57 AM MDT up reply actions  

So what is the organization's plan right now?

I was on vacation so I missed the discussions about the Ubaldo trade. I just haven’t been able to figure out if they are planning to compete next year. The Ubaldo trade would obviously make me think they believe they don’t have a chance to win for about two or three years, but some of the other things I’ve seen make it seem like they believe they just need a little retooling.

by RoxnSox09 on Aug 9, 2011 10:39 AM MDT reply actions  

I don't think they have a plan yet

"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 Aug 9, 2011 10:41 AM MDT up reply actions  

I actually wouldn't read into the Ubaldo trade as a "giving up on 2012" sign

I get the vibe that DOD didn’t really project Ubaldo as a top of the rotation pitcher going forward, so he went out and traded him for two prospects that he saw as top of the rotation pitchers. Of course the problem is that our rotation next season is very much in limbo (Nicasio, JDLR, relying on at least one rookie if not two).

Check out my blog about undergraduate science research

by black_knight101 on Aug 9, 2011 10:42 AM MDT up reply actions  

That my thinking too

I am liking the Ubaldo trade more and more. I really don’t see him ever matching his 2010 start, that was just special and we were lucky to have experienced it, but its not sustainable or realistic to expect that. My main problem with Ubaldo is his command leading to getting way to deep into counts and throwing to many pitches. With Matzek and Friedrich not looking MLB ready I am happy with getting two potential TOR guys that should start next season in the rotation.

by Rosenort on Aug 9, 2011 10:51 AM MDT up reply actions  

With Matzek and Friedrich not looking MLB ready

Can I ask, where did you get your Masters in Understatement? You were obviously top of the class…

We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!

In line for seats at the Grand Junction Rockies 2012 home opener

by Junction Rox on Aug 9, 2011 11:09 AM MDT up reply actions  

That's not necessarily true

being “MLB ready” is a far cry from being ready to be significant, reliable contributors on a team pushing for the playoffs.

by Teekalong on Aug 9, 2011 11:42 AM MDT up reply actions  

But if they are planning on competing, why would they rely on two prospects to anchor the rotation?

What worries me the most is that they don’t seem to be fully committing one way or the other. If you think you need to rebuild, then do it; if you think you can compete, then go for it. Patching “holes” (I don’t think the team has upgraded its pitching here) via trade will only uncover more holes. It’s a recipe for indefinite mediocrity.

by RoxnSox09 on Aug 9, 2011 12:32 PM MDT up reply actions  

I think Nicasio's injury put a dent in the 2012 plan.

With him, it’s a really good rotation. Without him, you need both White and Pomeranz to be good and ready to even compete.

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 12:33 PM MDT up reply actions  

I think they sold high on an asset they felt was diminishing

in exchange for two young, cost-controlled, potential stud rotation pitchers that will both pitch for us in 2011.

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

by Muzia on Aug 9, 2011 12:34 PM MDT up reply actions  

See, you might be right, but it still sounds mediocre.

That isn’t a plan for building a championship team. It’s hedging your bets and trying to get some value without making a strong commitment. I don’t think anybody would predict a higher WAR in 2012 for White/Pomeranz than for Ubaldo. They might be guarding against the risk that Ubaldo falls apart completely, but in the meantime they took on the considerable risk that these guys don’t meet their potential (I think your own research showed that either one of them has something like a 1/6 chance of becoming what Ubaldo has been). So it seems like they aren’t really building a team to win in 2012, but they aren’t completely focusing on unloading all of their valuable MLB pieces for a run in the distant future either.

by RoxnSox09 on Aug 9, 2011 12:42 PM MDT up reply actions  

I think DOD is terrified

of the PR (and clubhouse) hit following the perception of a full rebuild, so he won’t cast it that way…but in reality, the current maneuvering only makes sense if he’s thinking a few years out. But its impossible to say until we see if he makes any significant acquisitions in places of need this offseason. If we take a roughly similar roster into next year…

by Teekalong on Aug 9, 2011 12:50 PM MDT up reply actions  

I don’t think anybody would predict a higher WAR in 2012 for White/Pomeranz than for Ubaldo.

I’m not far off from making that prediction. Some of Ubaldo’s peripherals terrify me.

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 Aug 9, 2011 12:52 PM MDT up reply actions   1 recs

I think what terrifies me most about Ubaldo

is his pre-game conditioning routine of long-toss with a poorly-wired bomb strapped to his chest. But then again, I’ve always been a worrywart…..

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 1:01 PM MDT up reply actions  

long-term (which may be as early as 2012, but more realistically 2013)

having these two guys plus Chacin and JDLR will be a cheap rotation which means (are you ready?!?!?): more money for position players!!

The ramifications of this deal are much more than the immediate value of Ubaldo’s value – that of White/Pomeranz, and such an equation will usually make the trade look dumb…

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 12:57 PM MDT up reply actions  

but in the meantime they took on the considerable risk that these guys don’t meet their potential (I think your own research showed that either one of them has something like a 1/6 chance of becoming what Ubaldo has been). So it seems like they aren’t really building a team to win in 2012, but they aren’t completely focusing on unloading all of their valuable MLB pieces for a run in the distant future either.

But if White and Porneranz only have a 1/6 chance of becoming what Ubaldo has been, what should they have done to build for a run in the distant future? Get prospects farther from MLB with an even lower probability of success, and just get more of them and play the numbers?

We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!

In line for seats at the Grand Junction Rockies 2012 home opener

by Junction Rox on Aug 9, 2011 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions  

In fairness

The odds, using Muzia’s low-ball numbers, of the Rockies coming out ahead on the deal are about 55/45. That doesn’t mean one or both will become Ubaldo-awesome. It just means the odds of them becoming an improvement over Ubaldo are better than the House has in Blackjack.

With Nicasio out for the foreseeable future, the added depth makes the deal even more helpful, unfortunately.

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 1:32 PM MDT up reply actions  

The plan is there is no plan.

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 10:55 AM MDT up reply actions  

Baghdad Bob, Denver Dan, same thing, right?

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions   1 recs

The situation is under control...

…..as an M1 Abrams rolls by in the street below…..

FFFFFFFFFFF.

/it is a new beginning, right?

by The Lodo Magic Man on Aug 9, 2011 11:55 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

Do we really look like a guy with a plan?

You know what we are? We’re a dog chasing division titles. We wouldn’t know what to do with one if we caught it! You know… we just do things.
The Yankees have plans, the Pirates have plans, Sabean’s got plans. You know, they’re schemers. Schemers trying to control their little worlds. We’re not a schemer. We try to show the schemers how pathetic their attempts to control things really are. So, when I say…when I say that us and this crappy season was nothing personal, you know that I’m telling the truth.
It’s the schemers that put us where we are. We were a schemer last offseason, we had plans, and look where that got us.

This year sucks.

by prettyinpurple on Aug 9, 2011 11:49 AM MDT up reply actions   2 recs

Hot day in the Rockpile.

Filling up your senses like a night in the forest since 1992.

by frightened inmate #2 on Aug 9, 2011 12:18 PM MDT reply actions  

Indeed.

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 12:20 PM MDT up reply actions  

Overpaid bum.

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 12:24 PM MDT up reply actions  

Mmmmm.

Helton Shake. Helton Burger. Mmmmmm.

by DumbAndNerdy on Aug 9, 2011 12:26 PM MDT up reply actions  

sooo good

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 1:52 PM MDT up reply actions  

only cuz ur here Dr. Funke

;-)

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 12:54 PM MDT up reply actions  

that's really disappointing

to hear tracy is going to be back. not the man for the job in this city.

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 1:32 PM MDT reply actions  

we need Tom Landry

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions  

Jason Giambi for player-manager in 2012!

Anxiously waiting the arrival of Drew Pomeranz.

by free7694 on Aug 9, 2011 1:54 PM MDT up reply actions   2 recs

fixed

Jason Giambi for player-manager in 2012!

Get well soon Juan.

by Thnikkaman on Aug 9, 2011 2:03 PM MDT up reply actions  

Fail

Jason Giambi for player-manager in 2012!

Get well soon Juan.

by Thnikkaman on Aug 9, 2011 2:04 PM MDT up reply actions  

Jason Giambi for pharmaceutical rep in 2012!

by Charlie77 on Aug 9, 2011 2:14 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

WINNAR!

We're trying to win a (#)(*@$%#)@#&$#)^ argument here!!!!

In line for seats at the Grand Junction Rockies 2012 home opener

by Junction Rox on Aug 9, 2011 2:39 PM MDT up reply actions  

depends on the size of his bat

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 2:55 PM MDT up reply actions  

<333

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 3:26 PM MDT up reply actions  

to celebrate the idea

Tracy sits Seth Smith and starts EY2 in the outfield

by Rosenort on Aug 9, 2011 2:25 PM MDT up reply actions  

When Smith PHs in the 7th

Can we at least keep him in the field as a defensive replacement this time?

Altar Boy in the Church of Santo Ubaldo
"...buffalo chicken is a fine anti-depressant, after all." -UZ
"... One order of buffalo wings, please..." -Yokel, after July 30, 2011

by Yokel on Aug 9, 2011 2:34 PM MDT up reply actions  

so is the Chris Nelson Experiment already over??

or is this Tracy going to whip for the pennant drive??

veteranness!!!!

by RMC7511 on Aug 9, 2011 2:43 PM MDT up reply actions  

once he heard he wasn't going to be canned in the offseason, he realized he can do whatever the hell he wants and is probably having a magic-8 ball make his decisions now

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 4:00 PM MDT up reply actions  

well,he probably split it 60-40 with the 8 ball before

now, though, he’s just going to phone it in

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 4:09 PM MDT up reply actions  

tracy doesn't strike me as a guy who eats a whole lot of chinese food...

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 4:31 PM MDT up reply actions  

yeah, i doubt fortune cookies would do much worse than the 8-ball

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 4:33 PM MDT up reply actions  

from last year, but still carries the same message

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 Aug 9, 2011 4:35 PM MDT up reply actions  

i kinda miss mora

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 4:44 PM MDT up reply actions  

I get it

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 8:10 PM MDT up reply actions  

"Yes"

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 Aug 9, 2011 4:44 PM MDT up reply actions  

"Where in the lineup should the second baseman hit?"

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 4:45 PM MDT up reply actions  

"You may rely on it"

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 Aug 9, 2011 4:46 PM MDT up reply actions  

updates from the twitter world

Nicasio walking around again today and eating. In good spirits.

Both Street and Lindstrom are unavailable tonight (soreness in lat muscle/arm respectively)…maybe our first look at Rex as a closer?

Check out my blog about undergraduate science research

by black_knight101 on Aug 9, 2011 3:19 PM MDT reply actions  

The bullpen is not in good shape.

It’s a good thing Hammel was able to give us even two innings after the delay yesterday.

by holly96 on Aug 9, 2011 3:20 PM MDT up reply actions  

seriously...that was crucial.

I’m still not sure how we got out of that game with W.

Check out my blog about undergraduate science research

by black_knight101 on Aug 9, 2011 3:22 PM MDT up reply actions  

Just saw this from Jon Heyman:
Rockies have been led to believe nicasio will make a full recovery from horrendous accident. Main concern is psychological

by holly96 on Aug 9, 2011 3:29 PM MDT reply actions  

that's really good to hear.

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 3:35 PM MDT up reply actions  

it'd be hard to get up period

the only organization of humans responsible for more evil in the universe than the philadelphia phillies is the boston red sox

lets just use our 2012 money for something good and not another wigginton

by papality on Aug 9, 2011 3:46 PM MDT up reply actions  

hiyoooooo

sex joke alert!!!!!

"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

by Resolution on Aug 9, 2011 3:54 PM MDT up reply actions  

There's no way to predict how any given person will respond to this kind of thing.

But Nicasio seems to have the type of mentality that will help him overcome those fears. Won’t know for awhile, though.

by holly96 on Aug 9, 2011 3:50 PM MDT up reply actions  

His youth probably works in his favor as well.

"Surgeons have determined that doing the wave will, yes, will cause tears to the suprapinatus muscle and the infraspinatus muscle from the throwing of an individual's arms rapidly into the air. In addition, any children doing the wave will be sold to the circus. Do NOT do the wave in the ballpark. Doing the wave is safe at pro football games and Miley Cyrus concerts.
-scoreboard announcement at Ranger Ballpark in Arlington via Baseball Nation.

by RdRnnr on Aug 9, 2011 4:45 PM MDT up reply actions  

Why is Hammel so hittable now?

Can somebody provide some good reasoning on that? I really don’t know…

by Mr. Rockie on Aug 9, 2011 4:38 PM MDT reply actions  

well, he isn't striking them out

they have to do something with the ball

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by Andrew Martin on Aug 9, 2011 4:40 PM MDT up reply actions  

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