For those who don't know, I was transferred by my day job to a new position in North Carolina and apparently it takes three weeks for the internet to get setup back east. During my travels, I was able to catch the opening weekend for the Grand Junction Rockies and I'm finally able to share some of my photos.
Antonio Senzatela is on a run
Antonio Senzatela is enjoying a hot July, after an inconsistent start to his first full season of professional baseball. The right-hander has four starts in the month and is riding a current 22 inning scoreless streak while allowing opponents to hit just .128 during that span.
Signed out of Venezuela after the Detroit Tigers passed on him due to medical concerns, Senzatela sparked Rockies interest with a mid-90's fastball and a developing changeup in the Dominican Academy. Antonio dominated in the Dominican league and earned a mid-season promotion to the United States in 2013-- an occurrence that doesn't happen very often with the Rockies. Senzatela had a strong season in Tri Cities, where he posted a 3.83 ERA in eight starts, earning a promotion in 2014 to the Single-A Asheville Tourists.
Senzatela profiles as a back of the rotation starter, with a strong fastball, but he struggles to miss bats and earn strikeouts. Senzatela's groundball rates have been outstanding in his career, averaging around 55%, until this season when he seemed to switch to a higher flyball ratio. The higher flyball ratio could be more indicative of the park where he plays as McCormick field is a deadly combination of a bandbox at altitude and balls tend to fly.
Whatever the reasons for his change, Antonio has unlocked a secret in July and is finding his groove. The righty is throwing a 0.38 ERA with just 10 hits given up in four starts.
Mike Coolbaugh
This past week the Texas league honored the late Mike Coolbaugh, former coach in the Rockies minor league system who was tragically killed when struck by a line drive. June 22nd was the seventh anniversary of the tragedy and Texas League teams honored the former coach with a pre-game ceremony and players wearing commemorative wristbands.
The ceremony included a presentation for Mike Coolbaugh Diamond Dreams, a non-profit which honors the former player and coach by promoting safety in the game. Diamond Dreams has rasied money to build safe, state-of-the-art batting cages and practice facilities, provide financial assistance and equipment to baseball community members nationwide who have been affected by tragedy.
Purple Row has donated to the foundation in the past and it's a great way to help those in need in the baseball community. For more information or to donate to the foundation please visit the Diamond Dreams website.