Know Your Foe
Know Your Foe #53: Rockies Carry Small Amount of Momentum Into Season Finale
by Andrew Martin on Sep 26, 2011 2:00 PM MDT
in Know Your Foe
San Francisco Giants (84-75 / 2nd in the NL West / 9.0GB, E)
This series wasn't supposed to be like this. This series was supposed to be the decider between the two NL West Kings, the two teams made of awesome and hatred for each other. Much like 2009 was predicted by Russ to have the Rockies and Dodgers competing for the division title in the last series of the season, countless Giants fans showed up at the last Rockies-Giants series at Coors Field, expecting to see this Titanic clash come to a head. Instead, the Rockies have fallen apart completely over the past month or so, so it was seeing if the Rockies could be the team to put the stake into the vampire hearts of the San Francisco Giants.
2011 Record vs. Colorado: 11-4 (74 runs scored, 51 runs allowed)
Last Series vs. Colorado: September 15-18 (W 4-0 at Coors Field)
Instead, the Rockies were completely and utterly embarrassed by the Giants, getting swept on their home turf. After the series was over, the Giants were on an 8-game winning streak, and the Rockies on a 4-game losing streak. You see, after splitting in Milwaukee, there was hope that the Rockies would make a good showing against the Giants, and we'd have some good baseball to finish the season with.
Game 1 did not provide that. Pablo Sandoval, in all his panda-like evil, hit for the cycle off of Jhoulys Chacin. Yes, all 4 hits came off of Chacin, along with an additional 5 from non-Sandoval batters. I got to witness this one in person. I always wanted to see a cycle. Just not off of the bats of the Giants. The Rockies DID try to get back into the game, as they put 5 runs on the board off of Ryan Vogelsong and Steve Edlefsen, but it just wasn't enough, thanks to some awful defense from Thomas Field and Jordan Pacheco. In Pacheco's defense, he's still re-learning to play 1B and 3B, but I'm stoked to see him do it. Final 8-5 Giants.
Much like the rest of this season, Game 2 found a way to get even worse. Alex White got nailed for 6 runs on 9 hits, including 2 HR, 3BB, and 3K, while pitching just under 6 innings. Jordan Pacheco had a 3-hit game, and Wilin Rosario tripled off of Bumgarner and scored on a Dexter Fowler 2-out E5, but past that, it was a gem by Madison Bumgarner (who notched 2 hits of his own, including a double), and the Rockies never stood a chance. Final 9-1 Giants.
Game 3 was a giant tease. Down 6-3, despite some solid work from Drew Pomeranz. The Rockies tagged Santiago Casilla for 2 runs on 2 hits and a walk, but Casilla gutted through it to get himself the save. Upside: Hector Gomez made his first MLB start and notched 2 hits. Downside: He's already hurt again. Final 6-5 Giants.
Game 4, I just wanted to win. I went to see the Lion King and was planning on watching the archived game, but when I checked the score post-movie: NOPE - Esmil Rogers. Rogers gave up 9 runs and only lasted an out into the 4th inning. He gave up 2 HR. Greg Reynolds gave up 2 HR in his short relief stint. Here are the good things about that game: 2-hit games from Seth Smith and Ty Wigginton, 2 SB from Eric Young, Jr, and 2 scoreless innings of relief from Jason Hammel. Past that, don't let the door hit you, Giants. Final 12-5 Giants.
Latest Series Results: L 0-3 vs. Arizona, L 1-2 vs. Los Angeles (NL)
So at this point, do we cheer that now the games REALLY don't matter? Do both teams dig through the depths of the minors to find some starters to throw out there so they can officially shut down everyone who matters for 2012? Honestly, seing the Sky Sox/Drillers and the Grizzlies/Flying Squirrels face off in AT&T Park would be pretty awesome. I mean, we're already seeing Ty Wigginton and the Minor League Experience head out there day in and day out, why not just make it official? I don't want to see the likely slaughter the pitching matchups would present. Just call it a season, guys.
The Giants did shed a lot of dead weight this season in the forms of Miguel Tejada and Aaron Rowand. You can only have so many veterans on your team before it's just over the top. There is one veteran who doesn't plan on going anywhere anytime soon:
Seriously, in the 2 months that Beltran has been with the Giants, he's accumulated the 5th most Wins Above Replacement on that Giants club, with 1.1 WAR. Should Beltran stay healthy, he would likely be a 4-5 win player for whatever team he lands with. The Giants may just have a vacancy in the "overpaid veteran" department, and Beltran could likely slide right into that slot.
Frankly, I don't mind Carlos Beltran. I used to like him a lot, back when the 2006 Mets were all the business and a generally exciting team to watch play. Since his knees betrayed him, Beltran's baserunning and defensive numbers have all plummeted, which is to be expected. Beltran's last full season was 2008, where he batted about 33% above the average MLB bat (133 wRC+) and played elite CF defense, was nearly the best of his career, worth 7.6 WAR.
Any chance we can start a letter writing campaign and get him to sign in like Anaheim or something? They like old, overpaid veteran outfielders too.
18 commentsKnow Your Foe #52: Really Bad Rockies Head to Houston to Face Really, Really Bad Astros
by Bryan Kilpatrick on Sep 22, 2011 2:01 PM MDT
in Know Your Foe
Houston Astros (53-102 / 6th in the NL Central / Eliminated)
2011 Record vs. Colorado: 0-3 (17 runs scored, 24 runs allowed)
Last Series vs. Rockies: August 22-24 (L 0-3 at Coors Field)
The Rockies did not waste any time getting to Houston starter Brett Myers, as they put up six runs in the first inning while cruising out to a 9-1 lead before the Astros made it uncomfortable in the final frame. the Rox used six hits (including four doubles) and a walk in that opening inning while sending ten batters to the plate. Carlos Gonzalez homered and Chris Nelson hit a two run single to get the Rox an eight-run lead, but Houston put up four in the ninth inning to at least make it respectable. Colorado would win 9-5. Not surprisingly, Matt Downs hit a three-run pinch-hit homer.
In game two, Jonathan Herrera hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning to take Alex White off the hook in his Rockies debut, and Matt Belisle and Rex Brothers kept the Astros off the board in securing the victory for their club. Seth Smith homered for Colorado as well, while Jimmy Paredes and Carlos Lee went deep off of White for Houston.
The Rockies were able to finish off the sweep by winning 7-6 in ten innings. Troy Tulowtzki scored the winning run on a wild pitch by former Rockies farmhand Aneury Rodriguez. Clint Barmes homered for Houston , while Gonzalez and Tulowitzki went deep for Colorado. This game marked the Rockies' fifth straight victory, and that streak actually convinced more than a few baseball pundits to entertain the idea of the Rox making another crazy late-season run. Silly people.
Latest Series Results: L 1-2 at Chicago (NL), L 1-2 at Cincinnati
Your 2011 Astros' leader in fWAR?
This speaks to not only just how bad the Astros really are (especially post-Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence), but also how downright solid Barmes has been this season.
While Carlos Lee leads the club in most offensive categories as well as rWAR, Barmes has used great defense (12.4 UZR/150) and about average offense (97 wRC+) to compile fWAR and rWAR figures of 3.2. Especially considering how well Felipe Paulino has performed in Kansas City, the Barmes trade is extremely underrated as far as how bad it was for the Rockies.
Speaking of pleasant surprises, utility man Matt Downs has been very good in Houston, as the 27-year-old former Giant has posted a 138 wRC+ in 210 plate appearances. He has been especially awesome as a pinch-hitter, with a .341/.460/.659 line in 50 PA's in that role. At the very worst, Downs has surely earned himself a spot on Houston's 2012 opening day roster.
Houston's best pitcher has been Bud Norris, who the Rockies may or may not see on Sunday. Norris, while just 6-11, has a 3.71 xFIP and impressive strikeout and walk rates. Wandy Rodriguez boasts nearly identical peripherals, but has five more wins to his credit.
The usual stuff after the jump...
Know Your Foe #51: Rockies Limp Into Final Home Series Vs Padres
by Andrew Martin on Sep 19, 2011 2:00 PM MDT
in Know Your Foe
San Diego Padres (65-88 / 5th in the NL West / 23 GB, E)
After a 4-game sweep from the hated Giants, the Rockies will welcome in the San Diego Padres for one final series at Coors Field in 2011. The Padres are sitting 5.5 games back of the Rockies in the NL West, and the way the Rockies have been playing lately, I'm not so sure that 4th place "lead" is entirely safe.
2011 Record vs. Colorado: 6-9 (65 runs scored, 68 runs allowed)
Last Series vs. Rockies: September 2-4 (L 1-2 at Petco Park)
Game 1 of this 3-game series featured a weak Padres lineup in the pitchers' paradise that is Petco Park running straight into the visiting buzzsaw that is Kevin Millwood. Millwood went 7 shutout innings, striking out 8 Friars while walking none. You wouldn't think Millwood had it in him, but you never know what you'll find when you take a veteran pitcher with nothing to lose and put him up against a San Diego lineup prone to these kinds of games. Oh, and for the record, Rockies batters struck out 12 times during this game against Aaron Harang and company. For his career, Harang has a 7.4 strikeouts-per-9-innings rate, but against Colorado, that number jumps to 9.6. Final 3-0 Rockies.
Game 2 was kind of a frustrating matchup between Alex White and Cory Luebke, as neither pitcher really seemed to want it. Luebke was chased early in the 5th after striking out 5, walking 1, and allowing 5 runs on 8 hits. Alex White lasted the entire 5th, but was tagged for 4 runs of his own, including a home run (shocker) to Will Venable. By the time the bullpens came into the game, it was all over. Both sides just kind of looked at the 1-run gap and decided not to do anything about it. Final 5-4 Rockies.
Game 3 looked like classic Rockies baseball, struggling through 7 innings of 5-hit, 2-run ball off of Mat Latos while punching out 8 times. Aaron Cook wasn't really bad, getting 11GB to 8 FB and going 6 innings, allowing only 3 runs. The game looked to be a tight 3-2 while heading into the latter innings, but a bases-loaded Mark Ellis error kept the inning alive and also drove in Cameron Maybin. I wish there were a good way to track innings where the Rockies make an error, just to see how the opposing offense finishes said inning. In this case, Will Venable tripled to the deepest part of the CF/RF gap, blowing the game wide open. That was the 8th, and after a 1-2-3 9th, that was all she wrote. Final 2-7 Padres.
Latest Series Results: L 0-3 vs. San Francisco, W 2-1 vs. Arizona
I swear, those past 2 series just played right into the Giants' hands. Getting swept by the Giants and then giving up another 2 to Arizona while the Rockies get swept by San Fran? Come on, San Diego, that's just inconsiderate. You don't want the Giants to win any more than we do.
Random observation: The 2011 Padres are pulling 25,801 San Diegoans per game, about 500 less per game than last year when they spent most of the season in 1st place. The only season that the Rockies have pulled that few per game was the 2005 season when they finished 67-95. That 25,801 mark is the 14th best Attendance/Game mark in Padres Franchise History. Sad.
In other news, this final series is capped by an Aaron Cook start to finish the Colorado Rockies Home Season, and possibly his career with the Rockies. I can't think of anything better than him unexpectedly dominating, just to give himself a pleasant sendoff.
Know Your Foe #50: Rockies Hoping to Exact Revenge, Bury Giants at Coors Field
by Bryan Kilpatrick on Sep 15, 2011 3:03 PM MDT
in Know Your Foe
San Francisco Giants (79-70 / 2nd in the NL West / 7.5 GB)
Last season, the eventual World Series champs all but ended the Rockies' playoff chances in a series at Coors Field in September. This season, the Rockies are hoping to return the favor, and a series victory would more or less do the trick, as the Giants are currently 7.5 back with only 13 games left to play.
2011 Record vs. Colorado: 7-4 (39 runs scored, 35 runs allowed)
Last Series vs. Rockies: June 3-5 (W 2-1 at AT&T Park)
The Giants took the opener 3-1 behind a strong performance from Matt Cain, who went seven innings and allowed just a run on four hits. Meanwhile, Juan Nicasio surrendered three runs on five hits, including two doubles, in the fourth inning and the Giants held on from there. Emmanuel Burris (!?) had three hits for San Francisco, while Cody Ross had a pair of his own.
Game two saw Jhoulys Chacin craft his way through the Giants lineup despite not having his best stuff, and the Rockies held on to win 2-1 in the Fox Saturday telecast. Troy Tulowitzki led the way with three hits, including the patented "RBI single in which he gets himself thrown out at second base." That dastardly Cody Ross hurt the Rox again, this time with a solo homer off of Chacin, but it wasn't enough to give his team their 873rd one-run win of 2011 as Madison Bumgarner lost yet again despite out-pitching his opponent.
The Giants did, however, get that not-so-elusive one-run victory in the finale, and it was in particularly annoying fashion. Chris Iannetta got the Rox on the board in the fifth inning with a solo homer off of Ryan Vogelsong, but his club coughed up the lead in the following inning and gave up the eventual game-winner two innings after that. Jason Hammel was charged with the loss despite only allowing one earned run in seven frames of work. Each team only had four hits in the game. Even worse, Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada combined for half of them.
Latest Series Results: L 1-2 vs. Los Angeles (NL), W 3-0 vs. San Diego
Click here for all you need to know about the Giants.
The usual stuff after the jump...
Know Your Foe #49: Battle Of The Breweries Moves To Milwaukee
by Andrew Martin on Sep 13, 2011 4:06 PM MDT
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Milwaukee Brewers (86-62 / 1st in the NL Central / 6.0 GA)
2011 Record vs. Colorado: 5-2 (28 runs scored, 35 runs allowed)
Last Series vs. Rockies: July 14-17 (Split 2-2 at Coors Field)
It's really strange looking back to just mid-July to see where the teams were. The Brewers were 0.5 games back in the NL Central, the Giants were sitting happily on top of the NL West and the Rockies... well, the Rockies were still pretty bad.
Game 1 of this 4 game series was by far the best for Colorado. Ubaldo Jimenez was en route to regaining some sort of value for the Rockies, and regain value he did. 6 innings, 6 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, and a coveted Pitching Win, and Ubaldo seemed on his way to recovery. Yovani Gallardo, however, allowed 6 runs on 11 hits over his 4 innings of work. Ryan Spilborghs, Mark Ellis, Troy Tulowitzki, Ty Wigginton, Ian Stewart, and Chris Iannetta all had multi-hit days, and every batter had at least one hit on the day. Final 12-3 Rockies.
Game 2 was a bit of a tease. Juan Nicasio went 7 shutout innings, and Matt Lindstrom and Huston Street sealed the deal with shutout innings of their own. The bats, while not otherworldly, were good enough, plating Dexter Fowler and Mark Ellis twice apiece, sending Chris Narveson back to the dugout with a Quality Start and a Loss. All this led to us thinking that the Rockies JUST MIGHT have a chance to get back into this thing. Final 4-0 Rockies.
Game 3 brought everyone back to earth, however, as Jhoulys Chacin got shelled for 5 runs. While the Rockies tagged Brewers' pitching for 7 runs of their own, the Rockies pen wasn't able to hold the 7-5 lead and the Brewers walked away with the win. You might also recall this as the game where Cory Blaser thought that "tagged 3 feet away from home" was the same thing as "touched home plate without being tagged at all," leading to the best tantrum we've ever seen from Chris Iannetta. Final 7-8 Brewers.
Finally, Game 4. Aaron Cook just missed the 5 inning mark, and allowed 3 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks in the meantime. The bullpen was solid, allowing only another run past Cook's 3, but that was enough to give the Brewers the edge and split the series. Final 3-4 Brewers.
Latest Series Results: L 1-2 at St. Louis; L 1-3 at Philadelphia
Purple Row did a Q/A exchange with the SBN Brewers site Brew Crew Ball. Here are their stories. Past the jump.
Know Your Foe #48: Battle of the Disappointments Set to Rage On at Coors Field this Weekend
by Bryan Kilpatrick on Sep 9, 2011 5:59 PM MDT
in Know Your Foe
Cincinnati Reds (70-73 / 3rd in the NL Central / 14 GB)
2011 Record vs. Colorado: 2-2 (14 runs scored, 16 runs allowed)
Last Series vs. Rockies: August 8-11 (Split 2-2 at Great American Ballpark)
After dropping the first two games of their home series against Colorado, the Reds bounced back to take the next two - something the Rockies have allowed to happen on multiple occasions throughout the 2011 campaign.
The first game of the series saw the Rockies win 10-7 behind the strength of the long ball - four, to be exact - and some great bullpen work. Colorado's 'pen allowed just a run on three hits in five innings, while Cincy's imploded, as they gave up five runs on eight hits and five walks in six innings of work. Neither starting pitcher was any good; Jason Hammel allowed six runs on four hits and a couple of walks while Homer Bailey surrendered five runs on six hits. Both starters allowed two home runs. Todd Helton, Seth Smith (twice), and Carlos Gonzalez homered for Colorado while Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, and Drew Stubbs each left the yard for the Red Stockings.
Despite a tremendous outing by Dontrelle Willis in game two, the Reds fell once again, this time by a score of 3-2. Willis struck out ten batters in eight innings of work, but a two-run homer by Troy Tulowitzki in the fourth inning ultimately ended up saddling the D-Train with a loss. Esmil Rogers, on the other hand, was solid for the Rox in six innings, allowing two runs on eight hits while racking up six K's. Ramon Hernandez (3) and Edgar Renteria (2) each had multiple hits, but none resulted in any runs.
The Reds turned the tables in game three by winning their own 3-2 decision, spoiling Kevin Millwood's Rockies debut in the process. Millwood was very good in seven innings, allowing just three runs on six hits while striking out six. However, all three runs were the result of solo homers as Renteria, Bruce, and Joey Votto each went deep off of Millwood. Mike Leake picked up the win despite being tagged for 11 hits in 7.1 innings. Luckily for him, Colorado was dreadful with runners in scoring position. Tulowitzki homered again, but it was only a solo shot.
In the finale, Johnny Cueto (7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 9 K) out-dueled Jhoulys Chacin (CG, 6 H, 2 R, 9 K), allowing the Reds to salvage a split at home. Bruce had two more hits, including a two-out RBI single in the first. Smith hit another homer for Colorado, this time in the ninth inning off of Francisco Cordero, but it was only a solo shot and the Rox didn't do anything after that.
Latest Series Results: W 2-1 at St. Louis; L 1-2 at Chicago (NL)
Despite outscoring their opponents by 34 runs this season, Dusty Baker's club finds themselves three games below .500. Their main problem has been starting pitching; only Cueto has an ERA under 4.00. As such, Cueto is their only above-average pitcher in terms of ERA+. His is a rather-astounding 166.
On the flip side, offense isn't really much of a problem for the Reds (aside from the fact that Drew Stubbs strikes out too much and Scott Rolen has been largely ineffective when not on the DL). Joey Votto continues to be the reincarnation of early-2000's Todd Helton (just look at their triple-slash lines...eerily similar), while Jay Bruce keeps on hitting for power and Brandon Phillips remains Brandon Phillips, in that he's one of the most solid offensive and defensive second basemen in the game. However, similar to the Rockies, they're auditioning a couple of solid prospects and have been for a few weeks. Devin Mesoraco, who is comparable to Wilin Rosario, is a stud catcher with power and on-base potential. He has seen some work already and it has been suggested that he'll continue to get a long look at the big league level for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Yonder Alonso is a first baseman by trade but since he's blocked by Votto, he's getting looks at third base and left field. He's kind of like a younger, better Ty Wigginton. And, he has absolutely mashed at the AAA and major league levels in 2011 (although the latter has been in a small sample size, of course).
It will be very interesting to see what the Reds decide to do with Alonso beyond this season. If he continues to look out of place in left field and third base, there's a strong possibility the Reds could decide to shop him. At just 24 years old, he is a very valuable trade chip if the Reds decide to look for some rotation help (as was rumored in July when they were looking at Ubaldo Jimenez), or for help elsewhere on the field. I, for one, would not mind seeing him in a Rockies uniform whatsoever - especially if Todd Helton's pattern of production/health continues.
The usual stuff after the jump...
Know Your Foe #47: Rockies Welcome Diamondbacks Back To Coors Field For Some Reason
by Andrew Martin on Sep 5, 2011 11:46 AM MDT
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Arizona Diamondbacks (80-60 / 1st in the NL West / 7 GA)
2011 Record vs. Colorado: 11-4 (77 runs scored, 56 runs allowed)
Last Series vs. Rockies: August 29-31 (W 3-0 at Chase Field)
Latest Series Results: W 3-0 vs Rockies; W 2-1 at Giants
I think we've beaten the rundown of the Diamondbacks into the ground by now. Competent hitting, surprisingly good pitching (hello Ian Kennedy) has put them in a good place: that is, ahead of the Giants, and well ahead of the Giants. The Rockies season is completely over, and I'm still going to root for the Rockies to win every game they play, but I'm just glad someone is putting those smug Giants fans in their place. Then again, the Diamondbacks going to the postseason sets the Diamondbacks up to win their 2nd World Series, putting them right there with the Florida Marlins, leaving the Rays and Rockies as the 90s expansion teams as the ones who not only haven't won the World Series, but haven't won it twice. Also, and not that this season made this fact true, but the Rockies remain the only 90s expansion team to not win their division. Boo.
All I can hope for is that the Rockies don't make it easy for them. I do NOT want to see a club roll over and die. I think we can all agree with that.
Know Your Foe #46: Rockies Travel to San Diego Hoping to Find Solace in Their Home Away from Home
by Bryan Kilpatrick on Sep 2, 2011 2:00 PM MDT
in Know Your Foe
San Diego Padres (60-77 / 5th in the NL West / 18 GB)
2011 Record vs. Colorado: 5-7 (54 runs scored, 58 runs allowed)
Last Series vs. Rockies: July 29-31 (L 1-2 at Petco Park)
How could we forget this series? After taking the first game of the set 3-2 behind Jason Hammel's last strong starting pitching performance, the Rockies trotted out lame-duck pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez to start the second game of the series despite the fact that he had already seemingly been traded to the Cleveland Indians. To the surprise of no one, Jimenez allowed four first inning runs in a shaky performance before being pulled at the conclusion of the inning, never to be seen again in a Rockies uniform. Luckily for Colorado, they would bounce back (and perhaps even luckier, the Indians still went through with the trade). Eliezer Alfonzo bought himself a spot on the active roster for the remainder of the season (and even a few starts in the cleanup spot) by blasting a grand slam in the sixth inning to put the Rockies ahead 7-4. Troy Tulowitzki homered for the Rockies as well, while Chris Nelson, Dexter Fowler, and Esmil Rogers (who was also dominant in five innings of relief) each contributed multi-hit efforts, as well.
The series finale saw Juan Nicasio twirl an absolute gem, as he went seven innings, allowed one earned run on five hits, and racked up ten strikeouts. Unfortunately, Rex Brothers and Matt Belisle let the game spiral completely out of control in the eighth inning, as the Padres plated six runs and took an 8-3 lead which they would hold onto. Once again, Tulowitzki, Alfonzo, Fowler, and Nelson were the big offensive contributors for Colorado.
Jesus Guzman and Cameron Maybin led the Padres with four hits in the series. Guzman's proved to be the biggest, as two of the hits were doubles and he was able to drive in four runs. As is the case with this season as a whole, the rest of the Padre offensive attack was quite balanced, as no player other than those two had more than three knocks in the series.
Latest Series Results: L 0-3 at Arizona; L 0-3 at Los Angeles (NL)
Until this last road trip in which they finished 1-7, the Padres were playing good baseball and actually led the NL West in run differential. However, things took a turn for the worst when they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Giants in San Francisco in which they only had four hits. Including that loss, the Padres have lost seven straight games.
After years of getting bounced around by various organizations on the west coast, Guzman is doing his best to ensure that nobody will, in fact, F with the Jesus. Guzman just continues to hit, as he is maintaining a 163 wRC+ despite currently going through a 22-game home run drought. As for the rest of the Padre offense, they're widely-synonymous with being terrible and have been for some time. Yet, somewhat surprisingly, they boast six "regulars" with a wRC+ of over 100.
What is not surprising is that, like everybody else in baseball (excluding the Rockies), the Padres have a pitching staff and a bullpen. However, what makes theirs different from everybody else is that all of their pitchers are made up of spare parts that have been lying around the surrounding areas of Petco Park for decades. Sometime in the near future, these "pitchers" will be traded for everyday contributors and solid prospects. That, my friends, is the Padre Way.
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