First of all, welcome all Yahoo! users to Purple Row! As they say, the more the merrier. For those of you who are uninitiated, the daily Rockpile column is a collection of Rockies-related links from around the web, as well as analysis, predictions, and the occasional obscure 80's movie reference from the PR staff.
Today is one of my favorite days in the sports calendar: the first game of Spring Training in the Cactus League for the Colorado Rockies! It is against the Diamondbacks this afternoon at 1:10 MT (a game thread will be posted at 12 MT). Without further ado, let's get to those Rockies links!
Denver Post
The word from Troy Renck is that Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez will see action in the game--though more specific information about lineups and such will be provided in the game thread.
While Josh Fogg got roughed up in yesterday's intrasquad scrimmage, Seth Smith impressed with his defense in leading his side to a 6-5 victory.
Renck confirms that the Rockies (particularly Bob Apodaca) like themselves some Jorge De La Rosa in the fourth rotation spot this year. As has been mentioned previously on this site, the fortunes of this year's Rockies will be largely dependent on the ability of JDLR to provide at least middle of the rotation-type numbers, thus stabilizing the Rockies' rotation. If Jorge could pitch occasionally into the seventh inning that would be nice too.
Finally, Jim Armstrong is skeptical of this year's squad and its chances without Matt Holliday--making sure to get in a jab or two at the Monforts along the way.
Rocky Mountain News
The word is that the Rockies are considering leaving Tucson as soon as 2011, which would be a shame because I far prefer it to Phoenix, having been to both places. Renck from the Post weighs in on this prospect.
Tracy Ringolsby has a nice profile of Eric Young Jr, the Little Engine that Could of the Rockies Organization and a fringe contender for a bench spot, if not this year then next. I've always had a soft spot for the original EY and it definitely extends to his son, who sounds like a chip off the old block. Here's hoping that the kid gets it together and follows in his father's footsteps with the Rockies.
Other Stories
Thomas Harding chips in with an article on how crucial Spring Training will be for Ian Stewart. In my opinion, Stewart simply has to be in the lineup for the Rockies given his hitting prowess and enormous power potential--but where do you put him? If I were in charge, it would be at 3B or LF, sixth in the batting order.
From USA Today, Chris Iannetta's bat is a bonus for the Rockies--and Clint Hurdle should realize that he needs to play Chris as much as possible if the club is to succeed this year.
Athlon Sports previews the Rockies, and comes out with a nonspecific optimistic forecast for Colorado. The Tucson Citizen does likewise, though they focus more on Cactus League--as well they should.
Finally, USA Today gives us a Rockies Spring Preview that focuses mostly on the 5th starter battle.
Potent Quotables to Ring in the Spring
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." - Rogers Hornsby
"I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it." - Rogers Hornsby
