ATF is unavailable to cover today's Rockpile, but enjoy these links:
Rockies' Tracy relishes another chance to manage talented team - The Denver Post
Troy Renck addresses some issues manager Jim Tracy will face during spring training. One of those issues is the order of starters in the rotation:
One of the reasons the bullpen survived a chaotic start a season ago is that the rotation consistently gobbled innings. All four returning starters won at least 10 games. Ubaldo Jimenez leads the group. Tracy plans to split up his right- handers and left-handers, meaning that either Jorge De La Rosa or Jeff Francis is tentatively slated to take the second spot, followed by Aaron Cook, the other lefty and Jason Hammel.
If Tracy decides to put Francis after Jimenez, that seems to put an unfair burden on Francis. Put it this way, we'll see articles and comments elsewhere that can't differentiate between someone being the second pitcher in the rotation and someone being our #2 pitcher.
Tracy calls Jimenez an aircraft carrier in the piece. I think I have an idea for a column. . . .
Renck: This Cubs loss could affect other teams - The Denver Post
The Cubs don't want to pay for a new Spring Training facility, so a $1 surcharge on all Cactus League tickets may be enacted to help fund the facility.
D-backs' Parker ready to begin throwing | MLB.com: News
"Jarrod Parker, who had Tommy John surgery in late October, received clearance to begin a throwing program on Monday."
Giants’ Jigsaw Pieces | FanGraphs Baseball
R.J. Anderson looks at the many options the Giants have this season, but finds that it's still easier to predict a fourth-place finish in the West than anything else: "For now, though, the Giants have options, and that’s progress."
Taveras added to Nats' outfield options | MLB.com: News
The Nationals added speed to their Spring Training roster by agreeing to terms Monday with outfielder Willy Taveras on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
Out Of Options 2010: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com
MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com
Sabremetrics 101: Regression Towards the Mean - Lookout Landing
Sabremetrics 101: Regression Towards the Mean
A Plea for Larry Walker - Beyond the Box Score
A plea for baseball fans to look harder at Larry Walker's candidacy for the Hall of Fame.
Inside the Colorado Rockies » Spring countdown discussion: NL West | Major League Baseball in Denver
Steve Foster brings us a discussion on the NL West.