There's a ton of snow outside my house this morning, and yet school still beckons. Fantastic.
Here's your morning injection of Rockahol, Rowbots:
It seemed like the bullpen was the popular topic in today's Rockies news, with several articles on the subject. I'll go light on the commentary today because I'll write more in depth about the bullpen situation in my article tomorrow.
Rockies bullpen looks in better shape - The Denver Post
Troy Renck discusses the Rockies' bullpen situation, indicating that Franklin Morales will indeed be the closer to open 2010--which I'm just fine with. Rafael Betancourt looks to be the setup man, while Tim Redding, Justin Speier, closer in waiting Juan Rincon (yes, that's a joke), and the newly signed Joe Beimel are battling for the injured Huston Street's roster spot.
Hardball in the Rockies: Bullpen the final big issue of spring
Meanwhile, where Renck went positive Thomas Harding took a more pessimistic tone. Harding calls Beimel the X-Factor of the bullpen bunch, and with that bathrobe I have to agree.
Daley scraps attempt to develop new pitch | Inside the Colorado Rockies
Jack Etkin writes that reliever Matt Daley had hoped to add split-fingered pitch to arsenal, but has ended the pursuit to be sure his fastball, slider and changeup are honed for the season. Hopefully they will be.
Fangraphs had two articles about the Rockies' bullpen yesterday, one (by Jack Moore) discussing the Beimel acquisition and the other (by RJ Anderson) suggesting that Morales is better off as the closer than in the starting rotation due to his control problems. I still hold out hope that Morales will be an asset to the Rockies as a starter someday but that hope is dwindling fast.
More after the jump...
In other news, Troy the Wonder Boy Tulowitzki got upset at former Rockies farmhand Everth Cabrera for bumping into Todd Helton during a rundown yesterday. Tulo can get a little hot-headed at times--sometimes it benefits the team but not so much if it leads to an out or an ejection. Lil' Jetes is the Rockies' star player and he needs to remember that.Harding writes about Ryan Spilborghs' hopes to find his stroke for the 2010 season, while utilityman Melvin Mora has a big family.
On a more macro level, the Rockies get a little national attention:
Colorado Rockies have talent, depth and youth and no clear holes - Jon Heyman - SI.com
In this article (h/t to rockhead), SI's Jon Heyman praises the Rockies in this Spring Training postcard, saying that especially if Jeff Francis returns to 2007 form the Rockies are "a potential powerhouse and perhaps one of the best two or three teams in the National League." In particular Heyman highlights the Rockies' depth and Ubaldo Jimenez' awesomeness.
As I wrote two weeks back, I've guaranteed a NL West crown for the Rockies this year and it's good to see them get some national respect.
Best in the West | Inside the Colorado Rockies
Meanwhile, Tracy Ringolsby has posted a discussion on the NL West in 2010, giving his quick take on each team in the division.
Finally, the Purple Row Fantasy Leagues held their drafts in the last two days. Russ will recap the CBS league draft while I will write up the Roto and SABR Yahoo! leagues hopefully this afternoon. Thanks to all who participated and good luck!