Rockies righty Jhoulys Chacin likely out for year with shoulder injury | Rockies.com: News
He won't require surgery to repair his weak right shoulder, but the man who was supposed to be the Rockies' ace entering 2014 likely won't throw another pitch for the team this season, according to Thomas Harding.
Coming off of what was perhaps his best major league season when taking into account innings pitched and number of starts, the top-of-the-rotation promise attached to Jhoulys Chacin didn't manifest itself this year. Chacin began the season on the disabled list before debuting in May and just hasn't looked like himself. Outside of a few starts in mid-June, Chacin's velocity has been non-existent and he's had real trouble commanding his pitches.
Chacin -- and the Rockies -- might now be at a crossroads. People from Ken Rosenthal to Mike Petriello have suggested that Chacin is a non-tender candidate, but unless the Rockies believe his shoulder injury is really serious, I can't see that happening with a guy who has amassed a career ERA+ of 119. The hope has to be that Chacin will be healthy and motivated entering 2015, which is his final season before hitting free agency. Maybe that will unlock some of the hidden potential he's had trouble consistently displaying despite his overall success, but on the flip side, it's possible the pressure will be too much for the at-times easily flappable 26-year-old right-hander.
Rockies, Twins, Blue Jays push Justin Morneau for All-Star Final Vote | Rockies.com: News
Remember to #VoteMorneau, because why the hell not? It's hard to say he doesn't deserve to be there.
Blogpile
Rockies Review - A Colorado Rockies Blog: Don't expect changes no matter how bad things get for the Colorado Rockies
David Martin feels hopeless regarding the subject of a front office shakeup. It's hard not to feel that way, although with all of the bold statements that were made prior to this season -- as well as the attempts to improve the roster that just didn't work out -- things seem a little different this year. If the ship isn't righted when the injured players return, I could definitely see some things changing.
MLB Power Rankings - Major League Baseball - ESPN
The Rockies are in a free fall -- both on the field as well as in ESPN's latest power rankings, which lists Colorado at No. 28. The Rockies' blurb, from Rockies Zingers' J.J. Buck:
"Numbers do lie. Despite having the best average in baseball and being in the top three in runs and hits, they were sliced and diced by Nationals and Dodgers starters last week. Now looking up at San Diego in the NL West, the Rockies look to end the first half on a positive note with six home games: three vs. San Diego and three vs. Minnesota."
Well, that didn't start so well.
Around the league
Bronson Arroyo will undergo Tommy John surgery - SBNation.com
Another one bites the dust, and this time, it's a guy who basically didn't miss a start for 15 years.
The Minnesota Twins have a self-serve beer machine - SBNation.com
This. Is. AWESOME. Hopefully the Rockies invest in some of these, because if the on-field product is going to be a disaster, the club might as well give us more and better options for coping.
Tuesday Trivia