Rockies RHP Eddie Butler dealing with shoulder soreness

Young pitchers Eddie Butler, Tyler Anderson deal with injuries -- Patrick Saunders, Denver Post

We know the story of Anderson, who left after three innings in his final start of the Texas League playoffs. There has been no update on him. However, the news of Butler's latest injury -- shoulder soreness -- is new (to me, at least). Butler apparently woke up feeling the effects of his poor start on Saturday against the Dodgers and is being monitored closely by the Rockies' training staff. The team still plans for him to pitch in the Arizona Fall League, but this can't be good for a guy who missed a month with a rotator cuff issue early this summer.

Butler allowed 12 runs on 23 hits in 16 innings spanning three starts in a cup of coffee for the Rockies this season. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out only three batters and walked seven while looking mostly overwhelmed at the level. That came after a spring training in which Butler asserted himself as perhaps the most big league-ready prospect in the organization, a title that ultimately ended up belonging to fellow 23-year-old rookie Tyler Matzek.

Rockies hoping for more health, depth in 2015 -- Thomas Harding, MLB

... And 2014, and 2013, and 2012 -- you probably get the point by now. At any rate, Harding does a nice job of breaking down the Rockies' 2014 campaign by position, in addition to nabbing this quote from Rockies manager Walt Weiss:

"We've got to take a big step forward next year, or at that point there probably are major changes on the horizon. Some moves here and there, I think we're in position to do that. Again, we've got to go out and do it, not talk about it."

The record-setting 2014 Rockies -- Dave Cameron, Fangraphs

The Rockies had the largest negative difference between expected wins and actual wins since BaseRuns data began being tracked in 2002. Based on history, nobody should be surprised if Colorado ends up being one of the most improved teams in the league next season, surmises Cameron.

The 30 Finale: Highlights, lowlights, and 2015 forecasts -- Jonah Keri, Grantland

Keri includes the quote heard 'round the world while placing the Rockies 29th out of 30 MLB teams in his final ranking.

Blogpile

Derek Jeter and what we have learned about farewells -- Michelle Stalnaker, Rox Pile

Rockies legend Todd Helton deserved what Jeter got, writes Stalnaker.

Same team, different results? -- Nick Stephens, Rock Talk

Hidden behind the disaster that is the front office is that the Rockies have enough talent to compete, says Stephens.

State of the Zingers: Call for writers -- Richard Bergstrom, Rockies Zingers

Our friend Richard is looking for writers. Visit the link above for more information.