Colorado Rockies coming off strong week in Cactus League play

Seven days ago I was lamenting the fact that the Rockies were 0-for-spring training and not showing any signs of offense. A week later, they have gone 5-1-2 (ties in baseball?) and, perhaps best of all, the young pitchers are looking strong.

First, Eddie Butler, who should get his third outing of the spring tomorrow, dramatically improved in his second outing. He threw three innings on Tuesday without giving up a hit and allowing only one walk. Things got even better yesterday.

Patrick Saunders reported for the Denver Post that Tyler Matzek had "everything clicking," as he pitched three innings of shutout baseball. Then, Jon Gray pitched two scoreless innings after giving up a leadoff triple in relief of Matzek. Joey Nowak at mlb.com says, "Gray's confidence soars after getting out of jam."

Last week I felt that it would be the return of Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez that would make the team start clicking and start winning some of these early spring games. While they both have been eased back into action, their two combined hits in 13 plate appearances (plus two walks) has not been that big of a bonus. Instead, could it be that the young Rockies are learning to be mentally stronger thanks to decisions by Walt Weiss like bringing MMA icon St-Pierre to talk to the team?

That is all of the Rockies news I could find for you this morning. For the baseball historians out there, you may enjoy this article about the origins of spring training.  Enjoy your weekend and, as always, GO ROCKIES!