Colorado Rockies look to get back on track and snap a losing streak

Sigh. The past week has seen the Rockies fall back down to Earth after riding scorching hot bats and steady pitching. I know a lot of people are hitting the panic button and starting to get all worked up — that's not unjustified, mind — but lets try to keep everything in perspective. On my count, we've dropped two games we should've won and that's definitely something to be mad about. But the thing is, the Rockies are only 14 games into the season and are playing .500 ball. Let's split the series against the Padres and keep our record against NL West opponents at .500 as well. Building up some momentum before hosting the Giants for a series is key, as we need all the wins we can get before heading back on the road to play in Arizona and San Diego. Following those two road series, the Rockies host the Padres and Dodgers before finally playing the Angels. Lots of games to worry about folks, let's try not to dwell on the past. Trust me, it makes me sad too and I dislike big losing streaks as much as the next fan, but it's early goings still and I'm trying to reserve judgement until later in the season.

Rockies Links

Rockies' bullpen falters as Padres rally to hand Colorado loss — Denver Post

The Rockies dropped their fifth straight last night in a late collapse. Boone Logan was lit for three and got just two outs before pulled. He accepted responsibility for it after the game, and I do still feel confident that he's going to have a good season. Nick Hundley hit his season's first home run off of Craig Kimbrel, but the rally never materialized and the next three Rockies failed to get on base. Speaking of Hundley, Matzek gave him a lot of credit for helping him through some rough spots last night and limiting the damage as much as possible. We've already heard from Eddie Butler just how helpful Hundley has been, and I think there's a ton of value in having a guy with such experience helping out the young staff.

Kiszla: Carlos Gonzalez must play like CarGo for Rockies to contend — Denver Post

CarGo is hitting a paltry .189, but he's remaining positive saying "It's a whole different thing than a year ago. If I go 0-for-4 this year, it is not the same as 0-for-4 last year." I'm glad it isn't working on his confidence, but 0-for-4 is the same to me this year as it was last year. Both hurt the Rockies, which hurts me as a fan, which... just hit please? Words are nice, action is better. Admittedly lots of good stuff in here with a lot from CarGo, who at least seems in a better mindset to take on a tough season than he did last year. Which is good, I guess, but really I just want to see him start hitting.

CarGo donates $100K to Boys & Girls Clubs — MLB

"When you have an education, you can do anything in life." Sports are important, but ultimately meaningless if people don't have the means to enjoy them or the stability in their personal lives to accommodate fandom. Before yesterday's heartbreaker, CarGo's foundation donated $100,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. Thanks for helping the Denver community, CarGo. It's always really nice to see a player give back.

Seeking 3-0 start, Shields opposes Kendrick at Coors — MLB

The Rockies are looking to rebound. So is Kyle Kendrick, who has been hit hard his past two outings after a masterful Opening Day performance. Arenado and Dickerson should be back in the lineup, so let's win this thing and take down Shields.

For Rockies to thrive, starters must give 'pen a breather — MLB

The Rockies need to have their starters get through more innings, or everyone's arm in the bullpen is going to fall off. Ringolsby writes that the Rockies' starters have gone an average of 5.12 innings a start. That's the worst in the NL and has resulted in the bullpen pitching 52.1 innings in just 14 games, the most of any bullpen. The bullpen could be really good, but it can't be good if every guy has to pitch every single night. That's why I can't really get mad at Boone Logan for last night. Everyone in the 'pen is taxed and you don't have to look much further than JDLR's stinker to see a big reason why.

Amid rough patch, Rockies keeping level heads — MLB

I don't like these types of articles, but I've included it nevertheless. Like, obviously the players and the managers aren't going to sit there telling the media "Well, we're done for. Might as well pack it in now. We're giving up, season over. Maybe see you next year, whatever." Of course they're going to say "the right" things. How about you just play baseball and do it well, like I know you can? Again, actions speak louder than words. Can we please get a win tonight?

Analyzing the Colorado Rockies' Fifth Straight Loss — Rox Pile

Definitely worth your time to read Rox Pile's take on last night's game. Lot of good points in there, but one that sticks out is Walt's decision to leave Logan in against righties Will Myer, Derek Norris, and Matt Kemp. I'd give Walt the benefit of the doubt on that one, seeing as Logan has been doing markedly better against righties recently and given the state of the bullpen.

MLB Links

Pillar wows with spectacular diving grab for double play — MLB

Beautiful grab. Long run, dive, snap throw to second. Gotta love it from a guy who has been making serious waves.

Mets keep surging as they defeat Braves for ninth straight win — MLB

The Mets are as hot as any team in the league. Jon Niese 6.2 innings allowing just a single run on four hits, Granderson drove in four, and the Mets go marching along.

Among 7 HRs, Reds hit 2 grand slams to Crew's 1 — MLB

Slugfest between the Reds and Brewers last night. The Reds hit five home runs to the Brewers two and both teams combined for 25 hits, with the Reds emerging winners of the 16-10 game. Oddly enough, besides those seven home runs only two other hits went for extra bases, both of which were doubles.