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Miguel Castro impresses Rockies with closer's stuff, mentality - The Denver Post
Perhaps the most overlooked player that came back to the Rockies in the Troy Tulowitzki trade, Miguel Castro could very well be a member of the big league bullpen when the season begins Monday in Arizona.
The most impressive aspect of Castro's repertoire is his 98 mph fastball, which he complements with a plus slider and changeup. That arsenal of pitches, along with Castro's tough mentality, has the Rockies looking at him not only as a member of the 2016 bullpen, but as a future closer. Patrick Saunders caught up with Castro yesterday and talked with him about his performance this spring.
Chris Rusin set to make first start of spring - MLB.com
After missing the majority of Spring Training with a finger injury, lefty Chris Rusin will make his first Cactus League start today against Arizona. Rusin, who is battling for a spot in the Opening Day rotation thanks in part to an injury to Jon Gray, allowed a run and four hits in 2⅓ innings in a relief appearance Saturday, his first outing of 2016 and talked with Thomas Harding about his injury-plagued spring.
Rafael Ynoa optioned; Brandon Barnes on Rockies' roster bubble - The Denver Post
The Rockies made a significant roster move yesterday, optioning utility man Rafael Ynoa to the minors. Purple Row's Eric Garcia McKinley discussed what the move means for Trevor Story, and Patrick Saunders has more on the wider roster implications of Ynoa starting the season in Albuquerque.
White Sox outslug Rockies in Cactus action - MLB.com
Yesterday's game with the White Sox provided one of the highlights of Spring Training as Charlie Blackmon, Trevor Story and Carlos Gonzalez hit back-to-back-to-back home runs in the third inning of Colorado's 11-7 loss. The article by Thomas Harding includes footage of all three home runs, which also ended up on Purple Row's Snapchat thanks to Connor Farrell.
Gerardo Parra part of Rockies' Royals-ification in defense - The Denver Post
Nick Groke has a story on Rockies outfielder Gerardo Parra, who signed a three-year deal this winter. Parra represents an emphasis on outfield defense for Colorado in 2016 as they attempt to emulate the world champion Kansas City Royals.
Ichiro needs 65 hits to reach 3,000 - Beyond the Box Score
It's Ichiro Day over at Beyond the Box Score. The site has been taken over with slew of articles about Ichiro and his career, which is nearing its end. Here, our own Eric Garcia McKinley looks at Ichiro's path to 3,000 hits, and how the moment might be remembered.