Today marks another milestone to check off as we approach the regular season. The Rockies will hold their first full squad workout of spring training today in Arizona. Next up, the Rockies kick off the spring schedule on Saturday. They’ll face off against the Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields.
Rockies’ lefty Tyler Anderson not taking rookie success for granted | Denver Post
Patrick Saunders spoke with Tyler Anderson about his upcoming sophomore season. While it’s clear from the outside, and probably the inside as well, that Anderson will have a spot in the starting rotation, he’s approaching spring as if he needs to fight for his job. Saunders also talked to Bud Black about Anderson. Black praised Anderson’s stuff, especially the movement he gets on his changeup, as well as Anderson’s approach to studying the game and his opponents.
Rockies pitching prospect Gonzalez on his way | MLB.com
Rayan Gonzalez is a dark horse candidate to earn a bullpen spot and make a contribution in 2017. The Rockies assigned Gonzalez to the Arizona Fall League last season, on the strength of his high velocity cut fastball and complementary curveball. They added him to the 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 draft.
Walker enjoying coaching Team Canada, retirement | MLB.com
Tracy Ringolsby talked to Larry Walker about his involvement with the Canadian national team in this year’s World Baseball Classic (which starts on March 6). Walker sounds like a guy content in retirement. Ringolsby asked Walker if he’d consider coaching full time, and Walker’s response was less than enthusiastic. He likes being involved from time to time, but he likes retirement more.
Another tidbit: Walker mentioned that his agent pushed him to do more media spots to promote his case for the Hall of Fame, which is a long shot right now. He’s chosen not to do so, and it doesn’t seem like he will in the future either. I suppose that means others will have to assume the mantle.
Diamondbacks sign Jorge De La Rosa to minor-league contract | Nick Piecoro
Diamondbacks beat writer Nick Piecoro tweeted yesterday that the team has signed former Rockies starter Jorge De La Rosa to a minors deal. We’ve known for a while that De La Rosa’s time in Denver was likely over, but now it seems official. Good luck, Jorge.
One last ‘hip, hip, Jorge’ for Rockies’ De La Rosa | Purple Row
In September, Purple Row’s Connor Farrell wrote a farewell to De La Rosa after what looked like, and what ended up being, his final appearance with the Rockies.
Rockies pitcher Jorge De La Rosa didn’t get the ending he deserved | Purple Row
In October, Ted Chalfen reflected on De La Rosa’s season, as well as the significant imprint he left on the club.