Rockies have become a safe bet in the National League; 'We can play with anybody' | Sporting News
Jared Wyllys recalls that the Rockies went from 12 games below .500 in 2016 to popular sleeper pick prior to 2017 to the team with the best record in the National League through the middle of June. He identifies the success of the young pitching and the offensive stars, Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon.
But he also asked Ian Desmond about how well the Rockies work together. Desmond said: "The one thing that doesn't get quantified these days is chemistry . . . I think this team is really close. A lot of the guys came up together, and they know each other really well, so they operate or function really well as a unit. We pick each other up really well." Freeland echoed that sentiment, and he and Desmond both credited it as an intentional effort on the part of the Rockies' front office.
Rockies' Jon Gray makes first rehab start | MLB.com
Jon Gray made his first rehab start for Class A Advanced Modesto on Wednesday night. He struck out five batters in four scoreless innings. Thomas Harding writes that the stadium radar read Gray's fastball around 94-95, topping out at 97 mph. If Gray recovers well from this rehab start, he should make his next one for the Isotopes.
Lunch Special: Should the Rockies give up on Carlos Gonzalez? | Denver Post
Nick Groke answered reader questions yesterday, and a couple of them were a variation of, "when do the Rockies just forget about Carlos González?" Groke responded that while Raimel Tapia is starting to hit and looks like he can start to handle every day play, he doesn't have CarGo's home run power. That's true, but Tapia could end up hitting enough doubles to end up with a higher on-base percentage than CarGo anyhow.
Tom Murphy’s return to the Rockies inspires confidence in teammates and manager | BSN Rockies
Drew Creasman talked to Tom Murphy and Bud Black about Murphy's return from the disabled list. Murphy should give the Rockies' offense a big boost as the summer progresses.
Colorado Rockies and the Carlos Gonzalez Conundrum | Rox Pile
Kevin Henry discusses Carlos González's position with the Rockies at the moment. He notes that it was fortunate the contract extensions didn't go anywhere in the offseason. At this point, the idea of trading CarGo for a major-league role player in light of existing outfield depth looks unrealistic. Ultimately, the conundrum will resolve itself once the season ends, when CarGo's contract expires.
Colorado Rockies: Jesus Tinoco Scouting Report, June 2017 | Baseball Census
Bobby DeMuro has a scouting report for Jesus Tinoco, who is currently in his second season in Class A Advanced. It seems that the fastball speed Tinoco lost in 2016 has returned this season. If things continue going well, Tinoco could find himself in a major-league bullpen.
Purple Row
The Colorado Rockies hot start and four reasons why the wheels may come off | Purple Row
The reasons they won't are more than the reasons they will, so that's good. Let's hope.
Colorado Rockies activate Tom Murphy, Ryan Hanigan optioned | Purple Row
Hanigan accepted an option to Triple-A yesterday, so he'll be available if the Rockies need to call upon a third catcher again.
NL West
Dodgers catch a beating in finale with Indians | True Blue LA
The Dodgers lost to Cleveland 12-5 yesterday. Coupled with the Rockies' win, and the Dodgers (and the Diamondbacks, who were off yesterday) are now a full game behind the Rockies in the NL West.