Rockies Insider: Bud Black cracks a cold one after losing series in Philly, but the manager’s faith isn’t wavering | The Denver Post ($)
The Colorado Rockies lost their recent series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, yet another loss in what has become something of a downward spiral for a team that was three games over .500 and in first place on June 1st, but has now fallen to 4th place and three games under .500 entering Friday’s action. During the postgame interview with Manager Bud Black, reporters noticed a tall Coors Light sitting at the skipper’s desk.
There were multiple facets to the team’s game that were not working well in the 9-3 loss to the Phillies on Thursday. For one thing, the offense struggled mightily, as Phils starter Vince Velasquez carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning. Meanwhile, German Marquez was not at his sharpest in his start for the Rox, allowing six earned runs, though relievers Jake McGee and Jeff Hoffman played a part in allowing some inherited runners to score. Brooks Pounders would go on to give up additional runs out of the ‘pen. The lineup and bullpen both continue to have their fair share of issues, but Black maintains confidence in the team, and has made it clear that he will continue to rely upon his veterans.
Journal: Gerardo Parra’s energy helps Rockies keep things in perspective amid recent swoon. His production hasn’t hurt either. | The Denver Post ($)
Gerardo Parra has remained a constant for the Rockies in 2018- at least in the clubhouse. Entering Friday’s games, Parra was hitting .294/.336/.383, which does not sit well with park-adjusted metrics (85 OPS+, 82 wRC+), but Black says that Parra’s high-energy persona keeps things in perspective for the team.
Colorado Rockies: A suggested trade for Bryan Shaw won’t work | Rox Pile
The New York Post recently featured an article proposing that the Rockies trade struggling reliever Bryan Shaw to the New York Mets for struggling corner outfielder Jay Bruce. But Kevin Henry of Rox Pile suggests that a return to form for Shaw would result in a much more positive outcome for the Rockies than hoping for a change of scenery renaissance from Bruce.
Colorado Rockies: Nolan Arenado could start second straight ASG | Rox Pile
Nolan Arenado currently has a comfortable lead in fan voting for starting third baseman for the National League in the 2018 All-Star Game. With Arenado’s statistics continuing to be the best in the league at the position, it would seem chances are high that Nolan will start the glorified exhibition game for the second straight season.
For Rockies broadcaster Taylor McGregor, her late father figures into all aspects of her life | The Denver Post ($)
Sunday will be Rockies broadcaster Taylor McGregor’s ninth Father’s Day without her beloved dad Keli. Keli McGregor was the president of the Rockies from 2001 until his death in 2010, but his legacy lives on in the organization and through Taylor’s passion to give back to the community. This article is well worth a full read in its entirety.
Frei: Hey, baseball snobs. There’s nothing wrong with making Coors Field an amusement park | Mile High Sports
Terry Frei of Mile High Sports wants baseball purists to stop being “baseball snobs.” Much has been made about Coors Field fans being more engaged in drinking Coors Lights than engaging in the game itself. The topic is probably more nuanced than either side of the argument would like to let on, and Frei makes some good points from one side of the discussion.
BSN Rockies Podcast: Introducing MLB Dynamic Player Ratings | BSN Denver
In the latest episode of the BSN Rockies podcast, Drew Creasman is joined by Andre Simone to discuss BSN Analytics’ in-house Dynamic Player Rating (DPR) statistic, and how it differs from Wins Above Replacement.
You can click on various players in BSN Denver’s roster profiles to see their statistics, including DPR. You can also read more about DPR here.
Around Baseball
It’s Dusty Baker’s 69th Birthday | McCovey Chronicles
Here’s hoping Dusty Baker had a nice birthday on Friday!