Tom Murphy is a rare power hitting catcher | Fake Teams
Mark Abell of Fake Teams suggests that Tom Murphy of the Colorado Rockies could be one of the better catching options for fantasy leagues. Ever since Murphy entered the Rockies organization after being drafted in 2012, fans have had reason to be excited about his power numbers in the minor leagues. During brief MLB call-ups in 2015 and 2016, Murphy collected 8 home runs in only 88 plate appearances. Murphy seemed in line to start the 2017 season in at least a platoon role with Tony Wolters before a broken arm in Spring Training sidelined him for much of the beginning of the year. When he came back, Murphy didn’t look like the hitter fans had been looking forward to, producing only a .042/.115/.083 slash line in 26 plate appearances in the Majors. He spent much of the rest of the season with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, which is also where he opened 2018. After hitting 16 home runs in 209 plate appearances, he forced the Rockies’ hand, and seems to have locked down a role as the primary catcher for the big league club. With Chris Iannetta (88 wRC+) and Wolters (32 wRC+) leaving much to be desired at the dish, Murphy will have ample opportunity to showcase his talents.
BSN Rockies Podcast: Despite the dramatics, win over Mets could be a turning point | BSN Denver
In the latest episode of the BSN Rockies podcast, Drew Creasman breaks down Tuesday night’s 10-8 win for the Rockies over the New York Mets in the second game of this week’s four game series at Coors Field. Starter German Marquez came through with a solid, if unspectacular start, while the offense (taco’s) strung together enough runs to bail out what could have been another blown lead from the bullpen.
The knack and how to get it back; Rockies searching all corners for pitching solutions | The Athletic ($)
While a seven-run lead was ultimately reduced to two on Tuesday night, the fact that the bullpen did not relinquish the lead was not an insignificant accomplishment. Wade Davis bended but did not break as he did against the Texas Rangers over the weekend. Chris Rusin was limited to a one-batter lefty-on-lefty matchup as he works to regain his form, but came through with a strikeout. Nick Groke of The Athletic compiles quotes from Rusin and Jake McGee on how members of the bullpen are working to regain their once-dominant status.
Colorado Rockies: Here’s the thing about the bullpen | Rox Pile
Rox Pile’s Olivia Greene argues that the bullpen’s struggles are a result of being overworked due to the starting staff’s lack of innings. In the month of April, Rockies starters were going deeper into ballgames, and the ‘pen worked to successful results. Lately, we’ve seen opposing teams score a lot of runs very early in the game, which has caused a potentially fatigued relief staff to be called upon earlier and more often.
Colorado Rockies: It’s officially do or die time for this team | Rox Pile
It goes without saying, but the Rockies simply need to start winning some ballgames, writes Aaron Hurt of Rox Pile. Facing the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins (two of the three teams with the worst record in the National League), it is imperative that the Rockies prove to be the better team if they want to be buyers at the deadline.
Colorado Rockies: Searching for another rotation arm | Rox Pile
The Rockies have been lucky enough to have all five of their starters be healthy enough to take the hill each time they’ve been called upon in 2018. So, who would be the first in line to make a start if an injury occurs? Jeff Hoffman is likely the first choice, writes Rox Pile’s Colin Gaiser. Antonio Senzatela, when healthy, would also likely be high on the totem pole of options. Even Peter Lambert (PuRP No. 4) and Riley Pint (PuRP No. 3) could be considered, Gaiser opines.
Colorado Rockies: If you can’t beat Jacob deGrom, trade for him | Rox Pile
Rox Pile’s David Sharp suggests the Rockies trade for Jacob deGrom of the Mets, even if it takes a package of Pint, Brendan Rodgers (PuRP No. 1), Ryan McMahon (PuRP No. 2), and more to pry him away.
Colorado Rockies injury update: Carlos Estevez talks about his progress | Rox Pile
Hope for the bullpen could be on the way soon. Carlos Estevez recently threw off a mound for the first time in two months, and has not been experiencing any setbacks in his recovery from a left oblique strain. Estevez could return within a few weeks, and Manager Bud Black expects him to be a key contributor to the Major League bullpen.