Takeaways from Rockies’ latest resounding loss against Rays | Mile High Sports
In Monday’s loss against the Rays, the Rockies got fooled by their bats, who apparently decided not to show up. Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado both hit balls out of the park, but both went foul. The offense hasn’t been able to get anything started early, meaning they’re fighting an uphill battle. The defense was also a bit unlucky, as several hits just slipped by. There’s also the fact that the rotation outside of Kyle Freeland and German Marquez is still something of a question. It may be early days still, but the Rockies need to address the offense and pitching situations in order to find their way in the 2019 season.
Rockies announce top minor league player from 2018 season | Mile High Sports
There were many great candidates from 2018 in the running for top player in the minor leagues for the Rockies. However, the Doug Million Minor League Player of the Year award for the 2018 season went to pitcher Peter Lambert. With his 3.28 ERA in 26 starts, the 21-year-old did very well in time split between Albuquerque and Hartford. Lambert also made some waves in spring training this season as well. We might well see this young pitcher getting some time with the Rockies before too long.
Colorado Rockies: German Marquez on the career-changing Tampa trade | Rox Pile
Over three years ago, the Rockies obtained German Marquez from Tampa Bay. He says he was a bit nervous about the move at first, but the move has worked out and he’s done very well in Colorado. Returning to Tampa Bay has brought those memories to the front of his mind. He thought he’d be playing for the Rays, but is now one of the top starters for the Rockies. He’s still grateful for the opportunities that the Rays opened up for him when they signed him in 2011. Marquez claims he doesn’t look back very much, instead focusing on improving himself for the future.
Rox place Murphy on injured list, recall Valaika | Rockies.com
Daniel Murphy’s fractured finger has landed him on the 10-day IL. This has led to the Rockies recalling Pat Valaika, who had some success at first base in spring training. Ryan McMahon can also fill the void, and Mark Reynolds has experience there as well. It’s good news that the Rockies have these options, but hopefully Murphy’s injury doesn’t keep him out of commission for too long.
There was so much promise for the new Rockies season as they won their first two games and looked solid. However, with the two successive losses in Miami, that optimism is a touch dampened. Nolan Arenado didn’t have much hitting success, they didn’t have the early momentum, and the team as a whole only hit .203. Offense was supposed to be a focus during the offseason, but they still haven’t shown much plate discipline and weren’t much able to advance any runners who did get on base. Although Jon Gray looked more like the promising ace of old, the Rockies can’t rely entirely on pitching to get the job done. The offense needs to come together if the Rockies want another postseason chance.