Rockies’ record — and recent play — says they’re one of MLB’s worst teams | The Denver Post ($)
The Rockies suffered an ugly loss on Thursday evening, which at least partially represents a reflection of their season given their spot in the standings, writes Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. Since June 21, the Rockies have the worst record in the National League, which is second-worst in all of baseball to the Detroit Tigers, who have a winning percentage under .200 in that span.
Can the Rockies salvage Wade Davis? His future as Colorado’s closer is in doubt | The Athletic ($)
As former Rockies’ relief pitcher Adam Ottavino found, striking guys out is a key to having success at Coors Field. Former Rockies’ closer and current middle reliever Wade Davis is doing just fine at striking out batters, but his walk rate has skied to a career-high 5.5 per nine innings. Davis and his manager, Bud Black, can’t seem to put a finger on why he is having trouble with walks, as Nick Groke of The Athletic writes.
When it comes to his home ballpark (where he has struggled immensely), Davis says Coors Field is “not an easier place to pitch in general.” Perhaps this is the problem. Black has made it a priority for Coors Field not to be used as an excuse under his reign as manager. While Davis isn’t necessarily using it as an excuse, it’s telling that his difficulties pitching there are in his thoughts.
For now, Scott Oberg has replaced Davis in the closer’s role, but Davis is still owed $17 million in 2020 and has a mutual option for 2021 that becomes a vesting option if he finishes 30 games in 2020. Davis has been a problem for the roster in 2020—and he isn’t going to simply go away any time soon.
As Rockies prospect Sam Hilliard chases 30/30 — and a potential call-up — he carries his dad’s battle with him | The Denver Post
Rockies’ prospect Sam Hilliard came in at number 14 in the latest round of PuRPs rankings. Hilliard needs nine home runs and ten stolen bases to capture a 30-30 season with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. Hilliard has truly proven himself worthy of a Major League callup even though his strikeout numbers (28.5% strikeout percentage) are still on the high side, even having improved from Double-A. Kyle Newman of the Denver Post has more on Hilliard’s season and his father, Jim, who was diagnosed with ALS.
On the Farm
Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 11, San Antonio Missons 10
Double-A: Hartford Yard Goats 3, Binghamton Rumble Ponies 1
High-A: Visalia Rawhide 8, Lancaster JetHawks 3
Single-A: Greensboro Grasshoppers 2, Asheville Tourists 1
Short-Season A: Boise Hawks 9, Eugene Emeralds 7
Rookie: Great Falls Voyagers 9, Grand Junction Rockies 8