Spring training is now in full swing

Can we collectively be excited that baseball is back in full swing? Yesterday was the first game for the Rockies in spring training. The Rockies fell 7-5 against the Angels but we saw some interesting things from a variety of players and prospects.

Jeff Hoffman’s shorter delivery produces mixed results in Rockies’ Cactus League opener | The Denver Post ($)

Right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman has been working on adjusting his delivery since late last season. And while Bud Black says this isn’t a “revamp,” we got to see it live in action yesterday with the Cactus League opener for the Rockies. Hoffman was originally scheduled to pitch on Saturday but with the rain causing the game to be cancelled, Hoffman was moved to start Sunday’s game.

Hoffman really wanted to feel comfortable with all of his pitches and then work to fine-tune things. While the results weren’t entirely reassuring for us the fans, Hoffman felt satisfied with his delivery.

3 things that stood out from the spring opener | RoxPile

First, Jeff Hoffman produced mixed results (as we already discussed.) Second, Ryan Castellani needs some work on the mound as well. He walked three and allowed an infield single in his one inning of work. Third, Eric Stamets provided the offensive highlight of the day with a home run in the fifth.

Ryan Castellani pitched in 10 games with Triple-A Albuquerque last season. He spent some time on the injured list after finding loose bone fragments in his pitching arm that required surgery for removal. It’s still early in spring training, so I’m hoping we see some improvements.

Eric Stamets was signed by the Rockies to a minor league deal in November with an invite to camp. In 48 plate appearances with the Cleveland Indians in 2019 he posted a .049 average. There wasn’t much expected from him offensively. To say his home run in the fifth inning yesterday was a pleasant surprise would be an understatement. I was not only surprised, but my jaw actually dropped I was so shocked.

World Series favorites, ranked from 1 to 30 | MLB.com

I think the only thing that shocked me about this list is that the Rockies weren’t number thirty. They landed at 23, above the San Francisco Giants, but below the rest of the NL West.

Rockies Insider: DJ LeMahieu, Adam Ottavino highlight large contingent of ex-Colorado players in Yankees spring training | The Denver Post ($)

A not so fun reminder... The Yankees really love signing former Rockies now, don’t they? “Rockies East” currently has the following players: DJ LeMahieu, Adam Ottavino, Tommy Kahnle, Chris Iannetta, Chad Bettis and David Hale. Rosell Herrera (who originally was part of the Rockies system) is also vying for a roster spot.

Paul Egins, the big-hearted “cornerstone of the franchise,” keeps the Rockies running | The Denver Post ($)

Paul Egins, the Rockies senior director of major league operations keeps things fully operational for the team. He is in charge of organizing road trips, booking rental cars, handling players ticket requests and a whole lot more.

“He is our beacon in the dark,” starting pitcher Jon Gray said. “Anything you need to know, he’s on top of it. You want to know something about a city? He knows. Need tickets? He’ll get them. He’s always on top of his game.”

I really love stories like this. You learn a lot about the behind the scenes. I especially love getting to know some of the faces behind the team. We all know who the coaches are, but how often do you hear about someone like Egins? If you want a lighthearted story, read how Egins once left a bag filled with $40,000 cash on the airport tarmac.

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Now that spring training games have officially started, I’m curious, do you attend spring training?