‘I hate that I love this team’: Rockies fans feel sting of Nolan Arenado rift | The Athletic ($)
Nick Groke and The Athletic surveyed Rockies fans about their feelings on all things Rockies, from the players to the front office to the field itself. They compiled these answers into several colorful pie charts and an in-depth article. Here are some of the highlights:
Right now, Rockies fans miss watching Nolan Arenado play most of all. Nolan is also most fans’ favorite player, and the player fans most want the Rockies to build a team around. In general, fans are not particularly optimistic about a team that does not include Nolan.
Ryan Spilborghs is far and away Rockies fans’ favorite announcer, followed by Drew Goodman and Jenny Cavnar.
Rockies fans really like the Rockies’ uniforms. Many think they could be a bit “more fun,” as long as said fun does not include a change in color. The black vests are also a fan favorite.
Many Rockies fans used the survey to air their grievances about Jeff Bridich and the front office in general. Others made suggestions such as the inclusion of a “gondola from the 38th and Blake light rail station to the Rockpile, with stops in the parking lots.”
The Bowden Big Board: Top 10 shortstops | The Athletic ($)
The players on Jim Bowden’s list are all under 30 and all trending upward. He ranks Trevor Story third among all shortstops, behind Francisco Lindor and Javy Baez and just ahead of Xander Bogaerts. Bowden states that you have to factor in playing at altitude when looking at Trevor Story’s offensive numbers, which include a hard hit percentage of 45.8 and an average exit velocity of 90.9, as well as an “above-average sprint speed in the 95th percentile according to Statcast.”
Rounding out the list are Fernando Tatis Jr., Gleyber Torres, Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Trea Turner.
When Baseball Returns, Jon Gray Will Be Focusing On His Fastball | CBS4
Like many players, Jon Gray has been doing his best to stay in shape. He’s spent the extended offseason working on his fastball movement and placement. Gray reports that his fastball is critical to his success.
Rox announcer gets creative during downtime | MLB.com
Broadcaster Jack Corrigan has been calling games for 35 years, including the past 18 years with the Rockies. He’s also published two novels and has just completed a third.
During his extended offseason, Corrigan has been shopping his third novel in Hollywood for production as a feature film or television series. He has also taken up painting, one of his former hobbies. And he’s taking Spanish lessons online.
Meanwhile, studio host and sideline reporter Marc Stout is working at a grocery store.
Inside Major League Baseball’s toughest game yet | ESPN
If you’re interested in reading more about the mechanics invovled in restarting baseball, ESPN’s Greg Amante, Art Berko, Steve Fainaru, Mark Fainaru-Wada, Michael Fletcher, Pedro Gomez, Paula Lavigne, Tonya Malinowski, John Mastroberardino, Jeff Passan, Jesse Rogers, Tisha Thompson, T.J. Quinn, William Weinbaum, and Tracy Wholf collaborated on this 6,000-word article. There are many different obstacles and concerns that will have to be addressed, and owners and players are currently in discussions to address them all in a safe and productive manner.
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