Rockies 4, D-Backs 3 (Boxscore)
Hits
Ubaldo Jimenez
The only person more ready for opening day than you or me is Ubaldo.
Jason Giambi
His first inning two-run single was a 390 foot job off the top of the right field wall. What a rocket. He also drew a bases loaded walk that shows the type of patience the veteran slugger has. I think we're pretty lucky to still have him around.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 30
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 29
Rockies 3, Dodgers 1 (Boxscore)
Hits
Greg Smith
I think Smith has been a hit pretty much every time he's pitched this spring. He was my sleeper at the beginning of camp and he's gone on to be more than that. I like the kid a lot.
Todd Helton
I like how all these guys are saving the big home run for the last week of spring. It's the perfect time for the regulars to find that HR stroke. By the way, in case you haven't heard, Helton can flash a little leather from time to time as well.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 28
Rangers 7, Rockies 6 (Boxscore)
Hits
Ian Stewart
Mashed his first big fly of the spring. Been really impressed with the number of hits Ian has compiled this spring without hitting a HR. Hopefully that's a mindset he can carry over... that hitting a ball hard through the hole or in a gap will help just as much as the longball. Stewart becoming a complete hitter would give the Rockies a bonafide all-star at third.
Joe Beimel
Got to love these veteran guys that can go unsigned deep into camp and come out ready to roll. I would have to say Beimel's chances of making the team are on the north side of 50% at this point, which is pretty damn amazing.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 27
Rockies 6, A's 6 (Boxscore)
Hits
Jorge Da La Rosa
Why DLR isn't starting the second of the season boggles my mind. I know Jim Tracy thinks it's a big deal to pitch the home opener, and I agree it's a nice honor, but I'm more of the belief that your second best pitcher pitches the second game of the season. Maybe I'm crazy. I just prefer that setup.
Dexter Fowler
This kid is turning in unbelievably patient ABs. If this patience and approach carries over into the regular season, the Rockies top of the order is going to be deadly. Tulowitzki might be looking at a chance for 140+ RBI if he hits close to .300.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 26
White Sox 6, Rockies 2 (Boxscore)
Hits
Aaron Cook
Back on track with a vintage Cookmanlike effort. He'll start the opening series finale at Miller Park.
Ian Stewart
A couple extra base hits for the big boy. Liking what I'm seeing from him. If he's able to cut down on those strikeouts when it counts, he's going to awfully productive. The ball doesn't just jump off his bat, it rockets.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 25
Indians 5, Rockies 4 (Boxscore)
Hits
Melvin Mora
Four times on base for Old Man Mora today. He's going to hit, there's no question about that. He'll attempt to play all the positions the Rockies would like him to play. No doubt about that either. But will he play those position well? And will he be happy not playing five times? That's what makes me twichy at night.
Rafael Betancourt & Manny Corpas
These guys seem to be health and settling into a groove at just the right time. That absolutely has to continue while Huston Street out.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 24
Rockies 10, Reds 6 (Boxscore)
Hits
Ubaldo Jimenez
Yes, he failed to get through five today, but he got his work in and maybe he got a rough outing out of the way that would have come at a worse time. He got himself an RBI knock in this game as well. That's nice to see.
Todd Helton
Typical Todd: Two hits and two walks. On base all four times up. The Rockies plan on giving Helton several more days off this season, and I'll tell ya, if he keeps reaching base four times a game, he may need even more days off.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 23
Padres 9, Rockies 6 (Boxscore)
Hits
Carlos Gonzalez
First longball of the spring for CarGo over the hitting background in center. That's a mammoth poke. The Rockies still have him leading off, which I have mixed feelings about, but there's no doubt he's going to hit 25 HRs and steal 25 bases, making him an all-star candidate. My guess is he settles into the #3 spot next season.
Rafael Betancourt
Just really good to see Betancourt get out there and work an inning in a game situation. Hopefully everything feels good when he wakes up in the morning and he's on track for April 5.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 22
Rockies 9 Reds 1 (Boxscore)
Hits
Brad Eldred
Once again, how nice is it that the Rockies have guys like Eldred and Michael Paulk killing the baseball this spring, and nobody is talking about them making the major league team? We've come a long, long ways.
Jorge De La Rosa
He's ready. I'm ready. Ubaldo's ready. Good thing there's still two weeks left, though, since nobody else seems to be ready.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 21
Rockies 11, Royals 11 (Boxscore)
Hits
Chris Iannetta
Between Iannetta and Olivo... could the Rockies catchers total 40+ HRs this season? I might have to go with the over there. Both those guys have the swing going right now. As long as they both don't go cold at the same time, the Rockies should get incredible production as season long from the backstops.
Michael Paulk
Might as well rename this section after him. His ninth inning 2-run triple gave the Rockies a temporary lead. Of course everything about this game was temporary.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 20
Rockies 11, Angels 10 (Boxscore)
Hits
Eric Young Jr.
Three run triple... FTW!
That'll do the confidence a whole lot of good right there. He also doubled in the contest. Big, big day for Junior.
Ryan Spilborghs
Spilly with a big 3-for-4, double, triple. double. 2 run, 2 RBI afternoon. He did the early damage against a tough lefty in Scott Kazmir. I can't imagine he'll sit against a lefty very often, if at all, this coming season. I wouldn't be against a straight up platoon with Brad Hawpe.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 19
Rockies 10, A's 4 (Boxscore)
Hits
Greg Smith
Holy crap. I had Smith pegged as a sleeper this spring, but he's performing well beyond what even I expected. Five more wonderful innings today: 1 ER, only 3 hits, and 6 strikeouts. Flat dealing. His spring ERA sits at 1.93. The Rockies now have six quality starters in my book.
Melvin Mora
Mora played second today and did so without incident. That's the main thing. We need to know this guy can play all the positions the Rockeis are expecting him to play. So far, aside from centerfield, so good. So that's good. We knew he could hit a little. He did a little today with a 2-for-3, 2 Run, 2 RBI effort.
2010 Commercial Rankings #1: Junior and Senior
Cast: Eric Young Sr,, Eric Young Jr., Dexter Fowler, Carlos Gonzalez, Boo-Boo and Woobey.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 18
Rockies 9, Mariners 2 (Boxscore)
Hits
Jason Hammel
Is he passing Aaron Cook on the depth chart? Of course not... but he's making some people think about it at least. Six strikeouts today is a nice number to look at. The Mariners had a few borderline major leaguers in there, so that likely inflated the total a bit. He'll never be more ready for opening day than he is right now.
Carlos Gonzalez
Flat smoking the ball all over the yard this spring. I was especially pleased and encouraged by his ringing opposite RBI double today. Can we just make him a Rockie for life, too?
2010 Commercial Rankings #2: Jim Tracy Is My Homeboy
Cast: Careboard Jim Tracy, Brad Hawpe, Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis, Seth Smith, Ian Stewart, Ryan Spilborghs and Clint Barmes
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Huston Street Will Remain Closed
Discourging news indeed out of Rockies camp earlier today, though not unexpected news to me. The red flags were raised early, and when you think back to how Huston was used (possibly abused) last season, this setback almost seemed inevitable.
Now it's just a matter of hoping there's nothing significantly wrong with the ailing shoulder... a shoulder and arm that cost the Rockies a ton of money.
Now we can see why teams, especially teams like the Rockies, are relunctant to hand out big money contracts. Especially long-term, big money contracts to pitchers. Double especially long-term, big money contracts to relievers. More times than not, they end up bad business decisions.
This isn't a bad business decision yet. I hate to guess what it'll look like a month from... or a year from now.
But staying in the here and now...should Rockies fans being panicking at this point?
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 17
Rockies 6, Indians 3 (Boxscore)
Hits
Jorge De La Rosa
Jorge has moved comfortably into the #2 spot in Colorado's rotation. How the rotation breaks down behind him is still up in the air. I guess that's a little concerning, but overall the Rockies should be pleased with where their top two starters are heading towards the season.
Chris Iannetta
What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time Iannetta was sitting around doing nothing during the WBC. This season he's come out with some renewed focus and a damn good swing. His 2-run triple today was a game changer, which only counts towards his confidence. But you know what? Besides health, confidence in the spring's most important stat.
2010 Commercial Rankings #3: Teaching Todd To Tweet
Cast: Todd Helton, Dexter Fowler, Jason Hammel, Matt Daley
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 16
White Sox 6, Rockies 1 (Boxscore)
Hits
Manny Corpas & Franklin Morales
Working back-to-back days for the first time spring, Corpas and Morales both turned in another scoreless inning. After rough beginnings to their springs, both men seemed to have turned the corner in their preparation and should be ready to lock up spots on the opening day roster. Not that there was a whole lot of question in either case. Especially with Betancourt and Street still lingering in question a bit.
2010 Commercial Rankings #4: Show and Tell
Cast: Troy Tulowitzki, Clint Barmes, Brad Hawpe, Dexter Fowler, Eric Young Jr., Jeff Francis, Chris Iannetta, Ian Stewart and a cute little girl.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 15
Rockies 5, Cubs 2 (Boxscore)
Hits
Jeff Francis
Back on the good side for Francis today. Sure he allowed a couple runs in the four innings, but he didn't walk anyone. That extra traffic is what will always kill Francis, because he's going to give up hits. No walks and no long balls are the key to his success. He even hit 89 on the gun by his final inning. Good step today.
Bullpen
Manny Corpas (1 inning), Jhoulys Chacin (2 innings), Matt Daley (1 inning) and Franklin Morales (1 inning) combined to allow only ONE hit, while striking our four. All four guys, in addition to Francis, badly needed a smooth appearance. They all came through. Corpas and Morales especially needed it.
2010 Commercial Rankings #5: Translation Please
Cast: Carlos Gonzalez, Todd Helton, Taylor Buchholz, Miguel Olivo, Huston Street, Ryan Spilborghs, Chris Iannetta
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 14
Rockies 5, Mariners 4 (Boxscore)
Hits
Ryan Harvey
Well, he's not making the team or anything, but top honors to Harvey for hitting the decisive 3-run homer. I don't care what level you're playing at or what the circumstances are, that's a good feeling. Congratulations are in order for that.
Ubaldo Jimenez
The ace is ready for April 5. He is in a serious groove. I just wish there was a way to either fast forward to that date or bottle up all the goodness he's delivering right now.
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 13
Diamondbacks 8, Rockies 7 (Boxscore)
From Hermosillo, Mexico
Hits
Ian Stewart
Ian is smoking hot this spring (.474)... which you all know means he'll start the regular season in a 1-for-21 funk with 13 strikeouts. If Ian can push that average to the .260-.270 range when it counts... look out. Could be a monster season.
Jeff Kindel
Kindel gets a mention for his two hit afternoon. He's hitting .400 on the spring and is making a nice accounting for himself. Not that it matters a single bit in the big picture.
2010 Commercial Rankings #6: Lost In Translation
Cast: Carlos Gonzalez, Miguel Olivo, Chris Iannetta
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 12
Brewers 7, Rockies 6 (Boxscore)
Hits
Jason Hammel
Another strong effort from the Rockies 4th or 5th starter. No walks, two hits, two unearned runs, three strikeouts. Hey, and another sacrifice bunt. The little things, folks. The little things are important.
Matt Miller
A big three-run blast gave the Rockies a short-lived 6-3 lead in the 7th inning. Miller can hit. Most teams would be satisfied using him as a right-handed bat and extra outfielder. The Rockies will continue being thrilled to have him as outfield insurance in Triple A.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 11
Giants 9, Rockies 2 (Boxscore)
Hits
None
Misses
Manny Corpas
Glorified batting practice. Triple, double, double, double, everything struck well and ended up at the wall. Four runs scored in the inning. Not a very encouraging day for Manny.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 10
Rangers 16, Rockies 5 (Boxscore)
Hits
Brad Hawpe
He played! He didn't foul one of his infect toenail! He even had two doubles.
Andrew Johnston
The only Rockie to throw a complete scoreless inning on Thursday. He's a darkhouse, folks. He now has three scoreless innings on the spring, and he could provide the bullpen spark that Matt Daley provided last season should the Rockies need one. Keep an eye on him.
Thank You Todd! Thank You Rockies!
I've been hoping for this day for almost two years. The day where Todd Helton would put his money where his mouth is. The day where Todd wouldn't just say winning a World Series meant everything, but he would actually show us how much it meant to him.
Today... Todd Helton showed us how much it means.
And for his sacrfice, the Rockies have guaranteed him two more years under contract. As many Rockies pal on Twitter @ said "It's a win-win situation."
It really is.
Todd will still get paid, which he obviously deserves to be, and the Rockies gain flexibility to re-sign or add players that will keep this team in contention for the forseeable future. It cannot be understated how important this restructering is.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 9
Royals 5, Rockies 0 (Boxscore)
Hits
Jeff Francis
Healthy, sharp and effective for three scoreless innings. That is a HUGE step forward for Jeff Francis. The next step is gaining the arm strength while maintaining the health, sharpness and effectiveness. I'm sure his confidence has to be at it's highest point in about 18 months. Big day for him.
I also saw a picture of Francis showing off a little stubble on his face. That's almost as big a news story as his return to form on this Wednesday afternoon. Great news all around.
Tim Redding
Geez, that was a pretty dominant three innings for Redding today. No runs, only one hit allowed, and three strikeouts. At the end of the week I plan on ranking the Rockies starting pitching candidates as they stand right now. Redding will be an interesting guy to rank. He's doing his best to make the coaching staff think about it at least.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 8
Rockies 12, Dodgers 0 (Boxscore)
Hits
Offensive
Fourteen different Rockies had basehits today. Seth Smith was the only guy with multiple hits (3). He drove in three runs with a pair of doubles and a single.
Pitching
Only two different Dodgers had hits today. Ubaldo Jimenez and Greg Smith each hurled 3 scoresless frames. Smith was especially impressive as he looks to strengthen his case to join the Rockies rotation at some point in 2010. Matt Reynolds, Justin Speier and Andrew Johnston each threw a completely perfect inning of relief to close out the afternoon.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 7
Rockies 5, Padres 4 (Boxscore)
Hits
Jorge De La Rosa & Jason Hammel
Six combined innings of one-run ball for two-fifthes of the Rockies rotation. Each struck out two. The only blemish was a home run allowd by Hammel to San Diego's Chase Headley. Hammel made up for that at the plate by delivering two perfect sacrifice bunts in two ABs. That gets bonus points from me. He also picked off Tony Gwynn Jr.
Miguel Olivo
I think we're going to like this guy. The average probably won't top .250, but the power is no joke at all. Kevin Correia can attest to that. Olivo took him 400+ feet out to left, and then followed up with an RBI double and a single. A perfect day at the plate and he should get a little credit as well for handling the pitchers. Not bad for the backup.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Games 5 & 6
Rockies 4, Diamondbacks 1 (Boxscore)
Diamondbacks 9, Rockies 3 (Boxscore)
One town. Two different games. Two separate stadiums. Both shortened by rain.
Hits
Huston Street
Huston Street stated he felt better than expected during his touch-and-feel bullpen today . I assure you that's bigger news than anything that happened on the field.
Aaron Cook
Very Cookmanlike efficiency in three scoreless innings. I still haven't seen the haircut though. From what I understand that may go down as a miss at some point this spring.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 4
Rockies 8, Brewers 6 (Boxscore)
Hits
Hector Gomez
I think Gomez wants to make his ML debut much sooner than later. That's probably at least a year away yet, but a great showing today nonetheless. He finished 2-for-2 with a double, triple, two runs, two RBI and some solid defense at short. File the name away... Hector Gomez.
Andrew Johnston
A nice five pitch save for the 2009 Tulsa Drillers closer. I don't usually get excited about spring training saves, but what I liked here is he came right out and shut the opponents down after the Rockies rallied late to take the lead. I like shutdown innings. Craig Baker, the game's winner, also had one in the 8th. Nice job.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 3
Rockies 7, Angels 5 (Boxscore)
Hits
Clint Barmes
Nice statement by Barmes with the first AB home run. That said, I would like to see him use the entire field more at the plate instead of coming up straight pulling every time. But hey, another 23 bombs would be hard to argue with.
Ian Stewart
Much better today. He pulled a triple deep to right off a righty. That was vintage Stewart. What I really liked though was the clean single to right off a tough lefty in Brian Fuentes. He stayed on a breaking ball and just looked to take it where it was pitched. He then followed that up with a double off another lefty. Improved approach today, especially after the powerful first AB.
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 2
Giants 7, Rockies 4 (Boxscore)
Hits
Carlos Gonzalez and Jonathan Herrera each had a pair of hits. That's about the extent of the excitement in this one.
Misses
Jeff Francis
Not much positive to take away from this for Jeff other than he appears to have remained healthy. I'm not worried yet, obviously, but I'm honestly not counting on Jeff to be real good this season. I'm very hopeful that he will be, but I'm not counting on it. Hopefully he can bounce back next time out to at least get some confidence going. That's the first step he needs to take towards being useful.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Hits & Misses: Spring Training Game 1
Rockies 11, Diamondbacks 1 (Boxscore)
Hits
Seth Smith
The best pure hitter on the squad starts his spring with a home run, double, single, 2 runs and 3 RBI. The pressure is already on Brad Hawpe.
Rockies Aggression
Eric Young stretches a single into a double leading off. Gonzalez attempts a steal a couple batters later. I've said many times before -- I like aggressive baserunning, but too many times the Rockies cross the line into dumb baserunning. Hopefully they will stay on the aggressive side of the line far more times than not.
Officially Worried About Huston Street
Thinking back to last season makes me feel even worse.
Jim Tracy really ran Street into the ground at times, using him four consecutive days from June 8-11, and then six times in seven games from August 16-23. About 10 ten days after that was when Street came down with biceps tendinitis That injury cost him 20 days of action. He looked okay when he returned, but his slider wasn't as sharp and his overall performance just wasn't as smooth.
Now we're talking about shoulder tightness three days into March.
RED FLAG
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Dexter Fowler Gets Sick, Ages Nine Years
Hey... Rotoworld doesn't make a whole lot mistakes. When they do, it's my job to make fun of them.
As far as I know, Fowler will still turn 24 on March 22nd.
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