Lackluster Recrap: What's the point?

Diamondbacks 9, Rockies 4 (boxscore)

What would you like me to write after this one?

Another paragraph or two on how Aaron Cook doesn't have it anymore?

No thanks. Been there and done that enough.

How about a blurb on how useless Ty Wigginton has been? I could mention his .160 batting average with RISP and then I could question...

1. Why the hell does Jim Tracy want his bat in the lineup so bad?

and

2. Why at the expense of Seth Smith?

I don't care how much he struggles about left-handers. Smith is the best option this team has right now to play everyday, and is a better bet against a lefty than Wigginton is against a little leaguer on most nights.

Read more »

Lackluster Recrap: Rockies avoid laying a goose egg, still fail miserably

"I don’t think the day will come when I grow tired of watching baseball. I hope not, anyway.

But I know I’m already tired of watching bad baseball. I’m tired of watching the (team) make outs every night. I’m tired of writing the same game story. I’m tired of finding new ways to ask the same questions."

Those comments may look familiar, but they are NOT mine. Those are actually the words written by San Francisco Giants beat writer Andrew Baggerly after their 7-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday night.

Turns out baseball life kinda sucks there, too. But dammit, at least they have a World stinkin' Championship to lean on when times are tough. We don't even have a division championship we can reminisce about. Sure, we have 2007. That will always be a fond memory, but I want something a little more solid than that.

Diamondbacks 5, Rockies 1 (boxscore)

Monday was Alex White's second start with the Rockies and his 23rd birthday.

It didn't start well.

It didn't end well.

It just flat didn't go well.

Arizona's very first batter, Ryan Roberts, greeted White with a longball to left. I don't know if that rattled White, which would be understandable, but his command immediately went missing. In total, White walked three in the frame. He also allowed one more hit, but thanks to Chris Iannetta picking off Aaron Hill, Arizona did not plate another run.

Read more »

Rock Solid Recap: Sundays are fun again!

But to be truly be fun again, wins on Friday and Saturday would be necessary. 

Such was not the case for the Rockies weekend, but hey, it's nice to feel like the Sunday crap is behind us.

Rockies 7, Dodgers 6 (boxscore)

Here's something we've been saying a lot lately: The Rockies offense jumped out to a lead. And they did so against a pitcher they've never faced before in Nathan Eovaldi. I know what you're thinking... and I agree, that's a really strange name.

The Rockies plated five of Eovaldi in a near 40-pitch first inning. The 21-year-old righty could have trimmed about 10 pitches and 4 runs off that total with a little help from right fielder Trent Oeltjen, but Kevin Kouzmanoff's blooper to right center bounced off his wrist and actually turned into the weakest base clearing double I've seen in a quite awhile.

And that's taking nothing away from Kouzmanoff. Believe me. He got the ball in play That's something we haven't seen nearly enough of in those spots, so he earned it.

Eliezer Alfonzo would follow with his own two-out, RBI hit. That was also critical, because all of those runs would end up being important. As would the RBIs Seth Smith and Kouzmanoff collected in the 5th, which turned a 5-2 lead into a 7-2 advantage.

Read more »

Lackluster Recrap: Back to reality

Well that should be pretty much empty out the 2011 hopewagon for good. I know some fans were ready to (or already had started to) buy this team's playoff chances after the strong homestand, but reality has settled in once again with the Rockies back on the west coast. 

Dodgers 7, Rockies 6 in 11 (boxscore)

Even the best Rockies teams struggle on this west coast swings. There should be little question how a not good Rockies team will do.

That's the bad news. Here's some good news that's also depressing news. When the Rockies two legitamite superstars are rolling, this offense is just one consistently productive and impactful bat away from being unstoppable.

Todd Helton has been good, but he doesn't fit that description anymore. That guy should have been Ian Stewart, or could have been Chris Iannetta,but they fell short. Could have been Michael Young, but that was never very realistic.

It's just so frustrating to watch (in today's case listen to) Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez playing out of their minds at the same time, and not getting any sort of help.

Read more »

Lackluster Recrap: Balk, balk, puke

Dodgers 6, Rockies 1 (boxscore)

Let's just cut to the chase.

Were the two balks called in the 7th inning legitimate?

To the letter of the law, yes they were. Any type of flinch, movement, awkwardness is going to be called. Meant or not, those are all in some way or another a method of deceiving the runner

However, when left open for interpretation by the umpires, you'd hope they would be smart enough to understand Esmil Rogers had no intention whatsoever to deceive a baserunner (no chance in Hell with Bob Davidson). The baserunner was actually deceiving Rogers, which is perfectly within the rules, but what a pain in the ass for a pitcher to have to divide his attention like that. I guess that's his problem for loading the bases.

It's also Rogers' problem for not staying composed and finishing the inning. He got beat by Justin freaking Sellers. That can't happen.

But up to that point he had his best outing of the season by a country mile, so hats off for that.

The Matt Reynolds balk was an easy call. No problems there.

Read more »

Rock Solid Recap: Business is taken care of

It wasn't always pretty, but the Colorado Rockies completed a sweep of the lowly Houston Astros Wednesday afternoon and finished their cupcake homestand with the 7-2 record they needed to not completely fall off the map. That's all you can really ask of them at this point. Regardless of how (walk-off wild pitch), just beat the teams you're supposed to beat.

Inch towards .500.

And then pray for miracles.

Rockies 7, Astros 6 in 10 (boxscore)

Talk about a fast start. Colorado's first four batters reached and scored - capped by Troy Tulowitzki's two-run home run - putting Wandy Rodriguez (their recent waiver claim), on the ropes early. But Wandy quickly battled off those ropes, allowing only a Carlos Gonzalez two-run homer in the 4th in his next five innings.

It actually reminded me a lot of a typical Esmil Rogers start (whose spot he would have likely taken in the rotation had the deal materialized), but Rodriguez is better than that nine times out ten.

Aaron Cook was very 2010-2011 Aaron Cookish today. Slow start. Rockies come right back and give him the lead. Then he gives it right back. It is what it is with Cook. Some days it's there. Most days it isn't.

And then Jason Hammel took the hill in his first relief appearance of the season. You could hear the groans from Colorado all the way here in Illinois; but guess what, Jason Hammel worked two very good innings and kept the score even at six. I can almost guarantee you Hammel is not liking this current arrangement, but I can also definitely guarantee you he's going to handle it professionally and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it were a success.

Read more »

Rock Solid Recap: Mixed results for White in ugly Rockies victory

With three exceptions...

1. Carlos Gonzalez's ridiculous catch (Watch) 

2. Seth Smith's 478-foot home run (Watch)

3. Jonathan Herrera's game-winning two-run home run (Watch)

... every other piece of footage from this game should be doused in gasoline and burned.

Rockies 8, Astros 6 (boxscore)

The Colorado Rockies did not play good baseball. In fact, they were pretty horrible. The infield defense suffered from several lapses. The baserunning was atrocious... again. It just wasn't something you'd show to a group of little leaguers hoping to learn the basic fundamentals of baseball.

And then you have the Houston Astros, who could probably learn things by watching little leaguers on tape. Heck, maybe that's where manager Brad Mills got the idea to move relief pitcher Wesley Wright to right field for one batter and then back to the pitcher's mound. Hey, it worked. Give him that much.

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-23-11 Rockies vs Astros

The Rockies have been awarded a waiver claim on Houston Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez. That means the Rockies have 48 hours from the time the waiver was awarded to work out a trade with Houston, or the Astros can just hand him to the Rockies and make them pay his entire contract. 

I honestly don't see either happening at this point. The Rockies are unlikely to want to part with what Houston needs, and Houston is unlikely to lower their asking price just for a salary dump. Plus they can move him in the offseason when the demand will likely be higher.

It's an interesting move for the Rockies to try to make, but this will likely become a non-story quickly.

Links

• Yesterday's Recap: The Astros are really bad
• Denver Post: Rockies acquire Kevin Kouzmanoff

Colorado Rockies (61-68) 

1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. 3B Chris Nelson
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. LF Seth Smith
7. C  Chris Iannetta (he's hitting higher than 8th!)
8. 2B Jonathan Herrera
9. P   Alex White

Houston Astros (42-86)

1. CF Jordan Schafer
2. 2B Jose Altuve
3. LF J.D. Martinez
4. 1B Carlos Lee
5. RF Brian Bogusevic
6. 3B Jimmy Paredes
7. SS Clint Barmes
8. C   Humberto Quintero
9. P   Bud Norris

Rock Solid Recap: The Astros are really bad

I had a feeling this homestand with the Marlins, Dodgers and Astros would have people believing again. Just based on what I've read on Twitter, people are indeed buying in, although cautiously.

Hey, I don't blame you. It's been a rough summer. Any glimmer of hope is welcomed here.

Of course this homestand will end after two more games, and then the Rockies will go on the road for nine division road games. But hey, they've taken care of business at home, which is also welcomed. Now if they can actually gain a little ground on that trip while climbing closer to .500, then you might be on to something.

It doesn't hurt that the teams they're chasing are the definition of bleh. But then again, the Rockies fit that description as well. With less pitching.

Rockies 9, Astros 5 (boxscore)

This one was over early. The offense came out firing against Brett Myers, plating six runs on six hits in the first. The inning included a number of quality plate appearances, beginning with Eric Young's leadoff walk, and concluding with yes, a two-run double from Jhoulys Chacin.

Watch Chacin smack a double

In between Dexter Fowler doubled, Carlos Gonzalez doubled in two, Todd Helton singled home CarGo, Ty Wigginton doubled, and then Mark Ellis got Todd home with an infield single. Terrific inning.

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-22-11 Rockies vs Astros

The Rockies open the biggest series of the season tonight...

Alright, I'm lying. But it is a pretty big series for Houston... as they look to avoid elimination from the playoff race... in August.

Links

• Yesterday's Recap: Rare positive baseball thoughts on a Sunday
• Purple Row: Why you should keep watching the 2011 Rockies
• Rockies Woman: A Sunday Win! A Day Game Win! A Series Win!

Colorado Rockies (60-68)

1. LF Eric Young
2. CF Dexter Fowler
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. 3B Ty Wigginton
7. 2B Mark Ellis
8. C   Chris Iannetta
9. P    Jhoulys Chacin

Chacin has pitched down the competition at times this season. I don't know that that's possible though against these Astros.

Houston Astros (42-85)

1. CF Jordan Schafer
2. 2B Jose Altuve
3. LF J.D. Martinez
4. 1B Carlos Lee
5. RF Brian Bogusevic
6. 3B Jimmy Paredes
7. SS Clint Barmes
8. C   Humberto Quintero
9. P   Brett Myers

This is Astros lineup is a who's who of who the hell is that guy? I can tell you this... Altuve is fast. Bogusevic is pretty strong. And that's about it. Maybe I can tell you more after the game. 

Rock Solid Recap: Rare positive baseball thoughts on a Sunday

You might want to bookmark this post, it could be a collector's edition.

For the first since April 17., the Colorado Rockies have won a Sunday baseball game!

It's true! I watched it with my own eyes.

Rockies 5, Dodgers 3 (boxscore)

Yes, they won it, but it certainly wasn't easy. The Rockies offense did a typical Sunday disappearing act from the 2nd-6th innings. In fact, the offense as a whole only collected three hits in the game. That's an on-going problem that we've dissected and thrown up in our collective shoes thinking about for five months. But at least on this day they made their hits count.

Two of them were home runs.

Carlos Gonzalez hit a two-run blast in the first to start the game's scoring. (Watch)

Seth Smith then connected for a titantic 458-foot go-ahead home run in the seventh. Smith's ball landed in the second deck in right center field, above the bullpen. Not unusual to see second deck shots to straightaway right, but that's quite a poke to where Smith hit it. (Watch)

Read more »

Rock Solid Recap: If we didn't see it, did it really happen?

I heard a rumor the Colorado Rockies played a baseball game Saturday afternoon, and won that baseball game by playing hard all afternoon, not making too many stupid mistakes, not giving away at-bats, and maybe just being the better overall baseball team.

Can anyone confirm this?

Rockies 7, Dodgers 6 (13)  (boxscore)

I guess I'll just have to go based on the boxscore.

This team. I swear. One day I compliment them or a specific player, the next game they repay me with a dud. One day I rip them for not battling all nine innings, the next game they battle for 13 innings and pull out a dramatic and exciting victory.

I can't win... but at least they did... apparently.

Quite a few guys/items to touch on here, so we'll go one-by-one.

Esmil Rogers: Every start is the same pattern. Bad first inning, recovers in the second and third, and then tires/struggles in the middle innings. But there is slight progression in that he's able to go over 100 pitches now with consistency, and that's allowing him to work through his mid-game struggles and in this case pitch through the sixth. That's a big plus for a tired bullpen.

Also, the final numbers are rarely pretty, but they aren't disastrous either. To me he's not an awful #5 in the NL West as it currently stands. He's not nearly as solid there as Jason Hammel was at his best, but he's passable. And I'd still like to see him take his regular turn in the rotation the rest of the season so we can see if he's a serious contender for the same role next season.

Read more »

Lackluster Recrap: I'm very sad for Jason Hammel

Dodgers 8, Rockies 2 (boxscore)

Well, so much for Jason Hammel getting on track and stringing together good starts for the first time in two months. Wow, this one here was actually about as bad as it can get when you consider who was missing from the opposition's lineup. Namely, Andre Ethier.

But really, the Dodgers plain stink no matter who's suiting up. so whatever hell you'd like to give Hammel for this one is more than justified.

While you're at it, give the offense some hell too. I understand they were fighting an uphill battle right out of the gate, but you honestly can't win that battle when only two or three guys are fighting for every at bat on a given night. Again, it's everybody or two or three. We need those periphery guys to step it up in every game, but especially games like this one.

Aside from Troy Tulowitzki, who's so locked it right now it's ridiculous. Aside from Todd Helton, who's just Todd Helton. Aside from Jason Giambi, who obviously doesn't play often. And aside from Carlos Gonzalez, who's fighting those nightly battles for the Rockies, and who's winning them at a successful clip?

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-19-11 Rockies vs Dodgers

Links

• Wednesday's Recap: Caught us a fish: Hook, line drives, and Cook's sinker
• Purple Row: Friday Pebble Report: Alex White good... and other things
• Rockies Review: Dan O'Dowd's future may ride on the shoulders of Drew Pomeranz
• Rockies Woman: Michelle Hoag has all of your off day tidbits and goodies

Colorado Rockies (58-67)

1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. 3B Chris Nelson
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. LF Seth Smith
7. C   Eliezer Alfonzo
8. 2B Mark Ellis
9. P   Jason Hammel

Los Angeles Dodgers (56-67)

1. LF Tony Gwynn
2. SS Justin Sellers
3. 3B Aaron Miles
4. CF Matt Kemp 
5. RF Juan Rivera
6. 1B James Loney
7. C  Rod Barajas
8. 2B Jamey Carroll
9. P   Hiroki Kuroda

Rock Solid Recap: Caught us a fish: Hook, line drives, and Cook's sinker

Alright, so we know the Rockies are maddeningly incompetent against some very pedestrian pitchers. They've also proven to be dominant at times this season against some of the lower-tier front of the rotation starters -- like a Jaime Garcia, whom they've pounded twice, and now tonight against Ricky Nolasco, whom they had never defeated before in six decisions.

That's why I don't bet on baseball.

Actually, I don't bet on anything, but if I did, baseball wouldn't be it.

Rockies 12, Marlins 5 (boxscore)

The Rockies pounded Nolasco for 11 hits and 11 earned runs in three innings. That's one of the uglier lines in the game this season. But the Rockies did benefit from a couple Marlin defensive lapses early. With two outs and the bases loaded in the first, Chris Nelson hit a dribbler that Nolcaso couldn't glove and Emilio Bonifacio couldn't charge fast enough.

Prrrroooobably should have been an out. Wasn't for them.

The next batter definitely should have been out, but the line drive flyball off the bat of Chris Iannetta was misjudged in center by Mike Cameron. Three runs scored there, and the Rockies were in the driver's seat.

Watch Cameron's misjudgment

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-17-11 Rockies vs Marlins

Link

• Yesterday's Recap: Live by solo home runs, get beat by a solo home run
• Rox Pile: Top 10 reasons trading Ubaldo Jimenez was a bad idea
• Rox Pile: Top 10 reasons trading Ubaldo Jimenez was a good idea 

Colorado Rockies (57-67)

1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. 2B Mark Ellis
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. LF Seth Smith
7. 3B Chris Nelson
8. C   Chris Iannetta
9. P    Aaron Cook

Florida Marlins (57-65)

1. SS Emilio Bonifacio
2. LF Bryan Petersen
3. RF Mike Stanton
4. 3B Greg Dobbs
5. 1B Gaby Sanchez
6. CF Mike Cameron
7. C  John Buck
8. 2B Jose Lopez
9. P   Ricky Nolasco

Tonight's question: How many triples will Bryan Petersen hit? 

Lackluster Recrap: Live by solo home runs, get beat by a solo home run

Yes, the Colorado Rockies came out swinging on Tuesday night, connecting for four home runs! Of course three of those (Troy Tulowitzki, Seth Smith and Carlos Gonzalez) home runs were solos, with only Jason Giambi's too little, too late home run in the ninth being a two-run shot.

The Florida Marlins only hit one home run. That too was a solo blast off the bat of Mike Stanton. It ended up being the difference in the game. Why? Because the Marlins found other ways to score thanks largely to Bryan Petersen's 2nd and 3rd career triples. In case you're keeping track at home, all three have come in this series.

I'd also like to point out that Peterson and Emilio Bonifacio, Florida's 1 & 2 hitters on the evening, finished with five hits, two runs and two RBIs. The Rockies 1-2 punch of Dexter Fowler and Mark Ellis finished 0-for-9 with six strikeouts. Thats difficult to digest in a one-run loss.

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-16-11 Rockies vs Marlins

Link

Yesterday's Recap: Rockies finally answer 9th inning wake up call

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (57-66)

1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. 2B Mark Ellis
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. LF Seth Smith
7. 3B Chris Nelson
8. C   Chris Iannetta
9. P   Jhoulys Chacin

Catcher hitting eighth. That can mean only two things. 1) Chris Iannetta is playing. 2) Jim Tracy is still the manager.

Florida Marlins (56-65)

1. SS Emilio Bonifacio
2. LF Bryan Peterson
3. RF Mike Stanton
4. 3B Greg Dobbs
5. 1B Gaby Sanchez
6. CF Mike Cameron
7. C   John Buck
8. 2B Jose Lopez
9. P   Anibal Sanchez

The return of Jose Lopez and a rematch with Anibal Sanchez, who nearly no-hit the Rockies earlier this season. So many subplots! 

Rock Solid Recap: Rockies finally answer 9th inning wake up call

I'll be honest, for eight innings this baseball game bored me to tears.

I'm sorry. After Mike Stanton's first inning moon shot and Tulowitzki's third inning two-run shot, there was little to get excited about or interested in watching. Especially with all the other exciting things happening in baseball like Jim Thome's 600th home run (congrats) and the Brewers turning a triple play on the Dodgers.

But I kept watching, and everything changed in the bottom of the ninth inning... with a Dexter Fowler baserunning error.

That makes perfect sense.

Yes, Fowler, representing the tying run, blooped one into shallow centerfield with two outs, but got caught rounding first base way too aggressively. He was dead to rights. But the Marlins also kinda suck, so they completely butchered any chance at a rundown, allowing Dex to take second easily.

That was the Rockies wake up call. One pitch later, Carlos Gonzalez answered it by tying the game with his own double.

But unlike most Rockies rallies, it doesn't end there. After a Troy Tulowitzki intentional walk, Jason Giambi (likely insulted and pissed off by the gesture) walked it off with a three-run homer.

Watch Giambi's walk-off blast

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-15-11 Rockies vs Marlins

Weekend Rec(r)aps and Links

• Friday: I seriously need help
• Saturday: I'm very happy for Jason Hammel
• Sunday: Sunday Recrap: Chapter 17
• Rockies Review: David Martin conducted a very interesting interview with Rockies supplemental first round pick Trevor Story. Go read it.
• Rockies Woman: Rockies Choke on National TV (The bluntness of the headline is reason enough to click)

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (56-66)

1. LF Eric Young
2. CF Dexter Fowler
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Jason Giambi
6. C   Eliezer Alfonzo
7. 3B Chris Nelson
8. 2B Jonathan Herrera
9. P   Kevin Millwood

Florida Marlins (56-64)

1. SS Emilio Bonifacio
2. LF Bryan Peterson
3. RF Mike Stanton
4. 3B Greg Dobbs
5. 1B Gaby Sanchez
6. C   John Buck
7. CF Dewayne Wise
8. 2B Alfredo Amezaga
9. P   Clay Hensley

God this lineup is B-R-U-T-A-L. But do I have one bold prediction: Alfredo Amezaga will have four hits tonight. Just because. 

Sunday Recrap: Chapter 17

Hello Baseball World!

What you witnessed this evening was Colorado Rockies baseball at its Sunday best in 2011. So glad all of you finally got a glimpse into the hell we've been living all season.

Cardinals 6, Rockies 2 (boxscore)

What are we going to do about Esmil Rogers and first innings? It's unreal. He just can't past that hurdle of avoiding a bad start. Does he need more warm ups? Is it nerves? Someone needs to get on that and figure out some answers.

Bob Apodaca: You go first.

The good news is sometimes Esmil is able to limit the damage. The bad news is there are nights like tonight, where he gives away a quick 2-0 lead, and then proceeds to give up even more. It's frustrating, and once again, he piled up 32 pitches in the first. That guaranteed another short night. Despite recovering nicely from the slow start, that's exactly what it was.

Moving on...

Read more »

Rock Solid Recap: I'm very happy for Jason Hammel

So many people have been quick to bail on Jason Hammel. Maybe rightfully so, maybe not. Time will tell for sure.

I can't deny that he's struggled (slight understatement) for six weeks, but I'm not one that's quick to abandon a solid performer. Hopefully you've noticed that about me over the past two seasons. I like to think I'm fair and critical when necessary, but I see no reason in running a guy into the ground that has been a huge positive for this team for the vast majority of his tenure.

No, he's not Ubaldo Jimenez or Jhoulys Chacin. Few are. To expect that from him would be sorely lacking in perspective, but sometimes I feel that's the standard he's held to. Jason's in that category of a back end rotation guy. Limited upside. His stuff won't scare anybody, but he battles. And for 2009, 2010 and early 2011, the Rockies 4th and 5th rotation spots were stronger than most because of Jason Hammel.

He's one of the guys on this team that I know has fight, and I know has personal and professional pride on the line every time he goes out there. When he struggles, he's harder on himself than anyone. We've seen that in his quotes and the way Troy Renck describes his demeanor. I know that's hard to imagine, because the drubbing his takes from Rockies fans on Twitter (likely elsewhere) is brutal, but he really does take it personal and is his own harshest critic.

To see him come out and pitch a baseball game like he Saturday night in St. Louis makes me feel really good for him. We needed it. He REALLY needed it.

Read more »

Lackluster Recrap: I seriously need help

Despite being blacked out from the original broadcast and knowing the result ahead of time, I still went back and watched the Rockies loss on Friday night. Are those the actions of a sane person?

Don't answer that.

Cardinals 6, Rockies 1 (boxscore)

It was the typically lifeless offensive effort that we've come to expect from the Rockies. I mean seriously, you didn't expect that 10-run outburst to carry over to Tuesday, let alone Friday, did you?

Of course not. But my God this was a terrible offensive performance. Pathetic even.

Do these guys not have any pride?

I'm sorry, they did in the fourth inning when Carlos Gonzalez homered and they actually strung together something resembling quality at-bats. So there's one inning... out of nine. Monday they battled for nine out of nine, against a pitcher in Homer Bailey who may not have the numbers of Kyle Lohse, but certainly isn't more or less intimidating . No reason it couldn't have played out similarly here.

Anyway, ramble more about the offense, rip Aaron Cook, or actually give Aaron Cook a little credit?

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-12-11 Rockies @ Cardinals

If you're looking for Rockies game lineups and you don't feel like searching all over Twitter or waiting for MLB.com to post them, check back to Heaven & Helton about 30-60 minutes before first pitch. They should be here waiting for you every night game and some afternoon games. 

Roster Moves

• Jason Giambi activated from the DL.
• Huston Street placed on the DL retroactive to Monday

Link

Yesterday's Recrap: Chacin in ace form, Rockies lose anyway

Colorado Rockies (55-64) 

1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. 2B Mark Ellis
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. LF Seth Smith
7. 3B Chris Nelson
8. C   Chris Iannetta
9. P    Aaron Cook

St. Louis Cardinals (63-55)

1. SS Rafael Furcal
2. CF Jon Jay
3. 1B Albert Pujols
4. LF Matt Holliday
5. RF Lance Berkman
6. 3B David Freese
7. C   Yadier Molina
8. 2B Skip Schumaker
9. P   Kyle Lohse

Day Game Recrap: Chacin in ace form, Rockies lose anyway

Another day game. 

Another chance to win a series. 

Another predictable result. 

And then I predictably say this: The Colorado Rockies always find a way to offset their positives and minimize their success. That's how this team will be defined in the history books. 

Reds 2, Rockies 1 (boxscore)

At least we saw a return to ace form for Jhoulys Chacin this afternoon. On the heels of Kevin Millwood's more than professional performance on Wednesday, Jhoulys was even better throwing an eight inning complete game where he struck out nine, walked three, allowed six hits and two earned runs.

And took the loss. Just like Millwood.

I really liked what I saw here though. Like both starts against Philadelphia, Chacin took the game over from the mound and pitched determined and focused. When that happens, he's special. Really special. Look around at every ace in the game right now. How many of them could determine to Chacin's level at 23?

Read more »

Recrap in a Nutshell: Another one of 'those' losses for Colorado

Isn't there a limit on the number of "season in a nutshell" losses you can have in a season?

And at what point does it go from "season in a nutshell" to "the norm" to "this team is utter fail"?

Those are the questions.

Here are the answers.

Yes, there is a limit.

They reached that limit in May. It became "the norm" by the end of May and we've ventured to "utter fail" every damn Sunday since.

Not that this team hasn't been capable of playing well at times. In fact, the first two games in Cincinnati were quite good. But those games only fuel my frustration, because that's the baseball you expect from this team. I really don't think those are or were unfair expectations either.

Anyway, they play two solid games, and then before you can compliment them for their improved efforts, they give you a presentation like Wednesday's where the ending becomes predictable in the 2nd or 3rd inning and you just coast to the inevitable with the only twists being how will they embarrass themselves tonight.

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-10-11 Rockies @ Reds

If you're looking for Rockies game lineups and you don't feel like searching all over Twitter or waiting for MLB.com to post them, check back to Heaven & Helton about 30-60 minutes before first pitch. They should be here waiting for you every night game and some afternoon games. 

On the day Ian Stewart's major league career in Colorado possibly ends for good, Kevin Millwood's (and Edgar Gonzalez's) begin.

THIS.... is Colorado Rockies baseball.

Link

• Yesterday's Recap: I'm liking this road trip so far
• Blake Street Bulletin: Perspective

Colorado Rockies (55-62)

1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. 2B Chris Nelson
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. LF Seth Smith
7. 3B Ty Wigginton
8. C   Chris Iannetta
9. P    Kevin Millwood

Cincinnati Reds (55-60)

1. LF Dave Sappelt
2. SS Edgar Renteria
3. 1B Joey Votto
4. RF Jay Bruce
5. 3B Todd Frazier
6. CF Drew Stubbs
7. C   Ryan Hannigan
8. 2B Paul Janish
9. P   Mike Leake

Rock Solid Recap: I'm liking this road trip so far

Back-to-back hard fought wins for the Rockies to start this 7-game road trip. Not a darn thing to complain about tonight.

But I shall continue to analyze.

Rockies 3, Reds 2 (boxscore)

Which I will do so now by asking and answering my own questions about this game.

Was Esmil Rogers more efficient?

111 pitches to record 18 outs.

That's not efficient. But make no mistake Rogers battled his tail off to get those outs and left the game in great shape for the bullpen. Credit him for that. Yes, it would be ideal  for Esmil to start racking up quicker outs, but I'll just take the outs for now and hope he continues to move forward and maybe even gains some more confidence in his game.

As a back of the rotation guy, you're not asking him to take a huge step forward. You won't always need him to go 7-8 innings, but it would be nice to know he could on nights the bullpen needs a breather. Honestly though, you can nitpick it, but if you step back and look at it, his last two start have been about the same or better efficiency and productivity wise than what Ubaldo Jimenez was giving you in this spot all season. So hey, that's not bad at all.

Rogers also has the same number of wins this season as Ubaldo: 6.

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-9-11 Rockies @ Reds

If you're looking for Rockies game lineups and you don't feel like searching all over Twitter or waiting for MLB.com to post them, check back to Heaven & Helton about 30-60 minutes before first pitch. They should be here waiting for you every night game and some afternoon games.

Link

Yesterday's Recap: The Reds look familair to me

Colorado Rockies (54-62)

1. LF Eric Young
2. CF Dexter Fowler
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. 3B Ty Wigginton
7. 2B Mark Ellis
8. C   Chris Iannetta
9. P    Esmil Rogers

Cincinnati Reds (55-60)

1. LF Dave Sappelt
2. SS Edger Renteria
3. 1B Joey Votto
4. 2B Brandon Phillips
5. RF Jay Bruce
6. CF Drew Stubbs
7. C   Ramon Hernandez
8. 3B Todd Frazier
9. P   Dontrelle Willis

Their lineup gets a lot better with Phillips and Hernandez in there. Makes for a nice challenge for Esmil Rogers. 

Rock Solid Recap: The Reds look familiar to me

If the Rockies are the most disappointing team in baseball, which I fully believe they are, then the Cincinnati Reds are a close second. They took control of the NL Central last season. With a whole season of Aroldis Chapman, a healthy Edinson Volquez, and a pretty solid crop of young starting pitchers coming along, it seemed like they were destined to repeat this season and possibly beyond.

That all sounds familiar. Just change a few names and divisions.

It hasn't happened for them. There have been injuries along the way. Volquez has gone from the ace to constantly shuffling back and forth with AAA Louisville. The young pitchers are still feeling their way. But above all else, and I've seen this several times when watching them, their fundamentals, baserunning, clutching hitting and all around execution are all terrible.

Baseball being baseball strikes again. Every new season is exactly that - a new season. We've learned that the hard way a couple times over the past five years. Reds fans are relearning it for themselves right now.

But you aren't here to read about the Reds and how sad and disappointing they are. And I surely don't mean to take away from...

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-8-11 Rockies @ Reds

If you're looking for Rockies game lineups and you don't feel like searching all over Twitter or waiting for MLB.com to post them, check back to Heaven & Helton about 30-60 minutes before first pitch. They should be here waiting for you every night game and some afternoon games.

Link

Sunday Recrap: Chapter 16

Colorado Rockies (53-62)

1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. 2B Mark Ellis
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. LF Seth Smith
7. 3B Ty Wigginton
8. C  Chris Iannetta (Yes, Iannetta)
9. P   Jason Hammel

Read more »

Sunday Recrap: Chapter 16

The Colorado Rockies have now gone one entire NFL regular season of Sunday's without a victory. The only other people who know what this feels like is the Detroit Lions. That's bad, because anytime you're compared to the Detroit Lions in terms of futility, you've arguably reached the lowest point in your franchise's history.

This probably isn't really the lowest point in franchise history, but with everything that's happened this season, it's pretty close. Granted, a decent amount of the bad has unfortunately been out of the Rockies control. That stuff you can live with. But a larger amount has been within the Rockies control, and the bottom line is they just haven't been good enough at baseball.

Such was the case again on this Sunday.

Nationals 3, Rockies 2 (boxscore)

This is when you know things are bad. The Rockies went 2-for-11 with RISP. That was actually better than Washington's 1-for-11 with RISP, and you still lose.

As has been the case so often, especially on Sunday, one more clutch hit likely gets the job done.

Nine hits, all singles. That's also problematic.

Read more »

Rock Solid Recap: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 run innings equal 15 for Rockies!

More times than not you'll wish the offense had saved a few runs when they score 15 for the ace. But given the way this season has gone, given the way Jhoulys Chacin labored, and given the way several key members of the Rockies bullpen have been struggling of late, nobody was saying that after Saturday's blowout win over the Washington Nationals.

Rockies 15, Nationals 7 (boxscore)

This is what you call an offensive onslaught. Colorado scored in five different innings, which is something different, but nice. Four of them result in multiple runs. That's even nicer. But the nicest part? The contributions came from every spot in the order.

Even Jhoulys Chacin had a perfect night at the plate, singling, getting hit, and scoring twice.

Even Ian Stewart reached TWICE... and he didn't enter the game until the 7th inning.

It was just one of those nights for the Rockies offense.

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-6-11 Rockies vs Nationals

Denver Post: The update on Juan Nicasio

So, so scary. Wishing Juan a complete recovery from this serious injury. The quicker the better, obviously, but I just want to the kid to have a normal life.

More links

Blake Street Bulletin: Former Rockies pitchers in 2011
Purple Row: Saturday Pebble Report

Colorado Rockies (52-61)

1. LF Eric Young
2. CF Dexter Fowler
3. RF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Todd Helton
6. 3B Ty Wigginton
7. 2B Chris Nelson
8. C   Chris Nelson
9. P    Jhoulys Chacin

CarGo's back! And in right field tonight. Ryan Spilborgh hits the DL.

Read more »

Get Well Juan Nicasio

It's been a long night for me writing about baseball games, writing about baseball brawls, and yes, writing about the unfortunate situation with Juan Nicasio.

Honestly, at this point, I can't go back and analyze anything that happened in that Rockies baseball game, because none of it really matters. All that matters is that today we hear news about Juan Nicasio that brings a relief to all of us, but most importantly to Juan and his family.

To praise, to criticize, to analyze anything that happened in that game wouldn't feel right.

We'll get back to business as usual after Saturday's game. For now, I'll just a say for prayer for Juan Nicasio and hope for the very best.

Get well, kid. Looking forward to witnessing the rest of your bright career with my favorite baseball team.

Lineup Card: 8-5-11 Rockies vs Nationals

If you're looking for Rockies game lineups and you don't feel like searching all over Twitter or waiting for MLB.com to post them, check back to Heaven & Helton about 30-60 minutes before first pitch. They should be here waiting for you every night game and some afternoon games.

Link

Yesterday's Recap: Rockies' E's lead the way (not errors for once)

Colorado Rockies (52-60)

1. LF Eric Young
2. CF Dexter Fowler
3. 1B Todd Helton
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. RF Seth Smith
6. 2B Chris Nelson
7. 3B Ian Stewart
8. C   Chris Iannetta
9. P    Juan Nicasio

I love this pitching matchup tonight. Love it. Two young guys that should have bright futures.

Read more »

Rock Solid Recap: Rockies' E's lead the way (not errors for once!)

Rockies 6, Nationals 3 (boxscore)

So far, so good for Esmil Rogers in his latest experiment as a starting pitcher. Alright, so technically the 5 inning performance in San Diego was a relief appearance. But in reality it was an extension of that God awful idea with Ubaldo, so I'm considering that as a start as well.

Don't argue with me. I know it's flawed.

Anyway, he pitched well there. He also pitched pretty well here, although we saw a lot of the same problems that have limited his starting potential in the past. He started slow allowing one run on two hits and a walk in the first. A total of 29 pitches in that inning.

That puts him behind the preferred starter's pace. Then he wasn't able to record enough quick outs to get back on pace and couldn't get through the 6th. But he did get the outs without allowing Washington to plate another run. Ultimately that's the most important factor, so I'll call this encouraging and something positive he can build from.

And he gets the win.

Three more positives

1. Eric Young: Eric Young had his best game in a long time at the ML level. Maybe it was his best game to date. Battling leadoff, Young was able to reach base FOUR times (one hit, THREE walks), swiped a bag and knocked in two to lead the offensive attack.

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-4-11 Rockies vs Nationals

If you're looking for Rockies game lineups and you don't feel like searching all over Twitter or waiting for MLB.com to post them, check back to Heaven & Helton about 30-60 minutes before first pitch. They should be here waiting for you every night game and some afternoon games.

Alright, so the Lineup Card hasn't been up as much as I'd like in recent days. Chalk that up to normal temperatures and yard work that was three weeks overdue.

Phillies Series Recraps (three of them)

Monday: Street + Phillies = Sadness
Tuesday: Apparently the Phillies have 7 aces now
Wednesday: Thanks for the education

Colorado Rockies (51-60)

1. LF Eric Young
2. CF Dexter Fowler
3. 1B Todd Helton
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 3B Ty Wigginton 
6. 2B Chris Nelson
7. RF Ryan Spilborghs
8. C   Chris Iannetta
9. P   Esmil Rogers

Seth Smith's reward for homering against Cole Hamels? A comfortable seat on the bench against Ross Detwiler. Oy. Nothing happenin' Ryan Spilborghs gets the starting in right. EY gets left.

Read more »

Lackluster Recrap: Thanks for the education

Not that we needed one to realize how far the Rockies are from being relevant in the National League. The Phillies are definitely the measuring stick right now, and thanks to them we confirmed the Rockies are pretty comfortably stationed between the bottom of that stick and the halfway point.

Not even good enough to be mediocre.

Phillies 8, Rockies 6 (boxscore)

Considering Jason Hammel's ups and downs of late, I'd say Wednesday's start went pretty close to what you'd except. Which is unfortunate, because Halladay's start went nothing like I expected. Something decent from Hammel would have actually positioned the Rockies to win this game. Judging from his postgame comments, he's just as dissatisfied with himself as the rest of us.

Rex Brothers continued his very recent struggles. He's now allowed runs in each of his last three appearances, taking the loss in two. That's after allowing ONE run in the 18 appearances prior. So basically, I think any lashing out in his direction would be short-sighted and unnecessary. Hopefully not too much of that is happening in Denver.

Read more »

Lackluster Recrap: Apparently the Phillies have 7 aces now

Isn't that about where Kyle Kendrick ranks on the Philadelphia Phillies starting pitching depth chart? And that guy shuts you out for eight innings on four hits? What a train wreck.

Of all the hideous performances this season against marginal big league starters, this one rates pretty close to the most disappointing, discouraging, and dare I say, disgusting.

Throw in embarrassing while you're at it.

And nauseating.

Phillies 5, Rockies 0 (boxscore)

Sometimes when I have nothing nice to say about the Rockies performance I just jump right to the three positives in this spot. That's not going to happen this time. All I'm going to say is hats off to Edgmer Escalona for coming in and providing three scoreless innings of relief. That could come in handy on Wednesday if 1,000 things happen to go in the Rockies favor and they have a chance to beat Roy Halladay.

Honestly, if the Rockies don't get no-hit by Halladay I might be pretty thrilled. I'm fully expecting a full-on no-hitter alert deep into that game. Maybe even a perfect game alert.

That's all I have. I could sit here for another hour trying to think of creative ways to describe how poorly they played, or I could go to bed.

I'm going to bed.

Lackluster Recrap: Street + Phillies = Sadness

This season stinks doesn't it?

Phillies 4, Rockies 3 (10) (boxscore)

One out away from putting away the dreaded Phillies. If It seems like we've been there 100 times before, it's because we've actually been there 5-6 times. And that final out never seems to come. Unfortunately, they are the one team that owns Huston Street. Not that he hasn't had a bad outing here or there against someone else, but that's the team that always gets him.

They tormented him all throughout 2009, with the playoffs being nothing short of disastrous. He didn't face them in any meaningful action in 2010, but did fare well in two appearances. Save opportunity on Monday; two up, two down rather easily, and back to tormenting. Couldn't finish them.

Huston doesn't seem like the type that would let a team get in his head, but if the Phillies aren't in there, I'd be shocked. And if he doesn't have nightmares about that 3-2 pitch to John Mayberry that tied the game, I'd be shocked about that as well.

Steet has now allowed 10 home runs on the season. That's tops in baseball for a reliever and 25% of his total allowed in seven seasons. So yes, a very disturbing number, and looking at the here and now a big concern. But I'd like to think there's a good chance it'll get better if he simply starts locating better and making smarter pitches.

Read more »

Lineup Card: 8-1-11 Rockies vs Phillies

If you're looking for Rockies game lineups and you don't feel like searching all over Twitter or waiting for MLB.com to post them, check back to Heaven & Helton about 30-60 minutes before first pitch. They should be here waiting for you every night game and some afternoon games.

Links

Weekend Rec(r)aps

• Friday: Hammel punches back against Padres
• Saturday: The show must go on
• Sunday: Weekly Sunday Recrap
• Bugs & Cranks: Ubaldo Q & A with... Me 

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (51-57)

1. LF Eric Young
2. CF Dexter Fowler
3. 2B Mark Ellis
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. 1B Ty Wigginton
6. 3B Chris Nelson
7. RF Seth Smith
8. C   Chris Iannetta
9. P    Jhoulys Chacin

Well here's your lineup against Cole Hamels. Todd Helton sits probably due to his recent 4-for-25. Seth Smith starts because there are so few options available. Mark Ellis hits third because.... And Eric Young in left field at Coors Field.

Read more »

Weekly Sunday Recrap

And it was looking so good. Juan Nicasio was incredible, striking out a personal high and a Rockies season high 10. The offense, while again not explosive, came through with enough timely hits to take the lead into the late innings.

It couldn't have been set up more perfectly to end this dreadful Sunday losing streak. And then Rex Brothers, the pitcher who has been untouchable for the past month, couldn't get anyone out. And then Matt Belisle, the pitcher who's been so good at cleaning up messes for two seasons, couldn't clean this one up.

Next thing you know...

Padres 8, Rockies 3 (boxscore)

Three positives

1. Juan Nicasio: Nevermind everything I previously wrote about Nicasio eventually becoming a late inning reliever. He's a starter now. He's going to be a starter for a long time to come. He had amazing stuff here. Don't care who it came against or what park it was in, it was fantastic.

Read more »