Sunday, March 11, 2012

Spring Training Hits & Misses: Split Squad Sunday

Hits

Jamie Moyer vs. White Sox

He's 49 years old. He can't touch 83 MPH on a good day. Yet he's retiring major league hitters with efficiency so far this spring, and he's NOT walking anybody. Lessons definitely to be learned there for young Rockies pitchers. I don't know how much Moyer has to give on the field, but I'll continue tipping my cap to him for professional performances like this one (Three innings, one run, three hits and two strikeouts).

Marco Scutaro & Jason Giambi vs. White Sox

Speaking of professional performances from veterans, Marco Scutaro and Jason Giambi each delivered one of their own against Chicago. For Scutaro, it was a double, two walks and a run scored. For Giambi, a single, double, one run and one RBI. At this point, the only question for either heading into the season is how many games they'll be asked to play.

Misses

Dexter Fowler vs. Milwaukee

Fowler hit a long right-handed home run the other day (I was impressed but not thrilled), but has done little else this spring. In fact, his 0-for-3 dropped his average to .071. It's not something to get worried about yet, but there's little doubt Fowler wanted to get off to a stronger start than this. We'll keep a close a eye on his progress.

Got Their Work In

Alex White vs. Milwaukee

White had a pretty decent spring effort today, throwing three innings of one run ball against Milwaukee's expected opening day lineup. He allowed three hits, walked two (wild pitch, too) and struck out three. The one big plus again was the four groundouts, so even though his command was spotty, his misses weren't game changers. I'd call it a positive day all the way around, with much room for improvement.

Guillermo Moscoso vs. White Sox

A better outing for Moscoso today, but he dealt with a lot of traffic (four hits, one walk) and couldn't pitch over an error (one unearned run). It's definitely a step in the right direction and keeps him on pace with Alex White for the 5th starter position.

Chris Nelson vs. Milwaukee

Nelson had a pretty successful day, singling off Yovani Gallardo early in the game and then adding a double later on. He'll need a few more days like this one to gain separation from the other utility candidates (like Jonathan Herrera and Brandon Wood), but it's something to build on.

Oh, yeah, and the score(s) in case you're wondering

At Salt River Field, the Rockies squad led by the veterans knocked off the White Sox 5-2. Meanwhile, at Maryvale Stadium, the rest of the Rockies rallied for four runs in the ninth but fell to the Brewers 5-4.

What's next

The Rockies will welcome their division rivals from San Diego to Salt River Field on Monday. Guess what? Audio will be available again via MLB.com (Padres radio, which is usually a fun broadcast) and the 850 KOA website. Tune in to one or the other or both.

More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813

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