Rock Solid Recap: The Astros Are Welcome To Stay

Rockies 11, Astros 5 (boxscore)

I don't just mean for the weekend either. I mean stay for the entire summer and then come back again in 2013 instead of moving to the American League.

Please?

Winning Players: The entire offense

We're at a point now where it's impossible to pick out two or third players, let alone select a single player. That's how hot this offense is right now. Everybody is hitting where they should be. Everybody is clicking and contributing. It doesn't matter if you remove a key part like Troy Tulowitzki, the line keeps on moving and producing.

It's so much fun to watch from our perspective. It's a nightmare for the opposing manager and pitching coach, because there's really not an adjustment they can make when it reaches this level. All they can do is hope that particular game is the one where it slows down on its own. All we can do is hope it never does, because our starting pitching is still our starting pitching.

Turning Point: More like an exclamation point. Carlos Gonzalez's 1st inning three-run homer made him the 22nd major leaguer to homer in four straight at-bats. It's also gave the Rockies a 3-0 start. After RBI doubles by Todd Helton and Jordan Pacheco, it was a five-run first.

The Rockies then added four more in the second behind RBIs from Michael Cuddyer (2), Wilin Rosario and Jordan Pacheco... again. Houston was never going to recover from that onslaught unless Craig Biggo, Jeff Bagwell and Tony Eusebio came out of retirement.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs Astros 5-31-12

Wednesday's Recap: Rockies Outfield Hits The Home Run Cycle In 13-5 Win

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (20-29)

1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Wilin Rosario (C)
7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
8. D.J. LeMahieu (2B)
9. Jeremy Guthrie (P)

It's still unclear on whether or not Troy Tulowitzki will need a DL stint. That word may come down yet today or the Rockies could hold on another 24-48 hours to see how he responds to treatment. In the meantime, D.J. LeMahieu is a starter with Marco Scutaro sliding over to short, and the offense and defense will both take significant hits because of it. 

Lovely, isn't it?

Update: Tulo goes to the DL. Chris Nelson activated from the DL. 

Houston Astros (22-28)

1. Jordan Schafer (CF)
2. Jose Altuve (2B)
3. Jed Lowrie (SS)
4. Carlos Lee (1B)
5. Chris Johnson (3B)
6. Brian Bogusevic (RF)
7. J.D. Martinez (LF)
8. Jason Castro (C)
9. Bud Norris (P)

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

Rock Solid Recap: Rockies Outfield Hits The Home Run Cycle In 13-5 Win

Rockies 13, Astros 5 (boxscore)

Winning Players: Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Michael Cuddyer

The Rockies Outfield combined to go 7-for-13 with FIVE home runs, 11 RBI, 6 R, and 2 BB tonight. 

Good. Lord. 

Carlos Gonzalez hit three of those home runs (two solos and a two-run shot). Not a one of them had a single bit of doubt, either, unless you factor in the welfare of the people or objects in the path of his destruction. 

Watch CarGo's First Home Run

Watch CarGo's Second Home Run

Watch CarGo's Third Home Run 

You know how hot Dexter Fowler is right now? The baseball is exploding off his bat with nearly the same ferocity as Carlos Gonzalez's. Seriously. Of course I fully acknowledge that nobody hits the ball harder than Cargo when he's locked in (see above highlights), but Dexter is coming as close as anyone I can remember since CarGo arrived.

Watch Dexter Fowler's three-run homer

And to complete the home run cycle — well, actually this came in the 1st, I'm out of order — Michael Cuddyer delivered the Grand Slam.

Indeed the offense is answering the challenge right now. How long they can sustain a stretch this hot is now the question, and it's about to become more difficult if Troy Tulowitzki (strained left groin) needs a DL stint.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs Astros 5-30-12

Monday's Recap(s): Memorial Day Special: Two Recaps For The Price Of One

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (19-29)

1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
2. Marco Scutaro (2B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
9. Christian Friedrich (P)

The A-Team! Just too bad it took until May 28 for the plan to come together (or the manager to get it right).

Houston Astros (22-27)

1. Jordan Schafer (CF)
2. Jose Altuve (2B)
3. Jed Lowrie (SS)
4. Carlos Lee (1B)
5. J.D. Martinez (LF)
6. Justin Maxwell (RF)
7. Chris Johnson (3B)
8. Chris Snyder (C)
9. Lucas Harrell (P)

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

Memorial Day Special: Two Recaps For The Price Of One

Game 1: Rockies 9, Astros 7 (boxscore)

Winning Player: Jordan Pacheco

Pacheco started the Rockies offense with a 1st inning RBI triple to center field, scoring Dexter Fowler. And then he broke a 7-7 tie in the 8th inning with a clutch two-out, two-run single to center, scoring pinch-runner Jeremy Guthrie and Dexter Fowler... again.

Highlight of the Game: Watch Pacheco's big hits

I love watch Pacheco hit. This lineup is full of excellent hitters when they're clicking, and Pacheco currently takes a back seat to none in terms of my confidence when the Rockies need a good at-bat.

Obviously Todd Helton has a made career delivering clutch hits. Michael Cuddyer, Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler have also had their share. But with Pacheco, (much like Helton) you know you're going to get a professional approach — yes, I realize he doesn't walk — regardless of the score and inning.

Those are the guys I'll take my chances with and feel good about it every time, and it's nice to see the Rockies add another to the mix.

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Rock Solid Recrap: The End Nears For Jamie Moyer

Reds 7, Rockies 5 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: Too many solo home runs. It's weird to say that, but the Rockies only had five hits today and every last one of them was a solo homer. The homers themselves are always good to see, don't get me wrong, but it wouldn't hurt to mix it up a little bit on this homestand.

Turning Point: You'd have to say Brandon Phillips' three-run home in the 3rd. It was the only non-solo roundtripper in the game, and as you can see from the score, the two extra runs made the difference.

Jamie Moyer's Line: 5 IP, 7 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 2 K, 4 HR, 79 pitches (49 strikes)

As we've said several times over the weekend, the Great American Ballpark is a pitcher's worst nightmare. Today that nightmare reached ridiculous levels of absurdity as the teams combined to hit nine home runs. Four of those came off Moyer — including one where Todd Frazier lost the grip of his bat, tossed it 60 feet, didn't finish his swing, and the baseball still traveled 370 feet. I've never seen anything like it.

Given those conditions and circumstances, it's difficult to come down too harshly on Moyer for this specific game, but the fact remains he offers no upside currently, and he's certainly not going to be helping out in 2013. The Rockies will be much better off recalling (and sticking with) Drew Pomeranz ASAP.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Reds 5-27-12

Saturday's Recrap: Another Disappointing Outing For Jeremy Guthrie

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (17-28)

1. Eric Young Jr. (CF)
2. Marco Scutaro (2B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowtzki (SS)
5. Jason Giambi (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
8. Wilin Rosario (C)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

Sunday lineup grade: B

Cincinnati Reds (26-20)

1. Zack Cozart (SS)
2. Drew Stubbs (CF)
3. Joey Votto (1B)
4. Brandon Phillips (2B)
5. Jay Bruce (RF)
6. Ryan Ludwick (LF)
7. Todd Frazier (3B)
8. Ryan Hanigan (C)
9. Mat Latos (P)

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Another Disappointing Outing For Jeremy Guthrie

Reds 10, Rockies 3 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: I'm just winging this tonight. There was no TV coverage here in Illinois. There's no chance in hell I'm going to go back and watch it later. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't turn off the audio after the 7th to focus on the 76ers-Celtics game.

Turning Point: The Rockies scored one run on four hits in the 1st. Definitely could have and should have been more.

One batter into the Reds half, their lead was already in jeopardy after Zack Cozart grounded to Jordan Pacheco at third. Pacheco's throw sailed past Helton, and the Reds instantly had a man in scoring position. Jeremy Guthrie did retire Drew Stubbs and Joey Votto without any advancement. But as we so often see with these Rockies, he couldn't finish the inning off.

Brandon Phillips doubled Cozart home. Jay Bruce walked. Chris Denorfia (or Heisey, same thing) hits a three-run homer.

Losing baseball.

Jeremy Guthrie's Line: 5 IP, 6 R (2 ER), 10 H, 1 BB, 5 K, 2 HR, 104 pitches (67 strikes)

The four runs were unearned by rule only. Guthrie absolutely deserves to be credited with all four of them because he all needed to do was make one more quality pitch to pick up his teammate and escape the inning. Couldn't do it. Instead, he let the inning (and ultimately the baseball game) get away with the double, walk and home run. Those were all on him.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Reds 5-26-12

Friday's Recap: Another Rock Solid Recap? Two in a row?

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (17-27)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Tyler Colvin (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
8. Wil Nieves (C)
9. Jeremy Guthrie (P)

Just realized tonight is a national broadcast and I'm stuck with Cubs-Pirates locally. Wonderful choice there, Fox. 

Cincinnati Reds (25-20)

1. Zack Cozart (SS)
2. Drew Stubbs (CF)
3. Joey Votto (1B)
4. Brandon Phillips (2B)
5. Jay Bruce (RF)
6. Chris Heisey (LF)
7. Miguel Cairo (3B)
8. Devin Mesoraco (C)
9. Mike Leake (P)

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

Another Rock Solid Recap? Two in a row?

Rockies 6, Reds 3 (boxscore)

The Rockies streak of impressive play improved to 15 innings on Friday night. Their streak of not being outscored by the opponent now sits at two games. That means we get to pick a winning player!

Winning Player: Todd Helton! 

This is what Todd Helton does once or twice a month. He reminds us that an elite baseball player remains somewhere underneath his beaten up body, and when he's feeling good, he can win you a baseball game at any time all by himself.

Granted, he had help on Friday from Troy Tulowitzki, Christian Friedrich and a damn solid bullpen, but it was Helton's two-run homer that set the tone, and his RBI single that provided the insurance.

This one belongs to The Toddfather.

Turning Point: The Rockies jumped up 3-0 early, then Cincinnati tied it at 3 in the 4th. It's at times like this that the Rockies have lost their focus this season. The quality of at-bats tend to decrease significantly. But that wasn't the case this time around. Rather, the Rockies continued pressuring Reds ace Johnny Cueto (who admittedly wasn't on his game), and quickly regained control of the game.

Read more »

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Reds 5-25-12

Wednesday's RECAP: That Almost Looked Easy

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (16-27)

1. Eric Young Jr. (CF)
2. Marco Scutaro (2B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Tyler Colvin (RF)
7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
8. Wilin Rosario (C)
9. Christian Friedrich (P)

Update: Michael Cuddyer was scratched from tonight's lineup with a stiff neck. He'll join Dexter Fowler on the bench (minor ankle thing).

Annnnnd in case you missed it earlier in the week, Jonathan Herrera was placed on the DL with a hamstring issue. Infielder D.J. Lemahieu took his place. Troy Renck is also reporting that catcher Wil Nieves is in Cincinnati and listed on Jim Tracy's lineup card, meaning Ramon Hernandez will hit the DL with his hand injury. 

And the door revolves. 

Cincinnati Reds (25-19)

1. Zack Cozart (SS)
2. Drew Stubbs (CF)
3. Joey Votto (1B)
4. Brandon Phillips (2B)
5. Chris Heisey (RF)
6. Ryan Ludwick (LF)
7. Todd Frazier (3B)
8. Ryan Hanigan (C)
9. Johnny Cueto (P)

The Reds enter tonight's game with a six-game winning streak.

*Gulp*

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

Rock Solid Recap: That Almost Looked Easy

Rockies 8, Marlins 4 (boxscore)

Well, at least after the uninspired first three innings that left them trailing 3-0.

4th inning on, beautiful baseball.

Winning Players: Marco Scutaro, Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki - (Combined 6-for-12, HR, triple, double, 6 RBI, 7 runs and 2 walks)

This was how Dan O'Dowd drew it up at 2-3-4 during the offseason. Then, before he knew it, his plans were changed when Jim Tracy moved Scutaro to the leadoff spot. Scutaro never got comfortable in that spot... or so it seemed, but appears to be settling back into the second spot nicely. Which of course means he'll be leading off all weekend in Cincinnati.

Oops. Sorry. I'm trying to be positive tonight. No more cheap shots until Friday at the earliest.

In addition to Scutaro's productive (3 runs) night, CarGo and Tulo were the offensive forces they're paid to be, each delivering the type of at-bats needed to be productive in the situation presented to them.

For CarGo, that included setting the table (along with Scutaro) by drawing a walk ahead of Tulowitzki's RBI double in the 4th. Jason Giambi and Michael Cuddyer followed with equally productive sacrifice flies.

In the 5th, Gonzalez singled home the tying with two outs. Troy Tulowitzki followed that by taking TWO pitches, working himself into a favorable 2-0 count, and then he connected on the game-deciding three-run home to deep left center.

Highlight of the Night: Watch Troy Tulowitzki's big home run

And then again in the 7th, Gonzalez hit an absolute missile off the center field wall for a two-out, RBI triple.

I don't know what got into either guy tonight, but it was nice to see both reel themselves in a bit, slow the game down, and not allow the moment to overwhelm them as it has at many critical times this season. It's a positive step for both of them, and it's greatly appreciated by me.

Read more »

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Marlins 5-23-12

Tuesday's Recrap: Monfort Speaks, Rockies Lose. Again.

Lineups 

Colorado Rockies (15-27)

1. Eric Young Jr. (CF)
2. Marco Scutaro (2B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Jason Giambi (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
8. Ramon Hernandez (C)
9. Alex White (P)

Well, hey, at least Dexter Fowler isn't hitting eighth tonight!

That's all I really have to offer today. I'm uninspired and have yard work to do before the 90 degree weather sets in over the weekend. 

Miami Marlins (24-19)

1. Jose Reyes (SS)
2. Omar Infante (2B)
3. Hanley Ramirez (3B)
4. Greg Dobbs (1B)
5. Giancarlo Stanton (RF)
6. Chris Coghlan (LF)
7. Brett Hayes (C)
8. Bryan Petersen (CF)
9. Carlos Zambrano (P)

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Monfort Speaks, Rockies Lose. Again.

Marlins 7, Rockies 6 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: The offense produced enough to win tonight. There's no question about that. But they still had several of those moments where you just shake your head at the opportunities they waste because they can't be bothered to change their approach in situational plate appearances.

There are no better examples of this possible than the three — yes, THREE — leadoff doubles they wasted tonight.

In the 4th and 6th innings respectively, it was Michael Cuddyer who doubled. He never moved either time. Wilin Rosario would strikeout swinging the first time and then groundout to second. Dexter Fowler popped to third and struck out in his two chances. The innings ended with Juan Nicasio and pinch-hitter Tyler Colvin striking out.

Then in the 9th, Jordan Pacheco doubled off Heath Bell with the Rockies trailing by the single run. Credit to Carlos Gonzalez, he moved Pacheco over with a grounder to second. That put Troy Tulowitzki in a spot where he could drive the tying run home several different ways, but as we've seen far too often from Tulo, he put forth a lousy at-bat at the worst possible time, ultimately popping up to short.

That put the pressure on a scuffling Todd Helton, who battled Bell as he has so many times in the past, but watched strike three sail by to end it.

The approaches have to improve and the importance of productive outs needs to be better understood by this ballclub. But that's something we've been saying as far back as 2010. Nothing new. It doesn't seem to matter who passes through, that message continues falling on deaf ears.

Turning Point: Simple. With the game tied at three in the 3rd inning, Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco laced a two-out, two-run double to the gap in left center. That's a turning point and a dagger.

Read more »

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Marlins 5-22-12

Monday's Recrap: Still 121 Chances To Write A Perfect Recrap

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (15-26)

1. Jonathan Herrera (2B)
2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

The one night experiment that worked for one inning is over. Everything is back to abnormal with Jonathan Herrera leading off and Dexter Fowler hitting eighth.

Go on about your Rockies pregame ranting as you normally would.

Miami Marlins (23-19)

1. Jose Reyes (SS)
2. Bryan Petersen (CF)
3. Hanley Ramirez (SS)
4. Austin Kearns (LF)
5. Giancarlo Stanton (RF)
6. Logan Morrison (1B)
7. John Buck (C)
8. Donnie Murphy (2B)
9. Ricky Nolasco (P)

No changes in the Marlins lineup. No need, either. They are red hot and not about to cool off before Colorado leaves town. 

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Still 121 Chances To Write A Perfect Recrap

Marlins 7, Rockies 4 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: The Rockies scored four runs in the first thanks to four consecutive hits. Jordan Pacheco and Carlos Gonzalez both singled. Michael Cuddyer cracked a two-run double off the left field wall. Troy Tulowitzki crushed a two-run homer over the left field wall.

They didn't record their next hit until the 8th inning.

It was a truly futile offensive performance that included a five-pitch 3rd inning, an eight-pitch 4th, and a nine-pitch 6th. It's like they got their hits out of the way early and then flushed the gameplan down the toilet, or they had no gameplan and got lucky in the 1st.

Just pathetic.

Turning Point: Well, aside from the offense disappearing, the game-changing moments came in the 4th inning. That's where Mark Buerhle doubled hard off the right field fence (missed a homer by three feet). Jose Reyes followed that with a single to center that Dexter Fowler overran, allowing Buehrle to score from second.

Then things completely unraveled as Moyer walked Hanley Ramirez and Austin Kearns ahead of a Giancarlo Stanton Grand Slam.

4-1 lead to game over in the a matter of six hitters.

Read more »

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Marlins 5-21-12

Sunday's Recrap: Rockies Swept For Third Straight Weekend

Note: I got so excited about by Nolasco-Nicasio line last night that I moved the pitching matchup ahead by a day. Tonight's pitching matchup is actually Jamie Moyer (2-3, 4.20) vs Mark Buehrle (3-4, 3.17). I swear I'm starting to blog like the Rockies run the bases. Unacceptable!

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (15-25)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
5. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
6. Todd Helton (1B)
7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

So Michael Cuddyer is the Rockies new cleanup hitter (for now), with Troy Tulowitzki and Todd Helton each moving down one spot. I'm fine with that. They have to find offense somehow, and having Jordan Pacheco, Carlos Gonzalez and Cuddyer (three hits Sunday) hitting right together might be their best bet for the immediate future (next six hours). Now if we could only get Dexter Fowler back in that mix at the top, because love him or doubt him, he's giving the Rockies good, productive ABs. 

Miami Marlins (22-19)

1. Jose Reyes (SS)
2. Bryan Petersen (CF)
3. Hanley Ramirez (SS)
4. Austin Kearns (LF)
5. Giancarlo Stanton (RF)
6. Logan Morrison (1B)
7. John Buck (C)
8. Donnie Murphy (2B)
9. Mark Buehrle (P)

Of all of the kicks in the guts Rockies fans have received over the years, the one that still stands out to me is Donnie Murphy going opposite field on Huston Street to walk-off on the Rockies in July 2010. It's like a nightmare. And then to see his name in their lineup tonight. I can't take this. He's not supposed to be it anyone's lineup. He's awful.

But he won't be tonight. Just watch.

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Rockies Swept For Third Straight Weekend

Mariners 6, Rockies 4 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: Coming in to Sunday, Seattle's starter Blake Beavan had never struck out more than four batters in a big league start (23 career). He struck out seven Rockies. In just five innings.

That's just one example of the crap that led to Colorado being swept for the third consecutive weekend (Braves, Dodgers, Mariners). Plenty more are on the way.

Turning Point: This isn't so much a turning point. It's actually more along the lines of one of the most poorly executed defensive plays I've ever seen. It happened in the 1st inning with the game still scoreless. Seattle had men at the corners with two outs when Kyle Seager (runner on first) takes off for second hoping to draw a throw so his team can possibly steal a run.

You've seen the play before a million times... especially if you or one of your children played youth baseball or softball. There it works pretty much all of the time. In the big leagues, you either eat the baseball or have something designed to counteract the play, usually resulting in an out. Heck, some teams even get a double play out of when they execute their plan.

The Rockies? Well, let's just say they looked like they've never seen, heard of, or prepared for the above scenario, because as soon as Seager ran, all hell immediately broke loose.

First it was Wilin Rosario's throw to second that sailed to the shortstop side of the base, almost as if he was expecting Troy Tulowitzki to take the throw. Nope, it was Marco Scutaro's play. After Scutaro lunged to make the catch, he came up firing wildly back to the plate... completely over the head of Rosario.

Watch the Rockies sad defense 

Seattle's Dustin Ackley was credited with the steal of home. Seager was able to advance all the way to third and eventually scored on Justin Smoak's single.

Brutality.

Read more »

Lineup Card: Rockies vs Mariners 5-20-12

Saturday's Recrap: I'll Have Another

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (15-24)

1. Eric Young (CF)
2. Marco Scutaro (2B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
9. Jeremy Guthrie (P)

The power outage at the Townsend residence all morning and early afternoon was simply another reminder that the Rockies were playing this afternoon. Anyway, the power is back now. Maybe the Rockies can finally find theirs as well.

Wilin Rosario with his third straight start? Well, maybe Jim Tracy DID get fed up with Ramon Hernandez after those two absurd at-bats in Thursday's loss to Arizona. If so, good on you, Jim.

Update: Apparently the tendonitis in Ramon Hernandez's left hand has flared up again and is the reason Rosario has started all weekend. Thanks to @RockiesRoad for the heads up on that.

In another bit of news this afternoon, Rex Brothers has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs to work on a few things... as in everything. Adam Ottavino returns to take his roster spot. So hopefully you're a big Josh Outman fan, because the Rockies newest lefty is about to see increased work late in games. 

Seattle Mariners (18-24)

1. Dustin Ackley (2B)
2. Michael Saunders (CF)
3. Ichiro Suzuki (RF)
4. Kyle Seager (3B)
5. Jesus Montero (C)
6. Justin Smoak (1B)
7. Mike Carp (LF)
8. Brendan Ryan (SS)
9. Blake Beavan (P)

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

Rock Solid Recrap: I'll Have Another

Mariners 10, Rockies 3 (boxscore)

I'll let you decide if that was a horse racing reference or a reaction to today's Rockies game.

Hint: It's both.

What Went Wrong: I'll take the Gregg Popovich approach here.

*Non-answer because the question is repetitive and the answer is obvious*

Next question.

Christian Friedrich's Line: 5 IP, 8 ER, 9 H, 4 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 100 pitches (56 strikes)

I'm not even annoyed with Friedrich for the first walk. His 3-2 pitch to Jesus Montero was right at the knees and caught the outside corner, but Paul Schrieber plain and simply squeezed him. Of course Kyle Seager's two-run homer followed that, and things predictably unraveled from there with three more walks and some pesky Mariners hitting that saw them using the entire field to their advantage.

So yeah, this certainly was not an encouraging Coors Field debut for Friedrich, but I'm still confident his stuff is plenty good enough to succeed in Coors Field as long as the walks are limited. That's what killed him today. That's what kills everybody.

Turning Point: I'll go with the 3-2 pitch to Montero that I mentioned above. Who knows, maybe if Schrieber rings Montero up there it changes Friedrich's outlook. It really was a perfect pitcher's pitch. To not get that call had to stick with him. Not that I'm making excuses for Friedrich, but there's undoubtedly a fine mental line that young pitchers walk in Coors Field. It doesn't take much to knock them off balance.

Read more »

Lineup Card: Rockies vs Mariners 5-19-12

Friday's Recrap: Owned by Kevin Millwood. That's pretty close to Rock Bottom.

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (15-23)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Tyler Colvin (RF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Michael Cuddyer (1B)
6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Christian Friedrich (P)

Today's big question: Does this lineup have more than two hits in it?

I've going with yes. In fact, I'm predicting at least 15 hits because this will be one of those home games where the offense overcorrects itself after a brutal performance. You know, kinda like they did after Barry Zito shut them out and then they went nuts on Tim Lincecum. One of those deals.

Seattle Mariners (17-24)

1. Dustin Ackley (2B)
2. Casper Wells (LF)
3. Ichiro Suzuki (RF)
4. Jesus Montero (C) 
5. Kyle Seager (3B) 
6. Alex Liddi (1B)
7. Michael Saunders (CF) 
8. Brendan Ryan (SS) 
9. Jason Vargas (P)

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Owned by Kevin Millwood. That's pretty close to Rock Bottom.

Mariners 4, Rockies 0 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: Kevin Millwood shut the Rockies out on two hits.

Any further questions?

Turning Point: The Rockies first hit didn't come until two outs in the 6th. The game can't turn if one team's offense completely no-shows.

Any further questions?

Alex White's Line: 7 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 7 H, 0 BB, 7 K, 98 pitches (66 strikes)

Jim Tracy publicly pleaded with Alex White to come out firing strikes, to pitch with confidence, and to avoid the tentative style that has become common with Rockies pitchers. White responded to that challenge by pounding the strike zone, walking nobody, and delivering one of the more complete outings we've seen from any pitcher at Coors Field this season.

It just wasn't as good as Kevin Millwood's.

Anyway, White truly was Colorado's lone positive in this game. Hopefully the other pitchers on this staff take note. You can survive at Coors Field if you pitch effectively to contact. You simply cannot survive pitching anywhere if you fear contact.

Highlight of the Night: Watch Alex White's seven strikeouts

Screengrab of the Game: Congrats @RockiesRoad on having your question answered on the air!

Who doesn't love Jenny's purple phone?

What's Next: We're looking at some Saturday afternoon baseball tomorrow with a first pitch of 2:10 MT. Impressive rookie Christian Friedrich (1-0, 1.38) will make his Coors Field debut in that one for Colorado. He'll be opposed on the mound by Seattle's Jason Vargas (4-3, 3.28).

And to avoid any confusion, this game WILL NOT be blacked out in Colorado or anywhere else. The Fox Sports broadcast begins tomorrow at 5:00 MT, meaning Root Sports will have rights to the broadcast.

Final Thoughts: Busy days are ahead. I'm back on the Big League Stew beat as of Friday night with a handful of contributions coming each week. That won't necessarily change the volume of posts here at Heaven & Helton, but on certain nights it will change the timing a bit and perhaps the length of the content. I'll simply ask you for your patience with me when those nights occur.

Thanks, as always.

We'll be back to regularly scheduled baseball thoughts in this space tomorrow.

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

Lineup Card: Rockies vs Mariners 5-18-12

Thursday's Recrap: Blake Street Brutality

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (15-22)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Alex White (P)

I'd like to think Wilin Rosario is starting because of those two miserable at-bats Ramon Hernandez took yesterday, but it's not like Rosario's lone at-bat was much better. And beyond that, the two catchers have been playing every other day for about the last two weeks regardless of who's playing well, so this is just a continuation of that. 

Seattle Mariners (16-24)

1. Dustin Ackley (2B)
2. Michael Saunders (CF)
3. Ichiro Suzuki (RF)
4. Kyle Seager (3B)
5. Justin Smoak (1B)
6. John Jaso (C)
7. Mike Carp (LF)
8. Brendan Ryan (SS)
9. Kevin Millwood (P)

Speaking of catchers, I'm going to predict John Jaso will be the random Mariner to kill the Rockies all weekend. 

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Blake Street Brutality

Diamondbacks 9, Rockies 7 (boxscore)

I had a bad feeling we'd be in store for a miserable game this afternoon while writing last night's all positive recap. Sure enough, that bad feeling played out before my eyes. Well, at least until I stabbed them with a fork during the top of the 8th inning.

What Went Wrong: I hope you have some time on your hands. 

Rockies pitching walked nine. Five of those came from starter Juan Nicasio, but only one of his scored. Josh Outman (1 walk) and Rex Brothers (2 walks), on the other hand, were not effective enough to overcome theirs, and while Matt Belisle's didn't score, it forced Jim Tracy's hand and made him use up Josh Roenicke for one batter to finish the 7th.

That's worth nothing because had the game gone extra innings, Colorado would have been out of pitchers.

I also didn't understand Jim Tracy's use of the double switch there since Roenicke didn't return for the 8th. He brought in Michael Cuddyer during that switch to replace Tyler Colvin in right, so I don't think he gained much of anything defensively (a better arm for less range). Of course this comes just two days after Tracy didn't use a double switch when he absolutely should have to avoid Josh Outman leading off an inning, so who knows what the hell kind of logic this guy is using. If any.

PS: The Rockies also ran out of position players forcing Alex White to pinch-hit with the bases loaded in the 9th. Not that the double switch made a difference in that happening. Jim would have found another way to kill his bench I'm sure. In fact, I'm pretty sure Jim would have gone through the whole 40-man roster today if that was available.

Anyway, back to the pitching. Walks are killer as we know. So are two-out runs. Today, the Diamondbacks scored all nine of their runs with two outs. And they all came in the final five innings.

Brutal.

Also brutal? How about Ramon Hernandez's final two at-bats.

In the 8th inning, Diamondbacks reliever David Hernandez had just walked Todd Helton and gone full with Jason Giambi (who singled to load the bases) when Ramon offered at the first pitch and popped out to shallow center. No advancement from the runners there.

Arizona's Hernandez would walk two more in the inning helping Colorado tie it, while further driving home my frustration with Ramon's AB.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs D-Backs 5-17-12

Wednesday's Recap: Nine Innings. No Complaints.

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (15-21)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Tyler Colvin (RF)
7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Juan Nicasio (P)

Arizona Diamondbacks (16-22)

1. Gerardo Parra (CF)
2. Willie Bloomquist (SS)
3. Justin Upton (RF)
4. Miguel Montero (C)
5. Jason Kubel (LF)
6. Paul Goldschmidt (1B)
7. Ryan Roberts (3B)
8. Aaron Hill (2B)
9. Trevor Cahill (P)

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

Rock Solid Recap: Nine Innings. No Complaints.

Rockies 6, Diamondbacks 1 (boxscore)

A Rockies baseball game took place tonight and I have nothing to complain about.

Not a managerial decision. Not a mental lapse on the bases. Not a lack of hustle (though I could reach for a couple if I wanted). Not even a blown call by an umpire.

Nothing.

The Rockies brought it in every phase of the game for nine complete innings. They never once made life easy for Arizona. Not even for one pitch or one batter, and they were rewarded with an easy 6-1 victory.

It's all sounds so basic. Like something silly to get excited about. But the Rockies just don't play enough games like this. It's almost stunning when they do. They've been on the losing end of them repeatedly, but unless they're in the middle of some unconscious month long run to October, these only pop up occasionally.

I'll certainly take it, though, and pull for many more just like it.

Winning Player: Jamie Moyer

I stated going in that it felt like Moyer needed a solid outing tonight to reestablish himself in the rotation. He responded like a guy that's been in this spot a time or ten in his 26-year career. He responded like a guy that really wants to stay where he is. He responded with a beauty.

Jamie Moyer's Line: 6 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 98 pitches (56 strikes)

I think the line speaks for itself. But not only did Moyer need this, I think Jim Tracy really needed it. After last night's debacle, a night away from making stressful decisions was surely welcomed.

The bullpen also obviously needed this with only Josh Roenicke (1 2/3 scoreless) and Esmil Rogers (perfect 9th) used to close it out. Credit to those guys because now the Rockies core relievers will be fresh for Thursday afternoon.

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Lineup Card: Rockies vs D-Backs 5-16-12

Tuesday's Recap: Marco Scutaro Helps Rockies Escape San Francisco With Unexpected Split

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (14-21)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Tyler Colvin (RF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Michael Cuddyer (1B)
6. Wilin Rosario (C)
7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
8. Dexter Fowler (CF)
9. Jamie Moyer (P)

Troy Tulowitzki is a go again tonight after looking awfully sore and limited last night. Meanwhile, Todd Helton gets his routine mid-week day off with Michael Cuddyer moving in to play first and Tyler Colvin sliding over to right. Also, Jordan Pacheco is safe. 

Arizona Diamondbacks (16-21)

1. A.J. Pollock (CF)
2. Aaron Hill (2B)
3. Justin Upton (RF)
4. Jason Kubel (LF)
5. Paul Goldschmidt (1B)
6. Ryan Roberts (3B)
7. John McDonald (SS)
8. Henry Blanco (C)
9. Patrick Corbin (P)

It's hard to believe the Diamondbacks are struggling almost as much as the Rockies. I haven't been watching them close enough to know exactly what their problems are — well, aside from missing Chris Young — but this appears to be a chance for the Rockies to string some wins together. 

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

Rock Solid Recap: Marco Scutaro Helps Rockies Escape San Francisco With Unexpected Split

Rockies 5, Giants 4 (boxscore)

Winning Player: Marco Scutaro

Scutaro was out of the starting lineup tonight and didn't enter the game until an 8th inning double switch. That still left him plenty of time to play hero as his lead-off home run (first as a Rockie) in the 9th provided the difference in the game.

Highlight of the Night: Watch Marco Scutaro's home run through a flock of seagulls

Turning Point: Of course it wasn't an easy path to get to that moment. The Rockies led 4-1 in the 7th before Josh Outman and Matt Belisle worked together to allow San Francisco to tie the game. More on that debacle and where the blame ultimately lies a little later.

When the bottom of the 8th rolled around, Jim Tracy continued to show confidence in Rex Brothers by throwing him into the fire. Naturally, four batters into the inning, the Giants had the bases loaded on three walks (one intentional). Everybody had a pretty good idea on how this would end, but Brothers actually flipped the script this time by overpowering and striking out both Brandon Belt and Melky Cabrera to escape the jam.

If I'm Bob Apodaca, I'm calling Brothers into the video room first thing tomorrow to make him watch that entire inning pitch-for-pitch, and then repeatedly tell him how damn good he can be and how much easier his life will be if he attacks hitters and trusts himself. That message needs to become lodged in his head.

Jeremy Guthrie's Line: 5 1/3 IP, 1 R (0 ER), 4 H, 4 BB, 4 K (season high), 90 pitches (50 strikes)

Was hoping Guthrie would be more efficient and work a little deeper in his return, but looking back at how the outing unfolded, I'll certainly take this line. The Giants had plenty of opportunities to make it an even shorter outing, but Guthrie survived it by making a quality pitch every time he needed one. He even racked up a couple strikeouts in those spots and doubled his season high overall.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Giants 5-15-12

Monday's Recrap: Lather. Rinse. Recrap.

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (13-21)

1. Tyler Colvin (CF)
2. Jonathan Herrera (2B)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Ramon Hernandez (C)
8. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
9. Jeremy Guthrie (P)

Colvin and Herrera hitting 1 & 2? Oh. Man. Jim Tracy is going to draw the ire of the statheads with that move. I think I'll just sit back and enjoy the show.

Also, Carlos Torres is headed to Triple A to make room for Jeremy Guthrie. I'm sure just about every Rockies fan was waiting, hoping, praying, that name would be Esmil Rogers with the words "Designated for Assignment" directly following, but this move allows Torres to get back in the Colorado Springs rotation where he needs to be in case the Rockies need more rotation insurance down the road. 

San Francisco Giants (18-17)

1. Gregor Blanco (RF)
2. Brandon Belt (1B)
3. Melky Cabrera (LF)
4. Buster Posey (C)
5. Angel Pagan (CF)
6. Joaquin Arias (3B)
7. Brandon Crawford (SS)
8. Emmanuel Burriss (2B)
9. Tim Lincecum (P)

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

Lather. Rinse. Recrap.

Giants 3, Rockies 2 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: See, Saturday Recrap: Nicasio's Dominance Not Enough To Overcome Rockies Offensive Woes

Same exact script with a different starting pitcher and different final score.

That, or click on the left where it says 2010 and 2011 Rock Solid Recaps and then click on any Rockies game in San Francisco. Seriously, we're 34 games into the season and we're already airing reruns from 2010 and 2011. Ugh.

Turning Point: Again, like Saturday, the Rockies had opportunities to put crooked numbers on the board in the early innings because Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong was struggling mightily with his command (walked five in the first three innings). Unfortunately, Marco Scutaro was caught stealing and then Todd Helton struck out to end their 1st inning threat. Then in the 3rd, Michael Cuddyer flew out to the warning track with the bases loaded.

3 innings, 0 runs, 2 hits, 5 walks, 6 LOB.

So maddening.

Christian Friedrich's Line: 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 10 K (team high in 2012), 93 pitches (69 strikes)

We were all interested to see how Christian Friedrich would follow up his outstanding big league debut in San Diego, but I don't honestly think too many anticipated him actually top that outing. But that's exactly what young Mr. Friedrich did on Monday night.

Here's how it breaks down each time through the order.

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Lineup Card: Rockies @ Giants 5-14-12

Sunday's Recrap: Well That Weekend Sucked

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (13-20)

1. Marco Scutaro (2B)
2. Tyler Colvin (CF)
3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
4. Troy Tulowitzki (SS)
5. Todd Helton (1B)
6. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
7. Wilin Rosario (C)
8. Jonathan Herrera (3B)
9. Christian Friedrich (P)

So Tyler Colvin has taken hold of the second spot in the order (for now). Jonathan Herrera, who had been hitting second in his starts, drops to eighth (for now). And it might be safe to say Wilin Rosario and Ramon Hernandez are in a 50/50 timeshare behind the plate (for now). 

San Francisco Giants (17-17)

1. Gregor Blanco (RF)
2. Joaquin Arias (3B)
3. Melky Cabrera (LF)
4. Buster Posey (C)
5. Angel Pagan (CF)
6. Brett Pill (1B)
7. Charlie Culberson (2B)
8. Brandon Crawford (SS)
9. Ryan Vogelsong (P)

Nooooot exactly the Giants we're used to seeing over the past three seasons. No Pablo Sandoval (DL). No Freddy Sanchez (DL). No Aubrey Huff. No Brandon Belt. And maybe most importantly, no Nate Schierholtz.

Will all of those absences be enough to give Colorado a rare win in San Francisco? Does it even matter? We'll let you know in a few hours.

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

Rock Solid Recrap: Well That Weekend Sucked

Dodgers 11, Rockies 5 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: What is there to say at this point? Unlike at home where the Rockies showed a little pride and resilience in the face of adversity, they have simply folded up like lawn chairs on this road trip. It's painful to watch and completely unacceptable to those of us on the outside looking in, but it's par for the course over the past three seasons under the Tracy regime. He simply has no control over the steering wheel and watches on helplessly as they run off the road.

Turning Point: The Rockies were leading 4-2. Matt Kemp had just left the game after tweaking his ailing hamstring. And then Carlos Gonzalez stepped in and hit a rocket to left center field.

Watch Tony Gwynn Jr. rob CarGo of extra bases

If Matt Kemp is still in the game, Gwynn is still in left field and that ball gets down safely. If that ball gets down safely, the Rockies are threatening to add on some more insurance. If the Rockies score even one run, it changes things quite a bit. Maybe not enough for them to ultimately win, but certainly enough to change the flow of the game.

But it didn't get down.

And then things got ugly.

Alex White's Line: 4 1/3 IP, 6 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 1 K, 76 pitches (40 strikes)

White was given a 3-0 lead right out of the gate and immediately gave one back in the 1st and 2nd innings. After the Rockies added the fourth run, White started the bottom of the 5th by allowing a single to Justin Sellers. That was followed by a Ted Lilly sacrifice bunt. Innocent enough. Of course White would walk the next two, turning an innocent situation into potential disaster.

And then disaster officially strikes in the form of a Bobby Abreu (took Kemp's spot in the order) bases clearing double, which gave Los Angeles their first lead and ended White's afternoon.

Breakdown of a breakdown: The single you can live with. Heck, you can even live with the double because he was beat by a professional hitter there. You just can't live with those walks. Walks turn into runs so fast in the game of baseball. And as we know, the margin for allowed runs on the road is minimal for Colorado. 

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