Saturday, June 30, 2012

Speedy Rock Solid Recrap: Guthrie Leads Bullpen Collapse

Padres 8, Rockies 4 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: I couldn't see the game! (Expletive) Fox!

Turning Point: The moment Jeremy Guthrie was summoned from the bullpen, this game went from very winnable to just plain winnable. But the Rockies offense failed to get on track against Edinson Volquez, so it was looking less than winnable heading to the late innings. Then Adam Ottavino took the mound in the 8th and had a rare terrible outing, turing the game into a completely unwinnable.

It was a gradual turn, but it definitely started with Jeremy Guthrie allowing a pair of home runs in his two inning relief effort.

Christian Friedrich's Line: 5 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 74 pitches (49 strikes)

Since I can't analyze how he looked, I'll just point out how much I love to see a zero in the walks column. It was just three starts ago that Friedrich walked five Tigers in less than five innings. Since, he's only walked one single batter. Improved numbers across the board will start coming when a pitcher starts locating better, so I'm encouraged by that.

Lineup Card: Rockies vs Padres 6-30-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (30-46)
  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  5. Todd Helton (1B)
  6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  7. Chris Nelson (2B)
  8. Wilin Rosario (C)
  9. Christian Friedrich (P)
San Diego Padres (28-50)
  1. Chris Denorfia (RF)
  2. Logan Forsythe (2B)
  3. Chase Headley (3B)
  4. Carlos Quentin (LF)
  5. Yasmani Grandal (C)
  6. Yonder Alonso (1B)
  7. Cameron Maybin (CF)
  8. Alexi Amarista (SS)
  9. Edinson Volquez (P)
More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton


Rock Solid Recap: Road To 100 Detours Through San Diego

Rockies 10, Padres 2 (boxscore

If there's a reason or two to believe the Colorado Rockies will avoid triple digit losses for the first time in franchise history, it's that they still have 11 games remaining with the San Diego Padres (not to mention another 6 with the Chicago Cubs). My God are they awful.

Winning Player: Jeff Francis - 6 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K, 82 pitches (49 strikes)

Beautiful performance by Francis. And no, I do not care who it came against, it was beautiful and should be recognized as such.

It's also the first win by a Rockies starting pitcher since Christian Friedrich on June 4.

Honorable Mention: The offense was again very productive, backing up an 11-run outburst on Thursday with 10 more against Jason Marquis and others. Marco Scutaro, Michael Cuddyer and Wilin Rosario led the way with two hits each, with Cuddyer and Rosario both hitting their 12th home run.

Highlight of the Night: Rosario's home run was an absolute BOMB. You should definitely watch it again.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Lineup Card: Rockies vs Padres 6-29-12

Thursday's Recap: Josh Outman Starts Are Fun!

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (29-46)
  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (1B)
  5. Tyler Colvin (RF)
  6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  7. Chris Nelson (2B)
  8. Wilin Rosario (C)
  9. Jeff Francis (P)
A couple things of note today.

1. Todd Helton sits for that second time in three days to accommodate the Rockies need to keep Dexter Fowler and Tyler Colvin on the field together. I suspect this is something we'll start to see more often, and honestly, it works for me because Fowler and Colvin do need to play, and a fresher Helton likely makes him more effective as well. Those incredibly long innings standing around in the field have to be taking their toll on some level.

2. Tyler Chatwood has been recalled and will piggyback Jeff Francis tonight. I imagine he'll eventually replace Josh Outman as a front end man in the paired pitching system. Edwar Cabrera was shipped out to make room for Chatwood to wrap up his (sarcasm) overwhelmingly positive first experience at the big league level (/sarcasm). 

San Diego Padres (28-49)
  1. Chris Denorfia (RF)
  2. Logan Forsythe (2B)
  3. Chase Headley (3B)
  4. Carlos Quentin (LF)
  5. Yonder Alonso (1B)
  6. Cameron Maybin (CF)
  7. Everth Cabrera (SS)
  8. John Baker (C)
  9. Jason Marquis (P)
More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Rock Solid Recap: Josh Outman Starts Are Fun!

Rockies 11, Nationals 10 (boxscore)

Winning Player: Edwin Jackson

Only kidding. It's Tyler Colvin, who led the Rockies offensive attack with four hits (just a double shy of the cycle) and five RBIs. But he certainly wasn't the lone Rockie to have a productive afternoon. Dexter Fowler, Marco Scutaro, Carlos Gonzalez and Chris Nelson all contributed three hits apiece as Colorado pounded out an even 20 on the afternoon.

But I definitely will give Edwin Jackson an honorable mention. The Rockies absolutely brutalized E-Jax into submission during their glorified batting practice exhibition that would make even Jeremy Guthrie and Alex White cringe. But I guess we shouldn't be too surprised considering Edwin entered the game with a 13.91 ERA against the Rockies in SIX career starts.

Ugly.

Turning Point: The Rockies blew a 7-0 second inning lead and a 10-9 ninth inning lead because winning convincingly and on time apparently bores them. But it's OK, because Marco Scutaro sent the crowd home happy with a two-out, walk-off single in the 11th inning after a seven-pitch at-bat.

Way to go, Marco!

Highlight of the Night: Watch Marco Scutaro's game winner

Josh Outman's Line: 3 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 67 pitches (41 strikes)

Well, Outman should have no beef with the offense. They have staked him out to 11-1 and 7-0 leads over his last two starts, yet all he has to show for that is 7 2/3 innings of total crap, one unintentional shoulder bump with the manager and zero wins.

I vote we replace him with Drew Pomeranz soon, or maybe even one of the youth campers from Tuesday. Frankly, I'll take any replacement aside from Guthrie, White or Guillermo Moscoso.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Rock Solid Recrap: Edwar Cabrera Roughed Up In Major League Debut

Nationals 11, Rockies 5 (boxscore)

For now I think we'll just eliminate the "What Went Wrong" and "Turning Point" categories in losses and immediately begin with the pitching lines since the starting pitching and the losing pretty much go hand-in-hand.

Edwar Cabrera's Debut Line: 2 1/3, 7 R (5 ER), 5 H, 3 BB, 1 K, 3 HR, 65 pitches (33 strikes)

Put me in the camp who believes calling up Cabrera was a silly decision from an organizational standpoint and not fair to the young man at this point in his development. I indicated that feeling in the Lineup Card this afternoon, and his performance tonight only made the feeling stronger. He just wasn't ready for the challenge and looked overwhelmed from the get-go.

I think the results and the photo below bear that out.



Lineup Card: Rockies vs Nationals 6-27-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (28-45)
  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (1B)
  5. Tyler Colvin (RF)
  6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  7. Chris Nelson (2B)
  8. Wilin Rosario (C)
  9. Edwar Cabrera (P)
With the Bob Apodaca news breaking yesterday, I neglected to mention the Rockies recalling 24-year-old left-handed pitching prospect Edwar Cabrera, while shipping the struggling Alex White back to Colorado Springs. 

Cabrera will make his major league debut tonight against Washington, and then enter into the circus known as the Rockies four-man rotation. And I'll be honest, I think this is a really awful way to acclimate a young pitcher you'll be counting on for years to come into the big leagues. But hey, (sarcasm) look how well it's working for White and Christian Friedrich (/sarcasm). 

Washington Nationals (42-30)
  1. Danny Espinosa (2B)
  2. Bryce Harper (CF)
  3. Ryan Zimmerman (3B)
  4. Michael Morse (RF)
  5. Ian Desmond (SS)
  6. Mark DeRosa (LF)
  7. Tyler Moore (1B)
  8. Jhonatan Solano (C)
  9. Jordan Zimmerman (P)
More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Rock Solid Recrap: More About Bob And The Great Guillermo

Nationals 12, Rockies 5 (boxscore)

Farewell, Bob: First things first, I wrote a little bit about Bob Apodaca's reassignment in the Lineup Card today. All I'll really add now is that, despite the low point we've reached now in terms of the Rockies pitching struggles, I truly do appreciate his contributions to the Rockies over his ten seasons of service. 

You can discredit the man if you want, but there's really no denying that a lot of good things happened under his watch, which peaked during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. But there always comes a time when change and fresh ideas are necessary to keep the process moving forward. I think that's especially true when you call Coors Field — the most unique and mentally taxing ballpark on the planet — your home. 

Apodaca's time to move on had definitely arrived. But I'll still pass on kicking him on his way out the door, because he took on the challenge of solving pitching at one mile above sea level for TEN years, and this is the first time he's backed away from the challenge. 

I can admire that. I can respect that. I actually appreciate that. And I truly hope the next full time pitching coach can match his patience and mental stamina when taking on this challenge.

That said, I also hope the new full time pitching coach has more effective and long-lasting ideas, because there's a lot of work to be done to get Rockies pitching back at the 09-10 level, but more importantly, to keep it at that level.

Now about tonight's baseball game...

Lineup Card: Rockies vs Nationals 6-26-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (28-44)
  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  5. Todd Helton (1B)
  6. Chris Nelson (2B)
  7. Wilin Rosario (C)
  8. Jonathan Herrera (SS)
  9. Christian Friedrich (P)
Never a dull moment with these here Rockies. The USA Today — not the Denver Post, because the Rockies apparently feel it's necessary to stick it to the local media — is reporting that Bob Apodaca has asked for and been granted a reassignment within the Rockies organization. 

According to Tracy Ringolsby, the Rockies will now split the pitching coach duties between Jim Wright (bullpen) and Bo McLaughlin (starters). I imagine that setup will remain in place at least through the end of this season. And we've also now learned that Apodaca will be taking on a role titled "Special Assistant to the General Manager", which basically means "We don't have the balls to fire you, so here's a desk, office and paycheck. Be here everyday by noon." 

But the only news that really matters is that, for better or worse, he's no longer the Rockies pitching coach. And I'm 90% sure it's for the better, because constantly attempting to solve pitching at Coors Field has a way of mentally beating people down over time. Keeping the minds (and arms, too) involved in the process as fresh as possible seems like a good plan of action to me, but it also might be impossible to keep them fresh enough to really be effective for a sustained stretch. 

Washington Nationals (41-30)
  1. Danny Espinosa (2B)
  2. Bryce Harper (CF)
  3. Ryan Zimmerman (3B)
  4. Michael Morse (RF)
  5. Adam LaRoche (1B)
  6. Ian Desmond (SS)
  7. Tyler Moore (LF)
  8. Jesus Flores (C)
  9. Gio Gonzalez (P)
More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Monday, June 25, 2012

Rock Solid Recap: Jeff Francis Continues To Embrace Weird Pitching Gimmick

Rockies 4, Nationals 2 (boxscore)

Winning Player: Jeff Francis - 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 5 K, 66 pitches (48 strikes)


Francis pitched a terrific game tonight. He even HIT for himself in the 5th inning, which further cements how good and efficient he was to that point. 

Only, it really didn't, because Francis never took the mound in the 6th despite being nine pitches under the limit. 

I guess the whole Josh Outman thing backfiring so epically in Texas will now lead to more erring on the side of caution, rather than sending a guy out there with his pitch count and a potential win in the back of his mind. That's fine, I guess. As long as they're consistent with it, I can't bash that specific thought process (that lies within a bigger thought process that is indeed the lamest thing ever) too much. 

Also, still not a big fan of giving away free outs to a guy like Stephen Strasburg, but I can actually see the logic in not burning a pinch-hitter that early with a two out, non-scoring opportunity. 

I just used the word logic to describe a Rockies strategy. I may need a moment to collect myself. 

Done. 

I also think the only two people in the world embracing this pitching gimmick right now are Dan O'Dowd and Jeff Francis. Seriously, Francis has excelled in his three outings since the plan was put in place. And the Rockies are 3-0 in those games (1-6 in the others). 

Good for him. Good for the Rockies. They've actually managed to maximize (kind of) the talents of a starting pitcher. 

Lineup Card: Rockies vs Nationals 6-25-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (27-44)
  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (2B)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  5. Todd Helton (1B)
  6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  7. Wilin Rosario (C)
  8. Jonathan Herrera (SS)
  9. Jeff Francis (P)
Washington Nationals (41-29)
  1. Danny Espinosa (2B)
  2. Bryce Harper (CF)
  3. Ryan Zimmerman (3B)
  4. Michael Morse (RF)
  5. Adam LaRoche (1B)
  6. Ian Desmond (SS)
  7. Tyler Moore (LF)
  8. Jesus Flores (C)
  9. Stephen Strasburg (P)
More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Rock Solid Recrap: Alex White Falls Apart, Marco Scutaro Extends Lead In Mental Gaffes

Rangers 4, Rockies 2 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: 11 more hits for the Rockies tonight, raising their series total to 39. Unfortunately, this game resembled the one on Friday where they left 10 men on base (Tonight the number was 11), which is sad because they absolutely had a chance to win Friday's game with a couple well timed hits. They also had a chance to compete tonight with a couple well timed hits... and less bone-headed baserunning.

Turning Point: Speaking of which, the Rockies didn't break through against the Rangers until the 9th inning when they snapped Joe Nathan's long scoreless streak (since May 13). And it appeared they were right on the cusp of evening the score when Nathan uncorked a wild pitch. But of course, the Rockies screwed this up, because lead runner Eric Young decided he couldn't advance to third safely. Trail runner Marco Scutaro kept on moving, causing a traffic jam at second and a rundown that Texas pretty much botched in epic Rockies style, only the Rockies out botched them almost immediately.

How? Well, Scutaro started heading back to first, which drew the throw from catcher Mike Napoli. This allowed Scutaro to turn tail and scamper into second base just ahead of the second throw and tag. But Scutaro, for whatever reason, thought he was out, so he LEAVES the base and then is tagged out for real to kill the rally dead.


So in the span of five days we had a Gold Glove first baseman lose track of the base in the 9th inning. Now we have this latest bone-headed play from Scutaro, who has honestly looked like the dumbest player to come through Colorado in 20 years. It's one unexplainable mental gaffe after another. And yes, the last two series in Philadelphia and Texas were there for the taking. But the Rockies are far more interested in giving.

Pathetic.

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Rangers 6-24-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (27-43)
  1. Eric Young Jr. (RF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (2B)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Jason Giambi (DH)
  5. Wilin Rosario (C)
  6. Todd Helton (1B)
  7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  8. Jonathan Herrera (SS)
  9. Dexter Fowler (CF)
Alex White (2-5. 6.06)

It's always refreshing when Jim Tracy figures out something new about making lineups. Of course I'm referring to the catcher, Wilin Rosario, hitting higher than 7th. He'd let Ramon Hernandez do that every now and then. Rosario may have done it once or twice already, but it's not often. And of course Chris Iannetta never hit higher than 8th, so congrats to Jim there.

Oh, and there's Dexter Fowler hitting 9th again. Guess we can't win them all.

Texas Rangers (44-28)
  1. Ian Kinsler (2B)
  2. Elvis Andrus (SS)
  3. Josh Hamilton (LF)
  4. Adrian Beltre (3B)
  5. Michael Young (1B)
  6. Nelson Cruz (DH)
  7. David Murphy (RF)
  8. Mike Napoli (C)
  9. Leonys Martin (CF)
Matt Harrison (9-3, 3.41)

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

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Rock Solid Recap: Rockies 11, Rangers 7. Let It Sink In

Rockies 11, Rangers 7 (boxscore)

Winning Players: The Offense

On Friday, the Rockies collected 12 hits and only managed one run. Today, they collected 16 hits and turned that into 11 runs.

That's a much more efficient day at the office, and it helped that all nine spots in the order contributed at least one hit (six had multiple hits, Dexter Fowler was the lone Rockie with three). Also, all nine either scored at least one or drove one in, but no single player had more than two of either.

Excellent balance up and down the lineup card.

Turning Point: 3rd inning, Rockies were leading 1-0 and had the bases loaded with one out. Michael Cuddyer popped up for the second out, leaving us wondering if this was going to be a replay of last night. But Tyler Colvin quickly squashed that, blooping a two-run single into short left field. That was a relief. And then the red hot Chris Nelson followed right up with a two-run single of his own, pushing the advantage to 5-0.

It's a lot more fun to deliver two-out daggers than it is to receive them.

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Rangers 6-23-12

Friday's Recrap: That Went Surprisingly Well

Lineup

Colorado Rockies (26-43)
  1. Jonathan Herrera (SS)
  2. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Jason Giambi (DH)
  5. Michael Cuddyer (1B)
  6. Tyler Colvin (RF)
  7. Chris Nelson (2B)
  8. Wil Nieves (C)
  9. Dexter Fowler (CF)
Josh Outman (0-3, 8.41)

Listen, I appreciate Jonathan Herrera for what he is more than just about anyone, but only in Jim Tracy's warped mind is flip-flopping Herrera with Dexter Fowler a good idea. I don't care if Fowler is struggling lately. I don't care if Herrera has three singles and a double today, therefore justifying Tracy in his own mind. Leave Fowler the hell alone and let him try to figure his own way back to being the Dexter Fowler we saw in May without having to worry about where his name is on the card, or if it's even on the card.

Texas Rangers (44-27)
  1. Ian Kinsler (2B)
  2. Elvis Andrus (SS)
  3. Josh Hamilton (LF)
  4. Adrian Beltre (3B)
  5. Michael Young (DH)
  6. Nelson Cruz (RF)
  7. Mike Napoli (1B)
  8. Yorvit Torrealba (C)
  9. Craig Gentry (CF)
Colby Lewis (6-5, 3.00)

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

Rock Solid Recrap: That Went Surprisingly Well

Rangers 4, Rockies 1 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: As you know, I've lowered my standards significantly for this series in Texas, so I'm almost willing to say nothing went wrong on Friday night. Then again, anytime you have 12 hits and only score one run, something definitely went wrong. Or several somethings.

A clutch hit here. A productive out there. They would have gone a long way towards making this a different outcome on the scoreboard. But overall, they did everything they needed to do to not get embarrassed. I'm oddly satisfied with that.

Turning Point: There were several wasted chances as noted above.

1st Inning: Left Carlos Gonzalez at second.

2nd Inning: Left runners at the corners.

5th Inning: Left runners at first and second.

6th Inning: Two more left on.

7th Inning: A Jonathan Herrera double play killed a potential big rally. Dexter Fowler followed with a triple and then Marco Scutaro doubled him home.

8th Inning: Michael Cuddyer double play. Two more runners left on.

Pick one.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Rangers 6-22-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (26-42)
  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (2B)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Jason Giambi (DH)
  5. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  6. Todd Helton (1B)
  7. Chris Nelson (3B)
  8. Wilin Rosario (C)
  9. Jonathan Herrera (SS)
Christian Friedrich (4-3, 5.60)

Yes, Jonathan Herrera has returned from his hamstring injury and immediately joins the starting lineup at shortstop. Though I think some would argue there are two better defensive shortstops in the lineup with him tonight playing two other positions. D.J. LeMahieu was optioned back to Colorado Springs to make room.

Texas Rangers (43-27)
  1. Ian Kinsler (2B)
  2. Elvis Andrus (SS)
  3. Josh Hamilton (LF)
  4. Adrian Beltre (DH)
  5. Michael Young (3B)
  6. Nelson Cruz (RF)
  7. Mike Napoli (1B)
  8. Yorvit Torrealba (C)
  9. Craig Gentry (CF)
Roy Oswalt (Season Debut)

I miss the San Diego Pardes. When can we play them again? Or Houston?

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

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Rock Solid Recap: Maybe Jeff Francis Should Start Four Times A Week

Rockies 4, Phillies 1 (boxscore)

You know, since the Rockies lone two wins in the last 14 games have come in Francis starts. Let him start. Give him a 30-pitch limit. Give one day of rest. Bring him right back.

That's pretty sound logic, right Jimbo?

Winning Players: I was all set to name Wilin Rosario and Chris Nelson the Winning Players before last night's ridiculous 9th inning meltdown. To their credit, they came right back tonight and earned the right again by each connecting for a two-run homer to help the Rockies avoid the sweep.

Highlights of the Night



The month of June hasn't provided many positives. In fact, Chris Nelson's recent improved play is the only one I can think of off hand. I'm sure there's something obvious I'm missing though. As for Rosario, he's strong as hell, and should he develop anything resembling decent plate discipline, he'll be pretty special.  For now, though, I'll just enjoy the tape measure bombs and his kid like enthusiasm as he rounds the bases.

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Phillies 6-21-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (25-42)
  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (1B)
  5. Tyler Colvin (RF)
  6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  7. Chris Nelson (2B)
  8. Wilin Rosario (C)
  9. Jeff Francis (P)
Dexter Fowler earned his way back into the lineup with a great relief appearance, so that's good to see. Tyler Colvin remains in the lineup himself, but he'll swap positions defensively with Michael Cuddyer after struggling mightily in his last start at first base. 

Philadelphia Phillies (33-37)
  1. Jimmy Rollins (SS)
  2. Juan Pierre (LF)
  3. Hunter Pence (RF)
  4. Carlos Ruiz (C)
  5. Shane Victorino (CF)
  6. Placido Polanco (3B)
  7. John Mayberry (1B)
  8. Michael Martinez (2B)
  9. Vance Worley (P)
More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton


Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Rock Solid Recrap: Another Lesson In Losing Baseball

Phillies 7, Rockies 6 (boxscore)

Admittedly my attention was diverted as I spent most of the evening researching and writing about Troy Tulowitzki's groin, but I was 100% focused for the 9th inning.

Quite honestly, what more did one need to see to analyze the latest exhibition is losing baseball?

What Went Wrong: Right here I should be writing about Wilin Rosario, Chris Nelson and Dexter Fowler being the reasons the Rockies pulled off a thrilling road win tonight. Instead I'm writing about the same old crap as every night. The Rockies and Rafael Betancourt couldn't hold a 6-5 lead in the 9th. They were ONE out away from holding it. The first two batters in the inning were harmless outs, but that elusive 3rd (27th) out never came.

Ty Wigginton base hit... because of course Ty Wigginton would get a base hit.

Hunter Pence doubles into the corner. Wigginton was running on the pitch, so he scores easily to tie it.

Carlos Ruiz intentionally walked.

Shane Victorino follows with a groundball to Marco Scutaro at short. Marco hesitates as he contemplates running to second or throwing to first. The hesitation costs him, because Victorino is fast and he also hustles. That loads the bases.

Placido Polanco follows with another groundball to Scutaro. This one he flags down just behind second base. He again contemplates a flip to second, but D.J. LeMahieu was also en route to the baseball and had to duck out of the way. This causes Scutaro's throw to sail a little bit, but he's still on target to Todd Helton, who inexplicably is off the base and couldn't locate it in time to beat Polanco.

Rockies lose. Again.

Yes, all of that really happened. Even the part where Todd Helton was out of position (he says he expected the ball to get through the infield). It's scary, folks. Todd Helton is the one guy on the team you'd expect to never assume anything, to always pay attention to detail, yet he lapsed tonight and it happened at the worst possible time.

Needless to say, this season is wearing on everybody. Even the great Todd Helton. But unlike the man guiding the ship, Helton offered no excuses for his miscue. He should have been there. He knows he should have been there. He's probably not going to sleep well tonight because of it, but at least he owned up to it.

Hopefully a few other guys lose sleep tonight, too, because the game should have never made it to that point.

Alex White's Line: 3 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 0 K, 1 HR, 75 pitches (Damn, Jim Tracy is good at this pitch limit thing), 43 strikes

The home run allowed was the first of the season for Michael Martinez. The zero strikeouts are a season low. Umm... oh, and Rockies starters have combined for eight innings pitched in two starts under the new four-man rotation.

Bullpen's Line: 5 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K

The positive here was the three hit-free, walk-free innings from Jeremy Guthrie. I have no idea what that means, but it's a positive.

What's Next: Can the Rockies avoid a sweep on Thursday night???

Their "starter" will be Jeff Francis (0-1, 12.46). His mound opponent will be Vance Worley (3-3, 2.80). First pitch is scheduled for 5:10. Francis' last pitch is likely to come before 6:10.

Final Thoughts: The Rockies learned they lost Troy Tulowitzki for eight more weeks with an injury we've never heard of before. Then they went out and lost a baseball game in a way we've never seen before.

Somehow, someway, tomorrow will be worse.

I can almost guarantee it.

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

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Phillies 6-20-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (25-41)
  1. Tyler Colvin (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  5. Todd Helton (1B)
  6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  7. Chris Nelson (2B)
  8. Wilin Rosario (C)
  9. Alex White (P)
Is Jim Tracy intentionally sabotaging Dexter Fowler, or is Jim Tracy an imbecile? 

Oh wait, we already answered that in Tuesday's Recrap. It's unintentional, but it's completely unacceptable.

Also, the latest on Troy Tulowitzki is that he'll be "out awhile" after surgery Thursday to clean out scar tissue in the left groin area that is pressing on a nerve. Of course this is devastating news for the Rockies lineup, but apparently great news for the Rockies fans on Twitter who passionately root against him. 

Philadelphia Phillies (32-37)
  1. Jimmy Rollins (SS)
  2. Juan Pierre (LF)
  3. Hunter Pence (RF)
  4. Carlos Ruiz (C)
  5. Shane Victorino (CF)
  6. Placido Polanco (3B)
  7. John Mayberry (1B)
  8. Michael Martinez (2B)
  9. Joe Blanton (P)
More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton


Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Rock Solid Recrap: This Really Is The Road To 100

Phillies 7, Rockies 2 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: The Rockies showed up. The Phillies showed up. This game was pretty much over when those two things happened.

Turning Point: The Rockies led 1-0 (I kid you not) in the 3rd inning and Josh Outman was one out away from working three scoreless when he walked Jimmy Rollins. Naturally, Placido Polanco followed that up with an RBI double to tie the game. One inning later, Outman was again one out away from a scoreless inning when John Mayberry hit a two-run homer.

Long story short, the Phillies scored 6 of their 7 runs with two outs.

Josh Outman's Line: 4 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 72 pitches (40 strikes)

Game 1 of Jim Tracy's latest failed experiment (more on that later) went about like you'd expect. Josh Outman was, in two words, Josh Outman. That basically means a lot of baserunners, and the Phillies capitalized on their opportunities with those timely two-out hits. That said, without the new pitch count Outman likely gets through the 5th. That would have been nice for the bullpen.

Bullpen's Line: 3 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR

Adam Ottavino finally had a rough night (allowed all three runs), but I suppose we should get used to those now that he'll be overworked even further.

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Phillies 6-19-12


Check out the Q & A I did for the entertaining Phillies blog That Ball's Outta Here

Lineups 

Colorado Rockies (25-40)
  1. Eric Young Jr. (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Tyler Colvin (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  5. Todd Helton (1B)
  6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  7. Chris Nelson (2B)
  8. Wilin Rosario (C)
  9. Josh Outman (P)
All I can say is stay tuned to tonight's Recap. I may have a thought or two on Jim Tracy's latest stroke genius. 

Philadelphia Phillies (31-37)
  1. Jimmy Rollins (SS)
  2. Placido Polanco (3B)
  3. Hunter Pence (RF)
  4. Carlos Ruiz (C)
  5. Shane Victorino (CF)
  6. Ty Wigginton (1B)
  7. John Mayberry (LF)
  8. Michael Martinez (2B)
  9. Cole Hamels (P)
More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Rock Solid Recrap: Another Completely Dreadful Sunday

Tigers 5, Rockies 0 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: Well, Jeremy Guthrie pitched today. Sadly, that's become a leading cause for Rockies failure. Quintin Berry, Austin Jackson and Gerald Laird went a combined 10-for-14 against all six pitchers used today. How the hell that happens I have no idea.

On the offensive side, Max Scherzer fanned 12 over 8 scoreless innings. Here's another guy, much like Jarrod Parker, that the Rockies would be dealing with regularly had Arizona not moved him to the American League. In many ways those trades have helped them, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled to know they won't be developing and peaking against the Rockies over the next 3-4 years.

Oh, and Carlos Gonzalez was scratched from the lineup with a strained right knee. So yes, things can get worse, even if the initial diagnosis is day-to-day.

Turning Point: Not really a turning point, but Detroit putting up a three spot in the 3rd was the dagger in whatever faint hopes we had for a series win.

Jeremy Guthrie's Line: 3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 8 H, 2 BB, 2 K, 78 pitches (50 strikes)

So much for eating innings and surviving like he did for so many years in Baltimore. He's just not capable of overcoming any type of adversity on the field, because his confidence is shot right now (even on the road).

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Tigers 6-17-12

Saturday's Recrap: Rockies Lose 4-1

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (25-39)
  1. Eric Young Jr. (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  5. Jason Giambi (DH)
  6. Tyler Colvin (1B)
  7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  8. Chris Nelson (2B)
  9. Wil Nieves (C)
SP - Jeremy Guthrie (3-5, 6.91)

Detroit Tigers (31-34)
  1. Austin Jackson (CF)
  2. Quintin Berry (LF)
  3. Miguel Cabrera (DH)
  4. Prince Fielder (1B)
  5. Brennan Boesch (RF)
  6. Jhonny Peralta (SS)
  7. Ramon Santiago (2B)
  8. Don Kelly (3B)
  9. Gerald Laird (C)
SP - Max Scherzer (5-4, 5.76)

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

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Back To Your Regularly Scheduled Recrap: Rockies Lose 4-1.

Tigers 4, Rockies 1 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: Cue the circus music... and then watch this lowlight.

Simple and to the point, much this like this entire Recrap will be.

Turning Point: None to speak of. The Rockies didn't collect their first hit until the 4th inning. By then the Tigers were up 2-0, and they never mounted a serious threat from that point on. So nope, no turning point. Just a dismal all around performance offensively.

Christian Friedrich's Line: 5 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 3 H, 5 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 98 pitches (48 strikes)

Friedrich's command was somewhere between Ubaldo Jimenez and Franklin Morales at their worst. It was brutal, yet the Tigers only plated three against him (one with the help of that train wreck play mentioned above). I can't explain it. I don't see any reason in trying. I just know Friedrich will have to be significantly more effective his next time out against Texas or it will get very ugly, very quickly.

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Tigers 6-16-12

Friday's RECAP: Eight Run 10th Was A Thing Of Beauty

Lineups 

Colorado Rockies (25-38)

  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  5. Jason Giambi (DH)
  6. Todd Helton (1B)
  7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  8. Wilin Rosario (C)
  9. Chris Nelson (2B)
Christian Friedrich (4-2, 5.85)

Detroit Tigers (30-34)
  1. Austin Jackson (CF)
  2. Brennan Boesch (RF)
  3. Miguel Cabrera (3B)
  4. Prince Fielder (1B)
  5. Delmon Young (DH)
  6. Jhonny Peralta (SS)
  7. Ryan Raburn (LF)
  8. Gerald Laird (C)
  9. Ramon Santiago (2B)
Doug Fister (0-3, 3.15)

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


Rock Solid Recap: Eight Run 10th Was A Thing Of Beauty

Rockies 12, Tigers 4 (boxscore)

I'm admittedly running out of gas after writing six posts for Big League Stew in a little over 24 hours, but how could I not muster up the energy to write about the Rockies snapping their eight-game losing streak overall, and their nine-game losing streak in interleague play.

Winning Player: Chris Nelson

Nelson was the pacesetter for the offense with his RBI triple in the 3rd and his two-run homer in the 4th. Both hits gave the Rockies a lead, the second of which came right after the Tigers had scored three in the 3rd to take the lead themselves. Those are big time contributions from a guy I've honestly been ready to give up on for a while now, and may not even be here this weekend had Troy Tulowitzki returned as scheduled.

Good for you, Nelly. Hope you stay hot and keep earning your spot.

Turning Point: The entire 10th inning was gorgeous. Every damn person in the lineup did something to contribute, including laying down good bunts, drawing walks, productive outs, and then it was all capped by the back-to-back home runs from Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer.

I'm telling you, when this offense clicks, it's a fun thing to experience.

When this offense clicks and the pitching doesn't embarrass themselves, it's even more fun.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Lineup Card: Rockies @ Tigers 6-15-12

Thursday's Recrap: Crappyball

Lineups

Colorado Rockies (24-38)
  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (2B)
  5. Jason Giambi (DH)
  6. Todd Helton (1B)
  7. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  8. Wilin Rosario (C)
  9. Chris Nelson (2B)
SP - Jeff Francis (0-1, 21.60)

Detroit Tigers (30-33)
  1. Austin Jackson (CF)
  2. Brennan Boesch (RF)
  3. Miguel Cabrera (3B)
  4. Prince Fielder (1B)
  5. Delmon Young (DH)
  6. Jhonny Peralta (SS)
  7. Ryan Raburn (LF)
  8. Danny Worth (2B)
  9. Bryan Holaday (C)
SP - Casey Crosby (1-1, 9.35)

If you had told me three months ago the Rockies would only be 5 1/2 games worse than the Tigers at this point, I would have been doing cartwheels for the first time in 15 years.

Funny game, isn't it?

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


Thursday, June 14, 2012

Rock Solid Recrap: Crappyball

Athletics 8, Rockies 2 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: We caught a little glimpse of what our present and future would have looked like had Arizona held on to Jarrod Parker. He was absolutely phenomenal today (7 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 6 K) against an offense that was starting to string together some big games, and stands a strong chance to be phenomenal for a long, long time. Thankfully that will now happen in the American League West.

Turning Point: Scoreless game in the 2nd. Oakland had runners at the corners with one out when Adam Rosales chopped one to Jordan Pacheco at third. Pacheco had to charge and move towards to the line to field the ball, and then unloaded an off balance throw to first that skipped past Tyler Colvin, allowing both runners to score on the play.

It was exactly as it sounds: a mess. But I firmly believe Pacheco made the right call not throwing home because Brandon Moss was 75 feet down the line and he didn't have a clear shot. As for the other side, the throw wasn't good, but that's a ball Todd Helton picks 99 times out of 100.

Lineup Card: Rockies vs A's 6-14-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (24-37)
  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  5. Tyler Colvin (1B)
  6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  7. Wilin Rosario (C)
  8. Chris Nelson (2B)
  9. Alex White (P)
Oakland Athletics (30-35)
  1. Coco Crisp (CF)
  2. Cliff Pennington (SS)
  3. Josh Reddick (RF)
  4. Seth Smith (LF)
  5. Brandon Inge (3B)
  6. Brandon Moss (1B)
  7. Kurt Suzuki (C)
  8. Adam Rosales (2B)
  9. Jarrod Parker (P)
More Rockies thoughts await you if you follow me on Twitter: @Townie813 & @HeavenHelton

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Rock Solid Recrap: Here's Your Free 90 Feet, Mr. Crisp

Athletics 10, Rockies 8 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: The Rockies hit extremely well. Got a starting effort from Josh Outman that sadly probably qualifies as a best case scenario. The bridge relievers (Adam Ottavino, Rex Brothers and Matt Belisle) weren't exactly sharp, but managed to get the ball to Rafael Betancourt with an 8-7 lead.

And then it happened. The 9th inning.

Turning Point: Coco Crisp led off that 9th inning with the most Coors Field bloop single possible (a popfly that dropped between LeMahieu, Cuddyer and Fowler), and then advanced to second on Jemile Weeks' bunt. I guess it was a sacrifice(?) but it took a great play from Betancourt and Helton to get that out.

That brings us to our big turning point here.

Crisp is an aggressive base stealer. He grabbed 49 bags last season. Had a respectable eight this year despite a DL stint. So naturally Betancourt pays him no attention and Crisp takes the 90 feet without so much as an acknowledge from Rosario, because he was already high-fiving Mike Gallego when the pitch was received.

A handful of pitches later, Crisp scored the tying run on a shallow flyball to right field. Michael Cuddyer made the play close at the plate, but Crisp expertly slid around the tag. So we had some bad luck involved here that put Crisp on base in the first place. That is what it is, and who knows how the Weeks at-bat plays out in a different scenario. But that lack of attention to detail with Crisp at second is what's mind-boggling and maddening.

Lineup Card: Rockies vs A's 6-13-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (24-36)
  1. Dexter Fowler (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Tyler Colvin (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  5. Todd Helton (1B)
  6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  7. Wilin Rosario (C)
  8. Chris Nelson (2B)
  9. Josh Outman (P)
In case you haven't heard (if you haven't, you're the only one), Troy Tulowitzki left his first rehab game this afternoon after aggravating the left groin injury that put him on the DL.Tulo had homered and singled prior to feeling pain and asking out of the game, so it looked like he was ready to pick up where he left off, but now he's back in Denver to receive further treatment and evaluation.

(I hate this season passionately)

Oh, and Carlos Gonzalez sits tonight to make room for the hot-hitting Tyler Colvin. Colvin will likely start for Helton tomorrow, and then has an easy path to the lineup this weekend with the DH in play.

Oakland Athletics (29-35)
  1. Jemile Weeks (2B)
  2. Colin Cowgill (CF)
  3. Seth Smith (RF)
  4. Yoenis Cespedes (LF)
  5. Brandon Inge (3B)
  6. Josh Donaldson (C)
  7. Brandon Moss (1B)
  8. Cliff Pennington (SS)
  9. Tommy Milone (P)
Cespedes returns to Oakland's lineup after a week plus absence. That's wonderful news for my fantasy team, and terrible news for Josh Outman and the five Rockies relievers we'll be seeing tonight.  Heads up on the concourse. 

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

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Rock Solid Recrap: Tape Measure Home Runs & One Really Dumb Bunt

Athletics 8, Rockies 5 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: Starting pitching. Jeremy Guthrie. You know the drill.

Jeremy Guthrie's Line: 5 IP, 7 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 3 HR, 102 pitches (66 strikes)

The three home runs traveled nearly 1/4th of a mile put together. Two were hit by Brandon Moss, who was in the minor leagues a few days ago and has been a journeyman pinch-hitter the past six seasons. The other was hit by light-hitting shortstop Cliff Pennington. I wish I could say I was kidding.

Turning Point: Well, Oakland's six-run 3rd inning that erased the Rockies 4-0 lead was certainly the biggest turning point, but there's only so many things I can say about our pitching without getting physically ill.

Another came when the Rockies were hitting in the 6th, trailing 7-5. Wil Nieves led off the inning with his second single. Pinch-hitter Eric Young followed that up with a walk. That brought us back to the top of the Rockies order where their hottest hitter, Tyler Colvin, was penciled in this evening. Colvin was 1-for-2 at this point with a home run (fourth in last three games) and a walk. So naturally, Jim Tracy has Colvin lay down a sacrifice bunt, which to Colvin's credit he did and did well.

Unfortunately, like everybody following along on Twitter (and not following along on Twitter) predicted, the bunt killed the potential rally. Four pitches later (Scutaro groundout, CarGo strikeout), the inning was dead, and Jim Tracy sat alone in the dugout figuring out which player he wanted to bus toss for his own ignorant decision.

Lineup Card: Rockies vs A's 6-12-12


Lineups

Colorado Rockies (24-35)
  1. Tyler Colvin (CF)
  2. Marco Scutaro (SS)
  3. Carlos Gonzalez (LF)
  4. Michael Cuddyer (RF)
  5. Todd Helton (1B)
  6. Jordan Pacheco (3B)
  7. Chris Nelson (2B)
  8. Wil Nieves (C)
  9. Jeremy Guthrie (P)
So many things here... like Tyler Colvin starting again in CF. I'm as big a Colvin supporter as you'll find, but Dexter Fowler has been the Rockies second best player for around six weeks. Seriously, I'm all for finding Colvin at-bats, but Fowler should never be out of the lineup for more than one game. And Colvin should be down the lineup a bit hitting 6th or 7th where he can inflict more damage. . 

It would really help if Cuddyer was able to play second or third like he has in the past for Minnesota (at least until Tulo comes back). That would open up right for Colvin, which he'd be better suited for than center and lengthens the lineup. But we'll have to settle for Chris Nelson tonight... and Wil Nieves. 

Also, Jeremy Guthrie is pitching. Buckle your seat belts. 

Oakland Athletics (28-35)
  1. Jemile Weeks (2B)
  2. Coco Crisp (CF)
  3. Josh Reddick (RF)
  4. Seth Smtih (LF)
  5. Brandon Inge (3B)
  6. Brandon Moss (1B)
  7. Kurt Suzuki (C)
  8. Cliff Pennington (SS)
  9. Bartolo Colon (P)
No Yoenis Cespedes (hamstring) today, so Guthrie may be spared from a 500 foot homer. That said, I'm penciling in Seth Smith for three hits with at least one home run in his return to Denver. I think Josh Reddick will hit the longest home run for Oakland. 

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