Spring Training Hits & Misses: Game 15 vs. Cincinnati

Hits

The New Commercials are in!

And they're starring Rockies season ticket holders, which is a pretty cool concept.

Here's my favorite...

And this one is pretty cool, too!

Check out the rest at coloradorockies.com.

Read more »

Spring Training Hits & Misses: Game 11 vs. Los Angeles

Hits

Drew Pomeranz

Pomeranz was dominant in his abbreviated outing today, retiring all six batters he faced without allowing a ball out of the infield. Unfortunately, I was forced to use the word abbreviated because Pomeranz was forced to leave the game early with right hip tightness. That wouldn't appear to be a serious concern, but it does set him back a little bit in terms of his spring schedule, especially if he's advised to rest for a handful of days. Make sure to stayed to Troy Renck on Twitter for the latest.

Matt Belisle

Belisle threw two innings of relief and was every bit as good as Pomeranz, allowing only one infield single, which was quickly erased by a double play. Looks like Matty B. might make the team again!

Jonathan Herrera

We haven't mentioned Johnny Herrera a whole this spring but he was out there doing Johnny Herrera like things today against the Dodgers. That includes a pesky, two-out, two-run single in the second that pushed the Rockies lead to 3-0. He later muscled up for a double and also played some solid defense at short, reaffirming his versatility.

Read more »

Spring Training Hits & Misses: Game 10 vs. San Diego

Hits

Wilin Rosario

Rosario capped Colorado's 8-run seventh inning with an absolute rocket three-run home run to straight away center field. And boy did it ever sound good coming off his bat. According to the Denver Post's Troy Renck, Rosario has worked hard to clean up his swing this spring and is also doing a better job of laying off breaking pitches. Hopefully he's able to maintain that discipline and the positive results continue piling up.

Brandon Wood

With Casey Blake a late scratch due to being old, tired and barely able to move, Brandon Wood was gift wrapped another opportunity at third base on Monday. He took advantage of it by crushing more baseballs (single and RBI triple). Assuming Blake remains old, tired and unable to move, Wood will find himself getting more and more opportunities, which makes him one of the more intriguing players in camp. Keep watching (or reading).

Jeremy Guthrie

After Cameron Maybin took him deep to lead-off the game, Guthrie would allow only one single over his next four innings of work. That's good stuff. Of the 12 outs he recorded, three came via the strikeout and another seven came on groundouts. That's also good stuff. Oh, and again no walks allowed. That's great stuff.

Chad Tracy

I've been a little rough on Chad Tracy this spring (admittedly unfairly so), so I will definitely acknowledge his go-ahead RBI single and sacrifice fly today. Those were actually two very good at-bats. A nice day for him and I'm sure a nice day for daddy as well.

Read more »

Spring Training Hits & Misses: Game 7 vs. Kansas City

Hits

Brandon Wood

The Rockies offense is kind of sputtering along over the first week of spring training games, so basically any player with multiple hits will be recognized with a Hit until it starts to become a regular occurrence. In this case it was infield hopeful Brandon Wood, who singled, doubled, tripled and knocked home one of the Rockies two runs in three plate appearances.

My cousin's wedding

I had a really nice time at my cousin Kate's wedding on Saturday. The ceremony was presided over by their youth pastor, who played a part in introducing them 11 years ago, so it was cool hearing him tell their story with a personal touch and perspective. I also spent most of the reception tracking the Colorado/Arizona Pac 12 Championship Game with my cousin Andy (an Arizona graduate). He took the outcome well, but did not send along any congratulations. I wished them well in the NIT.

Misses

Christian Friedrich

After starting his spring with a Hit worthy outing last Xday, I noted that consistency would go a long for Friedrich if he planned on working himself back into the Rockies long term plans. Well, guess what? He took a step back. In three innings, Friedrich allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk. The three strikeouts were nice, but again it's the inability to string promising performances together that has everyone doubting what once seemed to be undoubtable (new word) talent.

Read more »

Hits & Misses: Team Helton vs. Team Giambi in intrasquad action

The Rockies waged war amongst themselves in an epic(ally titled) intrasquad game Friday afternoon in Scottsdale. It was Team Helton vs Team Giambi, and while the game counted for even less than a meaningless Cactus League game does (they could have at least allowed the winning captain to make the lineup card out all season), it did hold at least some meaning for guys who begin the spring on or outside the roster bubble and/or guys returning from injury.

For example...

Hits

Esmil Rogers

Rogers pitched two completely clean innings on the afternoon, needing only 13 pitches to do so. For a guy without options, without an inside track to a roster spot, who often struggles with his pitch count, an outing this efficient sure beats the usual. Good start for Esmil.

Brandon Wood

The former first round bust with the Los Angeles Angels (think Ian Stewart, only right-handed) showed off his versatility today, starting the game at third base and also spending time at short and second base. According to those on scene Wood made a very good accounting for himself defensively at the latter two positions (not his strengths) while adding a two-run single. Good start for him.

Read more »