Rock Solid Recrap: Rockies Killer B's Kill Rockies

Pirates 5, Rockies 4 (boxscores)

This one stings... probably more than an April game in Pittsburgh should sting, but the Rockies had this one in their grasp for 90% of the evening and just couldn't finish it off. And coming in front of tomorrow's doubleheader, the sting only intensifies. As I said earlier today, it's difficult to sweep those things, so a series win just became increasingly less likely.

Not impossible, mind you, but less likely.

What Went Wrong:  Whenever there's a devastating late inning loss, you know the bullpen played a part in it somehow. It's unavoidable, and tonight's unfortunate goats were the recently struggling Rex Brothers (0 outs recorded, 2 runs, 1 smoked double, 1 blooped double and 1 walk in the 7th) and the usually reliable Matt Belisle (2/3 IP, 1 Clint Barmes home run, 1 painful error of his own leading to 1 unearned game-winning run in the 8th).

Each man was working with a one-run lead thanks to a Carlos Gonzalez two-run homer, so their margin for error was little. And as you can tell, neither had anything resembling their best stuff tonight, so both leads quickly vanished.

Thankfully, not a lot gets to Matt Belisle, so you can count on him to bounce back in his next outing. As for Brothers, it's been a struggle for the past 3-4 outings, so his immediate outlook is a little shakier.

Maybe a lesser role is in order until he can locate his filthy stuff again and gain back some confidence he's surely lost in his two most recent outings. The Rockies are absolutely going to need him, so he's not going anywhere. It doesn't matter how down on him fans are right now, he's the most talented arm they have in the bullpen and the most important. They need to get him on track.

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If Jeter's A Cheater, Then So Is Clint Barmes

Lots of people on their high horse today over the Derek Jeter HBP that wasn't really a HBP. All of the venom is directed at Jeter, who acted as if he was struck in the arm by a pitch when replays clearly showed it hit his bat, while almost no one is pointing out another moment of incompetence by an umpiring crew.

It's all on Jeter. Derek Jeter is just so evil for doing something each and every quick thinking athlete would have done in the same situation.

Heck, even the Rockies Clint Barmes would "cheat" to get an edge for the Rockies. I don't recall any Rockies fans being angry over this play that stole a victory over St. Louis last September.

There are four umpires out there. It's on them when these calls are missed. No baseball player is going to make a call easy for them if there's a way to gain an advantage for his team. For people to act like what Jeter was some sinful act that ruins the integrity of the game... it's just stupid.

I'm sure the majority of it has to do with Jeter being Jeter, and Jeter being the captain of the Yankees, but seriously, the Rockies aren't above doing the same thing. No team in Major League Baseball is above doing the same. Players don't tell an umpire they were out when they know a call was missed.

It's just the way it goes. Play on.

And you know what? The Rays did play on. They bounced back and found a way to win the game. That's how you play the damn game.

Rock Solid Recap: Never A Boring Day At 20th & Blake

There's a whole mess of emotions to sort through today.

Rockies 6, Brewers 5

The Rockies won by the way.

In a lot of ways it feels like the worst loss of the season.

But they didn't lose. Thankfully.

Ubaldo Jimenez

Is a big reason they didn't lose today, and is the only reason we're having fantasies about another miracle run.

He started slow, but finished like a horse, a stud, an ace, a beast. The strides this man continues to make as a big league all-star are just incredible. To not have your best stuff early, but to rebound, to find your groove, to give your team eight strong innings when it looked like six might be pushing it. You thank your lucky stars you have a guy that special on your team.

It's unfortunate he didn't get his much deserved franchise record-breaking win today. This is the second straight start he should have had it, but it just goes to show why the 20 win and 300 win plateau is so special. It's hard to win games in MLB.

Huston Street

I can't put a whole lot of blame on the guy. I just can't. Or maybe I should because he never tells his manager he's not available today, because his manager is too GD clueless to understand the limitations of his closer.

Stop using Huston for two innings. He can't handle it.

Stop using Huston for three days straight. He can't handle it. Not many relievers can. Mariano Rivera can't, that's why Joe Girardi hasn't used him for three days straight all season. And Mariano is the G.O.A.T.

Get a clue, Tracy. Get a freaking clue.

Clint Barmes

I'm honestly not that upset with Clint for making a physical error. That happens. It happens to everyone. Sometimes it just happens at the worst possible time, which is exactly what that was.

I'm much more annoyed with his useless plate appearances of late. His and Miguel Olivo's, who would be named the worst player on the field in today's game if that award existed and I was in charge of naming him.

Rockies fans are now begging for the old Miguel Olivo to return. Honestly folks, this is the old and real Miguel Olivo we're seeing right now. This is the guy that doesn't last on a squad more than two years. We want the mirage version of Miguel Olivo, not the old one.

Time for another commitment to Chris Iannetta.

Eric Young

Shouldn't be used in the OF unless it's absolutely necessary. When the Rockies have all five of their regular OFers healthy, it's not necessary. More cluelessness from the skipper.

Troy Tulowitzki

Continues to hold the team together with his clutchness. Seriously. If the Rockies hadn't won Friday and today, this situation would be declared a national disaster. Tulo won't allow that to happen.

Tomorrow

Another of those well timed days off.

Back in action Tuesday in LA. As all over the place as it has been for the Rockies lately, it's actually 10 times worse in LA. Amazing. Very winnable road series if this team had any confidence playing on the road, which they apparently don't.

Table Scraps: Eric Young, Esmil Rogers and more

Some leftover thoughts I couldn't squeeze into last night's Rock Solid Recrap.

2nd Base Situation

I've always been in the Clint Barmes camp because of his defense and occasional (often well-timed) extra base hits.

That's changing now. That's changing because the offense around Clint Barmes is changing. Helton's power is down. Ian Stewart has been inconsistent. Brad Hawpe is all over the place. The offense just isn't as stable as it needs to be. so what Clint Barmes typically provides isn't good enough.

The defense always will be good enough, but the way the offensive is evolving leaves the Rockies in a spot where they can't afford an offensive player that struggles to reach base and struggles worse making productive outs.

That's where guys like Eric Young and Jonathan Herrera come in. They may be a step down defensively (Herrera isn't really much, but Young is), but their ability to be a pain in the ass creates run scoring opportunities this team can't manufacture right now.

Again, I like Clint Barmes. He's not the only problem here, but his value compared to his salary doesn't measure out well, and the options behind him are exactly what the team needs.

Esmil Rogers

There's a lot to work with (and like) here because his stuff is excellent and his composure/attitude is even a level above that. Don't get too caught in the numbers, just be happy with 5 2/3 innings of baseball that gave his team a chance to win. And then be excited that with a little more development, this kid will be a solid fixture in the rotation end of next year or early 2012.

Bob Uecker

I muted the TV and tuned in Uecker again last night. He spent a good half inning indirectly lecturing Jon Miller on how Coors Field is fair to both sides.

To paraphrase the Ueck.

"Sure a home run here might not be a home run somewhere else, but it's a home run for both sides here."

It kind of nauseates me that a true professional and truly brilliant broadcaster/journalist/entertainer like Uecker has to share a wing in the Hall of Fame with a whiner like Jon Miller.

Mike McClendon

The 25-year old right-hander made his Major League debut and did so by throwing three perfect innings. Not bad at all.

Of course the Rockies have been awfully generous to unproven (or flat out bad) pitchers in 2010, but in this case you definitely tip your cap to the young man stepping on a big league field for the first time and being dominant. Congrats to him.

Rock Solid Recap: See! It's Doable.

Winning on the road is never easy, but it doesn't have to be impossible either.

Unless you make it impossible.

Rockies 6, Pirates 3

Tonight we saw the formula to making it possible.

1. Get superstar performances from your superstars. 
2. Get a well pitched game from your starting pitcher. 
3. Play near error free defense. 
4. Get solid contributions from 1-2 role players.

Point-by-point recap

Superstars

Carlos Gonzalez is growing up with each series, each game, each AB, each pitch even. You can just see it happening. The smarter approaches. The less violent swings on the road. The silky smooth reads and reactions on defense.

He's not just a guy with 5 tool ability, he's a top end up player in each category.  And he's only going to get better.

Troy Tulowitzki with his third consecutive three-hit game. I'm not always a big fan of comparisons, but one people like to make with Tulo is Derek Jeter. Mostly because Tulo grew up idolizing him.

Well this stretch is the type of baseball Jeter was famous for in his prime. Stepping up, putting streaks like this together when his team was down. Being a leader and a captain. Only I'll say this... I think Tulo has more raw ability than Derek Jeter even did. Tulo can mix in the crazy power with legit Gold Glove defense.

Starting Pitching

Quality outing from Jason Hammel. Kept his team in the game and was honestly one good pitch away from being brilliant, which is the new MO for Hammel. One pitch separates a good start from a great start, solid from good... right on down the line to his now rare bad to average outings.

That's a far cry from where he was earlier this season, when it was a series of pitches and events that would avalanche on top of him causing irreparable damage. I wouldn't put his improvement in the same category as Ubaldo's, but it is still significant. From a #5 to at least a #3, with the ability to go a little higher.

Defense

It was essentially error free defense. I can't penalize the whole team for one poorly thrown ball by Melvin Mora. Much better defense tonight and much better focus in the field.

Role players

A really good game by Dexter Fowler. You can almost mark it down every time he gets on base, he finds a way to score.

And Clint Barmes steps up with three hits tonight. Those were noteworthy not only because he scored a big run, but also because each time he reached, he helped turn the lineup over. Fowler led off four different innings. Excellent game for Barmy.

That's that. A win on the road. Even with all those things it wasn't easy, but it never will be. You have to earn it. Tonight it was earned.

Tomorrow

Jorge De La Rosa vs Ross Ohlendorf

Earn it again!

Return of the Rock Solid Recap

But first, I have to nitpick...

The handshake line was a little sloppy and out of sync. Need to work on that after all three games in the Cubs series.

Rockies 9, Pirates 3

Pretty basic formula: Great starting pitcher + Timely hitting.

Ubaldo Jimenez

We can back away from the ledge here. While Ubaldo wasn't exactly dominant or as efficient as you'd hope today, I think we would have had to be satisfied with any marginal improvement over the last start in Philadelphia.

This was more than marginal.

He stayed in control of himself. He didn't rattle. His mechanics were solid. Stamina was good. This was a very good first step back to the Ubaldo form we saw the first 2 1/2 months of the season.

He'll get yet another crack at the Giants in his next outing. In two previous outings this season, he's had a complete game shutout and a complete meltdown. I'm betting this one rests somewhere in between, but hopefully closer to the shutout.

Timely Hitting

All it takes is a couple well-timed basehits to give a scuffling offense a little of confidence.

It's not like the scoring chances haven't been coming, they just haven't been accompanied by those timely, confidence building hits. When you don't get those timely hits, you need a lot of home runs (or lucky breaks) to score your runs. Those haven't been coming either.

So those timely hits are essential in being successful. That's why they're called timely hits.

Dexter Fowler had the biggest one.

His bases loaded, 2-out, 2-run double in the second inning got that proverbial monkey off the offense's back. You could just feel the sigh of relief and the building of confidence all at once. Fowler had 3 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBI in the game. His best in a long, long time.

Clint Barmes rode the wave started by Fowler, following immediately with a 2-run single. I know I joked about Clint Barmes hitting second today in the pregame. Credit where it's due, the move worked. Barmes had his best offensive day (2 hits, 3 RBI) in quite some time.

Later in the game, Miguel Olivo also had a 2-out, run scoring single that extended the lead to 6-1. Like Fowler and Barmes, Olivo is another guy that has been struggling of late, so I'm hopeful this is something he can build on as well.

Oh, and I couldn't conclude without mentioning CarGo's home run to left center.  Absolutely gorgeous swing.  When he's focused on driving the ball to the opposite field, he's deadly.  The Rockies will need a deadly Carlos Gonzalez to have any prayer of making any type of run.

Tomorrow

Cubs are in town. It's the battle of the Canadians! Ryan Dempster vs Jeff Francis.

Rock Solid Recap: Rockies Finally Investing In Insurance

Insurance runs? What the hell are those? That's foreign terminology to this Rockies team.

Rockies 6, Giants 3

Or at least it USED to be foreign.

The turnaround actually began in San Diego, but we've seen the Rockies offense really step up big the 8th inning these first two Giant games.

Each game was 4-3 at the time. Rockies extended it to 7-3 last night thanks largely to Miguel Olivo, and 6-3 tonight. That's huge not only for your confidence, but equally huge for crushing your opponent's hope.

I think the term most like to use is "killer instinct".  We're starting to see it.

Ian Stewart

Stewie had a 10-pitch AB as a pinch-hitter late in last night's game. That AB resulted in a popup, but I was encouraged. Stewart then built on that tonight with good ABs against Lincecum, and another extended AB against a lefty. This time it was the veteran Jeremy Affeldt, and this time it resulted in a leadoff walk.

That leadoff walk set off the crucial 8th inning. I'd even call it a game changing AB with how the inning played out.

Clint Barmes

Sizzling hot.

A two-run bomb off Tim Lincecum in the 2nd. Then he kept the 8th inning going with a single through the left side. I don't know how long he can keep this up, but let's just enjoy this ride while it lasts. The defense will never falter, so he'll always be contributing one way or another.

He didn't do too bad in the marriage depeartment either. Hey, she's cute. She may struggle a little when the red light is on, but how many of us would do any better? At least she's willing to go on TV. Where are the other Rockies wives when it comes to making TV appearances?

Dexter Fowler

When Aaron Cook failed to get the bunt down all the pressure completely shifted to Dexter. He needed to have a quality AB to save the inning, and the kid came through. He honestly seemed unphased by the situation and very comfortable up there, which is something we didn't see at all for two months.

He battled Affeldt tooth and nail before delivering the knockout blow -- an RBI double into left field. He also pulled a triple into the corner off Lincecum. His patience is improved times ten. This version of Dexter Fowler is the one that will have a long, long ML career.

Jonathan Herrera

The pain in the ass came through with a two strike sacrifice fly against Lincecum. He then came back in the 8th and executes a PERFECT suicide squeeze.

Baseball player.

No fanfare. No hype. No nothing coming in. That's why big stats and size are so overvalued when enaluating a player's true worth. This kid just plays winning baseball.

Jhoulys Chacin

Whether it be Ryan Zimmerman or Aubrey Huff, Chacin always seems to have that one guy in the lineup that hurts him. Hey, one guy is better than nine, right?

He's progressing well from a pitching standpoint and also flashed some athleticism starting a 1-6-3 DP. Special things are right around the corner. Hopefully all of them take place in the big leagues as a Rockie.

Huston Street

Very impressed how he's quickly settled back into being Huston Street. I honestly expected some bumps in the road right off the bat, especially after Huston struggled a couple times in AAA, but he's cleaning everything up. He's as sharp as you need him to be.

Nate Schierholtz

The only big negative tonight... Rockies need to learn quickly that this guy has a cannon and it's accurate. Stop running on him! The extra base isn't there.

Tomorrow

Ubaldo Jimenez vs. Barry Zito

Hey, let's crush these Giants while the crushing is good.  They desperately need a confidence boost.  A win over Jimenez would surely qualify as that, and would likely turn them around completely.  It's important to not allow that to happen.  Big game.

Rock Solid Recap: A Solid Baseball Win

No need for overreactions today.

Rockies 7, Giants 3

We haven't seen a whole lot of these. You know, a game the Rockies play and execute well for the entire nine innings. An enitrely stress free ballgame that you never once doubted the Rockies would win. I think I can count maybe 5-6 of those at best -- and of course those were all Jimenez starts.

Bottom Line: I think we need to really savor this one!

Aaron Cook

As any good veteran should, Cook is flat out refusing to relinquish his spot in the rotation. I don't know how much trouble it was ever honestly in, but he's not losing it. Not with performances like we're seeing lately.

And the best news? I think there's still plenty room for improvement. His command is still getting away from him at times, but I slowly see him getting a handle on it (1 walk). When he is getting hit -- aside from the Matsui grand slam (bad pitch) and near Aaron Roward grand slam (bad pitch) -- it's choppers through the infield and seeing eye singles.

That's much more Cookmanlike.

This upcoming decision for Jim Tracy, Dan O'Dowd and many others will be excruciating. Chacin is the heavy favorite to be optioned, clearly, but I think of the established guys, Cook is looking more secure than Francis is right now. That's not to say Francis stinks... it's just the hitting the wall around 85-90 pitches every start.

But again, all the established guys are going to be safe upon DLR's returns, unless something significant occurs in the next week.

CarGo

Is it too soon to call Carlos Gonzalez is the best position player not named Todd Helton to wear a Rockies uniform?

A little too soon?

Alright, I'll just wait until the very second it's not too soon to say it. That home run was another bomb left on left. There just aren't a lot of guys who can swing it that powerfully left on left. It's beautiful.  It's special.  He should never leave the 3-hole until 2020.

Olivo

The life of a catcher. Miguel took another pounding tonight.

A foul tip off the cage. A foul tip off the sensitive spot. Had a strikeout go through the five-hole on him. He also had another rough slide at third, and a near collision at the plate right after that.

This forthcoming all-star selection is going to make all those ache and pains feel a whole lot better.

Melvin Mora

Is a big league third baseman. It's fortunate he couldn't materialize in the super utility role the Rockies envisioned, but that was actually a pretty poor vision. Maybe if he was 28 he could learn to play these positions, but not 38. The old saying is quite true here...

You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Madison Bumgarner

Looks like a baseball player. He's a great athlete. The pitching will continue to develop as he gets used to the ML surroundings, but the makeup is clearly there.The Giants likely have themselves another gem to put in their already stacked rotation.

Damn them.

And Buster Posey ain't half bad either.

Tomorrow

Jhoulys Chacin vs. Tim Lincecum.

There's no doubt where I'll be when the first pitch is thrown out. Should be a good one.

Rock Solid Recap: Barmes The Road Warrior

Rockies 6, Padres 3

Clint Barmes is not a favorite of people who sit around computing stats all day.

Thankfully those people don't manage baseball teams.

For those of us who watch games -- yeah, we get frustrated with some of his unproductive ABs, but for the most part it's hard to argue against Barmes being one of the more clutch bats in the Rockies lineup.

And the oddity in that is that most of his big hits seem to come on the road.

I especially remember the two games in San Francisco. The 2-run single off Lincecum. Then the extra inning GW RBI the night after that. Now tonight he comes through with a crucial 3-run HR in 7th late inning (highlight), followed by the 9th inning insurance RBI (highlight), stretching a one run lead to two.

Those are three extrremely important divisional road wins for the Rockies in this 2010 season.

Also, the Rockies have played the Pades eight times in 2010. Barmes has 12 RBI in those eight games.

Barmes can hold his own. In a perfect baseball world, his offensive production would only be a bonus. Unfortunately, this is far from a perfect world for Colorado, so we should be estatic when Clint carries the offense and team to victory like he did tonight.

-- Jason Hammel got himself back on track after the rough Boston start. Hey, a lot of pitchers will say their worst start came against Boston, so it's nice to see him shrug that right off and give his team six good innings tonight. Now, hopefully next time he can take it a little further and help Tracy ease off the bullpen.

-- Maybe the most encouraging part of Hammel's start tonight was his ability to pitch over some incredibly horrendous defense by Melvin Mora.

Mora's foot actually lost contact with first base three different times. Granted, the throws weren't perfect, but any average 1B makes those plays with his eyes closed. Hell, I was a right-handed 1B for 12 years and I never recall having that happen to me, so clearly any ham-and-egger should be able to handle it.

It's all in the footwork and anticipation. Mora was anticipating a perfect throw every time, so he committed to his stretch too early. The results were embarrassing.

There was another awkward moment when he took a throw from Olivo on a strikeout in the dirt. He caught it straddling the bag and then had to collect himself to touch the bag. It's little league stuff. It's stuff he should be able to correct pretty easily, but it's amazing how awful it was tonight. He actually had looked decent at 1B before tonight, too, so I really don't know how it fell apart that badly.

Maybe it's the Townie Jinx since I gave him credit for playing well at 1B on short notice last night. At least he made up for it with a big throw.  (highlight)

-- That Carlos Gonzalez HR was the prettiest left on left swing you will ever see.  Damn that was a thing of beauty.  (highlight)

-- Congrats to Huston Street on his first save of the season.  His stuff seems to be getting better with each appearance.  (highlight)

-- Rockies back to work tomorrow with Francis on the mound. You hate to weigh the game too much, but yeah, that's a big game. Hopefully the good guys find another way to steal one.

Rock Solid Recap: A Step Towards Manhood

Rockies 2, Red Sox 1

Winning Player: Jhoulys Chacin

There are starts in the Major Leagues, and then there are starts in the Major Leagues against the Boston Red Sox (and their ace) in your home ballpark.

No problem, huh kid?

Seriously, to embrace that challenge, knowing your team's scoring opportunities will be limited, and knowing the reputation of the lineup you're facing, shows the makeup Chacin has. It's all there. It's all going to be on full display at some point real soon.

There are still some steps remaining for young Jhoulys Chacin to reach that level...

• Slowing the heartbeat a little bit when there's traffic  
• Getting comfortable in the stretch
• Repeating the same motion  
• Not overthinking a situation  
• Trusting his stuff

... but tonight was a large step in the right direction on many fronts. Tonight you could clearly see why the Rockies (and all scouts who have seen him) visualize him as a fixture in their rotation for years to come. Tonight was pretty damn special.

Speaking of special. A pretty special night for Chris Nelson.

Nelson made his first ML start at third base -- a position he hasn't seen much of throughout in baseball playing days -- and had an up and down game there. However, it was his first ML hit in the 5th inning that led directly to the Rockies first run.

Another First

Huston Street was in the building and active. Manny Corpas was in the building but not available after pitching four straight days (two very poorly).

Enter Matt Belisle.

It was shaky at times, but Belisle earned his first save since 2005 -- first as a Rockie. That opportunity was made possible by Rockies bullpen cornerstones, Rafael Betancourt and Joe Beimel, holding the Red Sox in check. It was also made possible by possibly the defensive play of the year for Colorado.

Clint ****ing Barmes! (Video Highlight)

I don't know how important this game will look in the standings for Colorado or Boston 3 1/2 months from now, but I do know I'll remember this game for four very specific reasons.

1. Jhoulys Chacin pitched a gem. 
2. Chris Nelson's first hit. 
3. The bad bounce single by Spilly. 
4. Clint Barmes robs Mike Lowell.

What a game.

Rock Solid Recrap: Scott Baker Was Dominant

Twins 2, Rockies 1

Those were among the final words on both the Twins and Rockies broadcasts tonight.

Scott Baker.

When I think of Scott Baker, I don't think about domination. I actually think...does it get anymore bland than Scott Baker?

Actually... it does. Randy Wells, Brian Bannister, Brandon Morrow, Felipe Paulino (twice), Brian Moehler, Dontrelle Willis, and on and on and on. All very bland, umimpressive piitchers that have made the Rockies offense look completely non-existent.

It's not a concern anymore. It's a problem. This offense has no life. It has no direction. They just keep swinging. They just keep missing. They have no clue how to get out of the funk they're in.

I know they prepare. I know they take batting practice. I know they read scouting reports. I just don't know how that, combined with the immense talent and potential up and down the lineup, doesn't translate into good offense. I don't how they can constantly look overmatched by average pitchers.

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Rock Solid Recap: Second In Command

As of this moment, Ubaldo Jimenez is no longer the hottest Rockies starting pitcher.  That title now belongs to Jason Hammel.

I mean, all you have to do is look at the ERA comparison since we restarted the season yesterday to figure that out: Hammel 0.00, Jimenez 4.50.  It's a no contest.

For real though...

Now that he's completely healthy from the groin issue (which is never minor), Hammel has turned the corner.  That's not to say he's going to start rivaling Jimenez in the CY Young race, but I think it's safe to view him as more than a solid bottom of the rotation pitcher.  He's moving up the ladder, and in terms of the Rockies current rotation, he's the deputy to Ubaldo's sheriff.

Now we just need 1 1/2 of Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis, Jorge De La Rosa and Jhoulys Chacin to step.  It can a whole Cook and a half a Francis.  A Francis and a half Cook/De La Rosa.  Maybe 1/2 of three.  We just need a little something more from the bottom 3/5ths.  Not a lot more, just a little something.

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Rock Solid Recap: I Prefer That Jason Hammel

Rockies 5, Astros 1

No mystery tonight...

Winning Player: Jason Hammel

I said something to this effect recently.

When Jason Hammel starts avoiding the disaster inning, he'll turn into one damn solid starter in a big league rotation.  

Seems Hammel has gotten, or is in the process of getting over that hump. A good indication of that was tonight's second inning.  The first two batters reached on infield singles. If anything is a recipe for disaster, it's making two solid pitches, forcing two weak swings, and getting no outs to show for it.

That didn't happen tonight.  Hammel got the 6-3 double play off the bat of Tommy Manzella, then struck out the pitcher to end the threat.  Hammel did a pretty good job of limiting his traffic from that point on, but the real key to his success was that great pitch when the situation called for a great pitch.  A hit allowed there and who knows which direction this game goes in.

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Rock Solid Recap: Maligned Rockies Come Up Big

If Baseball is a game of what have you done for me lately, then three of the Rockies biggest targets for criticism have taken the elevator from outhouse to penthouse in San Francisco.

I'm fully aware outhouses don't have elevators but just go with me here. It's late.

Rockies 2, Giants 1 (11)

Winning Player: Clint Barmes

Aside from Franklin Morales, no Rockie has taken more flack than Clint. Granted, some of it has been warranted, but the majority of it has been complete nonsense and/or a fabrication based on useless statisitcal analysis. .

Whatever the case, I think almost all of that criticism -- warranted and nonsense -- is going to die down for the next few weeks. He's earned a break.

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Rock Solid Recap: The Little Things Add Up

Now that was a profressional baseball game that makes you proud to be a baseball fan. Very well played by both sides.

Rockies 3, Diamondbacks 2

Winning Player: Jhoulys Chacin

Anytime your 22-year-old starter gives you six innings of two run baseball, you best win the game for him. When you win the game for him, you must give him the game ball.

Chacin was fantastic in limiting a really strong Arizona lineup to just four hits and two walks. He struck out five and also induced a well timed double play ball off the bat of Chris Snyder in the second inning. That was his biggest pitch of the night.

Maybe his biggest moment of the game came in an under-the-radar AB.

His successful sacrifice bunt in the 2nd inning led directly to a stolen run. The bunt pushed runners to 2nd and 3rd with two outs. Miguel Olivo then scored from third on an Ian Kennedy wild pitch.

One simple little bit of execution leads to a stolen run. It was really was huge, because all the Rockies could muster aside from that run were solo HRs from Brad Hawpe and Troy Tulowitzki.  That's why I always stress the little things.

Save: Ian Stewart/Clint Barmes

Listen, the bullpen did great once again tonight backing up Chacin. The usual trio -- Belisle, Bemiel and Corpas -- got the nine outs and sealed the deal once again. Credit to them.

But that play Clint Barmes made in the 9th inning was huge. Not only to knock the ball down, preventing a 1st and 3rd situation, he actually got an out of the play. We all know how precious and elusive outs 25, 26 and 27 can be. Barmes secured 26 right there.

That's why he plays.

And the two plays Ian Stewart made in the late innings. Incredible. Diving and throwing from his backside, and then leaning over the rail in the D-Backs dugout for out 25. When the Rockies flash leather, they win baseball games. They win them inspite of whatever offensive struggles they're going through.

It's a defense first team.

Stewart's swing also looked good. Two knocks the opposite way plus a walk. Todd Helton chipped in with three hits.

Eat that, Mark Kiszla.

Ubaldo takes the ball tomorrow. Let's hope for a Stress Free Wednesday against former Rockie Rodrigo Lopez and the rest of the D-Backs.

Rockies Sign Kaz Matsui...

... to a minor league contract.

Which thankfully means he's not on the 40 man roster.

That's the only part of the deal that excites me.

If he becomes a member of the 40 man roster, or plays in a meaningful game for the Rockies this season, well... we're screwed.

I understand he had a good season in 2007 (which is still three years ago and getting further away).  I know he's a likable guy and all.  But he's so far done it's not even funny.  It's actually sad how done he is.

The Houston Astros (baseball's most desperate team for anything resembling baseball players) just released him.  The Astros didn't have a hot shot young prospect they were clearing playing time for... or a red hot veteran that commanded the job. All they have at second base are journeymen Geoff Blum and Jeff Keppinger.

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Rock Solid Recap: 22-22 Never Felt So... Good?

Baseball is a beautiful game when played smoothly and correctly.

Sunday's game was anything but beautiful.

We'll take it old way we can gets it.

Rockies 11, Royals 7

I hate to quote myself, but sometimes it's just necessary.

Sometimes matchups like these are just what the doctor ordered to bust a slump. Maybe the Rockies peck away at Greinke a few innings before finally breaking through with a 3-4 spot.

Or how about 3 spot AND a 5 spot? That'll work?

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Rob Neyer Offers Rational Thoughts On 2B Situation

If you're ever on the lookout for rational and unbiased baseball opinions, one of the first and best places to look is Rob Neyer's Sweet Spot blog on ESPN.com.

In his blog yesterday, Rob touched on the struggles of Clint Barmes and the Rockies rumored pursuit of an upgrade at the 2B position.

Here's a snippet of what he had to say.

At some point, you have to make a move.

But the Rockies aren't at that point yet.

Especially considering their (supposed) options.

Regarding Matsui, I'm having trouble imagining the "high reward." He's 34, and he's got a .267/.321/.380 career line. Yes, he was valuable to the Rockies three years ago, but 1) it was only 104 games, 2) he wasn't that good, and 3) that was three years ago. Matsui was lousy last year, and lousier this year. Much lousier than Barmes, even. 

Bingo... and amen even.  I completely agree with and approve of everything Rob had to say there and had to say in the rest of his article, which I encourage you to read at the link below.  I also found it to be somewhat uplifting and reassuring.

Rockies on lookout for second baseman

Rock Solid Recrap: Pummel Barmes Night

Astros 7, Rockies 3

Sorry, I can't beat up Clint Barmes as easily as other folks. (link)

Yes, I'm just as frustrated as anyone by his inconsistent defense and overall bleh offense.

Yes, he's the obvious target tonight. He made an error that was awful and set off the Astros four run 8th inning.

But come on, what other options do the Rockies have at second base? Barmes should continue to play until Young is healthy. At that point, yes, I'm all for a reevaluation of the situation if needed. But I'm not ready to move someone out of a position when he's the obivous best choice.

And I will point out I was very much in favor of signing Orlando Hudson or Felipe Lopez in the offseason.  I'm not an all out Barmes guy, I just think he's the guy you have to stick with given the circumstances.

Also, one one-base error with two outs and nobody on base can't lead to four runs. I'm sorry, it just can't.

I like Rogers. I know he's just 22. I know he has great stuff. The inning should have been over, I get that. But sometimes in baseball the pitcher has to pick up the defense.  This is definitely one of those situations.

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Rock Solid Recap: Another Day At The Office

Rockies 6, Nationals 2


Winning Player: Ubaldo Jimenez

The machine just keeps pumping out quality starts and victories for the good guys.

The Nationals did have a handful of good swings on Ubaldo. Ryan Zimmerman was 3-for-3 with an RBI double. Adam Dunn become the first player to homer off Jimenez in 2010 -- and the 29th man to reach the upper deck at Coors Field (highlight). But Ubaldo did what an ace should do -- he shutdown all the guys surrounding their big boppers.

His league best ERA now stands at 1.12.

Losing pitcher LIvan Hernandez saw his league second best ERA fall to 1.46. He's 4-2 and in line for Comeback Player of the Year honors if this continues.

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