Thursday, September 20, 2012

Rock Solid Recrap: Rockies Swept In De La Rosa's Return

Giants 9, Rockies 2 (boxscore)

What Went Wrong: We always go into these west coast series (especially in San Francisco) half-jokingly and half-seriously expecting the Rockies to get swept, but this wasn't even close or competitive on any level. What a lousy, embarrassing series that saw the Rockies outscored 24-7 over the four games.

But perhaps the worst thing we saw or heard today were these pregame comments from manager Jim Tracy.
I understand the comments likely didn't come in the context of 'can you explain why your team is limping to the finish line again', but come on, I'm tired of the excuse-making and bus-tossing from Mr. Clownshoes. It's old, it's tiresome, and it just shows again that he's not willing to accept responsibility for his own short-comings, of which they are many.

Were the 2010 and 2011 teams loaded with rookies too? Why did those teams completely mail it in in September? The way this team finishes (or doesn't finish) really has little to do with experience, but at some point has to begin reflecting on a manager that can never keep his team focused for 162 games, and also consistently puts his team in a position to fail. That includes over-managing and running his relievers into the ground setting them up for a brutal finish.

I'm so, so, so over this guy as the Rockies manager. Play the hand your dealt and make the team better. But this guy just isn't capable of doing either.

Turning Point: The Giants scored six runs with two outs in the 4th. The first of those runs scored on a wild pitch, which is maddening enough. Then came the walk to Angel Pagan. Then came the RBI single from Marco Scutaro. Then came the Pablo Sandoval three-run homer (off Edgmer Escalona) followed by Buster Posey's home run (off Edgmer Escalona).

What a fitting disaster inning for such a disaster series (season).

Jorge De La Rosa's Line: 3 2/3 IP, 6 R (5 ER), 7 H, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 70 pitches (44 strikes)

It's just nice to write Jorge De La Rosa's name again in a recap. Yes, he was certainly rusty, but that's to be expected, but he was out there and he survived it. I'm pleased with that and hopeful we see more encouraging results his next time out.

Highlight of the Night: De La Rosa did have one highlight though... his RBI single in the 4th.


What's Next: The Rockies final homestand begins Friday at 6:40 as they welcome in the Arizona Diamondbacks. It'll be Drew Pomeranz (1-9, 5.06), who many of us hoped would be in contention for National League Rookie of the year, against Wade Miley (15-10, 3.10), who stands a very good chance of being the Rookie of the Year. I'm calling a seven-game losing streak.

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

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