On November 17, 1992, the Rockies made their first selection in the Expansion Draft. They chose David Nied a young starting Pitcher from the Atlanta Braves. Thus Nied became the first face of the franchise. He played for the Rockies from 1993-1996.
David Nied was the first Rockies player to wear #17.
We all know who was the 2nd Rockies Player to wear #17. From August 2, 1997 to September 29, 2013 Todd Helton wore that number for the Rockies, and after 21 Rockies seasons it will never be worn again.
Last night in Todd Helton's final game at Coors Field the Rockies celebrated from Field Preparation to post-game. The field was adorned with a huge number 17 mowed into the center field grass. Two purple 17's were painted in the foul lines on the First Base and Third Base Lines.
In the pre-game ceremony, the Rockies showed a highlight reel of hits and web gems. His oldest daughter Tierney Faith threw out the first ball to her Dad the catcher. The Rockies presented Todd with a horse for his ranch. When the Rockies took the field in the first inning, Helton led the pack onto the field as he always does, but the pack held back and let him own it for a few minutes before they took their positions.
The crowd also gave him standing ovation after standing ovation, and Todd reacted every time by tipping his cap and smiling.
As Helton took his position at first base for the last time in the top of the 9th inning, his two daughters ran onto the field hugged him and swiped first base (which had been adorned with #17 of course) literally and carried it off behind home plate.
Todd did his part in the game by Homering in his 1st at bat, Doubling (of course!) in his 3rd, and hitting a Sac Fly in his 2nd. Unfortunately his last AB was a strikeout against former teammate Franklin Morales, but that and the 15-5 drubbing at the hands of the Red Sox did little to stop the crowd's excitement.
Following the game, the Rockies have a tradition of circling the field after their last regular season home game, and it was led by Mr. Helton.
This was the first time in their history that they gave a farewell to one of their players. They must have needed permission for some of the events, but they did it right. It was all about Todd and rightfully so.
A fitting farewell to the first Rockies Player to play his entire career in Colorado.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Rockies get "Merciful" 2014 Schedule
With the Rockies currently on their 5th consecutive 3 city road trip, MLB released their 2014 Schedule today, and suffice it to say that the Rockies (barring rainouts) will not have a 1-9 Road Trip in 2014. That's because there are just 2 three-city road trips, and although they are back to back they total 16 games 7 and 9.
Ther first one comes in early May with the Home and Home AL series against Texas. After playing the backend two games in Ft. Worth they go to Cincinnati for 3 and then sandwich Kansas City in between two off days. After a 9 game home stand they go to the east coast to play Atlanta, Philadelphia and Cleveland in 3 game series.
That tells you two things: The Rockies play the AL Central next year, and they never play more than 2 division rivals on any road trip.
In fact the Rockies make 6 2 city road trips to the West Coast: SF/SD, LA/AZ in April, SF/LA in June, AZ/SD, SF/AZ in August, and a season ending SD/LA trip in September.
The only real quirk in the schedule is that there are 32 West division games in their last 46 games, which could make or break their season. But 19 of those Rivalry games are on the road.
Besides KC and Texas home and home, the Rockies will play the White Sox and Minnesota from the AL Central at Home, while going on the road for Cleveland and Detroit.
The Rockies have two 10 game home stands and one 9. They also play 16 of 19 games at home in one stretch in July playing only 3 games in Pittsburgh following the All-Star break. That will also end a stretch where they play 32 of 48 at home, starting June 3rd. Although they play 16 of 22 on the Road just before that there isn't a similar prolonged stretch where they are on the road.
Ther first one comes in early May with the Home and Home AL series against Texas. After playing the backend two games in Ft. Worth they go to Cincinnati for 3 and then sandwich Kansas City in between two off days. After a 9 game home stand they go to the east coast to play Atlanta, Philadelphia and Cleveland in 3 game series.
That tells you two things: The Rockies play the AL Central next year, and they never play more than 2 division rivals on any road trip.
In fact the Rockies make 6 2 city road trips to the West Coast: SF/SD, LA/AZ in April, SF/LA in June, AZ/SD, SF/AZ in August, and a season ending SD/LA trip in September.
The only real quirk in the schedule is that there are 32 West division games in their last 46 games, which could make or break their season. But 19 of those Rivalry games are on the road.
Besides KC and Texas home and home, the Rockies will play the White Sox and Minnesota from the AL Central at Home, while going on the road for Cleveland and Detroit.
The Rockies have two 10 game home stands and one 9. They also play 16 of 19 games at home in one stretch in July playing only 3 games in Pittsburgh following the All-Star break. That will also end a stretch where they play 32 of 48 at home, starting June 3rd. Although they play 16 of 22 on the Road just before that there isn't a similar prolonged stretch where they are on the road.
Monday, August 26, 2013
The Grueling Road Trips
When the schedule came out last year, I noted that the Rockies would have 5 consecutive 3 city road trips starting in Mid-June going through Mid-September. The Rockies just completed the 4th of the 5 road trips. In total they are 24-38 in this stretch with 18 games to go. Their road trips have been 2-7, 4-6 , 1-9, and 4-6. Total Road 11-28. Their home record is 13-10 during this stretch and was 8-9 prior to their 5-1 record on the last home stand.
In 2012, the Rockies had 2 three city road trips, one 8 games, one 9. In 2011 they had 3 three city road trips all of them of them were to division opponents on the west coast and they were separated by at least one road trip of 2 cities. This year was overkill with 5 such road trips let alone having 5 trips in a row like that. I am not sure how much pushback the Rockies can give on the schedule, but it seems like they get awful schedules with a lot of deviations that many of the East coast teams do not get.
To be fair the most ridiculous scheduling I've heard of this year is the one where NL Central Foes Pittsburgh and St. Louis were scheduled to meet 6 times in April, and 13 times in 6 weeks between late July and Early September. With an early postponement in Pittsburgh they will play 14 times in that 6 week period.
With 30 games left in the season, 18 at home, it is fair to look at what would constitute a positive season for the Rockies. They will surpass last year's win total in the next week or two, and the 73 wins of 2011 is likely to be passed at some point. So at what point does Walt Weiss deserve a second year as manager and we can look forward to 2014? Clearly 81 wins would do it for sure, but I feel that honestly anything at 76 and above would be the right direction. Depending on when Cargo comes back and can contribute, this team is a middle reliever or two from seriously contending next year. The starting pitching has made great strides Chacin, De La Rosa, Chatwood and Nicasio having more good games than clunkers. In fact when those four have taken the mound this year the Rockies have a 52-39 record. When anyone else is on the mound to start, the Rockies are 9-32. With Oswalt, Pomerantz, Bettis, or Manship on the mound the Rockies are a combined 1-16. Bettis has run into bad luck a couple of times but has pitched well right off the bat. Defense is good, and even if the Rockies were to trade Fowler for pitching or move Cuddyer to first, the Rockies have some depth in the outfield with Blackmon, Dickerson, Culbertson, and Wheeler.
If defense were considered for MVP and/or Rookie of the Year, then Nolan Arenado would be a near shoo-in for the 2013 ROY Award. Each night he seems to make at least one or two sensational plays, but in yesterday's game against the Marlins, he made a play that I still can't believe he pulled off. Going to his right past the foul line with the bases loaded and nobody out, he threw a strike to Catcher Jordan Pacheco who then turned and threw a strike to 1B Ryan Wheeler. This was after he made two more routine 5-3 plays in the first inning. This guy gets more amazing for me everyday. He's also hitting .310 since the All-Star break raising his overall average to a respectable .264.
In 2012, the Rockies had 2 three city road trips, one 8 games, one 9. In 2011 they had 3 three city road trips all of them of them were to division opponents on the west coast and they were separated by at least one road trip of 2 cities. This year was overkill with 5 such road trips let alone having 5 trips in a row like that. I am not sure how much pushback the Rockies can give on the schedule, but it seems like they get awful schedules with a lot of deviations that many of the East coast teams do not get.
To be fair the most ridiculous scheduling I've heard of this year is the one where NL Central Foes Pittsburgh and St. Louis were scheduled to meet 6 times in April, and 13 times in 6 weeks between late July and Early September. With an early postponement in Pittsburgh they will play 14 times in that 6 week period.
With 30 games left in the season, 18 at home, it is fair to look at what would constitute a positive season for the Rockies. They will surpass last year's win total in the next week or two, and the 73 wins of 2011 is likely to be passed at some point. So at what point does Walt Weiss deserve a second year as manager and we can look forward to 2014? Clearly 81 wins would do it for sure, but I feel that honestly anything at 76 and above would be the right direction. Depending on when Cargo comes back and can contribute, this team is a middle reliever or two from seriously contending next year. The starting pitching has made great strides Chacin, De La Rosa, Chatwood and Nicasio having more good games than clunkers. In fact when those four have taken the mound this year the Rockies have a 52-39 record. When anyone else is on the mound to start, the Rockies are 9-32. With Oswalt, Pomerantz, Bettis, or Manship on the mound the Rockies are a combined 1-16. Bettis has run into bad luck a couple of times but has pitched well right off the bat. Defense is good, and even if the Rockies were to trade Fowler for pitching or move Cuddyer to first, the Rockies have some depth in the outfield with Blackmon, Dickerson, Culbertson, and Wheeler.
If defense were considered for MVP and/or Rookie of the Year, then Nolan Arenado would be a near shoo-in for the 2013 ROY Award. Each night he seems to make at least one or two sensational plays, but in yesterday's game against the Marlins, he made a play that I still can't believe he pulled off. Going to his right past the foul line with the bases loaded and nobody out, he threw a strike to Catcher Jordan Pacheco who then turned and threw a strike to 1B Ryan Wheeler. This was after he made two more routine 5-3 plays in the first inning. This guy gets more amazing for me everyday. He's also hitting .310 since the All-Star break raising his overall average to a respectable .264.
Monday, July 22, 2013
The Weekday/Weekend Divide
Forget the splits between road and home. Look at the Weekday/Weekend splits for the Rockies.
For games on Friday-Sunday, the Rockies have compiled a 29-19 Record, on Monday-Thursday the Rockies are 19-32. Take away Tuesdays (9-8) record and the Rockies are 10-24 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Last year the Rockies were a combined 10-41 on Saturdays and Sundays, and 54-57 on the other five days.
The Rockies have a chance to improve that weekday record vs. the 29th worst team in Baseball, the Miami Marlins. Of course nothing is a given as the Rockies lost 3 of 4 games to the 30th worst team in baseball--the Astros in May. Since June 5th however, the Marlins have a 19-17 record, while the Rockies are 16-23.
For games on Friday-Sunday, the Rockies have compiled a 29-19 Record, on Monday-Thursday the Rockies are 19-32. Take away Tuesdays (9-8) record and the Rockies are 10-24 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Last year the Rockies were a combined 10-41 on Saturdays and Sundays, and 54-57 on the other five days.
The Rockies have a chance to improve that weekday record vs. the 29th worst team in Baseball, the Miami Marlins. Of course nothing is a given as the Rockies lost 3 of 4 games to the 30th worst team in baseball--the Astros in May. Since June 5th however, the Marlins have a 19-17 record, while the Rockies are 16-23.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
At The Break
The Rockies stumbled into the All-Star Break 46-50 squandering another good week of pitching (giving up 16 runs in 7 games). They now find themselves 4.5 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks and 2 games behind the Dodgers, who look on the verge of running away with this thing if they continue the 17-5 pace they are on since June 21. As an aside 3 of those 5 losses are to the Rockies.
They won't continue the pace, but will they slump? Proabably at some point. The NL West goes into a stretch of 6 weeks where they will predominately play the NL East, NL Central and AL East. The Diamondbacks go to San Francisco this weekend and will Host the Padres next weekend, which will leave all the West teams with home and home series against everyone else in August and September.
I always start the year believing that 90 wins will win the division. For the Rockies to achieve that they would need to almost double their win total of 46. Thus they would need to go 44-22 the rest of the way. In 2007 and 2009 the Rockies finished their regular season 40-26 in the last 66 games. Doing that again would put the Rockies at 86-76, possibly enough to win the division.
Following my leading indicator of Road Wins - Home Losses, the Rockies currently are -1. That number will probably go down in the next 10 days with the home stand coming up. Arizona currently leads the West with a +3 the only teams that is positive. LA is -3, SF is -2 and SD is -8. Also remember that nobody in the west has a winning record on the road.
In the final 2.5 months the Rockies will need to put together a winning run of some sort. Maybe the 13-4 that they started the season with, but it will require them to have at least one winning road trip of 3 losses or less, combined with a dominant performance at home. Let's say they can go 22-12 at home the rest of the way....not unreasonable. They would then need to play above .500 on the Road maybe 18-14.
It seems the pitching staff as a whole have learned how to pitch, especially Chacin, DeLaRosa and Chatwood. If they can have predominately good starts, and the hitting can stay healthy and start producing runs, this team could contend down to the wire.
They won't continue the pace, but will they slump? Proabably at some point. The NL West goes into a stretch of 6 weeks where they will predominately play the NL East, NL Central and AL East. The Diamondbacks go to San Francisco this weekend and will Host the Padres next weekend, which will leave all the West teams with home and home series against everyone else in August and September.
I always start the year believing that 90 wins will win the division. For the Rockies to achieve that they would need to almost double their win total of 46. Thus they would need to go 44-22 the rest of the way. In 2007 and 2009 the Rockies finished their regular season 40-26 in the last 66 games. Doing that again would put the Rockies at 86-76, possibly enough to win the division.
Following my leading indicator of Road Wins - Home Losses, the Rockies currently are -1. That number will probably go down in the next 10 days with the home stand coming up. Arizona currently leads the West with a +3 the only teams that is positive. LA is -3, SF is -2 and SD is -8. Also remember that nobody in the west has a winning record on the road.
In the final 2.5 months the Rockies will need to put together a winning run of some sort. Maybe the 13-4 that they started the season with, but it will require them to have at least one winning road trip of 3 losses or less, combined with a dominant performance at home. Let's say they can go 22-12 at home the rest of the way....not unreasonable. They would then need to play above .500 on the Road maybe 18-14.
It seems the pitching staff as a whole have learned how to pitch, especially Chacin, DeLaRosa and Chatwood. If they can have predominately good starts, and the hitting can stay healthy and start producing runs, this team could contend down to the wire.
Monday, July 8, 2013
How the Rockies Can Help Their Pitching: Start Hitting!
In the pre-season and first couple months of the season the Rockies and the local press has raved about the Rockies and their hitting. However, much of it is a mirage.
The Rockies have just ended a 3 week stretch in which they have scored a total of 57 runs in 19 games or just under 3 per game. Only the Giants have been worse in the entire MLB. Up until June 16th, the Rockies had scored a league leading (and 2nd in the MLB overall) 352 runs.
Today, the Rockies find themselves with 409 runs scored and 409 runs scored against. And the conventional wisdom is that the Pitching is letting them down, as there is lot of talk about the Rockies acquiring another starter, reliever, live arm etc. But look at the distribution of the games, and you'll find that the pitching has really been doing the job this season. Let's face it, no Rockies team is going to throw a ton of shutouts in a season or even 1 or 2 run games. It requires a balance of keeping the Rockies in the game and the offense scoring 5, 6, or 7 runs in a game.
Never was this more evident than in the past 3 weeks. Yes the Rockies pitching gave up 100 runs during the 19 games, but some of that is caused by the pressure of not having runs scored behind them. Of the 57 runs scored by the Rockies, they scored 31 of them in 4 games. in the other 15 they only scored 26 runs, well under 2 runs per game. In fact in 11 of those games they scored 2 runs or less. Scoring 3 twice and 4 twice. Granted the pitching gave up 6 or more runs 7 times in that stretch, but losing 11-1 or 11-4 is not much different than losing 1-0 or 5-4. The Rockies did win 1 game 2-1, and lost another 8-10. They also won all 3 games that the Pitchers gave up 1 run, lost all 3 games in which the pitchers gave up 2 or 3 runs, and lost 5 of 6 games where the pitching only gave up 5 runs.
Eventually the hitting will come out and play again--hopefully before the Rockies are buried. But the current Rockies problems with the pitching doesn't lie as much with the pitching as it does with the hitting to help ease the pressure of needing to throw shut-outs or low run games. It's just not going to happen that way.
The Rockies have just ended a 3 week stretch in which they have scored a total of 57 runs in 19 games or just under 3 per game. Only the Giants have been worse in the entire MLB. Up until June 16th, the Rockies had scored a league leading (and 2nd in the MLB overall) 352 runs.
Today, the Rockies find themselves with 409 runs scored and 409 runs scored against. And the conventional wisdom is that the Pitching is letting them down, as there is lot of talk about the Rockies acquiring another starter, reliever, live arm etc. But look at the distribution of the games, and you'll find that the pitching has really been doing the job this season. Let's face it, no Rockies team is going to throw a ton of shutouts in a season or even 1 or 2 run games. It requires a balance of keeping the Rockies in the game and the offense scoring 5, 6, or 7 runs in a game.
Never was this more evident than in the past 3 weeks. Yes the Rockies pitching gave up 100 runs during the 19 games, but some of that is caused by the pressure of not having runs scored behind them. Of the 57 runs scored by the Rockies, they scored 31 of them in 4 games. in the other 15 they only scored 26 runs, well under 2 runs per game. In fact in 11 of those games they scored 2 runs or less. Scoring 3 twice and 4 twice. Granted the pitching gave up 6 or more runs 7 times in that stretch, but losing 11-1 or 11-4 is not much different than losing 1-0 or 5-4. The Rockies did win 1 game 2-1, and lost another 8-10. They also won all 3 games that the Pitchers gave up 1 run, lost all 3 games in which the pitchers gave up 2 or 3 runs, and lost 5 of 6 games where the pitching only gave up 5 runs.
Eventually the hitting will come out and play again--hopefully before the Rockies are buried. But the current Rockies problems with the pitching doesn't lie as much with the pitching as it does with the hitting to help ease the pressure of needing to throw shut-outs or low run games. It's just not going to happen that way.
Friday, June 28, 2013
The Wild Wild West
Between now and the All-Star Break the Rockies play all of their games against the NL West. All 4 Teams and 16 games total. Perfect time to get on a winning streak. Since Troy Tulowitzki went out on June 14, the Rockies are 2-9 during that stretch, and now have had 6 losing streaks of 3 or more games since late May.
For the first time this season, the Rockies are 2 games under .500 at 39-41. Tonight marks the halfway point of the season with the Rockies playing nearly the entire half above .500 but will end the first half with a losing record.
For the first time this season, the Rockies are 2 games under .500 at 39-41. Tonight marks the halfway point of the season with the Rockies playing nearly the entire half above .500 but will end the first half with a losing record.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Somehow Staying in it
The Rockies are 11-11 in June continuing a wild ride that they have been on for the first half of the season. San Diego has been 14-9, but Arizona is 11-10 and San Francisco 9-13. This has kept the Rockies in 2nd place and only lost 1/2 game on Arizona overall.
Since May 7th, the Rockies have had 5 separate losing streaks of 3 or more games (including a 4-game and a 5-game streak), while only having 2 winning streaks of 3 games (the last ending on May 24th). During that time their record is 20-25.
Once again, nobody else in the west has taken advantage of this sluggishness, which is why it could be a positive that they are only 3.5 games out at this point.
Odd fact of the week: The Rockies and Blue Jays have met in 15 times in 5 series playing 9 games in Toronto and 6 at Coors Field. The home team has won in each of the 15 games.
Since May 7th, the Rockies have had 5 separate losing streaks of 3 or more games (including a 4-game and a 5-game streak), while only having 2 winning streaks of 3 games (the last ending on May 24th). During that time their record is 20-25.
Once again, nobody else in the west has taken advantage of this sluggishness, which is why it could be a positive that they are only 3.5 games out at this point.
Odd fact of the week: The Rockies and Blue Jays have met in 15 times in 5 series playing 9 games in Toronto and 6 at Coors Field. The home team has won in each of the 15 games.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
NL West: Strong or Weak
Don't look now, but the San Diego Padres are in contention in the NL West. After sweeping the D-Backs this weekend, the Padres closed to within 2 games of the division leading Snakes. The Rockies meanwhile in a 3-3 week, managed to close to within 1/2 a game of Arizona.
So at this point in the season, it's a fair question to ask: Is the NL West a strong division or weak? It's easy to say that the NL Central is the strongest division in Baseball with 3 teams 10 games or more over .500. Or maybe it's the AL East with 4 teams above .500 and the Toronto Blue Jays only 4 games under .500. Perhaps the NL West is a little bit weaker than the NL Central, and certainly have not held up well against the AL East. (collectively the NL West is 9-15 vs. the AL East so far). But the NL West does have a collective 37-27 vs. the NL East and a 35-34 record against the NL Central.
Over 90 games left to go but it could be the NL West could be the most competitve and strongest division in the National League. The Padres emergence as a competitive team, means there are 4 possible teams that could take off shortly. Since May 1, the Padres are 25-18, Arizona is 22-20, Giants 20-21, and the Rockies 20-22.
Since the Rockies are headed on the road for 9 Games and 19 of their next 26, so I wouldn't expect the Rockies to make a move on the leaders in the next month especially with Tulowitzki out. Their best hope would be to stay with the leaders and not fall too far behind before the All-Star break. But then again stranger things have happened.
So at this point in the season, it's a fair question to ask: Is the NL West a strong division or weak? It's easy to say that the NL Central is the strongest division in Baseball with 3 teams 10 games or more over .500. Or maybe it's the AL East with 4 teams above .500 and the Toronto Blue Jays only 4 games under .500. Perhaps the NL West is a little bit weaker than the NL Central, and certainly have not held up well against the AL East. (collectively the NL West is 9-15 vs. the AL East so far). But the NL West does have a collective 37-27 vs. the NL East and a 35-34 record against the NL Central.
Over 90 games left to go but it could be the NL West could be the most competitve and strongest division in the National League. The Padres emergence as a competitive team, means there are 4 possible teams that could take off shortly. Since May 1, the Padres are 25-18, Arizona is 22-20, Giants 20-21, and the Rockies 20-22.
Since the Rockies are headed on the road for 9 Games and 19 of their next 26, so I wouldn't expect the Rockies to make a move on the leaders in the next month especially with Tulowitzki out. Their best hope would be to stay with the leaders and not fall too far behind before the All-Star break. But then again stranger things have happened.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Hanging In There
I have to admit, I turned the Rockies game off in the 7th inning yesterday after the Padres took a 7-4 lead. After watching them squander opportunity after opportunity offensively to score runs for the past few weeks, I figured a 3 run deficit was going to be hard to overcome.
But somehow they did it in the bottom of the 9th and the 10th managing a split over the Padres for the weekend giving them a 4-3 record for the week and actually gaining a game on the D-Backs.
The Rockies sorely missed Michael Cuddyer who was out for the final 3 games, but is hopeful of returning Tuesday against the Nationals. With Cargo, Tulo, and even Wilin Rosario starting to hit again, this lineup could be formidable in the warm weather joining Cuddyer, who has hit pretty well all year.
I grew up watching Mike Schmidt play. I consider Schmidt the greatest defensive third baseman I have ever seen (slightly ahead of Brooks Robinson). I have spent the past 16 years watching the Rockies third basemen play including Vinnie Castillo, Garrett Atkins, and Ian Stewart. But Nolan Arenado has the chance to surpass all of them and maybe--just maybe surpass Schmidt. Arenado has crazy quick reflexes, a great arm, and a head for the game which was on display when he tried to create a double play on a ball down the line. He definitely saved the Friday night game with his diving stop to his left, before he won it with his bat.
Speaking of fielding the Rockies have made quite a few errors lately, but they have also come up with some spectacular catches. Cargo made 3 catches yesterday including one that would have been a home run. The Padres were no slouches as well with some amazing grabs that kept the games from getting away from them. All in all, a pretty exciting series.
But somehow they did it in the bottom of the 9th and the 10th managing a split over the Padres for the weekend giving them a 4-3 record for the week and actually gaining a game on the D-Backs.
The Rockies sorely missed Michael Cuddyer who was out for the final 3 games, but is hopeful of returning Tuesday against the Nationals. With Cargo, Tulo, and even Wilin Rosario starting to hit again, this lineup could be formidable in the warm weather joining Cuddyer, who has hit pretty well all year.
I grew up watching Mike Schmidt play. I consider Schmidt the greatest defensive third baseman I have ever seen (slightly ahead of Brooks Robinson). I have spent the past 16 years watching the Rockies third basemen play including Vinnie Castillo, Garrett Atkins, and Ian Stewart. But Nolan Arenado has the chance to surpass all of them and maybe--just maybe surpass Schmidt. Arenado has crazy quick reflexes, a great arm, and a head for the game which was on display when he tried to create a double play on a ball down the line. He definitely saved the Friday night game with his diving stop to his left, before he won it with his bat.
Speaking of fielding the Rockies have made quite a few errors lately, but they have also come up with some spectacular catches. Cargo made 3 catches yesterday including one that would have been a home run. The Padres were no slouches as well with some amazing grabs that kept the games from getting away from them. All in all, a pretty exciting series.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Home for 11 Days
The Rockies completed their last short road trip before the last weekend of the season by taking two of three games against Cincinnati, who has the best Home record in the Major Leagues. Correction HAD the best home record which now belongs to the Atlanta Braves.
With the Cincinnati Trip, the Rockies completed all but 3 of their road games against the NL Central. The remaining series is in Pittsburgh Aug 2-4. They have yet to play an NL Central team at home. Their first game at Home is against the Cubs on July 19 following the All-Star Break. The Rockies are 6-6 vs. the NL Central for the season.
On the flip side the Home stand that the Rockies are about to embark on will see two NL East teams come in, leaving them with only games against Miami July 22-25, and the makeup game with the Mets on June 27 as NL East home games. The Rockies first visit to the NL East is on the next Road Trip June 20th at Washington, the remainder are in Late July and August.
Quirky schedule to be sure, but not the quirkiest thing I've found in any schedule. In an unbelievable scheduling quirk, AL Central Teams Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox have their first meeting of the year on July 9, which is the 89th game for Detroit, and 88th for the Sox. How does it happen that a two division opponents never meet in the first half of the season? Keep in mind that the 4 division opponents of each team account for 76 of the 162 games. In fact the AL Central schedule overall is overloaded in the second half of the season for Intra-Division games. For example 57 of the White Sox final 75 games are vs. Detroit, Kansas City, Cleveland and Minnesota. Another oddity: Detroit has played Minnesota 10 times but the rest of the division 4 times (although there were two rainouts which would have made it 10-6).
The most games that anyone in the AL Central has played in its own division is Minnesota with 22. The other 4 teams have played either 16 or 17. In the rest of the Major Leagues, The Cubs have the fewest games in their own division with 22. For the NL West, no team has less than 28. The Rockies and Toronto have the most with 32 although the Rockies will be alone at 33 after tonight's game.
For the Rockies overall they play 37 NL West games in the first 81 games and 39 in the 2nd half.
With the Cincinnati Trip, the Rockies completed all but 3 of their road games against the NL Central. The remaining series is in Pittsburgh Aug 2-4. They have yet to play an NL Central team at home. Their first game at Home is against the Cubs on July 19 following the All-Star Break. The Rockies are 6-6 vs. the NL Central for the season.
On the flip side the Home stand that the Rockies are about to embark on will see two NL East teams come in, leaving them with only games against Miami July 22-25, and the makeup game with the Mets on June 27 as NL East home games. The Rockies first visit to the NL East is on the next Road Trip June 20th at Washington, the remainder are in Late July and August.
Quirky schedule to be sure, but not the quirkiest thing I've found in any schedule. In an unbelievable scheduling quirk, AL Central Teams Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox have their first meeting of the year on July 9, which is the 89th game for Detroit, and 88th for the Sox. How does it happen that a two division opponents never meet in the first half of the season? Keep in mind that the 4 division opponents of each team account for 76 of the 162 games. In fact the AL Central schedule overall is overloaded in the second half of the season for Intra-Division games. For example 57 of the White Sox final 75 games are vs. Detroit, Kansas City, Cleveland and Minnesota. Another oddity: Detroit has played Minnesota 10 times but the rest of the division 4 times (although there were two rainouts which would have made it 10-6).
The most games that anyone in the AL Central has played in its own division is Minnesota with 22. The other 4 teams have played either 16 or 17. In the rest of the Major Leagues, The Cubs have the fewest games in their own division with 22. For the NL West, no team has less than 28. The Rockies and Toronto have the most with 32 although the Rockies will be alone at 33 after tonight's game.
For the Rockies overall they play 37 NL West games in the first 81 games and 39 in the 2nd half.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Missed Opportunities
Over the past week the Rockies had a decent chance to win 7 out of 7 games, but in the end only won 2. The biggest reason being the batters failed to capitalize on Run scoring situations. But here's an overlooked secret: The Rockies haven't been scoring well all year.
Through 54 games, the Rockies have scored 4 runs or less in 28 of the games. Their record is 6-22 in those games. In the other 26 games where they have scored 5 runs or more, they are 22-4.
The critics are out again with this slump. One clueless guy applauded the lack of turnout to last night's game as evidence the Denver fans won't turn out anymore for bad play. Really? Last night's attendance was 600 less than the night before and about 2,000 less than Houston drew for TWO games on Monday and Tuesday. It's also 3,000 MORE than their worst season of average from 2005 23,634. It's 6,000 less than the Rockies Season Average. There have been 8 games with a lower attendance including the game against Arizona Monday a week ago.
The headline writer labeled the Rockies "Embarrassed". Sure it wasn't great to lose 3 of 4 to the AL's worst team, but let's be realistic. The Rockies recently beat the World Champion San Francisco Giants in 3 of 4, and that didn't get labeled with superlatives.
The Rockies are still in the Division Hunt, and are still playing better than .500 ball. They had a good April and a not-so-good May. It may turn out that this team isn't a contender, but it is definitely an improvement over last year especially in the Pitching. I think the fans are supporting the product and we haven't even started the summer or had really good weather yet.
I don't believe we have seen the best in this team yet, and we may not have seen it's worst. Will the first 3rd of the season be a learning experience, the best or the worst in this team? Let's not jump off the bandwagagon too quickly while we are still in the running.
Through 54 games, the Rockies have scored 4 runs or less in 28 of the games. Their record is 6-22 in those games. In the other 26 games where they have scored 5 runs or more, they are 22-4.
The critics are out again with this slump. One clueless guy applauded the lack of turnout to last night's game as evidence the Denver fans won't turn out anymore for bad play. Really? Last night's attendance was 600 less than the night before and about 2,000 less than Houston drew for TWO games on Monday and Tuesday. It's also 3,000 MORE than their worst season of average from 2005 23,634. It's 6,000 less than the Rockies Season Average. There have been 8 games with a lower attendance including the game against Arizona Monday a week ago.
The headline writer labeled the Rockies "Embarrassed". Sure it wasn't great to lose 3 of 4 to the AL's worst team, but let's be realistic. The Rockies recently beat the World Champion San Francisco Giants in 3 of 4, and that didn't get labeled with superlatives.
The Rockies are still in the Division Hunt, and are still playing better than .500 ball. They had a good April and a not-so-good May. It may turn out that this team isn't a contender, but it is definitely an improvement over last year especially in the Pitching. I think the fans are supporting the product and we haven't even started the summer or had really good weather yet.
I don't believe we have seen the best in this team yet, and we may not have seen it's worst. Will the first 3rd of the season be a learning experience, the best or the worst in this team? Let's not jump off the bandwagagon too quickly while we are still in the running.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Marking Time
The Rockies after 47 games worked their way to a 3-way tie in the NL West standings with the Giants, D-Backs and Rockies all having identical 26-21 records.
Four weeks ago on April 25th, the Rockies held a slim 1 game lead over both teams at 14-8 vs. 13-9. Which means over the past 4 weeks all 3 teams have played .500 baseball. (Rockies 12-13; Giants/D-Backs 13-12).
One or more of the teams will break away soon. Which one? And could the Padres get into the mix?
Let's start with the D-Backs: Coming off a 6 game road trip they head home for 4 days/5 games against the Padres and Texas, before heading to Texas, Chicago and St. Louis. All in All they play 15 of their next 23 on the Road.
The Giants meanwhile get to stay home for another week, hosting the Rockies and then playing 4 games against Oakland 2A/2H followed by a 3 game road trip to St. Louis, home for two against Toronto, followed by a 9 game road trip to Arizona, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. Altogether: 7 home 14 away.
Meanwhile the Rockies have a 5 game road trip to SF, and Houston, 5 games at home against Houston, and LA, A road "trip" to Cincy for 3 and then a 10 game home stand. 15 H/8 A
In Summary, the Rockies have the same amount of home games over the next 3.5 weeks that Arizona and San Francisco have combined. The Rockies are the team that has the advantage for a few weeks at least.
Next week introduces Rivalry Week where for the first time all 30 MLB teams will play interleague games at the same time with home and home 2 game sets with their "Natural" Rival. For the Giants they stay home and play Oakland, While the D-Backs take on Texas and the Rockies get the Astros. This is really the only major diversion from a balanced schedule with one team. This year I would rather play the Astros at 20 games under .500 than the A's or the Rangers who are at the top of the AL West.
Four weeks ago on April 25th, the Rockies held a slim 1 game lead over both teams at 14-8 vs. 13-9. Which means over the past 4 weeks all 3 teams have played .500 baseball. (Rockies 12-13; Giants/D-Backs 13-12).
One or more of the teams will break away soon. Which one? And could the Padres get into the mix?
Let's start with the D-Backs: Coming off a 6 game road trip they head home for 4 days/5 games against the Padres and Texas, before heading to Texas, Chicago and St. Louis. All in All they play 15 of their next 23 on the Road.
The Giants meanwhile get to stay home for another week, hosting the Rockies and then playing 4 games against Oakland 2A/2H followed by a 3 game road trip to St. Louis, home for two against Toronto, followed by a 9 game road trip to Arizona, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. Altogether: 7 home 14 away.
Meanwhile the Rockies have a 5 game road trip to SF, and Houston, 5 games at home against Houston, and LA, A road "trip" to Cincy for 3 and then a 10 game home stand. 15 H/8 A
In Summary, the Rockies have the same amount of home games over the next 3.5 weeks that Arizona and San Francisco have combined. The Rockies are the team that has the advantage for a few weeks at least.
Next week introduces Rivalry Week where for the first time all 30 MLB teams will play interleague games at the same time with home and home 2 game sets with their "Natural" Rival. For the Giants they stay home and play Oakland, While the D-Backs take on Texas and the Rockies get the Astros. This is really the only major diversion from a balanced schedule with one team. This year I would rather play the Astros at 20 games under .500 than the A's or the Rangers who are at the top of the AL West.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Perspective
The Rockies took 3 of 4 from the Giants over the weekend, stopping a skid of losing 4 straight series and 5 of the previous 6. This week they take on the Division Leading Diamondbacks before heading to San Francisco to take on the Giants again.
Let's face it--the Giants were horrible this week and the Rockies had a chance to sweep the series (or on the other hand they could have ended up with a split.)
Back to the Giants. It's hard to imagine a worse week for them where they gave up 52 runs in 6 games, and had 13 errors, 7 in back to back games with the Rockies Friday and Saturday. They also scored 28 runs and managed to come back on Thursday from a 6-0 deficit to win.
So even perceived good teams (The Giants did win the World Series last year) have rough stretches. Is the starting pitching fall apart? Is the fielding going to continue to commit 2 errors per game. Probably not.
The Rockies are currently tied with the Giants for 2nd, one game behind the D-Backs who now come into Coors Field winning 9 of their last 13. In the past week they outscored their opponents 19-17 in winning 4 of 6. But they gave up 10 runs in one game on Monday, and scored 9 runs in one game on Friday.
All that is to keep the Rockies season in perspective. It's May 20th. This team is showing great promise and is likely at this point to win more games than last season, and possibly even more than 2011. Their pitching across the board is holding up better, their hitting is solid throughout the lineup. And they have survived a couple of key players on the disabled list.
And for now at least they are in the thick of the race.
Let's face it--the Giants were horrible this week and the Rockies had a chance to sweep the series (or on the other hand they could have ended up with a split.)
Back to the Giants. It's hard to imagine a worse week for them where they gave up 52 runs in 6 games, and had 13 errors, 7 in back to back games with the Rockies Friday and Saturday. They also scored 28 runs and managed to come back on Thursday from a 6-0 deficit to win.
So even perceived good teams (The Giants did win the World Series last year) have rough stretches. Is the starting pitching fall apart? Is the fielding going to continue to commit 2 errors per game. Probably not.
The Rockies are currently tied with the Giants for 2nd, one game behind the D-Backs who now come into Coors Field winning 9 of their last 13. In the past week they outscored their opponents 19-17 in winning 4 of 6. But they gave up 10 runs in one game on Monday, and scored 9 runs in one game on Friday.
All that is to keep the Rockies season in perspective. It's May 20th. This team is showing great promise and is likely at this point to win more games than last season, and possibly even more than 2011. Their pitching across the board is holding up better, their hitting is solid throughout the lineup. And they have survived a couple of key players on the disabled list.
And for now at least they are in the thick of the race.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
At the Quarter-Pole
Last night the Rockies completed the first quarter of the season (40 games) with a 21-19 record. That includes an 10-12 record in the 22 games played on the road and 11-7 in the 18 Home games. The good news is that the second quarter will consist of 22 of the next 30 games played at Coors Field. Followed by a 9 game road trip to the East before making up a game with the Mets to finish out the first half of the season. This includes 17 NL West games-- 14 at home, and 3 in San Francisco.
The good news of the first quarter is the Rockies have been better than expected. Last year they were 8-14 on the Road to start the season, and 15-25 overall. The Rockies actually improved slightly over the rest of the season as the first quarter expanded for the entire season would have been 61-101. Last year strangely, they were pretty consistent in each Quarter.
1) 15-25
2) 16-25 (31-50)
3) 17-23 (48-73)
4) 16-25 (64-98)
Admittedly, that's a bit unusual to be that consistent. Or is it?
The Rockies Recent history shows that there is a lot of consistency in quarters. Here are the wins by quarters from 2003-2012
2012--15, 16, 17, 16 --Total 64
2011--22, 17, 17, 17 --Total 73
2010--19, 24, 19, 21-- Total 83
2009--16, 26, 25, 25-- Total 92
2008--15, 17, 21, 21-- Total 74
2007--17, 22, 23, 27-- Total 89* After 162 Games
2006--22, 20, 17, 17-- Total 76
2005--12, 16, 17, 22-- Total 67
2004--17, 15, 22, 14-- Total 68
2003--19, 22, 18, 14-- Total 74
As you can see, in every single season the Rockies have had at least two quarters with total wins within plus or minus 2 wins. In 5 or half the years, the Rockies have had three or more quarters of a similar win total plus or minus 2. In two years, 2006 and 2008, the Rockies had 2 different pairs of quarters, and of course last year all 4 quarters were consistent. Also on a negative note, each season except for 2010 has contained at least one quarter that has 17 or fewer wins.
What does this tell us about 2013? Nothing yet, except that we can expect at least one more quarter that has 20-24 wins, 2 quarters that are below 20 wins within two wins of each other and/or two quarters that have more than 24 wins.
How does that extrapolate to the rest of the season?
Let's say the Rockies have one quarter of 17 wins as history shows. That would give them a total of 38 wins in half a season. For the other two quarters the Rockies would need a total of 43 wins (21, 22?) to be .500. They would need 52 (26, 26?) to get to 90 wins.
But if the Rockies worst quarter was this one, and they get 23, 23, 23 the rest of the way, they will also have 90 wins.
The bad news for the Rockies is they are 8-15 after starting the season 13-4. But overall the results were good for the first quarter.
The Division leaders are the Giants who had 23 wins in their first quarter. And they come to town tonight.
The good news of the first quarter is the Rockies have been better than expected. Last year they were 8-14 on the Road to start the season, and 15-25 overall. The Rockies actually improved slightly over the rest of the season as the first quarter expanded for the entire season would have been 61-101. Last year strangely, they were pretty consistent in each Quarter.
1) 15-25
2) 16-25 (31-50)
3) 17-23 (48-73)
4) 16-25 (64-98)
Admittedly, that's a bit unusual to be that consistent. Or is it?
The Rockies Recent history shows that there is a lot of consistency in quarters. Here are the wins by quarters from 2003-2012
2012--15, 16, 17, 16 --Total 64
2011--22, 17, 17, 17 --Total 73
2010--19, 24, 19, 21-- Total 83
2009--16, 26, 25, 25-- Total 92
2008--15, 17, 21, 21-- Total 74
2007--17, 22, 23, 27-- Total 89* After 162 Games
2006--22, 20, 17, 17-- Total 76
2005--12, 16, 17, 22-- Total 67
2004--17, 15, 22, 14-- Total 68
2003--19, 22, 18, 14-- Total 74
As you can see, in every single season the Rockies have had at least two quarters with total wins within plus or minus 2 wins. In 5 or half the years, the Rockies have had three or more quarters of a similar win total plus or minus 2. In two years, 2006 and 2008, the Rockies had 2 different pairs of quarters, and of course last year all 4 quarters were consistent. Also on a negative note, each season except for 2010 has contained at least one quarter that has 17 or fewer wins.
What does this tell us about 2013? Nothing yet, except that we can expect at least one more quarter that has 20-24 wins, 2 quarters that are below 20 wins within two wins of each other and/or two quarters that have more than 24 wins.
How does that extrapolate to the rest of the season?
Let's say the Rockies have one quarter of 17 wins as history shows. That would give them a total of 38 wins in half a season. For the other two quarters the Rockies would need a total of 43 wins (21, 22?) to be .500. They would need 52 (26, 26?) to get to 90 wins.
But if the Rockies worst quarter was this one, and they get 23, 23, 23 the rest of the way, they will also have 90 wins.
The bad news for the Rockies is they are 8-15 after starting the season 13-4. But overall the results were good for the first quarter.
The Division leaders are the Giants who had 23 wins in their first quarter. And they come to town tonight.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Ankle Breakers
It's always amusing to me when the writers at the only paper left in Denver try writing about baseball. Even the beat writers tend to get caught up in the ups and downs and go on emotions rather than reality.
From reading the paper this weekend you'd think the Rockies won the World Series last year instead of losing 98 games. It's one thing for the fans to think a 13-4 start is going to continue over the entire season, and that a 6-11 skid (now 7-13) is horrible (Gasp!), or (OMG!) the hitting has failed to hit in 3 straight games! Whoa is me! And today's gem from one of the beat writers
From reading the paper this weekend you'd think the Rockies won the World Series last year instead of losing 98 games. It's one thing for the fans to think a 13-4 start is going to continue over the entire season, and that a 6-11 skid (now 7-13) is horrible (Gasp!), or (OMG!) the hitting has failed to hit in 3 straight games! Whoa is me! And today's gem from one of the beat writers
"'That's baseball.' I've heard the quote used ad nauseam in the Rockies' clubhouse over last few days as their slide begins to get serious."
It's enough to make me regret renewing my subscription this week. It's time for the so-called sportswriters there to get serious and get a grip on reality.
1) The Rockies 13-4 start extrapolated to a 123 win season. No team has ever continued on that pace for a season.
2) The Rockies Current record of 20-17 after today's game translates to an 88 win season. If the Rockies win 88 games for this season, it would be a 24 win turnaround from last season, and would probably exceeds these guys expectations at the beginning of the season. Going into Friday's game, the pace was at 90 wins, which would win the division most years.
3) A perfect example of "That's Baseball" is when a team throws two near perfect games against a team and then gets nearly no-hit the 3rd day.
Don't get too emotionally tied to individual wins and losses. The Rockies have a history of going on extended winning runs as well as extended losing streaks. Oh, wait...That's pretty much every team.
More Reality...The Rockies are beating the bad teams and struggling against the good teams. They are currently 6-13 against teams over .500 and 14-4 against teams with losing records. For comparison the Giants are 11-5 against winning teams and 12-10 against losing teams.
More reality...35 of the Rockies first 37 starts have been by 5 pitchers who started the season. Last year they got only 71 starts the entire season from their starting 5. Halfway there.
Even more reality...Despite the recent hitting slump, the Rockies are still 2nd in the league in Runs per Game, and Home Runs; 1st in Batting Average, 3rd in On Base Percentage; and only 9th in Strikeouts.
Why the rising expectations? This team has a chance to get back to respectability. Take emotion out of it. This team is doing well, and still exceeding most expectations. If in August the Rockies still have a winning record, that's the point we should consider upping the expectations to contending and maybe making the playoffs.
One step at a time. Keep it Real.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Managers Starts
The 2013 Rockies have gotten off to a 13-4 start under Walt Weiss, which is the best start by the Rockies from the beginning of the season, which got me thinking: How good of a start did Jim Tracy have when he took over the team in May, 2009.
Turns out he had an identical 13-4 start. The Rockies were 18-28 on May 28th, when they replaced Clint Hurdle with Jim Tracy. The Rockies then won their next 2 before losing the next 4. But then went on an 11 game winning streak before losing their next game and go on a 6 game winning streak. After 17 games under Tracy they were 13-4, after 24 they were 19-5. In his first 30 games he was 22-8 on his way to a 73-42 finish in his first season.
Clint Hurdle also had a decent start when he took over for Buddy Bell on April 26, 2002. His team won 11 of his first 17 games. He would eventually lead them to a 24-10 record (30-26 overall) before a losing streak would bring them back below .500.
Buddy Bell started 2000 with an 8-9 record, after 17 games and 14-16 in his first 30 games. Jim Leyland in his only season in 1999 was 7-10 in his first 17 games with the Rockies and 13-17 in his first 30. And Don Baylor in the Rockies inaugural season of 1993 had the Rockies at 6-11 after 17 games and 12-28 after 30.
Turns out he had an identical 13-4 start. The Rockies were 18-28 on May 28th, when they replaced Clint Hurdle with Jim Tracy. The Rockies then won their next 2 before losing the next 4. But then went on an 11 game winning streak before losing their next game and go on a 6 game winning streak. After 17 games under Tracy they were 13-4, after 24 they were 19-5. In his first 30 games he was 22-8 on his way to a 73-42 finish in his first season.
Clint Hurdle also had a decent start when he took over for Buddy Bell on April 26, 2002. His team won 11 of his first 17 games. He would eventually lead them to a 24-10 record (30-26 overall) before a losing streak would bring them back below .500.
Buddy Bell started 2000 with an 8-9 record, after 17 games and 14-16 in his first 30 games. Jim Leyland in his only season in 1999 was 7-10 in his first 17 games with the Rockies and 13-17 in his first 30. And Don Baylor in the Rockies inaugural season of 1993 had the Rockies at 6-11 after 17 games and 12-28 after 30.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
2013 vs. 2011
The Rockies have started off with a bang this year winning a Team record 7 straight home games to start a season, and overall record of 12-4. Just two short years ago, the Rockies got off to a similar start going 17-8 in April. On April 22nd of that year I stated:
At that time their fielding was carrying them (of course, that's also dependent on pitching). A couple weeks later, the bubble would burst and the Rockies would go 56-81 after May 1st and 64-98 in 2012 (a combined 121-179 in Jim Tracy's last 300 games.)
This year feels different. Obviously everything is clicking at once, good pitching, good hitting and good fielding, and there will come a point in the season that one of those will have to pick up the others. But this year the entire lineup is contributing, the starting pitching is going longer in games, which makes the bullpen stronger, and the players are also making great plays.
And ultimately this team may not even contend. The toll of 162 games certainly has it's ups and downs, but the makeup of this team seems to be fun to watch.
And for now we can ride the wave....
It probably sounds absurd to say that a team that is 13-5, needs to play better, but it really feels that way with the Rockies. But then looking at the stats, it seems like they are playing well, it just doesn't feel like it. They are 2nd in the league in runs scored per game, at 5.50 rpg. They are 9th in the league in Average, but 3rd in OBP. It also seems like they are striking out less often, but in reality, their K's per game are slightly higher than last year. And with all the talk of Dexter Fowler's improvement, he leads the team in strikeouts with 22. That's way too many for a leadoff hitter.
The pitching has not been too bad, but it's only average in League terms. ERA is 9th in the league at 3.74. Strikeouts are 12th, Walks are 8th. They are 1st in Wild Pitches.
I point this out not to disparage the team as a half-empty perspective but actually to look at it from a half-full perspective. The wins have depended a lot on their defense and league leading Double Plays. But the 13-5 record including 7 straight wins, has not been because of any kind of solid roll, but because key things happen in each game.
When the Rockies put their hitting and or pitching together consistently with the fielding, this team could go on a serious winning streak.
At that time their fielding was carrying them (of course, that's also dependent on pitching). A couple weeks later, the bubble would burst and the Rockies would go 56-81 after May 1st and 64-98 in 2012 (a combined 121-179 in Jim Tracy's last 300 games.)
This year feels different. Obviously everything is clicking at once, good pitching, good hitting and good fielding, and there will come a point in the season that one of those will have to pick up the others. But this year the entire lineup is contributing, the starting pitching is going longer in games, which makes the bullpen stronger, and the players are also making great plays.
And ultimately this team may not even contend. The toll of 162 games certainly has it's ups and downs, but the makeup of this team seems to be fun to watch.
And for now we can ride the wave....
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
This Day in Rockies History April 9, 1993
For the first time MLB comes to Denver as 80,227 pack Mile High Stadium. The Rockies after an 0-2 start in New York, reward the crowd scoring 4 in the first inning including a lead-off home run by Eric Young against the Montreal Expos. The Rockies would add 7 more runs over the next 6 innings. Bryn Smith the Rockies starter pitched 7 scoreless innings. The Expos would score 4 runs in the 9th innings, but the Rockies win the game 11-4, to kick off a successful Inaugural Season in Denver.
Monday, April 8, 2013
This Day in History April 8
The Rockies have a 7-10 record on April 8th over the years, but have played extra innings in 4 of them--all of them losses and all of them within the past 10 years.
2003--St. Louis beat the Rockies at Coors Field 15-12 in 13 innings on a 3 Run homer by Mike Matheny.
2004--The Rockies lose in Arizona 6-5 in 11 Innings. Richie Sexson hit a two run walk-off homer after Tyler Greene hit a solo shot in the top of the 11th.
2007--The Padres defeat the Rockies 2-1 at Petco with a Kevin Kouzmanoff single knocking in Khalil Greene after Greene had tripled. (157 games later the Rockies would get payback in extra innings).
2011--Pirates beat the Rockies in the 14th as Jose Tabata knocks in Josh Rodriguez with a wallk off double.
2003--St. Louis beat the Rockies at Coors Field 15-12 in 13 innings on a 3 Run homer by Mike Matheny.
2004--The Rockies lose in Arizona 6-5 in 11 Innings. Richie Sexson hit a two run walk-off homer after Tyler Greene hit a solo shot in the top of the 11th.
2007--The Padres defeat the Rockies 2-1 at Petco with a Kevin Kouzmanoff single knocking in Khalil Greene after Greene had tripled. (157 games later the Rockies would get payback in extra innings).
2011--Pirates beat the Rockies in the 14th as Jose Tabata knocks in Josh Rodriguez with a wallk off double.
Running on All Cylinders
There are three differences between the first week of the 2013 season compared to the first week of the 2012 season for the Rockies:
1. They Hit
2. They Pitch
3. They Field
2012's slow start which became a season long issue was trying to get Hitting, Pitching and Fielding lined up at the same time. The Rockies have scored 39 runs in the first 6 games of 2013 ranging from 4-9 in each game. In 2012, they had scored 29 runs, but 17 of them were in one game. The other 5 games were, 5, 3, 2, 0, 2. Pitching gave up 32 runs in 2012, compared to 18 this year. And in Fielding the Rockies have committed only 3 errors in the first 6 games this year, while having 3 alone in Game 2 in 2012, and 8 total after 6.
Sure it's a great start and the Rockies are exuding a lot more confidence than when we last saw them last October, and why not. .333 Batting (.353 on the road!) ; 13 HR's 7 Doubles. 2.80 ERA, 2.2 K's to Walks ratio, 3 HR's allowed. Fielding 3 errors .988 pct, and only 1 unearned run given up.
There will be ups and downs throughout the season, but the first week will be the benchmark to strive for.
Aces Low--It really seemed strange to watch the scores yesterday as numerous #1 Starters took to the mound and were slammed in their second starts:
Matt Cain--3 2/3 IP 22.091 ERA
David Price--5 IP 14.4 ERA
Cole Hamels--5 2/3 IP 12.706 ERA
Jered Weaver--5 IP 9.000 ERA
Stephen Strasburg--5 1/3 IP 10.125 ERA
Meanwhile Jhoulys Chacin pitched at Coors Field and gave up one run in 6 2/3 innings.
Goose Eggs in Frisco: As if playing at AT&T Park wasn't daunting enough for the Rockies, the 3 Giants pitchers Bumgarner, Lincecum, and Zito that the Rox will face this week have a COMBINED 0.00 ERA although there were 2 unearned runs in there. Maybe all of them will turn into Matt Cain this week.
Rockies Dingers: The Rockies have a 5 game winning streak which matches their longest in 2012 which happened twice. In the 2011 the Rockies longest winning streak was 7 which also happened near the beginning of the season 4/9 to 4/15...5 Rockies have hit home runs with Dexter Fowler leading with 4. Wilin Rosario has 3 and Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer and Troy Tulowitzki each have 2.
1. They Hit
2. They Pitch
3. They Field
2012's slow start which became a season long issue was trying to get Hitting, Pitching and Fielding lined up at the same time. The Rockies have scored 39 runs in the first 6 games of 2013 ranging from 4-9 in each game. In 2012, they had scored 29 runs, but 17 of them were in one game. The other 5 games were, 5, 3, 2, 0, 2. Pitching gave up 32 runs in 2012, compared to 18 this year. And in Fielding the Rockies have committed only 3 errors in the first 6 games this year, while having 3 alone in Game 2 in 2012, and 8 total after 6.
Sure it's a great start and the Rockies are exuding a lot more confidence than when we last saw them last October, and why not. .333 Batting (.353 on the road!) ; 13 HR's 7 Doubles. 2.80 ERA, 2.2 K's to Walks ratio, 3 HR's allowed. Fielding 3 errors .988 pct, and only 1 unearned run given up.
There will be ups and downs throughout the season, but the first week will be the benchmark to strive for.
Aces Low--It really seemed strange to watch the scores yesterday as numerous #1 Starters took to the mound and were slammed in their second starts:
Matt Cain--3 2/3 IP 22.091 ERA
David Price--5 IP 14.4 ERA
Cole Hamels--5 2/3 IP 12.706 ERA
Jered Weaver--5 IP 9.000 ERA
Stephen Strasburg--5 1/3 IP 10.125 ERA
Meanwhile Jhoulys Chacin pitched at Coors Field and gave up one run in 6 2/3 innings.
Goose Eggs in Frisco: As if playing at AT&T Park wasn't daunting enough for the Rockies, the 3 Giants pitchers Bumgarner, Lincecum, and Zito that the Rox will face this week have a COMBINED 0.00 ERA although there were 2 unearned runs in there. Maybe all of them will turn into Matt Cain this week.
Rockies Dingers: The Rockies have a 5 game winning streak which matches their longest in 2012 which happened twice. In the 2011 the Rockies longest winning streak was 7 which also happened near the beginning of the season 4/9 to 4/15...5 Rockies have hit home runs with Dexter Fowler leading with 4. Wilin Rosario has 3 and Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer and Troy Tulowitzki each have 2.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
This Day In Rockies History April 7, 1997
In the Rockies Home Opener for 1997, the Rockies returning from a 4-2 opening road trip and pounced on the Cincinnati Reds and Dave Burba 13-2. The Blake Street Bombers scored 5 runs in both the 1st and 4th innings to put the game out of reach.
This game was also my first game at Coors Field as I flew in that morning to make the game. The following day I had a Job interview in Denver, and within a month I had moved to Colorado and started working here. I remember it was a beautiful sunny day in the 50's. It was also my first MLB game since 1992 and revived my interest in MLB after the strike of 1994-95.
This game was also my first game at Coors Field as I flew in that morning to make the game. The following day I had a Job interview in Denver, and within a month I had moved to Colorado and started working here. I remember it was a beautiful sunny day in the 50's. It was also my first MLB game since 1992 and revived my interest in MLB after the strike of 1994-95.
Friday, April 5, 2013
This Day in Rockies History April 5, 1993
History has a start and this April 5, 1993 is the official start of the History of the Colorado Rockies.
In New York's Shea Stadium, the Rockies took the field for the first time for a Regular Season game. Eric Young led off the game, and David Nied was the starter. The Rockies only got 4 hits but no runs and lost to the Mets 3-0. They would score their first run on Dante Bichette's HR (first in Rockies History) in their 2nd game but only get one other hit, before finally arriving in Denver for their Home opener.
In New York's Shea Stadium, the Rockies took the field for the first time for a Regular Season game. Eric Young led off the game, and David Nied was the starter. The Rockies only got 4 hits but no runs and lost to the Mets 3-0. They would score their first run on Dante Bichette's HR (first in Rockies History) in their 2nd game but only get one other hit, before finally arriving in Denver for their Home opener.
Opening Day at Home
After a successful road series the Rockies open at home for the 21st time and 19th at Coors Field.
Spirits are high after taking two of three from the Brewers in Milwaukee. A team batting average of .353 ON THE ROAD and a Team ERA at 3.90. 41 hits 8 Homers's but only 2 Doubles. 19 runs. The only pitching disappointments was Jorge De La Rosa's 4 1/3 inning outing on Tuesday, giving up 4 runs, and Wilton Lopez' Rockies debut on Monday giving up 3 runs in one inning. The Rockies as a team only gave up 7 walks in 3 games.
After 20 years of watching the Rockies, you realize they must show more consistency on the road. Next week they head to two Pitchers parks in San Francisco and San Diego. No one expects them to hit .353 in either place but the key will be getting base hits and moving runners. More doubles will help, but it's a good start.
Now to Coors Field. Play BALL!
Spirits are high after taking two of three from the Brewers in Milwaukee. A team batting average of .353 ON THE ROAD and a Team ERA at 3.90. 41 hits 8 Homers's but only 2 Doubles. 19 runs. The only pitching disappointments was Jorge De La Rosa's 4 1/3 inning outing on Tuesday, giving up 4 runs, and Wilton Lopez' Rockies debut on Monday giving up 3 runs in one inning. The Rockies as a team only gave up 7 walks in 3 games.
After 20 years of watching the Rockies, you realize they must show more consistency on the road. Next week they head to two Pitchers parks in San Francisco and San Diego. No one expects them to hit .353 in either place but the key will be getting base hits and moving runners. More doubles will help, but it's a good start.
Now to Coors Field. Play BALL!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Opening Day 2013
Baseball is back and so are the Rockies.
Personnel-wise the team has not changed much. New Manager Walt Weiss and new hitting coach Dante Bichette brings back history as they make their coaching debut, with much of the same team that lost a team record 98 games last year.
So why should there be optimism? In two words Health and Experience.
A lot of kids like Pacheco, Rosario, and Rutledge got major experience last season due to key injuries to Tulowitzki, Helton, Hernandez, and Cuddyer among others.
Tulo of course needs to stay healthy for the entire year to give the Rockies a chance.
And then there is the age old problem--pitching. The Rockies had to work with a makeshift rotation after their entire rotation went down for one reason or another. Guthrie, Chacin, Moyer, Nicasio, and Pomeranz were the initial starting rotation last year. Moyer was released, Guthrie first hurt then traded. Chacin and Nicasio hurt, and Pomeranz wasn't quite ready. By June the Rockies had reaquired Jeff Francis and was using a makeshift piggyback system, that wasn't quite successful, because the pitchers couldn't throw strikes and keep the pitch counts down.
Chacin had a rough spring, Francis is back, De La Rosa and Nicasio are making comebacks. The fifth starter is Journeyman Jon Garland, who most recently was with the Dodgers in 2011. Chris Volstad is another starter acquired over the winter waits in the Bullpen if one of the five falter.
But for now the Rockies are 0-0. Play Ball!
Personnel-wise the team has not changed much. New Manager Walt Weiss and new hitting coach Dante Bichette brings back history as they make their coaching debut, with much of the same team that lost a team record 98 games last year.
So why should there be optimism? In two words Health and Experience.
A lot of kids like Pacheco, Rosario, and Rutledge got major experience last season due to key injuries to Tulowitzki, Helton, Hernandez, and Cuddyer among others.
Tulo of course needs to stay healthy for the entire year to give the Rockies a chance.
And then there is the age old problem--pitching. The Rockies had to work with a makeshift rotation after their entire rotation went down for one reason or another. Guthrie, Chacin, Moyer, Nicasio, and Pomeranz were the initial starting rotation last year. Moyer was released, Guthrie first hurt then traded. Chacin and Nicasio hurt, and Pomeranz wasn't quite ready. By June the Rockies had reaquired Jeff Francis and was using a makeshift piggyback system, that wasn't quite successful, because the pitchers couldn't throw strikes and keep the pitch counts down.
Chacin had a rough spring, Francis is back, De La Rosa and Nicasio are making comebacks. The fifth starter is Journeyman Jon Garland, who most recently was with the Dodgers in 2011. Chris Volstad is another starter acquired over the winter waits in the Bullpen if one of the five falter.
But for now the Rockies are 0-0. Play Ball!
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