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.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
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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