Looking at the tentative schedule for 2010 for the Rockies, a few of the big quirks of the past couple of years are gone. No wild coast to coast road trips. In fact, other than an 11 game road road trip right after the All-star break, and a 9 game trip in early May, the Rockies don't have any road trips longer than 7 games, and none of them to travel to two time zones. By comparison, they had 3 double digit road trips and 2 more that were 9 and a 3 city 8 gamer in 2009.
On the home side, there are two 10 game home stands. Everthing else is 6, 7, or 8 games except for a 3 game set with Milwaukee in August separating a six game road trip on the east coast from a 6 game west coast swing. In fact that 12 out of 15 road games is as bad as it gets next season. The discrepancy between home and away games never gets worse than 7 games next year. In 2009 between the 2nd road trip and the homestand last week, it never got better than 7 games after a road trip, and reached a peak of 14 more road games than home games in June--two separate times.
So from a home and away standpoint it's a rather consistent week home and week away with the noted exceptions above. Fairly sane from a travel standpoint.
In inter-league play the Rockies get their usual 15 games play a team from each American League Division. They travel to the Central's Kansas City in May, and Minnesota in June, as well as the West's LA Angels. They host the East's Boston and Toronto. The extra NL Series comes at home against Milwaukee, this year it was Pittsburgh.
Other than the 9 and 9 home games with all 4 of their West opponents, the Rockies play 3 and 3 against the East and Central teams except for the extra series with the Brewers and the other exceptions. 2 at Chicago and Houston, 4 each home and away with Washington, 4 at St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Florida, and Philadelphia and 4 at home against Cincinnati and Houston.
The one oddity that stands out is that nearly half (35 of 72) of the games against the NL West come between August 3 and September 29. This includes 12 games against the Dodgers, 9 against the Diamondbacks, 8 against the Giants and 6 against the Padres. Only 3 games against the West come in the first 3 weeks, followed by 12 straight starting April 26. Another set of 12 come from May 25-June 6. The remaining 10 games come just before the All-star break.
From a Rockies perspective, overall it looks like a pretty reasonable schedule compared to the past few years.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
We're Just Toying With Them
The Rockies Wild Card lead has dropped from 5.5 games to 2.5 in just [gasp] 3 days. This is caused by a 3 game losing streak by the Rockies, and a 3 game Winning Streak by the Giants. And 2 of those games have been against each other. I had to chuckle this morning when I read in the last remaining big daily paper in Denver that last night was "their biggest game of the season" and "Colorado is in trouble."
Nothing like going all negative and calling for a choke. The focus doesn't change. Forget about whether you won or lost the last game or the last 4 or the last 8 or the last 146. Work on winning today's game. As the past few weeks have shown us, things change quickly. The Giants left Coors field trailing by 3.5, and within 6 days were tied. The Rockies then grabbed a 5.5 game lead in the next 11 and only lost just over half that lead in 3 days.
But what people forget is that they still lead by 2.5 games. Fortunately, Jim Tracy doesn't forget that. He's absolutely right when he says that a win tonight puts the Rockies comfortably ahead at 3.5 games, while a loss still gives them a lead.
Obviously there are concerns, the pitching has faltered over the past 4 games, and a few fielding miscues have hurt, and there has been next to no hitting for the better part of 6 weeks. But a single spark can get things ignited.
I hate to bring up 2007 again, but prior to the final 14 regular season games, the Rockies had lost 3 games in a row, two of them badly. The start of that final streak was a 13-0 win over Florida, an innocuous win at the time.
Beyond tonight the Rockies and Giants have similar games to play--3 each at LA, and Arizona, and 3 against San Diego, Rockies at home, Giants on the road. The only differences are Giants play Chicago and Arizona at Home, while the Rockies go up against the Cardinals and Brewers at Coors.
And remember, you never surrender when you have the lead.
Nothing like going all negative and calling for a choke. The focus doesn't change. Forget about whether you won or lost the last game or the last 4 or the last 8 or the last 146. Work on winning today's game. As the past few weeks have shown us, things change quickly. The Giants left Coors field trailing by 3.5, and within 6 days were tied. The Rockies then grabbed a 5.5 game lead in the next 11 and only lost just over half that lead in 3 days.
But what people forget is that they still lead by 2.5 games. Fortunately, Jim Tracy doesn't forget that. He's absolutely right when he says that a win tonight puts the Rockies comfortably ahead at 3.5 games, while a loss still gives them a lead.
Obviously there are concerns, the pitching has faltered over the past 4 games, and a few fielding miscues have hurt, and there has been next to no hitting for the better part of 6 weeks. But a single spark can get things ignited.
I hate to bring up 2007 again, but prior to the final 14 regular season games, the Rockies had lost 3 games in a row, two of them badly. The start of that final streak was a 13-0 win over Florida, an innocuous win at the time.
Beyond tonight the Rockies and Giants have similar games to play--3 each at LA, and Arizona, and 3 against San Diego, Rockies at home, Giants on the road. The only differences are Giants play Chicago and Arizona at Home, while the Rockies go up against the Cardinals and Brewers at Coors.
And remember, you never surrender when you have the lead.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Rockies 2010 Tentative Schedule Released
MLB Released the Master 2010 Schedule. Rockies Printable Schedule is here The Rockies open on the Road in Milwaukee on April 5th and end the Season with a 4 game seriesin St. Louis Sept 30-Oct 3.
4/5-7 at Brewers
4/9-11 Padres
4/13-15 Mets
4/16-18 at Braves
4/19-22 at Nationals
4/23-25 Marlins
4/26-28 Diamondbacks
4/30-5/2 at Giants
5/3-5 at Padres
5/7-9 at Dodgers
5/10-12 Phillies
5/13-16 Nationals
5/17-18 at Cubs
5/19-20 at Astros
5/21-23 at Royals
5/25-27 Diamondbacks
5/28-30 Dodgers
5/31-6/2 at Giants
6/4-6 at Diamondbacks
6/7-10 Astros
6/11-13 Blue Jays
6/15-17 at Twins
6/18-20 Brewers
6/22-24 Red Sox
6/25-27 at Angels
6/28-30 at Padres
7/1-4 Giants
7/6-8 Cardinals
7/9-11 Padres
7/16-18 at Reds
7/19-22 at Marlins
7/23-26 at Phillies
7/27-29 Pirates
7/30-8/1 Cubs
8/3-4 Giants
8/5-8 at Pirates
8/10-12 at Mets
8/13-15 Brewers
8/17-19 at Dodgers
8/20-22 at Diamondbacks
8/23-25 Braves
8/27-29 Dodgers
8/30-9/1 at Giants
9/3-5 at Padres
9/6-9 Reds
9/10-12 Diamondbacks
9/13-15 Padres
9/17-19 at Dodgers
9/21-23 at Diamondbacks
9/24-26 Giants
9/27-29 Dodgers
9/30-10/3 at Cardinals
4/5-7 at Brewers
4/9-11 Padres
4/13-15 Mets
4/16-18 at Braves
4/19-22 at Nationals
4/23-25 Marlins
4/26-28 Diamondbacks
4/30-5/2 at Giants
5/3-5 at Padres
5/7-9 at Dodgers
5/10-12 Phillies
5/13-16 Nationals
5/17-18 at Cubs
5/19-20 at Astros
5/21-23 at Royals
5/25-27 Diamondbacks
5/28-30 Dodgers
5/31-6/2 at Giants
6/4-6 at Diamondbacks
6/7-10 Astros
6/11-13 Blue Jays
6/15-17 at Twins
6/18-20 Brewers
6/22-24 Red Sox
6/25-27 at Angels
6/28-30 at Padres
7/1-4 Giants
7/6-8 Cardinals
7/9-11 Padres
7/16-18 at Reds
7/19-22 at Marlins
7/23-26 at Phillies
7/27-29 Pirates
7/30-8/1 Cubs
8/3-4 Giants
8/5-8 at Pirates
8/10-12 at Mets
8/13-15 Brewers
8/17-19 at Dodgers
8/20-22 at Diamondbacks
8/23-25 Braves
8/27-29 Dodgers
8/30-9/1 at Giants
9/3-5 at Padres
9/6-9 Reds
9/10-12 Diamondbacks
9/13-15 Padres
9/17-19 at Dodgers
9/21-23 at Diamondbacks
9/24-26 Giants
9/27-29 Dodgers
9/30-10/3 at Cardinals
Meanwhile Back in Realityville
Earlier today, I posted an update on Troy Renck's uninsightful analysis of August 10th.
Here are some additional info to noodle on:
Ubaldo Jimenez has gone 4-1 since then and the Rockies won his no-decision last time out. He hasn't given up more than 2 runs except for his last start when he gave up 3, and has gone 8 innings in 4 of the 6 starts.
Jorge De La Rosa has gone 5-1 and the Rockies also won his no-decision. He has gone into the 6th inning in all but one game, when he went 5, and gone at least 7 3 times.
Jason Hammel has only gone 1-2 in his 7 starts since August 10th, but the Rockies have a 4-3 Record in his games. He has gone 6 innings or more in 5 of the 7 starts and had one 4 inning start, the only one by these 3 who didn't go 5. He has given up 3 or fewer runs in 5 of the starts, and only gave up 4 in the other two including last night.
Altogether those 3 starters have carried the Rockies to a 15-5 record in their combined 20 starts. But then the Rockies starters other than Cook and his replacements haven't done badly down the stretch.
Here are some additional info to noodle on:
Ubaldo Jimenez has gone 4-1 since then and the Rockies won his no-decision last time out. He hasn't given up more than 2 runs except for his last start when he gave up 3, and has gone 8 innings in 4 of the 6 starts.
Jorge De La Rosa has gone 5-1 and the Rockies also won his no-decision. He has gone into the 6th inning in all but one game, when he went 5, and gone at least 7 3 times.
Jason Hammel has only gone 1-2 in his 7 starts since August 10th, but the Rockies have a 4-3 Record in his games. He has gone 6 innings or more in 5 of the 7 starts and had one 4 inning start, the only one by these 3 who didn't go 5. He has given up 3 or fewer runs in 5 of the starts, and only gave up 4 in the other two including last night.
Altogether those 3 starters have carried the Rockies to a 15-5 record in their combined 20 starts. But then the Rockies starters other than Cook and his replacements haven't done badly down the stretch.
Stick a Fork in Them
That's right, the Rockies are done. That's not my opinion, that's beat writer Troy Renck of the Denver Post--From August 10th.. And I blogged about it here, how I disagreed with much of his analysis.
Here's his summation:
He goes on to say the Rockies needed to go 13-7 in Marquis and Cook starts, and If Cook went on the disabled list, the Rockies don't make the playoffs.
First of all, Cook did go on the Disabled List and is still on it. He might be back for two more starts or he may not return at all. Strike 1.
Meanwhile Jason Marquis has had 7 starts and the Rockies are 4-3 in those starts so far. Cook has only pitched twice since then and went 0-2. So the combined record of these two is currently 4-5. Cook's replacements Chacin, Fogg, Contreras, and Rogers have gone 2-3, so in total those two spots have gone 6-8, with no hope of going 13-7. Strike 2.
We'll ignore the silly part about the Rockies needing the Cubs to win the NL Central, and move on to the more pertinent part.
The Rockies did win 3 of 4 on Blake Street, but now have lost 4 in AT&T, making it impossible for them to achieve a split. Best they can do now is go 5-5 in the 10 games and Renck says that won't be good enough despite the fact that they would have a 5.5 game lead coming out if they do win the next two. Strike 3--They are out of the playoffs.
Remember you read it in the Denver Post first.
Now to be fair, in my mocking criticism of this analysis back in August, I said the Rockies slumbering bats need to come out to help the pitching, but that hasn't happened consistently. The pitching is still carrying this team, and seems to be starting to falter.
I also said back then:
The Rockies finished the rest of August 11-9 including a month-ending 5 game losing streak. Once the expanded rosters started on September 1st, the Rockies won 10 of 11 and now 10 of 14 in September.
Still taking it game by game, day by day.
Here's his summation:
Two factors will determine their [Rockies] fate: how they play against the Giants, and their record when Aaron Cook and Jason Marquis pitch.
He goes on to say the Rockies needed to go 13-7 in Marquis and Cook starts, and If Cook went on the disabled list, the Rockies don't make the playoffs.
They have roughly 20 starts left. The necessary record? Try 13-7.
if Cook lands on the DL, the Rockies aren't making the playoffs.
First of all, Cook did go on the Disabled List and is still on it. He might be back for two more starts or he may not return at all. Strike 1.
Meanwhile Jason Marquis has had 7 starts and the Rockies are 4-3 in those starts so far. Cook has only pitched twice since then and went 0-2. So the combined record of these two is currently 4-5. Cook's replacements Chacin, Fogg, Contreras, and Rogers have gone 2-3, so in total those two spots have gone 6-8, with no hope of going 13-7. Strike 2.
We'll ignore the silly part about the Rockies needing the Cubs to win the NL Central, and move on to the more pertinent part.
The Rockies have 10 games remaining against the Giants. Six of those are on the road. The winner of those games will reach the playoffs...The Rockies must split six at AT&T Park and win three of four on Blake Street.
The Rockies did win 3 of 4 on Blake Street, but now have lost 4 in AT&T, making it impossible for them to achieve a split. Best they can do now is go 5-5 in the 10 games and Renck says that won't be good enough despite the fact that they would have a 5.5 game lead coming out if they do win the next two. Strike 3--They are out of the playoffs.
Remember you read it in the Denver Post first.
Now to be fair, in my mocking criticism of this analysis back in August, I said the Rockies slumbering bats need to come out to help the pitching, but that hasn't happened consistently. The pitching is still carrying this team, and seems to be starting to falter.
I also said back then:
The key to me is getting to September in position and using an expanded bench and bullpen a la Hurdle did in 2007, to work through any rough spots. I don't expect another 14 of 15 down the stretch. Take it day by day.
The Rockies finished the rest of August 11-9 including a month-ending 5 game losing streak. Once the expanded rosters started on September 1st, the Rockies won 10 of 11 and now 10 of 14 in September.
Still taking it game by game, day by day.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Weekly Race In Review September 7-13
Another winning week for the Rockies despite 2 losses in San Diego after an 8 game winning streak. Managed to pick up a half-game on the 4-2 Dodgers and 2.5 games on the 2-4 Giants.
Results:
9/7 ROCKIES 4 Reds 3
9/8 ROCKIES 3 Reds 1
9/9 ROCKIES 4 Reds 3
9/10 ROCKIES 5 Reds 3
9/11 ROCKIES 4 Padres 1
9/12 Padres 3 ROCKIES 2 10 innings
9/13 Padres 7 ROCKIES 3
Meanwhile the Marlins were 4-2, Braves 5-1, and the Cubs 5-1. The other division Leaders Phillies went 5-3, while the Cardinals went 3-3.
Magic Number for the Dodgers to win the West 16, Rockies need 22, and Giants need 27. Magic Number for the Rockies to win the Wild Card is 15, Giants need 24, Marlins 25, Braves 26, and Cubs 28.
Rockies head to San Francisco to play their last 3 games with the Giants then head to Phoenix for 3 with Arizona. The Giants host the Rockies then head to Los Angeles for 3 more with the Dodgers, and the Dodgers are home all week hosting the Pirates and then the Giants
**********************************************************************
DOWN THE STRETCH: Remaining Games:
Rockies (9H, 9A)--@SF (3), @Ariz (3), SD (3), STL (3), Milw (3), @LAD (3)
Dodgers--(9H, 9A)--Pitt (3), SF (3), @Wash (3) @Pitt (4), @SD (2), Col (3)
Giants--(10H, 9A)--COL (3), @LAD (3), @Ariz (3), Chic (4), Ariz (3), @SD (3)
All three teams have 9 road games and the Giants have one more game to play overall and it's at home.
The 90 Plus factors show the Dodgers at 94, Rockies 91 and Giants down to 87.
RUNNING ON EMPTY: A lot of talk has centered on the Rockies lack of run production, which has been masked a little bit by their ability to win games. Over the past month, covering 29 games, the Rockies have gone 18-11, but have only scored more than 5 runs in 5 of those games, and one of those happened by scoring 5 runs in the 14th inning, while giving up more than 5 runs in 8 of those games. In the Blake Street Bomber days, I used to say the Rockies needed to learn how to win 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 games, but now that they've learned, they need to have an offensive explosion again, and soon. The pitching can't carry the load night after night like this and not have a breakdown at some point.
Results:
9/7 ROCKIES 4 Reds 3
9/8 ROCKIES 3 Reds 1
9/9 ROCKIES 4 Reds 3
9/10 ROCKIES 5 Reds 3
9/11 ROCKIES 4 Padres 1
9/12 Padres 3 ROCKIES 2 10 innings
9/13 Padres 7 ROCKIES 3
Meanwhile the Marlins were 4-2, Braves 5-1, and the Cubs 5-1. The other division Leaders Phillies went 5-3, while the Cardinals went 3-3.
Magic Number for the Dodgers to win the West 16, Rockies need 22, and Giants need 27. Magic Number for the Rockies to win the Wild Card is 15, Giants need 24, Marlins 25, Braves 26, and Cubs 28.
Rockies head to San Francisco to play their last 3 games with the Giants then head to Phoenix for 3 with Arizona. The Giants host the Rockies then head to Los Angeles for 3 more with the Dodgers, and the Dodgers are home all week hosting the Pirates and then the Giants
**********************************************************************
DOWN THE STRETCH: Remaining Games:
Rockies (9H, 9A)--@SF (3), @Ariz (3), SD (3), STL (3), Milw (3), @LAD (3)
Dodgers--(9H, 9A)--Pitt (3), SF (3), @Wash (3) @Pitt (4), @SD (2), Col (3)
Giants--(10H, 9A)--COL (3), @LAD (3), @Ariz (3), Chic (4), Ariz (3), @SD (3)
All three teams have 9 road games and the Giants have one more game to play overall and it's at home.
The 90 Plus factors show the Dodgers at 94, Rockies 91 and Giants down to 87.
RUNNING ON EMPTY: A lot of talk has centered on the Rockies lack of run production, which has been masked a little bit by their ability to win games. Over the past month, covering 29 games, the Rockies have gone 18-11, but have only scored more than 5 runs in 5 of those games, and one of those happened by scoring 5 runs in the 14th inning, while giving up more than 5 runs in 8 of those games. In the Blake Street Bomber days, I used to say the Rockies needed to learn how to win 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 games, but now that they've learned, they need to have an offensive explosion again, and soon. The pitching can't carry the load night after night like this and not have a breakdown at some point.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
The LAB Rats do it again!
Different night, different player. Last At-Bat. Just call these Rockies the LAB Rats, because they have perfected this thing at Coors Field like no other team and took it on the road last night. It's almost as if they should just spot the other team the first 18 outs and see what they can do with only 9.
August 18 @Washington--Solo homers by Carlos Gonzalez in the 8th and Clint Barmes in the 9th inning breaks and tie and Rockies hold on to win 4-3
August 23 San Francisco--Lincecum no-hits the Rockies for 5 and the Rockies score 2 in the 7th and 1 in the 8th to win 4-2. Seth Smith hits 2-run homer in 7th to win it.
August 24 San Francisco--Giants score 3 in the top of the 14th, but the Rockies come back with 5 and win on a Ryan Spilborghs Grand Slam.
August 25 Los Angeles--Rockies score single runs in the 7th and 8th innings on a Barmes HR and a Troy Tulowitzki Double, but allow the Dodgers to tie it up in the 9th. Tulowitzki hits a bases loaded single to win it in the 10th.
Those were the August Appetizers for September's Main Course:
September 2 New York--Jason Giambi's bases loaded single drives in two runs and breaks a tie, Yorvit Torrealba follows with a run scoring single.
September 4 Arizona--Rockies trail 4-2 before Smith doubles in 2 in the 7th and Giambi singles in the winning run in the 8th.
September 5 Arizona--Rockies lead early, but still Smith has a solo Homer in the 8th inning to give the Rockies a 4-1 win.
September 6 Arizona--Rockies win easily 13-5 but it's noteworthy that they scored 6 of their runs in the 7th inning.
September 7 Cincinnati--Down 3-1 in the 7th, the Rockies score two in the 7th on a Todd Helton Sac Fly and a Tulowitzki hit, before Ian Stewart hits a solo HR in the 8th to win it.
September 8 Cincinnati--Gonzalez Sac fly in the 8th, adds an insurance run as the Rockies win 3-1.
September 9 Cincinnati--Rockies have comfortable 2-0 lead and Jason Hammel is cruising before things come undone in the 8th. Reds tie it up and then take the lead on a Scott Rolen solo HR. In the bottom of the 9th against ace closer Francisco Cordero, with one out, Clint Barmes hits a double to left. Giambi is intentionally walked and Spillborghs walks when Cordero can't locate the plate again. Carlos Gonzalez stikes out on 4 pitches, and Seth Smith fouls off four pitches, before hitting the ball sharply towards 2nd. Brandon Phillips dives for the ball and partially smothers it allowing the tieing run to score. Jason Marquis running for Giambi, doesn't stop and scores when Phillips chases down the ball and falls down trying to make a throw. Rockies win 4-3.
September 11 @San Diego--Jorge De La Rosa pitches a magnificent game, but a bases-loaded walk in the first inning looks like it may do him in. The only real threat was in the 7th, with runners on 2nd and 3rd with only one out, but don't score. In the top of the 9th against ace closer Heath Bell, Helton draws a walk, before Tulowitzki lines out. Hawpe singles to the left side and Jason Giambi is walked without seeing a strike. Matt Murton strikes out for the 2nd out. Torrealba gets a reprieve on a checked swing with two strikes, and strokes the next pitch to deep center field scoring 3 runs. Paul Phillips follows with a base hit, and the Rockies win 4-1.
So there you have it, the Rockies take these things down to the very last strike now and still pull them out.
But for us fans, the Rockies could give our hearts a little rest before the playoffs, if they would just win a few of these games just a little bit earlier.
LEAVING CALIFORNIA WITH THE LEAD: Last night's win and the Giants and Marlins losses, guarantees the Rockies will head to Arizona next Thursday with the Wild Card lead. If they leave with only a half-game lead, there are other problems, but for right now, the Rockies can continue to concentrate on winning in San Diego and trying to catch the Dodgers, without worrying about what's behind them.
August 18 @Washington--Solo homers by Carlos Gonzalez in the 8th and Clint Barmes in the 9th inning breaks and tie and Rockies hold on to win 4-3
August 23 San Francisco--Lincecum no-hits the Rockies for 5 and the Rockies score 2 in the 7th and 1 in the 8th to win 4-2. Seth Smith hits 2-run homer in 7th to win it.
August 24 San Francisco--Giants score 3 in the top of the 14th, but the Rockies come back with 5 and win on a Ryan Spilborghs Grand Slam.
August 25 Los Angeles--Rockies score single runs in the 7th and 8th innings on a Barmes HR and a Troy Tulowitzki Double, but allow the Dodgers to tie it up in the 9th. Tulowitzki hits a bases loaded single to win it in the 10th.
Those were the August Appetizers for September's Main Course:
September 2 New York--Jason Giambi's bases loaded single drives in two runs and breaks a tie, Yorvit Torrealba follows with a run scoring single.
September 4 Arizona--Rockies trail 4-2 before Smith doubles in 2 in the 7th and Giambi singles in the winning run in the 8th.
September 5 Arizona--Rockies lead early, but still Smith has a solo Homer in the 8th inning to give the Rockies a 4-1 win.
September 6 Arizona--Rockies win easily 13-5 but it's noteworthy that they scored 6 of their runs in the 7th inning.
September 7 Cincinnati--Down 3-1 in the 7th, the Rockies score two in the 7th on a Todd Helton Sac Fly and a Tulowitzki hit, before Ian Stewart hits a solo HR in the 8th to win it.
September 8 Cincinnati--Gonzalez Sac fly in the 8th, adds an insurance run as the Rockies win 3-1.
September 9 Cincinnati--Rockies have comfortable 2-0 lead and Jason Hammel is cruising before things come undone in the 8th. Reds tie it up and then take the lead on a Scott Rolen solo HR. In the bottom of the 9th against ace closer Francisco Cordero, with one out, Clint Barmes hits a double to left. Giambi is intentionally walked and Spillborghs walks when Cordero can't locate the plate again. Carlos Gonzalez stikes out on 4 pitches, and Seth Smith fouls off four pitches, before hitting the ball sharply towards 2nd. Brandon Phillips dives for the ball and partially smothers it allowing the tieing run to score. Jason Marquis running for Giambi, doesn't stop and scores when Phillips chases down the ball and falls down trying to make a throw. Rockies win 4-3.
September 11 @San Diego--Jorge De La Rosa pitches a magnificent game, but a bases-loaded walk in the first inning looks like it may do him in. The only real threat was in the 7th, with runners on 2nd and 3rd with only one out, but don't score. In the top of the 9th against ace closer Heath Bell, Helton draws a walk, before Tulowitzki lines out. Hawpe singles to the left side and Jason Giambi is walked without seeing a strike. Matt Murton strikes out for the 2nd out. Torrealba gets a reprieve on a checked swing with two strikes, and strokes the next pitch to deep center field scoring 3 runs. Paul Phillips follows with a base hit, and the Rockies win 4-1.
So there you have it, the Rockies take these things down to the very last strike now and still pull them out.
But for us fans, the Rockies could give our hearts a little rest before the playoffs, if they would just win a few of these games just a little bit earlier.
LEAVING CALIFORNIA WITH THE LEAD: Last night's win and the Giants and Marlins losses, guarantees the Rockies will head to Arizona next Thursday with the Wild Card lead. If they leave with only a half-game lead, there are other problems, but for right now, the Rockies can continue to concentrate on winning in San Diego and trying to catch the Dodgers, without worrying about what's behind them.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Juggling the Starters
The Rockies have been pretty fortunate this season on the injury front. They lost Jeff Francis and Taylor Buchholz before the season started and Franklin Morales got hurt in his second start in April. Other relievers have gone down such as Matt Daley, on the freak play where the umpire kicked the bat into his path, or Juan Rincon, Manny Corpas and others.
The Rockies used only 5 starting pitchers from April 22nd through August 10th, a span of 99 games. In the past 29 games the Rockies have used 8 starters, and a 9th starter Esmil Rodgers is slated to start tomorrow night in San Diego.
Jim Tracy does look ahead when trying to fill in the gaps of the starting rotation amid injuries. Ubaldo Jimenez who pulled a hamstring running the bases in Monday's game, was scheduled to pitch on Saturday. By slipping Rogers in, he not only gives Jimenez a few extra days rest, but puts him in a more meaningful game against San Francisco rather than San Diego. He also avoids using Rogers in a high pressure game in San Francisco, and also realizes he can skip Rogers twice if need be, with off days next Thursday and Monday the 22nd. He can also give Contreras and Cook more time.
So the Rotation right now might look like this:
@San Diego: De La Rosa, Rogers, Marquis
@San Francisco: Hammel, Jimenez, De La Rosa
@Arizona: Marquis, Hammel, Jimenez
San Diego: De La Rosa, Marquis, Hammel
St. Louis: Jimenez, (Contreras, Cook, or Rogers), De La Rosa
Milwaukee: Marquis, Hammel, (Contreras, Cook, or Rogers)
@Los Angeles: Jimenez, De La Rosa, Marquis
Because of the off days, the Rockies could get away with using a 5th starter on 2 more times after this weekend. Tracy may decide to use the 5th starter in the San Diego Series at home and save Hammel for St. Louis. However he decides to do it, it's obvious he has some options with the days off, and can see how Cook and Contreras progress.
The Rockies used only 5 starting pitchers from April 22nd through August 10th, a span of 99 games. In the past 29 games the Rockies have used 8 starters, and a 9th starter Esmil Rodgers is slated to start tomorrow night in San Diego.
Jim Tracy does look ahead when trying to fill in the gaps of the starting rotation amid injuries. Ubaldo Jimenez who pulled a hamstring running the bases in Monday's game, was scheduled to pitch on Saturday. By slipping Rogers in, he not only gives Jimenez a few extra days rest, but puts him in a more meaningful game against San Francisco rather than San Diego. He also avoids using Rogers in a high pressure game in San Francisco, and also realizes he can skip Rogers twice if need be, with off days next Thursday and Monday the 22nd. He can also give Contreras and Cook more time.
So the Rotation right now might look like this:
@San Diego: De La Rosa, Rogers, Marquis
@San Francisco: Hammel, Jimenez, De La Rosa
@Arizona: Marquis, Hammel, Jimenez
San Diego: De La Rosa, Marquis, Hammel
St. Louis: Jimenez, (Contreras, Cook, or Rogers), De La Rosa
Milwaukee: Marquis, Hammel, (Contreras, Cook, or Rogers)
@Los Angeles: Jimenez, De La Rosa, Marquis
Because of the off days, the Rockies could get away with using a 5th starter on 2 more times after this weekend. Tracy may decide to use the 5th starter in the San Diego Series at home and save Hammel for St. Louis. However he decides to do it, it's obvious he has some options with the days off, and can see how Cook and Contreras progress.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Best Homestand Ever
The Rockies went 9-1 on this homestand beating out their 8-1 homestand back in June against Seattle, Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh. Without those two home stands the Rockies are 28-25 at Home.
The last 3 weeks can show you just how quickly the ups and downs of baseball can change. Going into the homestand on August 21st, the Rockies were 3.5 games behind the Dodgers and just 2 games ahead of the Giants for the Wild Card. After an initial loss to the Giants and the four game winning streak, the Rockies closed to within 2 games of the Dodgers and 4 games ahead of the Giants on August 25th. After a season longest 5 game losing streak, the Rockies were tied with the Giants and fell 6 games behind the Dodgers by the end of August. The Rockies worked through at least 7 injuries to have a 9-1 homestand, while the Dodgers were playing .500 baseball at 5-5 and the Giants went 4-5. Now they are once again 2 games behind the Dodgers and have a season-high 4.5 game lead in the wild card over the Giants.
Now it gets interesting. While the Giants and Dodgers face off 6 times in the next 10 days, the Rockies sandwich trips to San Diego and Arizona around a 3 game set in San Francisco, every win they get in the next 9 games will allow them to gain on either the Dodgers or the Giants. A 5-4 record on the road trip will guarantee they will still have the Wild Card lead when they return to Coors Field, and possibly give them an NL West lead. At worst, they would have a commanding lead on the Wild Card race over the Giants, and depending on what the Marlins do could have it all but sewn up.
The Rockies did all this while playing 3 sub-.500 teams at home and going 9-1. The Giants played tough teams on the road, the Phillies and Brewers and came back with a respectable 3-3 before losing 2 out of 3 to San Diego at home. For the Giants, the next 9 games represent the same tough stretch the Rockies had in late August. After that only the games with the Cubs at home are against a team with a winning record. The difference is if they come out of the next 9 games with a losing record like the Rockies did, the last two weeks may not matter to them.
The Dodgers meanwhile, on paper at least, have a fairly easy schedule. After the Giants they play Pittsburgh, before going out on the road following the second Giants series against both Washington, and Pittsburgh, before playing 2 in San Diego before the season finale with the Rockies.
Another way to look at it is if the Rockies can match the Dodgers win for win at a minimum, they could be in a position to win the west on the last weekend. In my analysis though the Rockies best shot would be to gain the lead in the West before Sunday the 21st, but that probably requires the Giants to win at least 4 of the 6 against the Dodgers and the Rockies to go 6-3 or 7-2.
It's also important to keep in mind that there is no tiebreaker game for the NL West title if the 2nd place team if there is no battle for the Wild Card. A tie in the standings would mean the Dodgers would get the West Title by virtue of their winning record head to head with the Rockies currently at 12-3. What that means is that the Rockies magic number is 24, but the Dodgers is 18 rather than 20, should everyone else be eliminated from the Wild Card Race.
The last 3 weeks can show you just how quickly the ups and downs of baseball can change. Going into the homestand on August 21st, the Rockies were 3.5 games behind the Dodgers and just 2 games ahead of the Giants for the Wild Card. After an initial loss to the Giants and the four game winning streak, the Rockies closed to within 2 games of the Dodgers and 4 games ahead of the Giants on August 25th. After a season longest 5 game losing streak, the Rockies were tied with the Giants and fell 6 games behind the Dodgers by the end of August. The Rockies worked through at least 7 injuries to have a 9-1 homestand, while the Dodgers were playing .500 baseball at 5-5 and the Giants went 4-5. Now they are once again 2 games behind the Dodgers and have a season-high 4.5 game lead in the wild card over the Giants.
Now it gets interesting. While the Giants and Dodgers face off 6 times in the next 10 days, the Rockies sandwich trips to San Diego and Arizona around a 3 game set in San Francisco, every win they get in the next 9 games will allow them to gain on either the Dodgers or the Giants. A 5-4 record on the road trip will guarantee they will still have the Wild Card lead when they return to Coors Field, and possibly give them an NL West lead. At worst, they would have a commanding lead on the Wild Card race over the Giants, and depending on what the Marlins do could have it all but sewn up.
The Rockies did all this while playing 3 sub-.500 teams at home and going 9-1. The Giants played tough teams on the road, the Phillies and Brewers and came back with a respectable 3-3 before losing 2 out of 3 to San Diego at home. For the Giants, the next 9 games represent the same tough stretch the Rockies had in late August. After that only the games with the Cubs at home are against a team with a winning record. The difference is if they come out of the next 9 games with a losing record like the Rockies did, the last two weeks may not matter to them.
The Dodgers meanwhile, on paper at least, have a fairly easy schedule. After the Giants they play Pittsburgh, before going out on the road following the second Giants series against both Washington, and Pittsburgh, before playing 2 in San Diego before the season finale with the Rockies.
Another way to look at it is if the Rockies can match the Dodgers win for win at a minimum, they could be in a position to win the west on the last weekend. In my analysis though the Rockies best shot would be to gain the lead in the West before Sunday the 21st, but that probably requires the Giants to win at least 4 of the 6 against the Dodgers and the Rockies to go 6-3 or 7-2.
It's also important to keep in mind that there is no tiebreaker game for the NL West title if the 2nd place team if there is no battle for the Wild Card. A tie in the standings would mean the Dodgers would get the West Title by virtue of their winning record head to head with the Rockies currently at 12-3. What that means is that the Rockies magic number is 24, but the Dodgers is 18 rather than 20, should everyone else be eliminated from the Wild Card Race.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The 700 Club
The Rockies tonight became the first team in the National League to pass the 700 Run mark. What's strange about that is that this Rockies team has scored the fewest runs of any Rockies team other than the strike-shortened season of 1994 (117 Games). They will probably end up in the high 700's before the season ends. What also at first glance defies logic is that they have also done it with the fewest hits per game of ANY Rockies team and with the most Strikeouts per game of any Rockies team. Obviously their hits have been key, but the Rockies also have the most Walks of any Rockies team. This is a team of contradictions in some cases, but I attribute it to a pure team effort, and not waiting for a guy to hit one out of the park.
Truly a comeback win tonight, but you have to feel sorry for Jason Hammel who threw the best game of his career at Coors Field. Hammel has come a long way as a starter this year, and has to be a big reason the Rockies are where they are. He's the only season long starter who doesn't have 10 wins--yet.
Dodgers threw away a game in the bottom of the 9th on an error and a bases-loaded walk to the Diamondbacks to move the Rockies to within 2.5 games again. A win Thursday will move the Rockies to 2 games behind the Dodgers and 4.5 games ahead of the Giants, heading into in a can't lose weekend for the Rockies. The Giants host the Dodgers for 3 and every game will reduce either the NL West or Wild Card magic number. And the same thing happens next weekend when the two teams match up in Dodger Stadium for 3.
The Dodgers also lost the #1 position in the playoffs to the Cardinals tonght and are now 2 games ahead of the Phillies, who still need to play a couple of makeup Doubleheaders down the stretch.
Rockies are 12-7 in the 20 game stretch, which ends Thursday, where 17 were at home. In the current homestand they are 8-1.
Truly a comeback win tonight, but you have to feel sorry for Jason Hammel who threw the best game of his career at Coors Field. Hammel has come a long way as a starter this year, and has to be a big reason the Rockies are where they are. He's the only season long starter who doesn't have 10 wins--yet.
Dodgers threw away a game in the bottom of the 9th on an error and a bases-loaded walk to the Diamondbacks to move the Rockies to within 2.5 games again. A win Thursday will move the Rockies to 2 games behind the Dodgers and 4.5 games ahead of the Giants, heading into in a can't lose weekend for the Rockies. The Giants host the Dodgers for 3 and every game will reduce either the NL West or Wild Card magic number. And the same thing happens next weekend when the two teams match up in Dodger Stadium for 3.
The Dodgers also lost the #1 position in the playoffs to the Cardinals tonght and are now 2 games ahead of the Phillies, who still need to play a couple of makeup Doubleheaders down the stretch.
Rockies are 12-7 in the 20 game stretch, which ends Thursday, where 17 were at home. In the current homestand they are 8-1.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Two Factors That Propel the Rockies
If the Rockies go on to make the playoffs, a big portion of their success is based on two factors, Inter-League and the NL Central. After Tuesday night's win, the Rockies now have a 24-10 record against the Central Division, with 8 games remaining. The only team closer in record against a division other than their own are the Phillies with a 20-13 record against the NL West. And only the Dodgers approach the win percentage with a 40-20 record inside their own division the NL West.
The other factor is the Inter-League games where the Rockies had an 11-4 record against the AL. The next closest record was St. Louis and San Francisco with 9-6 records. The combined 35-14 record is pretty much the difference from being a .500 team. The Rockies will need to find a way to win some of the other 15 games, which are all against the NL West which is currently 30-27 against the Rockies, but the Rockies are 14-9 against the West since the All-Star Break.
MEANINGLESS STATS REVISITED: Jim Tracy has now won 61 games since taking over for Clint Hurdle on May 28th. It is noted that this is only the 3rd time since 2001 (out of 30) that a manager who has taken over in-season has won 60 or more games that season only 3 times. Why it is meaningless? Well, let's throw out 9 right away since the replacement didn't even manage 60 games. So now we are down to 21. The other three who had 60 wins, Jerry Narron (62-72) of the 2002 Texas Rangers and Clint Hurdle (67-73) of the 2002 Colorado Rockies won 60 while losing more, and Jack McKeon who had a 75-48 record while taking the 2003 Florida Marlins to the World Championship. Only 8 of the other managers have even had a better than .500 record with 50 or more games managed.
What Jim Tracy has done this season is more than win 60 games. He's won 60 games while only losing 32. What this compares to is only McKeon, and the 48-26 of the 2004 Houston Astros Phil Garner. Just for the record Tracy was 49-25 after 74 games.
But Jim Tracy might just be in a class by himself at least for this millenium so far. By the end of the season he will have managed the Rockies for 114 games and it's possible he will have 70 wins and less than 40 losses.
As I said unless you put the numbers in perspective, they really don't mean much.
The other factor is the Inter-League games where the Rockies had an 11-4 record against the AL. The next closest record was St. Louis and San Francisco with 9-6 records. The combined 35-14 record is pretty much the difference from being a .500 team. The Rockies will need to find a way to win some of the other 15 games, which are all against the NL West which is currently 30-27 against the Rockies, but the Rockies are 14-9 against the West since the All-Star Break.
MEANINGLESS STATS REVISITED: Jim Tracy has now won 61 games since taking over for Clint Hurdle on May 28th. It is noted that this is only the 3rd time since 2001 (out of 30) that a manager who has taken over in-season has won 60 or more games that season only 3 times. Why it is meaningless? Well, let's throw out 9 right away since the replacement didn't even manage 60 games. So now we are down to 21. The other three who had 60 wins, Jerry Narron (62-72) of the 2002 Texas Rangers and Clint Hurdle (67-73) of the 2002 Colorado Rockies won 60 while losing more, and Jack McKeon who had a 75-48 record while taking the 2003 Florida Marlins to the World Championship. Only 8 of the other managers have even had a better than .500 record with 50 or more games managed.
What Jim Tracy has done this season is more than win 60 games. He's won 60 games while only losing 32. What this compares to is only McKeon, and the 48-26 of the 2004 Houston Astros Phil Garner. Just for the record Tracy was 49-25 after 74 games.
But Jim Tracy might just be in a class by himself at least for this millenium so far. By the end of the season he will have managed the Rockies for 114 games and it's possible he will have 70 wins and less than 40 losses.
As I said unless you put the numbers in perspective, they really don't mean much.
The Comeback Kids
Some statistics I find dubious or misstated at times, because either the statistic doesn't make sense, or it doesn't show true value in analyzing. For instance the Game Winning RBI is given to the player who knocks in the run for their team and they don't relinquish the lead again. So the first run knocked in could be the GWRBI in a 12-11 slugfest if the winning team never trailed, but the the 12th run could be the GWRBI in a slugfest where the winning team breaks an 11-11 tie.
Similarly, come from behind wins, can be a bit misleading. Technically, if a team takes a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st, then it's a come from behind win, whether the home teams scores 10 in the bottom of the first or 2 in the 9th to win, 10-1 or 2-1.
Yesterday, the Rockies had a true come from behind win, trailing 3-1 after 6 innings, and coming back to win 4-3. So was Friday, when the Rockies trailed the D-Backs 4-2 in the 7th before winning 5-4. But according to the Rockies they have comeback wins in 8 of their last 10 victories and 32 overall for the season. While technically true, they trailed the Mets in their first two games last week, 2-0, and 1-0, in the top of the first, and took the lead for before the end of the 3rd. Same thing with the Dodger win two weeks ago.
A better definition for a comeback win is trailing after 6 complete innings, and in that case have 12 for the season. Another case could be made for a comeback win as coming from behind by 3 or more runs at any point in the game, in which case the Rockies have 6 more including the August 24th game in the 14th inning, so they have a real total of 18 come from behind wins.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN: The Rockies are once again 30 games over .500 since the June 4th Run began. The Rockies are 58-28 in that span, a very long time to play .667 baseball. If they just hadn't played .385 baseball up to that point, they would be running away with the NL West. Overall, with Jim Tracy at the helm, the Rockies have a 60-32 Record. Only the Yankees at 62-30 are better than the Rockies over that period.
THE INJURY BUG: Troy Tulowitzki left yesterday's game in back pain, and Ubaldo Jimenez tweaked his hamstring running the bases. Dexter Fowler could be back and Cook and Street are making progress. Carlos Gonzalez is back to being Carlos Gonzalez. The Rockies are playing through a rash of injuries and are still not totally slumping. In fact the Rockies are 10-6 since Aaron Cook went down on August 21st, and are 19-11 since Cook first had the toe problem, back on August 6th.
MONDAY, MONDAY: The Rockies played their last Monday home game of the season and finished 6-1 on Mondays at Home, only losing to the Dodgers 16-6 on Memorial Day. Their last Monday game is next week at San Francisco. They are 4-6 on the Road on Mondays. The Rockies are also 16-8 overall on Sundays, their best day. Their worst day is Tuesdays when they are 10-10. Thursdays are the only day, the Rockies don't have at least 10 wins overall, at 8-6 but have 3 more chances.
Similarly, come from behind wins, can be a bit misleading. Technically, if a team takes a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st, then it's a come from behind win, whether the home teams scores 10 in the bottom of the first or 2 in the 9th to win, 10-1 or 2-1.
Yesterday, the Rockies had a true come from behind win, trailing 3-1 after 6 innings, and coming back to win 4-3. So was Friday, when the Rockies trailed the D-Backs 4-2 in the 7th before winning 5-4. But according to the Rockies they have comeback wins in 8 of their last 10 victories and 32 overall for the season. While technically true, they trailed the Mets in their first two games last week, 2-0, and 1-0, in the top of the first, and took the lead for before the end of the 3rd. Same thing with the Dodger win two weeks ago.
A better definition for a comeback win is trailing after 6 complete innings, and in that case have 12 for the season. Another case could be made for a comeback win as coming from behind by 3 or more runs at any point in the game, in which case the Rockies have 6 more including the August 24th game in the 14th inning, so they have a real total of 18 come from behind wins.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN: The Rockies are once again 30 games over .500 since the June 4th Run began. The Rockies are 58-28 in that span, a very long time to play .667 baseball. If they just hadn't played .385 baseball up to that point, they would be running away with the NL West. Overall, with Jim Tracy at the helm, the Rockies have a 60-32 Record. Only the Yankees at 62-30 are better than the Rockies over that period.
THE INJURY BUG: Troy Tulowitzki left yesterday's game in back pain, and Ubaldo Jimenez tweaked his hamstring running the bases. Dexter Fowler could be back and Cook and Street are making progress. Carlos Gonzalez is back to being Carlos Gonzalez. The Rockies are playing through a rash of injuries and are still not totally slumping. In fact the Rockies are 10-6 since Aaron Cook went down on August 21st, and are 19-11 since Cook first had the toe problem, back on August 6th.
MONDAY, MONDAY: The Rockies played their last Monday home game of the season and finished 6-1 on Mondays at Home, only losing to the Dodgers 16-6 on Memorial Day. Their last Monday game is next week at San Francisco. They are 4-6 on the Road on Mondays. The Rockies are also 16-8 overall on Sundays, their best day. Their worst day is Tuesdays when they are 10-10. Thursdays are the only day, the Rockies don't have at least 10 wins overall, at 8-6 but have 3 more chances.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Weekly Race in Review August 31-September 6
Rockies go 5-1 for the week to build their Wild Card lead to 2 against the 3-3 Giants and close to within 3.5 games of the Dodgers who were 3-4 for the week.
Results:
9/1 ROCKIES 8 Mets 3
9/2 ROCKIES 5 Mets 2
9/3 Mets 8 ROCKIES 3
9/4 ROCKIES 5 Diamondbacks 4
9/5 ROCKIES 4 Diamondbacks 1
9/6 ROCKIES 13 Diamondbacks 2
Meanwhile the Marlins were 4-3, Braves 2-5, and the Cubs 3-4. All 3 of those teams are at least 5 games behind the Rockies for the Wild Card. The other division Leaders Phillies went 2-4, while the Cardinals went 4-2.
Magic Number for the Dodgers to win the West 22, Rockies need 30, and Giants need 32. Magic Number for the Rockies to win the Wild Card is 24, Giants need 28, Marlins 31, Braves 33, and Cubs 35.
Rockies have 4 games with the Red Hot Reds winners of 7 in a row and 13 of 15, to finish out the 10 game homestand. The Giants head home for 3 with San Diego, and the Dodgers head to Arizona for 3 before heading to San Francisco for the Weekend 3 game series.
**********************************************************************
DOWN THE STRETCH: Remaining Games:
Rockies (13H, 12A)--Cinc (4), @SD (3), @SF (3), @Ariz (3), SD (3), STL (3), Milw (3), @LAD (3)
Dodgers--(9H, 15A)--@Ariz (3), @SF (3), Pitt (3), SF (3), @Wash (3) @Pitt (4), @SD (2), Col (3)
Giants--(16H, 9A)--SD (3), LAD (3), COL (3), @LAD (3), @Ariz (3), Chic (4), Ariz (3), @SD (3)
The Giants now have the edge over the Rockies with more home games where they have excelled this year.
But the 90 Plus factors show the Dodgers and Giants at 91, with the Rockies at 90.
ANOTHER ROCKIE WINNER AT COORS FIELD: The Rockies gained their 41st win at home, guaranteeing a winning season at home. They are now 34-14 at home under Jim Tracy.
RUNS VS. HITS Remember that game back on 8/9 where the Cubs had 17 hits and only 5 runs. The reverse happened Sunday, when the Rockies scored 13 times on only 11 hits. The Rockies were also given 10 free passes.
HOT HANDS: Now that Torrealba is the starting catcher and Dexter Fowler might be back this week, it may be time to consider Seth Smith in Right Field. Smith had 13 hits and 4 HR's this week. At the very least either Torrealba or Smith should move to the 5th position in batting.
Results:
9/1 ROCKIES 8 Mets 3
9/2 ROCKIES 5 Mets 2
9/3 Mets 8 ROCKIES 3
9/4 ROCKIES 5 Diamondbacks 4
9/5 ROCKIES 4 Diamondbacks 1
9/6 ROCKIES 13 Diamondbacks 2
Meanwhile the Marlins were 4-3, Braves 2-5, and the Cubs 3-4. All 3 of those teams are at least 5 games behind the Rockies for the Wild Card. The other division Leaders Phillies went 2-4, while the Cardinals went 4-2.
Magic Number for the Dodgers to win the West 22, Rockies need 30, and Giants need 32. Magic Number for the Rockies to win the Wild Card is 24, Giants need 28, Marlins 31, Braves 33, and Cubs 35.
Rockies have 4 games with the Red Hot Reds winners of 7 in a row and 13 of 15, to finish out the 10 game homestand. The Giants head home for 3 with San Diego, and the Dodgers head to Arizona for 3 before heading to San Francisco for the Weekend 3 game series.
**********************************************************************
DOWN THE STRETCH: Remaining Games:
Rockies (13H, 12A)--Cinc (4), @SD (3), @SF (3), @Ariz (3), SD (3), STL (3), Milw (3), @LAD (3)
Dodgers--(9H, 15A)--@Ariz (3), @SF (3), Pitt (3), SF (3), @Wash (3) @Pitt (4), @SD (2), Col (3)
Giants--(16H, 9A)--SD (3), LAD (3), COL (3), @LAD (3), @Ariz (3), Chic (4), Ariz (3), @SD (3)
The Giants now have the edge over the Rockies with more home games where they have excelled this year.
But the 90 Plus factors show the Dodgers and Giants at 91, with the Rockies at 90.
ANOTHER ROCKIE WINNER AT COORS FIELD: The Rockies gained their 41st win at home, guaranteeing a winning season at home. They are now 34-14 at home under Jim Tracy.
RUNS VS. HITS Remember that game back on 8/9 where the Cubs had 17 hits and only 5 runs. The reverse happened Sunday, when the Rockies scored 13 times on only 11 hits. The Rockies were also given 10 free passes.
HOT HANDS: Now that Torrealba is the starting catcher and Dexter Fowler might be back this week, it may be time to consider Seth Smith in Right Field. Smith had 13 hits and 4 HR's this week. At the very least either Torrealba or Smith should move to the 5th position in batting.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
A Win For #1
For the first time since July 31st, the Rockies got a win when the #1 Pitching spot took the mound. Not since a 5-3 win over Cincinnati, had the Rockies delivered with a W for Cook or his replacements. The other starters alone have won 15 games during that span, and the Rockies overall have been 20-13 since then.
Jose Contreras scattered 8 hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings in his Rockies debut. The only run scored on a Brandon Allen Home Run in the 2nd inning, after the Rockies had scored 2 in the first. He did not have a clean 1-2-3 inning the entire night, but faced 4 hitters in each of the first 6 innings, and was removed after 3 hitters in the 7th (and two outs.) Oddly, the D-backs had exactly 4 hitters in every inning except for the 8th inning.
The series finale is Sunday against the D-Backs, followed by the Cincinnati Reds for 4 before heading out on a 9 game road trip. The Giants kept pace and remain 1 game behind.
Jose Contreras scattered 8 hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings in his Rockies debut. The only run scored on a Brandon Allen Home Run in the 2nd inning, after the Rockies had scored 2 in the first. He did not have a clean 1-2-3 inning the entire night, but faced 4 hitters in each of the first 6 innings, and was removed after 3 hitters in the 7th (and two outs.) Oddly, the D-backs had exactly 4 hitters in every inning except for the 8th inning.
The series finale is Sunday against the D-Backs, followed by the Cincinnati Reds for 4 before heading out on a 9 game road trip. The Giants kept pace and remain 1 game behind.
Leaving 2008 Behind
The Rockies won their 75th game of the 2009 season which is one more win than they had in 2008. In fact there are only 8 seasons where the Rockies have more wins than this season, with 2007 being the most at 90. Next to catch 2006 with 76 wins.
The Rockies completed their season against the NL East with a 17-16 Record, 9-7 at Home and 8-9 on the road. Their remaining games going into Saturday, breaks down into 10 against the Central all at home, and 17 against the West with 5 at home and 12 on the road. The Rockies are 22-10 against the Central, and 25-30 against the West.
CASTOFFS TO CONTENDERS: The Dodgers picked up Jon Garland, who pitched the Dodgers to a 4-2 win against his old team the Arizona D-Backs. The Giants picked up Brad Penny who shutout the Phillies 4-0 in his debut. The Rockies went with Jose Contreras to fill their pitching hole and will make his debut tonight against the D-Backs.
The Rockies completed their season against the NL East with a 17-16 Record, 9-7 at Home and 8-9 on the road. Their remaining games going into Saturday, breaks down into 10 against the Central all at home, and 17 against the West with 5 at home and 12 on the road. The Rockies are 22-10 against the Central, and 25-30 against the West.
CASTOFFS TO CONTENDERS: The Dodgers picked up Jon Garland, who pitched the Dodgers to a 4-2 win against his old team the Arizona D-Backs. The Giants picked up Brad Penny who shutout the Phillies 4-0 in his debut. The Rockies went with Jose Contreras to fill their pitching hole and will make his debut tonight against the D-Backs.
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